BajaNomad

HOTELS Opinions Solicited

DavidE - 11-7-2013 at 08:02 PM

I don't "hotel it" very often, so I am not even experienced never mind an expert on the subject. But I did note comments over the last couple of years regarding various choices selecting one hotel over another, but the reasons for the choice seem to be scanty. I am not a typical visitor. I eat Mexican and pass the time very similar to la gente regional.

Tonight I am in a very special room (for me). It is not ordinary but rather a luxury. Very comfortable bed, tiled floor, decorator styling, peaked beam ceiling, and of all things, a heater!

The hotel, who shall remain un-named is well known to Nomads, and it has been compared and critiqued with hotels in San Quintin. "I like that one better", but very little explaining was done to allow someone else to compare.

How do you rate a hotel? What is most important to you. Things like safety of course are number one. But, if one hotel has outrageously comfortable beds, but another hotel has a recommended restaurant next door, or better parking, or allows pets, or whatever, what made you decide?

1.Comfort?
2.Style?
3.Furnishings
4.Beds?
5.Setting?
6.Conveniences? Nearby stores?
7.Noise?
8.Parking for boats. trailers?
9.Nearby restaurant?
10.Location? Like to break up a trip into convenient segments?

Why I am curious is because I ran a hotel in Las Penas Michoacan for nine years. It's main claim to fame was it was perched atop a bluff seventy feet from the waves. La tienda was 300' away the enramada restaurants down on the beach were a short stroll and the place had an outrageously huge covered patio that was like a community gathering area. None of the Baja California hotels are the least bit similar but yet many people have strong opinions as to which hotel is "best". I am resting atop one of the most comfortable colchones (mattress) I have experienced in years and curiosity overwhelms me.

Please this is not a trick question. Maybe the customer base is entirely different from those I got to know and catered to. My place was a destination and I don't know of any hotels north of Sta Rosalia, that could be denoted as a resort or destination hotel.

In the EUA it's all about "Bang For The Buck" and amenities. Here on the peninsula is it the same?

Thank You

woody with a view - 11-7-2013 at 08:44 PM

if they have the last bed in town and i need it...

if my wife is happy with it...

you get the drift?

DavidE - 11-7-2013 at 09:16 PM

Yup
Basic survival skills 101

windgrrl - 11-7-2013 at 09:31 PM

Interesting place to walk, dog friendly, proximal to a quad espresso for my driver. Clean is a nice perk, but steeped in curiosities is indeed a draw.

TMW - 11-8-2013 at 11:34 AM

My top three things are a clean room, good bed and hot shower. A restaurant and bar is nice but not absolutely necessary, nor is a TV, I seldom watch TV in Baja anyway. Wifi is good but I can do without. From a security standpoint I would rate parking up there and the one reason I don't stay at the Desert Inn in Ensenada. It only has street parking.

motoged - 11-8-2013 at 12:02 PM

David,

The Michoacan coast is really an under-appreciated coastline....
I spent a week in Nexpa at a small "hotel" (several rooms in a cool house where owners lived....) tucked into the palms near the beach at the north side of la boca.

Few gringos, friendly locals....and the best fish sandwich in the world at a nearby ramada.

The location and vibe made a horrible bed worth it.

Martyman - 11-8-2013 at 12:44 PM

Location, views, atmosphere are what draws me. Most places are clean enuf. (except for that place in Manzanillo with all the scorpions on the walls!)

mcfez - 11-8-2013 at 12:59 PM

Oh.....and Air conditioning!
Scenic area is a plus.

I hate those those 25 cent bed vibrators .......that DENNIS seems to be hooked on. :-)

I never rent a hotel or motel unless the better half is with me....or it is way too hot outside. I prefer a sleeping bag and a night sky choked of stars. In fact...I have slept inside the SF beach house only 3-4 times in ten years.

[Edited on 11-8-2013 by mcfez]

Good Hotels

Gypsy Jan - 11-8-2013 at 01:14 PM

Large-to-small, cheap-to-expensive can give you a sense of refuge and the security of knowing you can relax and recharge after a long day of travel.

