BajaNomad - Hotel El Malarrimo Guerrero Negro

Hotel El Malarrimo Guerrero Negro

gallesram - 7-25-2013 at 10:00 AM

We usually stay at Jardines on our way south because we generally arrive around 7:30 pm and it's a natural place to stop for dinner and good night's sleep. We're considering leaving a bit earlier from CA and staying overnight in Guerrero Negro instead. We have had breakfast a few times at El Malarrimo and thought it was pretty good; has anyone stayed there lately? We really like the idea of just parking at the hotel & walking next door to dinner (a plus for Jardines, too). After the long drive and a few margaritas with dinner I'm typically ready for sleep and don't want to drive anywhere. We'll definitely need WiFi, too. Would appreciate any advice.

rhintransit - 7-25-2013 at 10:04 AM

rooms are so-so. get one of the remodeled ones if possible. given the choices in GN, it's adequate.

BajaGeoff - 7-25-2013 at 10:26 AM

I have stayed there several times (most recently after the Baja 1000 last November) and thought the rooms were spacious, comfortable and clean. I would recommend it....and will definitely stay there in the future.

Pacifico - 7-25-2013 at 10:29 AM

In addition to the above replies, they do have wi-fi too....

TMW - 7-25-2013 at 10:59 AM

I've stayed there many times over the years. The last time was in May. I would recommend it. The room was good as was the food and the wifi worked good too.

gallesram - 7-25-2013 at 11:09 AM

Thanks everyone; sounds like it's a good choice so I'll book it. Really appreciate everyone's feedback!

willardguy - 7-25-2013 at 11:12 AM

always stay there always a good experience.
the desk clerk slash bartender could use a good A$$kickin but other than that... :lol:

BajaBlanca - 7-25-2013 at 03:16 PM

have the filet mignon with mushroom sauce for dinner.

it is melt in your mouth - very - delicious.

tripledigitken - 7-25-2013 at 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
have the filet mignon with mushroom sauce for dinner.

it is melt in your mouth - very - delicious.

.....or Pismo Clam/Mano de Leon (scallop) combination!!!!!!

BajaParrothead - 7-25-2013 at 03:32 PM

We just stayed there July 11 at they put us in room M3--had the loft. The bathroom had not been cleaned (swept or mopped) for quite some time. There was chewing gum stuck to the floor in the bathroom and it was very dirty, indicating that it had been there for an extended period of time. There was also chewing gum stuck to the inner door frame of the shower and the shower drain had sewer stench coming out of it. They knew about the smell, because there was a wash cloth laying over the drain, which did not help. The only way we could get the stink to quit coming in was to put a plastic bag over the drain and fill the shower pan with water. The light over the bunk was ripped out of the wall and there were wires exposed.
After staying there many times in the past, this one will be our last time. We will plan the drive so that we either stay at Jardines or Baja Cactus from now on.

gallesram - 7-25-2013 at 03:44 PM

I booked the room for one night in August; I spoke with Enrique and he seemed like a nice guy (didn't require a credit card, which I liked). I'm picky so I'll give everyone a report after my stay. I'll also mention the negative review about M3 and see what they say. Appreciate the recommendations for dinner; both sound delicious! I was salivating looking at the photo of the clams & scallop combination.

Blanca, I have heard about their steaks from previous posts; maybe a surf & turf? That will definitely put me to sleep after a few drinks!

tripledigitken - 7-25-2013 at 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaParrothead
We just stayed there July 11 at they put us in room M3--had the loft. The bathroom had not been cleaned (swept or mopped) for quite some time. There was chewing gum stuck to the floor in the bathroom and it was very dirty, indicating that it had been there for an extended period of time. There was also chewing gum stuck to the inner door frame of the shower and the shower drain had sewer stench coming out of it. They knew about the smell, because there was a wash cloth laying over the drain, which did not help. The only way we could get the stink to quit coming in was to put a plastic bag over the drain and fill the shower pan with water. The light over the bunk was ripped out of the wall and there were wires exposed.
After staying there many times in the past, this one will be our last time. We will plan the drive so that we either stay at Jardines or Baja Cactus from now on.

BajaParrothead,

Sorry to hear you bad experience. Did you complain to the management? I would have demanded another room or my money back and went elsewhere. The manager should be shown those issues by a customer so they can make it right with a refund, another room or???

We have not had a bad experience there, so far.

Ken

BajaParrothead - 7-25-2013 at 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken

Quote:

No Ken I absolutely failed on that part. We had five in our group and it was the only room that would fit us, so I figured we could get our 7 hours sleep and be back on the road before dawn.

