BajaNomad - Pirates in Cataviña

Pirates in Cataviña

4x4abc - 9-11-2016 at 07:23 PM

30 Pesos for 1 hour of WiFi - or 128 MB, whatever comes first

that beats the $10 at Alfonsina's

Baja is going downhill fast

[Edited on 9-12-2016 by 4x4abc]

BigBearRider - 9-11-2016 at 07:41 PM

At the Hotel Mision Cataviña?

4x4abc - 9-11-2016 at 07:49 PM

exactly

BigBearRider - 9-11-2016 at 07:52 PM

Good to know they even have it. This sucker may pay it just to check e-mail next time I drive by!

Skipjack Joe - 9-11-2016 at 08:34 PM

Pirates of the Catavina.

Sounds catchy.

bajaguy - 9-11-2016 at 08:35 PM

Who could we cast in the title role??

Quote: Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

Pirates of the Catavina.

Sounds catchy.

mtgoat666 - 9-11-2016 at 08:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

30 Pesos for 1 minute of WiFi - or 128 MB, whatever comes first

that beats the $10 at Alfonsina's

Baja is going downhill fast

Pirates rob. You willingly entered into a transaction, in a free market.

P.s. Was included with room when I last stayed there in April. But reception was only good in lobby.

rts551 - 9-12-2016 at 07:14 AM

Its because they have satellite internet with limited (pay as you go) bandwidth.

4x4abc - 9-12-2016 at 07:55 AM

good connectivity in all rooms and restaurant now

systems logs out even before one hour is over and you can't reconnect

AKgringo - 9-12-2016 at 08:26 AM

At 30 pesos, or about a dollar sixty per min, who would talk for an hour? The WIFI would cost more than I want to pay for a room!

I am curious about how the service is charged. Is it tied to a specific device, or if two people in the same room each use their own personal unit, does the cost double?

4x4abc - 9-12-2016 at 09:08 AM

I goofed - it is $30 Pesos per hour

you buy a token at the reception
you cane only buy one hour increments (not 2, 3 or 5 hours)

token displays password and a PIN

[Edited on 9-12-2016 by 4x4abc]

4x4abc - 9-12-2016 at 09:27 AM

the token is only good for one device
the code can not be shared by 2 people

power just went out
with it the internet died
even after the generator came back on it took long for the WiFi to come back up

4x4abc - 9-12-2016 at 09:29 AM

breakfast just arrived
25 minutes left on the WiFi
can't stop the clock by closing the computer
will have to buy more time after breakfast

larryC - 9-12-2016 at 10:14 AM

The nerve of them running a profit scam out there in the desert.

mtgoat666 - 9-12-2016 at 11:08 AM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

breakfast just arrived
25 minutes left on the WiFi
can't stop the clock by closing the computer
will have to buy more time after breakfast

You young kids probably dont remember this,...
Back in the 90s and before we used to travel the world without mobile phones, internet or GPS.
We survived just fine.
No, it was not scary. I suppose we were tougher, living life w/o umbilical cords.

Gas bag man, unplug the gadgets and enjoy the solitude.

motoged - 9-12-2016 at 12:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

breakfast just arrived
25 minutes left on the WiFi....

So, how was breakfast? Real coffee or Nescafe?

Are you exploring the area, etc?

freediverbrian - 9-12-2016 at 03:33 PM

Thirty years ago, the first time I took my wife to Mexico her Mom made her call home to confirm she was still alive. In Mulege we waited an hour for a call to be placed by the operator. Then payed $10 dollars for three minutes . Cativina is much better

bajabuddha - 9-12-2016 at 04:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

breakfast just arrived
25 minutes left on the WiFi....

So, how was breakfast? Real coffee or Nescafe?

Are you exploring the area, etc?

...betcha breakfast was real expensive too... Sysco doesn't deliver there...

Howard - 9-12-2016 at 05:10 PM

I have done my fair share of international traveling and I do not find that 30 pesos for an hour outrageous at all and actually reasonable. I know it will be slow to non existent service but if you need it, you need it and $1.65 can barely buy you a hamburger at Mickey Ds.

How in the world did we survive without electronics back in the day? I remember being completely baffled how my transistor radio worked, it was like magic.

Ateo - 9-12-2016 at 05:52 PM

I haven't been in a "Larga Distancia" in 15 years! I love progress......

mtgoat666 - 9-12-2016 at 06:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Howard

I have done my fair share of international traveling and I do not find that 30 pesos for an hour outrageous at all and actually reasonable. I know it will be slow to non existent service but if you need it, you need it and $1.65 can barely buy you a hamburger at Mickey Ds.

