BajaNomad

hotel booking in GN

zach4 - 1-21-2014 at 11:10 PM

Hi,

I could not find any recent advice on hotels in Guerrero Negro.
I understand that since we will arrive GN in the end of February, and will arrive close to darkness (we will drive from the boarder on that day) - it is best to book a place in advance.

We are looking for a descent place which is not too expensive (but that will be convenient to arrive for our first night in Baja, and that I will be able to to book it - and be sure that it will be reserved to us).

thanks..

BajaNomad - 1-22-2014 at 12:09 AM

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=68840
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=68344
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=65577
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=64930

Be Avised !!

captkw - 1-22-2014 at 12:20 AM

From the border to GN Many,,many<<things can and will,,can ,,possible change...don't make a foolish travell plan on what you think is your travel time...on GPS or what the guy did this morning!!!!

David K - 1-22-2014 at 12:39 AM

Great list of links to motels from Baja Nomad!

Zach4, 450 miles on a Baja highway is not like 450 miles on a U.S. Interstate or country road. The Baja highway has many issues that will not allow the kind of driving distance achieved you may expect.

There are locals on the road in the farm towns that drive about 5 mph, there are trucks, buses, etc. Just getting through Ensenada takes 30 min.

There are military checkpoints that search your car for drugs, guns, ammo. There are construction detours. There are animals on the highway (cattle, burros, and more).

The last gas station for 200 miles is at El Rosario (225 miles from the border), so that is a must stop top off.

Tijuana to Guerrero Negro is 450 miles, and you should allow for 9 hours to do that. More if you want to eat, take photos, take a break, enjoy life, etc.

Better yet, I recommend you overnight in El Rosario at the Baja Cactus Motel (5 hours from Tijuana) and be safe and relaxed on the narrow Baja highway! There isn't a finer motel for $40 on either side of the border, with a more helpful Baja Nomad who owns it (and the gas station next door).

[Edited on 1-22-2014 by David K]

shari - 1-22-2014 at 08:09 AM

we stayed at Posada Don Vicente at the entrance to Guerrero Negro just past the Coke warehouse...and it was fine, economical, great pressure in the shower and super secure. It has a cool playground for kids too

Hotels fill up that time of year so if you want me to make a reservation for you, U2U me the date and I can do that for you.

dtbushpilot - 1-22-2014 at 08:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by shari
we stayed at Posada Don Vicente at the entrance to Guerrero Negro just past the Coke warehouse...and it was fine, economical, great pressure in the shower and super secure. It has a cool playground for kids too

Hotels fill up that time of year so if you want me to make a reservation for you, U2U me the date and I can do that for you.




Hey kiddo, do you know if they are pet friendly?

shari - 1-22-2014 at 09:02 AM

I just called Don Vicente and yes they accept pets but have a 100 peso surcharge...I really liked the big gate they close up at night so it's super secure. The rooms are a tiny bit worn but very clean and the beds in the single rooms are all king size. The parking lot is enormous so no problems there either and the office is well stocked with fridges with juice, yoghurt, soda etc and they have coffee going in the early morning...all in all a really nice stay.

Don Vicente who is now 82 years old lives on the property and is at the desk in the mornings overseeing things but his son Cristian pretty much runs the place so it's a nice family business...they even have a pool but it wasnt open.

aguachico - 1-22-2014 at 10:09 AM

Been staying at DV for while now. It's really great when towing a boat. the security is great. Fills up quickly as it's popular.

zach4 - 1-22-2014 at 12:48 PM

Thanks.

Regarding the hotel you recommended - can anyone tell me their phone? and their rates?

If we reach the border at Tecate at ~6AM, we should make it to GN in time, right?

shari - 1-22-2014 at 02:42 PM

definitely doable and let them know you might be getting in late so they dont give your room away.

The number is 615-157-0288 and tell them Shari sent you!

tiotomasbcs - 1-22-2014 at 07:03 PM

Cowboy, Shari? Have you changed venues? I know things chnge and especially during Whale watching season. Whale update? Gracias. Tio

shari - 1-22-2014 at 07:28 PM

Most of my whale trip folks stay at Cowboy but there are some issues there...they are often booked solid and the parking lot gets so packed. The rooms are nicer than Don vicente in my opinion, but Don Vicente has other features like the security and big parking lot...and maybe I can convince them to get that pool cleaned out!

whale update to come....

liknbaja127 - 1-22-2014 at 08:05 PM

Zack4, Davit K Is right, the road can be a challenge! If it is your first time.
Make sure you keep your tank full, never know! and dark time things change
A lot. and the later you are the better the chance your room may be gone.
We always stop at Jardines Baja, San Quintin. They are dog friendly!
Great place, With a great Restaurant, right nextdoor. There # 52 616 165 6161. And it is a easy drive to Guerrero Negro from there.
Have a great time

Bajaboy - 1-22-2014 at 08:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by zach4
Hi,

I could not find any recent advice on hotels in Guerrero Negro.
I understand that since we will arrive GN in the end of February, and will arrive close to darkness (we will drive from the boarder on that day) - it is best to book a place in advance.

We are looking for a descent place which is not too expensive (but that will be convenient to arrive for our first night in Baja, and that I will be able to to book it - and be sure that it will be reserved to us).

thanks..


You can make GN no problem in one day if you cross the border by 6 am. Pack your own food and keep stops to a minimum. Sounds like there are two of you so take turns driving if you can. Cross the border with a full tank of gas and again at El Rosario. Easy trip...don't feel the need to speed and you will get there with no problems.

Have a great trip.
zac

honda tom - 1-24-2014 at 10:27 PM

Your trip from the border to GN is very easy and on a cruiser pace. Last year I stayed at Malarrimo and it was nice. Got there after dark and liked the big parking lot for my truck and 28' of boat. it was a little pricey (60 bucs). San Ignacio is another 1.5 hours. Not bad to knock out if the goal is to get south. There I would check Rice and beans..... or Desert Inn, vacancy should not be a problem this time of year.

David K - 1-24-2014 at 11:29 PM

I drove from Bahia Concepcion to Oceanside in one day, including some sightseeing along the way, so I am not saying the drive can't be done, only that it isn't wise to try and push it if it is your first time in central Baja. Maybe he doesn't live in San Diego County like some of us, so getting to Tijuana at sunrise isn't always possible. Just want him to know it isn't like a U.S. highway with shoulders, pullouts, rest stops, cell phone coverage, etc. Not even a gas station for 200 miles... Baja should be a fun experience, that's all.

zach4 - 1-25-2014 at 10:52 AM

Thank you very much guys, and thanks, David, for your concern.
It is our first time in Baja, so it's good to know the challenges ahead.

We plan to stay in a motel near SD, and plan to reach the border by 6am, so I hope we will make it.

David K - 1-25-2014 at 11:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by zach4
Thank you very much guys, and thanks, David, for your concern.
It is our first time in Baja, so it's good to know the challenges ahead.

We plan to stay in a motel near SD, and plan to reach the border by 6am, so I hope we will make it.


You will, and just enjoy the new sights, smells and tastes of Baja! As Baja Fun 777 says, No Hurry, No Worry, Just Fun!

Hope you find the exotic vegetation south of El Rosario as fun as I do... The boojum tree takes the cake for me...







Baby Boojums are hard to see:



Makes you think Baja is an alien planet that begs to be explored!