The other reason I just grumbled to myself (and family) was that since they had already placed the cloth over the drain in an effort to stop the smell, then they already knew of the problem. Going somewhere else?? WE WERE BEAT! :no:

We've stayed at Don Gus once and it was fine, but we knew Malarrimo had those larger rooms, so we started there.

Hopefully the other rooms are not in as bad of shape and everyone has a good experience.

Udo - 7-25-2013 at 05:13 PM

We HAVE stayed at Malarrimo's before, and the three times, the room was adequate.
What I did NOT appreciate was the indifference of the wit staff at the restaurant...breakfast or dinner, stale chips, and 4 day-old salsa.

We have since migrated to the Cowboy Hotel at the beginning of town and eating at Mario's Palapa, about a kilometer north of town on Hwy. 1, west side.

Best campechana in all of Baja, killer guacamole, made to order, and my wife will not let me finish my margarita because it was so potent and is also freshly made when you order it. Everywhere else I usually have two or three of them.

It is highly impressive to have your waiter towel-wipe the plates in front of you before food is placed on them.

shari - 7-25-2013 at 06:38 PM

BajaParrothead...Cowboy Hotel has a beautiful big family room with 3 queen beds and a hide a bed couch and chairs etc...lots of room for ya'll to spread out...it's called a triple.

MMc - 7-25-2013 at 06:51 PM

Something different. We have stayed in Santa Rosalilita the last couple of trips down. We load up on tacos In S Q and coast in to Santa Rosalillia's little hotel. About 15 miles off the highway with a nice little town and great beaches to walk. Much nicer place then GN. It is about 2 hours shorter the GN if that means anything to you. My wife enjoys it. No internet.
Here is a past thread:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=65354&pag...

I don't like the deposit at Malarrimo's, I am always on the road before the office opens and they keep my $15.00. That deposit has been used to purchase a couple of drinks for friends headed south.

we always pick up breakfast in GN or at the turnoff, headed south.

honda tom - 7-25-2013 at 07:09 PM

el mallarilimo was fine three days ago. 60 bucs though. absoluteley no pets he said. wi fi worked well

BajaParrothead - 7-25-2013 at 11:02 PM

Thank you Shari!! If the timing next trip involves GN, then we'll give that one a shot.

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
BajaParrothead...Cowboy Hotel has a beautiful big family room with 3 queen beds and a hide a bed couch and chairs etc...lots of room for ya'll to spread out...it's called a triple.

BajaBlanca - 7-26-2013 at 06:34 AM

I am so surprised someone had a bad experience at the restaurant....whenever I fly out, we eat there. If we take a trip to Vizcaino and have some extra time, we eat there.

shari - 7-26-2013 at 06:47 AM

MMc we do the same thing and stay in STa.Rosalillita when we head to Ensenada and get a late start...that little place is right up our alley....but I stress...no food available so dont forget the take out...plus, it aint for everybody...the bed is super comfy but real small.

If you stay at Cowboy....their tacos and papa rellenas are superb...or you can wander across the street and to the left to Caracoles complex to the restaurant there ....several things are the menu are very good albeit a wee bit pricey...I was pleasantly surprised to eat potato skins there and they were excellent...Sirena likes their pasta...and they even have a Ceasar salad I think....or walk a block to the right to Las Cazuelas who's food is generally very good and cheaper....great seafood.

[Edited on 7-26-2013 by shari]

vandenberg - 7-26-2013 at 07:17 AM

We stayed at the Cowboy a few weeks ago. Not impressed.
Bare lightbulb in both the room and bathroom. No vanity in bathroom, just bare sink. And no mirror. Took forever to get hot water. :no:

Las Caracoles a much better place to stay. I would even prefer the El Moro.

DianaT - 7-26-2013 at 12:44 PM

I love these threads as the same hotel can sound like 4 different hotels. And it is always interesting to see the different priorities in a place. It is some like some well know places that are known to be quite dirty and full of roaches, fleas and spiders, are shunned by some and loved by others.

The best food we have found in GN is at the Taco place across from the Cowboy -- a place we would not stay at.

Edited to ad GN --- didn't mean anywhere. :biggrin:

[Edited on 7-26-2013 by DianaT]

shari - 7-26-2013 at 12:50 PM

yup...different stokes for different folks...I find those tacos across the street waaaaay too greasy and they dont have the wonderful toppings other place have.