The best places do exactly that, but sadly, there are too few of them

motoged - 11-8-2013 at 01:23 PM

Best luxury accommodations in ALL of Baja:














:biggrin::biggrin: :cool::cool:

TMW - 11-8-2013 at 05:58 PM

I'm not sure much of that is left. We were there eariler this year and it was pretty run down.

Bajahowodd - 11-8-2013 at 06:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
Best luxury accommodations in ALL of Baja:














:biggrin::biggrin: :cool::cool:


The second pic looks like the room we stayed at in Hotel Serenidad. :lol:

motoged - 11-8-2013 at 06:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TW
I'm not sure much of that is left. We were there eariler this year and it was pretty run down.


Yes, but the memory remains. I would stay there and sleep in a tent and eat canned beans and still consider it a luxury :biggrin: :cool:

You know what I mean. I am sure :saint:

Bajahowodd - 11-8-2013 at 06:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
I don't "hotel it" very often, so I am not even experienced never mind an expert on the subject. But I did note comments over the last couple of years regarding various choices selecting one hotel over another, but the reasons for the choice seem to be scanty. I am not a typical visitor. I eat Mexican and pass the time very similar to la gente regional.

Tonight I am in a very special room (for me). It is not ordinary but rather a luxury. Very comfortable bed, tiled floor, decorator styling, peaked beam ceiling, and of all things, a heater!

The hotel, who shall remain un-named is well known to Nomads, and it has been compared and critiqued with hotels in San Quintin. "I like that one better", but very little explaining was done to allow someone else to compare.

How do you rate a hotel? What is most important to you. Things like safety of course are number one. But, if one hotel has outrageously comfortable beds, but another hotel has a recommended restaurant next door, or better parking, or allows pets, or whatever, what made you decide?

1.Comfort?
2.Style?
3.Furnishings
4.Beds?
5.Setting?
6.Conveniences? Nearby stores?
7.Noise?
8.Parking for boats. trailers?
9.Nearby restaurant?
10.Location? Like to break up a trip into convenient segments?

Why I am curious is because I ran a hotel in Las Penas Michoacan for nine years. It's main claim to fame was it was perched atop a bluff seventy feet from the waves. La tienda was 300' away the enramada restaurants down on the beach were a short stroll and the place had an outrageously huge covered patio that was like a community gathering area. None of the Baja California hotels are the least bit similar but yet many people have strong opinions as to which hotel is "best". I am resting atop one of the most comfortable colchones (mattress) I have experienced in years and curiosity overwhelms me.

Please this is not a trick question. Maybe the customer base is entirely different from those I got to know and catered to. My place was a destination and I don't know of any hotels north of Sta Rosalia, that could be denoted as a resort or destination hotel.

In the EUA it's all about "Bang For The Buck" and amenities. Here on the peninsula is it the same?

Thank You


Going out on a limb, but I'm guessing that your unnamed hotel is Baja Cactus.

That said, Like me, I'm certain that just about everyone has favorites that are probably split between overnight travel stops and destination stops. There are a number of differences, in my opinion. Like when on a long day's drive, I want to be able to walk a short distance to a good restaurant. One of the many reasons I prefer Jardines.

Somewhere in Baja, where it's done right!

David K - 11-8-2013 at 06:24 PM

... and LESS than $50/night, with color satellite TV, bottled U.S. water at no charge, coffee maker, 24 hour front desk, custom pillow top mattresses, in room international access phone, etc. AND OWNED BY BAJA NOMAD!








TecateRay - 11-8-2013 at 06:47 PM

1. Secure parking. 2. Hot showers 3. Clean 4. Good, supportive bed. 5. Location

Those are my top five items. Good food nearby, quiet nights via either good insulation or a remote location start moving a place up in my favorites list. Nice scenery and good access round out my criteria.

