BajaNomad

Hotel/Motel near Catavina

SkyMedBarbara - 9-4-2015 at 06:46 AM

Is there a new hotel/motel around Catavina? I know about the BIG old one in Catavina but need to see if there is another one there or nearby.

rts551 - 9-4-2015 at 07:03 AM

yes. Smaller hotel on the other side of the street. Very basic. Hotel Linda if I remember right.

David K - 9-4-2015 at 07:20 AM

Not new.

MMc - 9-4-2015 at 07:42 AM

I would rather camp then stay at the "pink place". We striped the bed last time and the sheets had not been washed after the last folks had been there, glad we had our sleeping bags.

Martyman - 9-4-2015 at 08:05 AM

Love the Pink Palace!

bajabuddha - 9-4-2015 at 08:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by MMc  
I would rather camp then stay at the "pink place". We striped the bed last time and the sheets had not been washed after the last folks had been there, glad we had our sleeping bags.

You can always go to the office and ask for another room, or if unfamiliar with a hotel ask to see the room before you rent it. Ya gits whatcha pay for.

David K - 9-4-2015 at 08:50 AM

If you search reviews of Cabanas Linda (the pink place in Cataviña), you will read of repeated reports they don't change the sheets between clients, and other disgusting stuff that could make a great episode of Hotel Impossible.

The other option, if still available, are the bunk rooms at Rancho Santa Ynez, 1 mile south and 3/4 mile left on a paved driveway. The historic cattle ranch, and cantina from before Hwy. 1 was built... a major checkpoint in the early Mexican 1000 and Baja 500 race days. Several former racers and others have lots in the surrounding area and live part time.

Bob53 - 9-4-2015 at 08:56 AM

So what's wrong with the big place? Looks like a nice place.


[Edited on 9-4-2015 by Bob53]

David K - 9-4-2015 at 09:00 AM

It isn't that big... Hotel Misión Cataviñá (formerly Desert Inn, La Pinta, El Presidente), opened in 1974 shortly after the completion of Highway One.

Now owned by the Rodriguez Family (Los Pinos Tomato Farms). Only good reports since they took over.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/HOTEL-MISION-CATAVI%C3%91A/24...

http://www.hotelmisioncatavina.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g946502-d2558108-Rev...



[Edited on 9-4-2015 by David K]

elgatoloco - 9-4-2015 at 09:01 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob53  
So what's wrong with the big place, Santa Maria? Looks like a nice place.


Nothing wrong with it except the pool table in the bar could be a little more level but then the cues would have to be straighter. Call your tequila in the margies and all is good. :saint:

wilderone - 9-4-2015 at 09:27 AM

The hotel mision is nice. Big rooms, spring-fed swimming pool. Arroyo to hike in, pretty sunset, handy bar and food. Best choice.

elgatoloco - 9-4-2015 at 09:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone  
The hotel mision is nice. Big rooms, spring-fed swimming pool. Arroyo to hike in, pretty sunset, handy bar and food. Best choice.


Last year we stayed there on our way down to the whales and our group went for a walk down the arroyo at daybreak and saw lost of birds and a fox! It was way cool. :dudette:

SkyMedBarbara - 9-4-2015 at 10:43 AM

No Pets, we have a cat.

David K - 9-4-2015 at 11:06 AM

? Isn't your cat a pet? :biggrin::?:

TMW - 9-4-2015 at 12:34 PM

Hotel Catavina is a nice place except the price went up to $95. Unlike the hotel at Santa Maria which they lowered the price to $50.
Both were around $65 before the sale.

bajabuddha - 9-4-2015 at 03:46 PM

I've bunked at Rancho Santa Ynez (back in 2003), and it is truly a rustic bunkhouse. Was a little pricey. I had my choice of rooms, and the one i stayed in had 3 different beds... right out of Goldilocks, one bed was too soft, the 2nd too hard, and the third one was ok (but small). Plus, you have to catch them when Oscar and family are there.

Rather than spend $95 for the Beeg Hotel in Cataviña, I'd just stay in El Rosario.... or check the rooms at La Pinka and if questionable, just ask 'em to please change the sheets.