How in the world did we survive without electronics back in the day? I remember being completely baffled how my transistor radio worked, it was like magic.

After you spend a decade at Starbucks and Motel 6, you get addicted to the "free" intertube and begin to feel that others must provide your fix. (Withdrawal DTs come over you in a matter of hours w/o Facebook photos of your second cousin's kids.) It's socialist entitlement complex. 'Real freedom" is paying for your own intertube fix.

Barry A. - 9-12-2016 at 07:36 PM

You all are nuts. I don't even have a cell phone, no lap-top, nor do I go to Starbucks or stay at Motel 6!!

What's WRONG with me? :lol:

4x4abc - 9-12-2016 at 08:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by larryC

The nerve of them running a profit scam out there in the desert.

Profit is good! I guarantees jobs.

I don't mind the Pesos for internet service. Just include it in the room rate.

What I mind is the non harmonic hotel experience.

Buying one token after the other and annoying system hiccups kill nice rooms and friendly personnel.

[Edited on 9-13-2016 by 4x4abc]

David K - 9-12-2016 at 11:27 PM

Hotel La Huerta in San Ignacio has free WiFi, works in the rooms now, and a room is $31 worth of pesos (550). Maybe tomato sales are down for the Los Pinos group?

motoged - 9-12-2016 at 11:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

.....

Buying one toke after the other ......

And you are complaining about the service?

rts551 - 9-13-2016 at 06:30 AM

Internet service in Catavina is quiet a bit different than service in more established areas. Since the satellite service has limited bandwidth, it might be their way of controlling usage. I guess you can do as David seems to be suggesting and continue on the San Ignacio for free internet Hahahahaha.

Howard - 9-13-2016 at 07:35 AM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

.....

Buying one toke after the other ......

What's wrong with a good toke once in a while? :lol:

4x4abc - 9-13-2016 at 07:51 AM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

And you are complaining about the service?

not at all!

it is one of my favorite hotels
enjoy the improvements
love their service

4x4abc - 9-13-2016 at 07:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Hotel La Huerta in San Ignacio has free WiFi, works in the rooms now, and a room is $31 worth of pesos (550). Maybe tomato sales are down for the Los Pinos group?

when you arrive tired at 8 pm in Cataviña an additional 4 hours driving in the dark seem suicidal

4x4abc - 9-13-2016 at 08:03 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Howard

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

.....

Buying one toke after the other ......

What's wrong with a good toke once in a while? :lol:

would have solved everything!

ncampion - 9-13-2016 at 08:19 AM

When we traveled to Australia and New Zealand a few years ago we were amazed to find that all hotels/motels changed for internet access. No"free" internet anywhere that we could find.
As much as we're addicted to constant internet access, I actually liked staying at Catavina and being"free" from the real world for a day.

elgatoloco - 9-13-2016 at 08:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Hotel La Huerta in San Ignacio has free WiFi, works in the rooms now, and a room is $31 worth of pesos (550). Maybe tomato sales are down for the Los Pinos group?

Thought I may have heard from a semi re liable source there are putting all the internet funds in an account to pay for the wall. Construction to commence 1/21/17.

larryC - 9-13-2016 at 09:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

Quote: Originally posted by larryC

The nerve of them running a profit scam out there in the desert.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that the hotel is using Exede internet, and the basic service for Exede is $50 a month and includes 10 gigabytes of bandwidth total for that month. So all that it takes is for one or 2 customers to log onto the hotels internet and use up that 10 gig by down loading a movie and the hotels internet then is shutdown for the remainder of the month or the hotel can buy another gig of bandwidth for an additional $10. So evidently what they have done is to limit your access and bandwidth so that the service is available to all their customers. I know Roger at Villa Bahia in BoLA goes through this all the time. His internet is constantly being over used and shut down because of one or two customers that abuse the system. Probably if they (the hotel you are at) tried to include internet in the room rate (which would be difficult because they would have to know how much bandwidth that room would use) they would get complaints from the people that are not interested in internet and don't want to pay for it. Its just not possible to make all the people happy all the time. It just amazes me that it is available at all.

Martyman - 9-13-2016 at 02:01 PM

There was no charge for internet at the Catavina Hotel in May. Must be a new charge.