[Edited on 11-9-2013 by TecateRay]

DianaT - 11-8-2013 at 06:50 PM

Clean with sheets that have been changed even if the previous occupant was only there for one night. Clean does not mean left over filth in the corners.

Honesty --- If water is apt to be turned off, say so. If there is wi-fi, but it probably won't work, say so.

acadist - 11-8-2013 at 08:29 PM

Hwy 1 is like musical chairs.......5 pm and you better get your butt in a seat!

jimgrms - 11-9-2013 at 09:00 AM

Just as long as the hotel don't have hourly rates listed ))

Skipjack Joe - 11-9-2013 at 09:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TW

My top three things are a clean room, good bed and hot shower.



Yep, that's pretty much it.

TMW - 11-9-2013 at 11:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by jimgrms
Just as long as the hotel don't have hourly rates listed ))


Hay, but they are cheaper that way. I saw a billboard in Mexicali that said $25 per night, $10 for 4 hours. It didn't give the hourly rate.

DavidE - 11-9-2013 at 01:28 PM

I love "El Conquistador" in Gucamayas Michoacan, for the signage.

Neon Sign. Image of suit of armor Spaniard carrying half naked Aztec princess, who has her arms wrapped around his neck. Jeez is it a no-tell or what?

"Sí señor, nuestras camas son de lo mejor. Alta calidad cada uno. Usted puede poner sobre el colchón. Cada resorte puede contar".

"Yes sir, out beds are the best. Every one of the highest quality. You can lay on the mattress and count every spring".

I had to spend a fortune in Las Peñas to achieve USA comfort mattresses. This was before the advent of memory foam. Multiple layers of different density foam. Five inches thick of foam sandwich. The customers loved them. Some even extended their stay because the mattress comfort surprised them. I put in a "nature stroll" about 200 meters in length. Signage in Español, Ingles, Francois, and German. Describing trees, flowers, bird's nests, and an iguana hangout. Several hummingbird feeders. Children, loved to see the hummingbird "wars" where a dominant one would try and chase smaller birds away. I hung two more across the patio, the idiot aggressive bird would cross the patio and the other hummingbirds would return to the abandoned ones. What a hoot! I planted a bougainvillea riot, with seven different colors. In four years they grew to massive size and all the adjoining brachs colors merged and blended. It was spectacular. I had several photographers from México City and Guadalajara come and stay. The photos went into glossy magazines.

Bajahowodd - 11-9-2013 at 06:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
... and LESS than $50/night, with color satellite TV, bottled U.S. water at no charge, coffee maker, 24 hour front desk, custom pillow top mattresses, in room international access phone, etc. AND OWNED BY BAJA NOMAD!









An Absentee owner Baja Nomad. I love how you open the drapes with full sunlight to make the rooms look so bright and cheery. Whenever we stayed there it was close to or after dark and the room seemed dark and depressing, no matter the amenities.

That said, I believe that DK has never spent a night at Jardines. They also have Sat TV and US bottled eater, and wifi. They also have a family that owns it and lives adjacent; not to mention a very hospitable staff.

Different strokes, my friend.

acadist - 11-10-2013 at 07:30 AM

Still have never seen those special rooms David gushes about, I am usually in an old room by the road. It's my own fault for getting there late and not wanting to drive the rest of the way in the dark.

TMW - 11-10-2013 at 09:22 AM

How much does Jardines charge for a room? I've never stayed there but sounds like a good place to stay. In San Quintin I usually stay at the Villa de San Quintin. It's about $40 a night. Clean rooms, good bed, TV pretty good with large flat screens in new section and has wifi. While not really a problem since I'm not picky the restaurant staff don't understand much english and the menu is only in spanish.

David K - 11-10-2013 at 11:50 AM

Antonio lives 50% or more at El Rosario, he operates the Pemex there, too... One cannot be too removed from these businesses. Jardines was not in the motel business when Antonio remodeled his family's business, 10 years ago... and while I have eaten at Jardines a few times (it is good), I have not stayed there, since Baja Cactus is only 35 miles away and Antonio is both a friend to us and a BIG friend to Baja travelers with all the extra things he does to help tourists or his town with events. The ambulance service DavidE recently mentioned being one of Antonio's projects he is part of.