David K - 9-4-2015 at 04:53 PM

A 2015 update of Rancho Santa Ynez conditions would be nice!
I kind of recall Wilderone reporting on the bunkrooms there a few years ago??? It was one of the lady Nomads, so it was a good judge of comfort and cleanliness vs. some of us guys who are desert rats and tolerate a lot just to be anywhere in Baja!

tripledigitken - 9-4-2015 at 04:56 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  
I've bunked at Rancho Santa Ynez (back in 2003), and it is truly a rustic bunkhouse. Was a little pricey. I had my choice of rooms, and the one i stayed in had 3 different beds... right out of Goldilocks, one bed was too soft, the 2nd too hard, and the third one was ok (but small). Plus, you have to catch them when Oscar and family are there.

Rather than spend $95 for the Beeg Hotel in Cataviña, I'd just stay in El Rosario.... or check the rooms at La Pinka and if questionable, just ask 'em to please change the sheets.


I break out my sleeping bag and pillow at the La Pinka's....

carlosg - 9-4-2015 at 05:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
It isn't that big... Hotel Misión Cataviñá (formerly Desert Inn, La Pinta, El Presidente), opened in 1974 shortly after the completion of Highway One.

Now owned by the Rodriguez Family (Los Pinos Tomato Farms). Only good reports since they took over.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/HOTEL-MISION-CATAVI%C3%91A/24...

http://www.hotelmisioncatavina.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g946502-d2558108-Rev...



[Edited on 9-4-2015 by David K]


We stayed there a couple of years ago, rooms, landscape, pool ae okay, no restaurant service in late a September, wifi only in lobby; there was a big momma at the front who really was a b...ch, she was as rude as you could imagine but the guy doing night watch was very polite, we had breakfast across the road and I can tell you it was a great one!! Machaca, frojoles, tortillas de harina and café de olla. .. mmm... mmmm... mmmmmm. We WON'T be staying there ever again, it's expensive and I rather drive to San Ignacio and stay at the old El Presidente for a lot less.

David K - 9-4-2015 at 05:10 PM

Now in San Ignacio is the La Huerta just past the mission on the right, the Desert Inn (old El Presidente) was $85 this year.

rhintransit - 9-4-2015 at 05:48 PM

Hotel mission accepts pets, at a fairly hefty fee

Howard - 9-4-2015 at 06:45 PM

Are you sure La Huerta is that expensive? If so they must of really gone up on there prices as I stayed there this year and it was nowhere near $85.

David K - 9-4-2015 at 06:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Howard  
Are you sure La Huerta is that expensive? If so they must of really gone up on there prices as I stayed there this year and it was nowhere near $85.


You talking to me? Here is what I said:
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Now in San Ignacio is the La Huerta just past the mission on the right, the Desert Inn (old El Presidente) was $85 this year.

Howard - 9-4-2015 at 07:03 PM

You want me to actually read? :biggrin:

Lo Siento

David K - 9-4-2015 at 07:12 PM

Yup, they demand it from me too... LOL
Have a nice weekend Howard!

rhintransit - 9-4-2015 at 08:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Howard  
Are you sure La Huerta is that expensive? If so they must of really gone up on there prices as I stayed there this year and it was nowhere near $85.

Catavina Mission is around 90/night if I remember right from my last stay in June of this year, no discounts.

[Edited on 9-5-2015 by rhintransit]

DianaT - 9-5-2015 at 01:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by MMc  
I would rather camp then stay at the "pink place". We striped the bed last time and the sheets had not been washed after the last folks had been there, glad we had our sleeping bags.


It pays to always check. We and others have had that happen when renting houses at well known vacation places in Baja.

In the past, we had one good experience and one really awful one when they had the little restaurant --- too long and disgusting to write about.

We have always found the Mission/La Pinta etc. to be rather pricey, but we have always enjoyed it with our pets. And the last time we were there a couple of years ago, they were upgrading. Is there more upgrading going on?

[Edited on 9-5-2015 by DianaT]

ncampion - 9-5-2015 at 01:35 PM

Stayed at the Hotel Mision Catavina about three months ago and the upgrades/renovations are a great improvement. New mini-split AC units that actually blow cold air and don't sound like a locomotive coming down the tracks, new beds that are just right, not too hard, not too soft and new flat screen TVs that actually get a good picture on several channels. Still a bit pricey, but considering the alternatives it's not a bad deal. Also they are pet friendly and have re-landscaped the rear of the property and it is very nice to walk around. Oh, one other thing, they moved the generator across the street at the old Pemex so you really can't hear it much from the hotel - especially with my hearing, or lack thereof.