Bajahowodd - 7-26-2013 at 05:04 PM

Malarrimo is nothing like it was a number of years ago. GN is a place to avoid, unless you are going to the whales. Cowboy may be the best choice among the mediocre. Used to love Caracoles, but the guy that owns it(Raul) doesn't appear to to be interested in maintenance.

Alan - 7-27-2013 at 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
I love these threads as the same hotel can sound like 4 different hotels. And it is always interesting to see the different priorities in a place.
[Edited on 7-26-2013 by DianaT]

How true! I always stay at Malarrimos. We are not comparing Marriot v. Hilton here and my rooms have always been adequate by Baja standards. This has always been my choice because GN is a nice midway point on my drives to La Paz and Malarrimos provides large, secure parking for my truck and boat. Once settled in for the night I don't have to go anywhere to get a decent meal and libations. The staff has ALWAYS been helpful and attentive to me but I am not questioning that others at some time have had other experiences.

Additionally, in all my years driving the peninsula some things just become tradition. Mama Espinosa's is a good case in point. In spite of all the critical reviews in recent years, a trip south just wouldn't be the same if I didn't stop at Mama's for lunch :lol:

Good Comparison

Bajahowodd - 7-27-2013 at 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Alan

Quote:

I have previously mentioned Mama's as a place to absorb the history of Baja, as opposed to enjoying great food. Malarrimo is in the same category. Last several years we went to Malarrimo, it was out of nostalgia. Nothing else.

BajaRat - 7-27-2013 at 04:28 PM

We have had overall good times there. That being said there"s always a first and last time for everything. We reserve rooms in the back so we can be close to our vehicles and there have been a couple of occasions when or room was given away prior to our arrival. The solution was to call them with a friendly reminder while in route on the day of our intended stay. Whale tours............ naa been there done that with them, not impressed. We enjoy going out to the lagoon and working with the ejido instead. :cool:

willardguy - 7-27-2013 at 04:39 PM

anyone ever peed out the little window in the loft rooms instead of negotiating the ladder?
uh oh, did I say that out loud? :lol:

BajaRat - 7-27-2013 at 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy
anyone ever peed out the little window in the loft rooms instead of negotiating the ladder?
uh oh, did I say that out loud? :lol:

That's not a window........... It goes into the other room :wow:

willardguy - 7-27-2013 at 04:56 PM

well that explains the attitude over coffee! :lol:

Paula - 7-29-2013 at 07:40 PM

We are in GN tonight, staying at Caracoles. It is OK, a change from Cowboy which is also just barely OK. We would stay at Malarrimo which is differently okay, but they really don't allow dogs in the rooms.

But we do have dinner at Malarrimo, and it is always at least minimally good, which is a cut above okay. The carne asada tonight was really delicious, served with beans, rice, guacamole and lots of onions and poblanos. I never have carne asada this good in Loreto.

Tomorrrow morning Don and I will go north through San Felipe for our first time. It will be interesting to see the stretch of dirt going to Gonzaga. Coming from Montana, I really enjoy a nice stretch of bad road. Looking forward to it.

David K - 7-29-2013 at 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paula
We are in GN tonight, staying at Caracoles. It is OK, a change from Cowboy which is also just barely OK. We would stay at Malarrimo which is differently okay, but they really don't allow dogs in the rooms.

But we do have dinner at Malarrimo, and it is always at least minimally good, which is a cut above okay. The carne asada tonight was really delicious, served with beans, rice, guacamole and lots of onions and poblanos. I never have carne asada this good in Loreto.

Tomorrrow morning Don and I will go north through San Felipe for our first time. It will be interesting to see the stretch of dirt going to Gonzaga. Coming from Montana, I really enjoy a nice stretch of bad road. Looking forward to it.

Thanks for your take on the places... It is interesting to read the various findings/ opinions.

Is the Dunas Motel still in business? Nobody ever mentions it, yet I saw it when we drove through town in 2007. It was where we stayed in 1973, before the highway was completed... There was no other motel back then (that we could see)... and it was 'outside of town' then, too.

gallesram - 7-30-2013 at 10:37 AM

I really appreciate everyone's input; agree with David that it's helpful to see the different perspectives. I'm staying at El Malarrimo on August 14 and will post a report after my stay. Does anyone know of a place open for breakfast at 6:00 am in GN? Nothing fancy, just coffee and (if I'm lucky) a breakfast burrito or something.

shari - 7-30-2013 at 11:05 AM

gallsram..there is a 24 hour restaurant in front of El Morro Hotel...which is also an OK place to stay. The staff at this restaurant are very friendly and it's super clean and on the main drag close to the grocery store Tiangis...the old ballena.