Oh, and if it is daytime, opening the drapes is a great way to light up a room :wow::lol: If it is night... there are so many choices (above beds, above table, above sinks, and a dimming control bright light on the fan).

We have arrived to find the motel full or once left after checking in because there was no water... these are just issues and this is Baja. If you are going to let the little stuff bother you, I suggest another destination. We have stayed at the Turista Motel on the other end of town a few times (great beds). Ed's Baja Best Bed & Breakfast is a beautiful option for a few more dollars. Then you have Primo's Sinahi Motel and Mama Espinoza's Las Cabañas Motel for emergency back-up.

Bajahowodd - 11-10-2013 at 04:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Antonio lives 50% or more at El Rosario, he operates the Pemex there, too... One cannot be too removed from these businesses. Jardines was not in the motel business when Antonio remodeled his family's business, 10 years ago... and while I have eaten at Jardines a few times (it is good), I have not stayed there, since Baja Cactus is only 35 miles away and Antonio is both a friend to us and a BIG friend to Baja travelers with all the extra things he does to help tourists or his town with events. The ambulance service DavidE recently mentioned being one of Antonio's projects he is part of.

Oh, and if it is daytime, opening the drapes is a great way to light up a room :wow::lol: If it is night... there are so many choices (above beds, above table, above sinks, and a dimming control bright light on the fan).

We have arrived to find the motel full or once left after checking in because there was no water... these are just issues and this is Baja. If you are going to let the little stuff bother you, I suggest another destination. We have stayed at the Turista Motel on the other end of town a few times (great beds). Ed's Baja Best Bed & Breakfast is a beautiful option for a few more dollars. Then you have Primo's Sinahi Motel and Mama Espinoza's Las Cabañas Motel for emergency back-up.


As a friend, I would ask you to do something. Actually spend one night at Jardines in a double room. I know they are more expensive than the singles, but the doubles include a number of rooms that were once Carmen and Guillermo's home, as opposed to some of the newer singles that are admittedly somewhat more spartan than I would prefer.

That said, the staff, although not family, acts like family. Shout out to Fernando, in particular.

Seriously, just give it a try once. I'm not seeking to break up you and Antonio. But among many advantages in my preference is that it is a mile off the main highway and so much quieter than Baja Cactus.

freediverbrian - 11-10-2013 at 07:22 PM

Not at the top off the list but noise is big for me . you can have hot showers, security ,bar , food but if the noise is loud, and the after hour bar crowd stomping down hallways , when i am getting up early is a no go.

David K - 11-10-2013 at 10:34 PM

You know that I have never said a bad thing about Jardines...

If we didn't have such a good friend to all Nomads in El Rosario, I wouldn't be so loyal. I sure wouldn't make up stuff either... What I show and say is real. Now, perhaps it would be valuable if I stayed at Jardines just once? Well, since the economy has been wrecked, multiple trips each year to Baja just aren't possible to us as they were 6 or more years ago... I trust what others say about Jardines, I am sure it is as good as they say it is. My wife and I had our 1 year anniversary dinner at Jardines... and photos are on Nomad and my web site: http://vivabaja.com/709

DavidE - 11-11-2013 at 01:36 PM

OK, what I got so far is Jardines is quieter than staying in El Rosario. How about the beds? Like a direct comparison between the two places? "I" can sleep on anything. My back specifically a bad disc, screams for a good mattress. Also does Jardines have room heaters? Too many years in Michoacan made me warm blooded. I get miserable in in a 50 degree room fancy tile and warm smiles at the reception desk aside. I do like the idea of having a tiny coffee brew station in the room, ready to go for the morning. Sometimes I don't want breakfast, I just want to get on the road. In the summer, sometimes this is long before dawn, and way before the 1st restaurant opens up. I didn't even check out the TV at the place I stayed at but do any of the hotels have American football games?