DianaT - 9-5-2015 at 01:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ncampion  
Stayed at the Hotel Mision Catavina about three months ago and the upgrades/renovations are a great improvement. New mini-split AC units that actually blow cold air and don't sound like a locomotive coming down the tracks, new beds that are just right, not too hard, not too soft and new flat screen TVs that actually get a good picture on several channels. Still a bit pricey, but considering the alternatives it's not a bad deal. Also they are pet friendly and have re-landscaped the rear of the property and it is very nice to walk around. Oh, one other thing, they moved the generator across the street at the old Pemex so you really can't hear it much from the hotel - especially with my hearing, or lack thereof.


THANKS. Last time we were there, they had started in the rooms with the new ACs etc., but it sounds like they have come a long ways now with the outside. I hope they also fixed the sewer system out back.

Beautiful place first thing in the morning!

mtgoat666 - 9-5-2015 at 02:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rhintransit  
Quote: Originally posted by Howard  
Are you sure La Huerta is that expensive? If so they must of really gone up on there prices as I stayed there this year and it was nowhere near $85.

Catavina Mission is around 90/night if I remember right from my last stay in June of this year, no discounts.

[Edited on 9-5-2015 by rhintransit]


Given the great location, Quality hotel, beautiful grounds, $100/night is a good deal. The alternative motels in GN and el Rosario are pretty depressing. Hell, the quality inn motel 6 truck stop type freeway exit hotels off I5 in kettleman hills cost more than 100 per night, so Catalina mission inn seems like a bargain!

It's only money, spend it while you can!

Lee - 9-5-2015 at 05:23 PM

I'm reading a lot of negatives about Catavina. $100 is a LOT of money for being in the middle of the desert. Money is relative though. Don't compare California prices to Baja. Catavina would cost more if it were in Kettleman. Short of being there in the morning and taking a walk, I don't see it. Dirty sheets, one restaurant, no choices.

As for GN or ER, it's not even a comparison. But then I don't see staying in El Rosario anymore as I like to visit Jardines going down. And having dinner then pushing on to ER doesn't appeal to me.

GN has the new hotel which sounds great -- and at an affordable price. I've not read it's depressing there. Maybe the Goat needs to get out more. Baja doesn't begin until GN.

rhintransit - 9-5-2015 at 07:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by rhintransit  
Quote: Originally posted by Howard  
Are you sure La Huerta is that expensive? If so they must of really gone up on there prices as I stayed there this year and it was nowhere near $85.

Catavina Mission is around 90/night if I remember right from my last stay in June of this year, no discounts.

[Edited on 9-5-2015 by rhintransit]


Given the great location, Quality hotel, beautiful grounds, $100/night is a good deal. The alternative motels in GN and el Rosario are pretty depressing. Hell, the quality inn motel 6 truck stop type freeway exit hotels off I5 in kettleman hills cost more than 100 per night, so Catalina mission inn seems like a bargain.
It's only money, spend it while you can![/r quote]

Just happened to have spent the night in Kettleman last weekend, enroute to Marin County. Not bad, and only $74, not 100.

[Edited on 9-6-2015 by rhintransit]

rts551 - 9-5-2015 at 07:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Lee  
I'm reading a lot of negatives about Catavina. $100 is a LOT of money for being in the middle of the desert. Money is relative though. Don't compare California prices to Baja. Catavina would cost more if it were in Kettleman. Short of being there in the morning and taking a walk, I don't see it. Dirty sheets, one restaurant, no choices.

As for GN or ER, it's not even a comparison. But then I don't see staying in El Rosario anymore as I like to visit Jardines going down. And having dinner then pushing on to ER doesn't appeal to me.

GN has the new hotel which sounds great -- and at an affordable price. I've not read it's depressing there. Maybe the Goat needs to get out more. Baja doesn't begin until GN.