David, we often stay at Las Dunas located beside the above mentioned grocery store...which now looks like a casino...they put one in the very front of the store.
Las Dunas is the best of the cheap hotels, clean bedding...although one must check the beds in the rooms as they greatly vary....it is too rustic for some I imagine, you know paint peeling off the ceiling in the shower type stuff...not too bad though and they have internet...but there are much better deals for a bit more money...

Our last visit we stayed at Hotel San Ignacio which has some nice rooms on the back courtyard so it's quieter and excellent beds in lucky #7 I think it was...the corner room on the courtyard.

bajacalifornian - 7-30-2013 at 11:10 AM

Good post!

gallesram - 7-30-2013 at 11:14 AM

Awesome Shari, thanks; I need a grocery store too so you solved 2 problems for me with your answer. I know GN is to be avoided but my goal is to get to Mulege in the morning and I don't want to drive at night, so GN works; it's just a place to eat & sleep.

shari - 7-30-2013 at 11:32 AM

exactly and if I can save a couple hundred pesos, I can spend it at the segundas...woo hooo!

TMW - 7-30-2013 at 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gallesram
I really appreciate everyone's input; agree with David that it's helpful to see the different perspectives. I'm staying at El Malarrimo on August 14 and will post a report after my stay. Does anyone know of a place open for breakfast at 6:00 am in GN? Nothing fancy, just coffee and (if I'm lucky) a breakfast burrito or something.

You do know that you gain an hour when you cross the state line. Your 6am is their 7am.

TMW - 7-30-2013 at 11:57 AM

Quote:

You do know that you gain an hour when you cross the state line. Your 6am is their 7am. The lobby may have coffee.

gallesram - 7-30-2013 at 12:01 PM

Good point TW; in fact, when I made the reservation Enrique (who answered the phone) reminded me of that so I'd know when the restaurant closed for dinner. Impressed me that he brought it up (I'll bet they've had people forget and get upset).

Bob and Susan - 7-30-2013 at 02:07 PM

You do know that you gain an hour when you cross the state line. Your 6am is their 7am....

are you sure?
I always lose an hour

David K - 7-30-2013 at 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW

Quote:

You do know that you gain an hour when you cross the state line. Your 6am is their 7am. The lobby may have coffee.

Going which way? If going south you lose an hour or perhaps you mean that you add (gain) an hour to your watch?

David K - 7-30-2013 at 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
You do know that you gain an hour when you cross the state line. Your 6am is their 7am....

are you sure?
I always lose an hour

LOL... I am always losing something too Bob! :lol:

Bajahowodd - 7-30-2013 at 04:49 PM

The Nautilus Restaurant in Plaza Caracoles opens early. You can get myriad items for breakfast. Some of them are top notch. I prefer the chilaquiles, among the best I've had traveling in Mexico over decades.

TMW - 7-30-2013 at 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gallesram
We usually stay at Jardines on our way south because we generally arrive around 7:30 pm and it's a natural place to stop for dinner and good night's sleep. We're considering leaving a bit earlier from CA and staying overnight in Guerrero Negro instead. We have had breakfast a few times at El Malarrimo and thought it was pretty good; has anyone stayed there lately? We really like the idea of just parking at the hotel & walking next door to dinner (a plus for Jardines, too). After the long drive and a few margaritas with dinner I'm typically ready for sleep and don't want to drive anywhere. We'll definitely need WiFi, too. Would appreciate any advice.

From the first post I had assumed they were leaving from Alta Califorina heading south, therefore gaining an hour at the state line.

David K - 7-30-2013 at 05:17 PM

Tom, I think what Bob means is when you cross into Baja Sur, you move your watch ahead one hour and 'lose' the use of that hour... poof, it's gone. Naturally, when you come back north, you get it back.

MikeYounghusband - 7-30-2013 at 06:36 PM

They charge you 10 pesos for that hour on the way down

chuckie - 7-31-2013 at 04:47 AM

Since I dont own a watch, do they give me the 10pesos?

TMW - 7-31-2013 at 09:40 AM

I was trying to be helpful in pointing out the 1 hour difference. Most resturants (the ones I visit) start serving breakfast at 7am. If she didn't change her watch and got up at and was ready to go at 6am (by her watch) then breakfast would be served since it would really be 7am locally. This has happened to me on more than one occasion at GN.

Udo - 7-31-2013 at 09:44 AM

They only charge that at the 28th parallel.

Quote:

Originally posted by MikeYounghusband
They charge you 10 pesos for that hour on the way down