I stayed at a $34.99 Motel 6, maybe the best one in the chain, in San Ysidro. I would have to rate the place in El Rosario as being more to my liking for several reasons. Ear plugs were absolutely (wait a minute, not "were" change that to "are") mandatory at most hotels in Mexico. The people next door kept waking me up at 0300 slamming the door in the Acapulco Princess Hotel in Acapulco. That's a 300 dollar a night hotel. Now I carry a set of comfortable ear plugs. So I guess that puts "noise" way down on my list of important points.

Everyone has different likes and dislikes, a different ordinal of priorities, I guess.

I solved the coffee issue in Las Peñas by having a timer fire off the 40 cup coffee pot at 0600. After 0800 the remainder went into vacuum carafes so it wouldn't go funky.

Bajahowodd - 11-11-2013 at 05:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
You know that I have never said a bad thing about Jardines...

If we didn't have such a good friend to all Nomads in El Rosario, I wouldn't be so loyal. I sure wouldn't make up stuff either... What I show and say is real. Now, perhaps it would be valuable if I stayed at Jardines just once? Well, since the economy has been wrecked, multiple trips each year to Baja just aren't possible to us as they were 6 or more years ago... I trust what others say about Jardines, I am sure it is as good as they say it is. My wife and I had our 1 year anniversary dinner at Jardines... and photos are on Nomad and my web site: http://vivabaja.com/709


It would be hard to post a bad thought about a place where you have never stayed. That said, unless you and Antonio are secret lovers, please spend a night in a double room at Jardines. You have already gone on record as being a fan of Carlos and Esmeralda's restaurant adjacent.

Seems to me that Antonio has no problems filling up his place, so I'm sure he will not miss you for one night.

David K - 11-11-2013 at 07:47 PM

Sure thing... but now I need to convince Baja Angel... she loves the Baja Cactus Motel, and it would be hard getting her to not spend every available night there. We drive for hours in the dark even, just to have a room at Baja Cactus, it is that good... and that special to us (our first motel room together, New Years weekend, 2004/5)! :light:

[Edited on 11-12-2013 by David K]

yellowklr - 11-11-2013 at 08:34 PM

There is no comparison between Cactus and Jardines!!!

I have stayed at both and wouldn't stay at Cactus again….rooms are OK but El Rosario is a dump and its a noisy spot with the location.

TMW - 11-12-2013 at 08:33 AM

I think El Rosario is a good, friendly town with honorable people. I have stayed at Baja Cactius several times and liked it. I never considered the noise a problem. If it is get a room in the back. I've stayed front, back and up high. Of course I go to the SCORE races and can sleep while race cars, trucks and motorcycles go by. Never stayed at Jardines but I will maybe this trip just to see what the fuss is about.

vandenberg - 11-12-2013 at 10:33 AM

Stayed at Antonio's many times. Nice rooms and showers for Baja.
Stayed at Jardines twice, once in the mentioned double.
Very nice, quiet and good restaurant nearby.
Only objection I had, was the tub shower, which almost was an invitation to somehow slip and break your neck.:no:
Hard on older folks.:biggrin:

DavidE - 11-12-2013 at 11:22 AM

Whoa! Thanks vandenberg!

The shower/tub/slipping issue (unfortunately for me) is a big issue. That simple revelation means I can't even consider Jardines (doggone it).

But still I have a question about yellowklr's comment that El Rosario "is a dump". For the life of me as I pass through San Quintin, and Lazaro Card##as, I don't see a heck of a lot of "scenery". Is Jardines in some kind of "nice" neighborhood, or rural where it is surrounded by open fields or trees? When I come south or go north, El Rosario is about the limit for me so I don't have a lot of time to explore. I did stay at several El Presidente hotels way back when and they were so big the neighborhood did not matter much. The Cielito Lindo was very rural but maybe San Quintin/Lazaro Card##as has changed a lot.

tripledigitken - 11-12-2013 at 11:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
Whoa! Thanks vandenberg!