The fact that the hotel is in the middle of the desert is the reason it costs. Hauling all the food, fuel, maintenance etc from San Quintin Valley drive the cost up....not down.

mtgoat666 - 9-5-2015 at 08:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Lee  
I'm reading a lot of negatives about Catavina. $100 is a LOT of money for being in the middle of the desert. Money is relative though. Don't compare California prices to Baja. Catavina would cost more if it were in Kettleman. Short of being there in the morning and taking a walk, I don't see it. Dirty sheets, one restaurant, no choices.

As for GN or ER, it's not even a comparison. But then I don't see staying in El Rosario anymore as I like to visit Jardines going down. And having dinner then pushing on to ER doesn't appeal to me.

GN has the new hotel which sounds great -- and at an affordable price. I've not read it's depressing there. Maybe the Goat needs to get out more. Baja doesn't begin until GN.


Different strokes for different folks. I don't like san q, and I think GN is perhaps the ugliest town in all of Baja. I don't mind paying a few extra bucks to stay in Catavina, a hotel I like and a desert location I like.

Lee - 9-6-2015 at 10:03 AM

Quote: Originally posted by rts551  

The fact that the hotel is in the middle of the desert is the reason it costs. Hauling all the food, fuel, maintenance etc from San Quintin Valley drive the cost up....not down.


You're partly correct. GN is also in the middle of no where. They are also supplied by trucks that travel South -- passing through Catavina.

Part of the equation is what the market will pay. For $100 a night, you REALLY have to want to stay in Catavina. I'm not writing that Catavina isn't a unique and special place. Anyone who knows Baja knows there are LOTS of out of the way places, to camp or not, for a fraction of the price. Whatever.
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  

Different strokes for different folks. I don't like san q, and I think GN is perhaps the ugliest town in all of Baja. I don't mind paying a few extra bucks to stay in Catavina, a hotel I like and a desert location I like.


Fairly typical response to tourist first impressions. GN grows on a person who has time to know it. Ask shari.

basautter - 9-6-2015 at 12:14 PM

Bring your own sheets if you stay at the pink place. The one and only time I stayed there, it smelled like raw sewage....I would stay at Hotel Misión Cataviñá, and sneak the cat in.

motoged - 9-8-2015 at 11:13 AM

What price do folks think the rate per night (without pets, for a starter) should be at Mision Catavina ?

I have stayed there a half dozen times since 1994 just to stay there....while I could have stayed in San Quintin or El Rosario....the pink place never appealed to me....and Rancho Inez is an adequate pit stop.......but I have camped in Catavina area several times just for the pleasures of desert camping.

I have always thought the MC rates were expensive compared to other Baja places I tend to frequent....but when I pay over $80 a night, I expect the experience to be worth it.....whether it is chocolates on the pillow or a killer view, etc.....

What would the rates be for a place like Mision Catavina if it were in Anza Borrego? .....Because it is fair to compare Baja to US prices at times.

Bottom line in spending money: "What's it worth to you?"

[Edited on 9-8-2015 by motoged]

tripledigitken - 9-8-2015 at 11:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged  
....What would the rates be for a place like Mision Catavina if it were in Anza Borrego? .....Because it is fair to compare Baja to US prices at times.

Bottom line in spending money: "What's it worth to you?"



Agree completely. We have stayed in Catavina many times either camping or at the Mission Catavina hotel. Without spending the night there you'll not get to see it at sunset. That is assuming you don't drive at night, which most don't.

This is what you miss experiencing. Both shots taken within a 10 minute walk west of the hotel.





[Edited on 9-9-2015 by tripledigitken]

honda tom - 9-9-2015 at 09:24 AM

nice hotel and restaurant in Nuevo Rosarito (85 miles south)

15 minute drive to ocean
1 hour drive to mission
great food.
room for 2 was 35 bucs

KurtG - 9-9-2015 at 10:02 AM

Quote: Originally posted by honda tom  
nice hotel and restaurant in Nuevo Rosarito (85 miles south)

15 minute drive to ocean
1 hour drive to mission
great food.
room for 2 was 35 bucs


Agree, Cactus Motel next to Mauricio's. Good room at good rate and Mauricio's has been a favorite for many years.

Marc - 9-9-2015 at 11:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
It isn't that big... Hotel Misión Cataviñá (formerly Desert Inn, La Pinta, El Presidente), opened in 1974 shortly after the completion of Highway One.

Now owned by the Rodriguez Family (Los Pinos Tomato Farms). Only good reports since they took over.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/HOTEL-MISION-CATAVI%C3%91A/24...

http://www.hotelmisioncatavina.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g946502-d2558108-Rev...



[Edited on 9-4-2015 by David K]


Many good memories there. Always pulled in hot and tired going both ways. I like the rooms on the back side because of road noise from big rig jake breaks on the front side.

[Edited on 9-10-2015 by Marc]

[Edited on 9-10-2015 by Marc]

David K - 9-10-2015 at 07:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by KurtG  
Quote: Originally posted by honda tom  
nice hotel and restaurant in Nuevo Rosarito (85 miles south)

15 minute drive to ocean
1 hour drive to mission
great food.
room for 2 was 35 bucs


Agree, Cactus Motel next to Mauricio's. Good room at good rate and Mauricio's has been a favorite for many years.


Ate at Mauricio's last July... fish and chicken for us, both good.

1Bajalover - 9-12-2015 at 01:36 AM

ah, sante inez was just like that - Goldilocks and the three bears - with all those uncomfortable beds and a wee drip of cold water coming out of a hole in the ceiling - the neat thing was waking in the early hours to a horse licking the mist/water off the top of our car - priceless

when we stayed at the "pink hotel" it was the earliest I have been up and ready to go in many a year - as well all the other guests were racing for their cars way before check out - rats in hot pursuit - well, they could easily have been part of what was in the room - eerie rooms with dirty sheets and electricity doled out sparsely

the Presidente hotel or whatever the "big" one is is pretty nice, view to the desert out back, pool and really nice food and people working there - in American money it is very worth it and with the pool to hang in after a hot day's drive - I travel quite frugally but stopping there and being on that amazing desert first thing in the morning and last thing at night is a real gift!and definately well worth it or so we have felt since trying it out a few years back

Skipjack Joe - 9-12-2015 at 05:31 AM

Absolutely. The key to experiencing the very best of Baja is to rise early and to be active during the last 2 hours of daylight. Trying to reach your motel by 5pm so as to fill a reservation doesn't make it.

shari - 9-12-2015 at 06:56 AM

Quote: Originally posted by honda tom  
nice hotel and restaurant in Nuevo Rosarito (85 miles south)

15 minute drive to ocean
1 hour drive to mission
great food.

We tried to stay there but it was full. Nuevo Rosarito would be a logical place to have a bigger hotel as this is where it starts to get dark trying to get to GN sometimes! and if Maru in Rosalillita is full. trouble is if they are both full...that drive to GN in the dark is extremely treacherous for cows on the road and narrow road.


[Edited on 9-12-2015 by shari]

Nice assessment!

David K - 9-12-2015 at 09:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 1Bajalover  

Rancho Santa Ynez
ah, sante inez was just like that - Goldilocks and the three bears - with all those uncomfortable beds and a wee drip of cold water coming out of a hole in the ceiling - the neat thing was waking in the early hours to a horse licking the mist/water off the top of our car - priceless

Cabanas Linda
when we stayed at the "pink hotel" it was the earliest I have been up and ready to go in many a year - as well all the other guests were racing for their cars way before check out - rats in hot pursuit - well, they could easily have been part of what was in the room - eerie rooms with dirty sheets and electricity doled out sparsely

Hotel Misión Cataviña
the Presidente hotel or whatever the "big" one is is pretty nice, view to the desert out back, pool and really nice food and people working there - in American money it is very worth it and with the pool to hang in after a hot day's drive - I travel quite frugally but stopping there and being on that amazing desert first thing in the morning and last thing at night is a real gift!and definately well worth it or so we have felt since trying it out a few years back

Bajahowodd - 9-13-2015 at 03:20 PM

When the Rodriguez family took this place over, they did many upgrades, including the generators which allows them to keep the power on all day. There were times when we would arrive there at like 4pm and the room was blazing hot,and with no electricity, we had to wait an hour to turn on the A/C. But what I don't understand is why they did not put in solar power, which, in the long run, would be much cheaper, and possibly allow them to lower the room rates.