The shower/tub/slipping issue (unfortunately for me) is a big issue. That simple revelation means I can't even consider Jardines (doggone it).

But still I have a question about yellowklr's comment that El Rosario "is a dump". For the life of me as I pass through San Quintin, and Lazaro Card##as, I don't see a heck of a lot of "scenery". Is Jardines in some kind of "nice" neighborhood, or rural where it is surrounded by open fields or trees? When I come south or go north, El Rosario is about the limit for me so I don't have a lot of time to explore. I did stay at several El Presidente hotels way back when and they were so big the neighborhood did not matter much. The Cielito Lindo was very rural but maybe San Quintin/Lazaro Card##as has changed a lot.


Some rooms should suit you with the shower setup, just ask when you book.

http://www.hotel-jardinesbaja.com/id115.html

DianaT - 11-12-2013 at 03:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
Whoa! Thanks vandenberg!

The shower/tub/slipping issue (unfortunately for me) is a big issue. That simple revelation means I can't even consider Jardines (doggone it).

But still I have a question about yellowklr's comment that El Rosario "is a dump". For the life of me as I pass through San Quintin, and Lazaro Card##as, I don't see a heck of a lot of "scenery". Is Jardines in some kind of "nice" neighborhood, or rural where it is surrounded by open fields or trees? When I come south or go north, El Rosario is about the limit for me so I don't have a lot of time to explore. I did stay at several El Presidente hotels way back when and they were so big the neighborhood did not matter much. The Cielito Lindo was very rural but maybe San Quintin/Lazaro Card##as has changed a lot.


Some rooms should suit you with the shower setup, just ask when you book.

http://www.hotel-jardinesbaja.com/id115.html


The gardens at Jardines are magnificent--- really amazing, and you can sit out on the main patio and just enjoy. And Fernando, or who ever is there keeps the coffee going in the morning.

We stayed there when I was on crutches and it is pretty easy to get around there. Besides, if you need any extra help, they will find it for you.

David K - 11-12-2013 at 03:18 PM

Dah-veed... the gardens at Jardines are beautiful... It is a popular place for weddings, and other family events... I posted photos of the gardens back before they added the motel rooms. It is in the farming area just south of Lazaro, and just west of the highway. The driveway is about a kilometer south of where the highway narrows to 19' wide (Km. 0)... you drive west about a 1/4 mile, then turn south for another 1/4 mile, all wide dirt roads (muddy for sure in the rain). The Los Olivos RV Park is almost next door to Baja-Jardines.

DavidE - 11-12-2013 at 03:26 PM

A patio and garden sounds great! How does the temperature compare with El Rosario? Is it warmer hotel vs hotel? El Rosario can get damned chilly with that breeze. It would be nice to sit out in a garden patio. I am a coffee addict. Also kinda grumpy before the first cup. The mini coffee pot at the place I stayed at was damned near a miracle. Highly appreciated.

I stopped in Rosarito on the way up, got the sand sucked out of the car and mud scraped off the outside. And lost (forgot) my Canadian crutch in the process. That'll learn me. Boy I can't wait for the next trip, grumble-stumble.

Folks have mentioned a restaurant (?) at or near Jardines.

Try as I might I cannot scrape up enough money to eat in a fancy place. The reason why I am asking all of these questions is El Rosario is about the limit of my endurance. If I were to push on another 40 (?) miles to a remotely located hotel in the dark, my cataracts would not allow me to start a snipe hunt for an affordable restaurant. I appreciate your patience.

DaGreen - 11-12-2013 at 03:33 PM

I stayed at Jardines last December. They accept dogs. They have room heaters. Coffee in the lobby. The restaurant was great for dinner and margaritas. They did not open for breakfast, but the orchard on the grounds provided a nice fruit salad while walking the dogs waiting on my caravan partner to finish packing up their car. The Guyuba's were delicious. Warm and friendly employees.

David K - 11-12-2013 at 03:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
A patio and garden sounds great! How does the temperature compare with El Rosario? Is it warmer hotel vs hotel? El Rosario can get damned chilly with that breeze. It would be nice to sit out in a garden patio. I am a coffee addict. Also kinda grumpy before the first cup. The mini coffee pot at the place I stayed at was damned near a miracle. Highly appreciated.

I stopped in Rosarito on the way up, got the sand sucked out of the car and mud scraped off the outside. And lost (forgot) my Canadian crutch in the process. That'll learn me. Boy I can't wait for the next trip, grumble-stumble.

Folks have mentioned a restaurant (?) at or near Jardines.

Try as I might I cannot scrape up enough money to eat in a fancy place. The reason why I am asking all of these questions is El Rosario is about the limit of my endurance. If I were to push on another 40 (?) miles to a remotely located hotel in the dark, my cataracts would not allow me to start a snipe hunt for an affordable restaurant. I appreciate your patience.


Baja-Jardines IS the restaurant... and closed one night a wek (mon?), they added a motel a few years ago... only a few rooms. IF you pass El Rosario and find Jardines full, then you will need to go to one of the 'in city' motels just north in Lazaro... Los Cirios is highly recommended on Nomad...

I know you, and your safe bet is to stay where you know it will be ideal, Baja Cactus... and you can visit Mama Espinoza next door [she's 105 or more, this year] and she will probably still remember you from your trip in 1965 (if I remember that was the correct year?)]!!!

Bajahowodd - 11-12-2013 at 05:59 PM

Of the many times we have stayed at Jardines, we never encountered a room with a tub. But since Guillermo and Carmen basically built out their own home, I guess there is a room or two. We have stayed in a room with a fireplace, however.

With respect to what DK said about alternatives, should Jardines be full, there are two excellent places nearby on the main highway that are next to each other. Villas de San Quintin, and Maria Celeste. Stayed in both when the Jardines restaurant was closed on Mondays.

But as has been mentioned about the gardens and the distance from highway noise, Jardines is my choice. But prepare for the cacophony of birds early in the morning. It is like an aviary.

vandenberg - 11-12-2013 at 06:28 PM

Los Cirios in Lazaro is a good back up, if the other places are full. 2 blocks up the street next to Marie Celeste. Front rooms are spacious with good beds and showers. Animal friendly.

JoeJustJoe - 11-14-2013 at 03:17 PM

One of my favorite places to stay when I'm in Tijuana is "Motel Premier" which isn't too far away from Tijuana tourist area, or Plaza Río, or main business district in Tijuana.

For a conservative Catholic country, Mexico sure has some nice surprises in hotel and motel choices.

A hotel like Motel Premier is a wonderful place to take your girlfriend, and in Mexico it's not uncommon for middle class Mexican man and above to have a mistress and so they will use these discreet private upscale love motels to carry on their affairs. You don't even get out of your car and you just drive up to your private garage, park your car, and then go inside these fairly luxury motel room. You can also take a taxi here, and these love hotels aren't just for lovers, as many married couples go to these upscale love motels to spice up their marriage. The room service with dinner and drinks is great, and the price are very good.

I been to most of the upscale Tijuana hotels like "Hotel Lucerna, and the Grand Hotel Tijuana, aka Las Torres that charge about $100 dollars. And the " Premier" is right there with those hotels for about 1/2 the price. Although places like the "Premier" usually rent for four hours at a time, but they also have rooms for overnight for about the same price, although you might not get the jacuzzi in the 24 hour room rental.

Every major city in Mexico have these types of "love motels" and in Tijuana alone has probably over ten of these types of upscale motels.
_________________________________________




Welcome to Motel Premier

At Motel Premier we are identified as offering a personalized service based on excellence and hygiene.

We are the only Motel in Tijuana that has luxury themed suites from start to finish with ambiance and decoration details based on its name like:


http://www.motelpremier.com/eng/welcome.html