Catavina and Internet

1Bajalover - 9-15-2016 at 12:31 PM

to even be given the option out in the middle of the desert like that is kind of amazing - 30 pesos is less than $2.00 for an hour - Kinkos charges $12. and up for that same hour - think it is quite the deal and we think their food is quite wonderful also

basautter - 9-15-2016 at 05:34 PM

It really does not sound like a bad option to me, given few other communication options. An alternative is the new Delorme two way satellite texter, but I think that costs more :?:

MMc - 9-15-2016 at 08:45 PM

Goat supporting the free market? What's up with that?

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

30 Pesos for 1 minute of WiFi - or 128 MB, whatever comes first

that beats the $10 at Alfonsina's

Baja is going downhill fast

Pirates rob. You willingly entered into a transaction, in a free market.

P.s. Was included with room when I last stayed there in April. But reception was only good in lobby.

mtgoat666 - 9-15-2016 at 09:59 PM

I don't think my post said anything about "supporting" the free market. I just said it is a free market.

That said, yes, In this case I support the free market. (And, no, I do not support Herr stupendous gas bag man).

Quote: Originally posted by MMc

Goat supporting the free market? What's up with that?

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

30 Pesos for 1 minute of WiFi - or 128 MB, whatever comes first

that beats the $10 at Alfonsina's

Baja is going downhill fast

Pirates rob. You willingly entered into a transaction, in a free market.

P.s. Was included with room when I last stayed there in April. But reception was only good in lobby.

basautter - 9-17-2016 at 10:41 AM

Sounds like a good deal to me! Better than no connection. Gotta love capitalism! :bounce:

Alm - 9-18-2016 at 11:16 AM

Quote: Originally posted by larryC

the hotel is using Exede internet, and the basic service for Exede is $50 a month and includes 10 gigabytes of bandwidth total for that month. So all that it takes is for one or 2 customers to log onto the hotels internet and use up that 10 gig by down loading a movie

Probably. Or Hughes. 25-30 pesos an hour is a regular price in BOLA internet kiosks, as I recall. Nobody in their sound mind ever complained about it. Travelers that absolutely need to use an internet while staying a day or two in the middle of nowhere - mind you, many don't - are grateful that it is available.

Like Goat said, this is an entitlement complex - though I would call it "consumerism entitlement", rather than "socialism". Man up and stop whining.

woody with a view - 9-18-2016 at 12:52 PM

Or just go off-grid and revel in the new found glory of it all. Who knew you could still be disconnected in the real world?

Bajahowodd - 9-18-2016 at 02:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Barry A.

You all are nuts. I don't even have a cell phone, no lap-top, nor do I go to Starbucks or stay at Motel 6!!

What's WRONG with me? :lol:

Nothing at all. You are probably as old as me and never understood why people need to talk all the time, when in reality, there is nothing to say.

bajaguy - 9-18-2016 at 03:56 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajahowodd

Nothing at all. You are probably as old as me and never understood why people need to talk all the time, when in reality, there is nothing to say.

Hahahaha....perfect!!! :lol:

MMc - 9-18-2016 at 04:33 PM

One of my greatest joys is changing the messages on the phone and such. A friend once said he love's the sarcasm that reeks from the messages.

Barry A. - 9-18-2016 at 04:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajahowodd

Quote: Originally posted by Barry A.

You all are nuts. I don't even have a cell phone, no lap-top, nor do I go to Starbucks or stay at Motel 6!!

What's WRONG with me? :lol:

Nothing at all. You are probably as old as me and never understood why people need to talk all the time, when in reality, there is nothing to say.

EXACTLY RIGHT!!! :lol:

I am 78 and you nailed it (I think) and I appreciate your comment as I needed that. (I love the hotel in Catavina-----one of our favorite places to stay, with or without TV or the internet)

Alm - 9-19-2016 at 06:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view

Or just go off-grid and revel in the new found glory of it all. Who knew you could still be disconnected in the real world?

The thing is, the world of www and text messages that we so desperately are craving to be connected to, at all times (some of us anyway) - it isn't that "real".

This phenomenon has been studied lately, forgot how they call it. Something about deliberately silencing your devices for a period of time - not disconnecting. Message pops up on smartphone or laptop, making you feel that you have to react, respond - immediately. And somebody who sent it, also feels that you have to - be it a boss, a relative, a friend, no matter how un-urgent, unimportant or even stupid it is. We are not that good at multitasking, quick exchange with messages is distracting, affecting things that are really important. Try telling this to boss, sheesh.

mtgoat666 - 9-19-2016 at 06:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Alm

Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view

Or just go off-grid and revel in the new found glory of it all. Who knew you could still be disconnected in the real world?

Never respond quickly to email. You need to train people to adhere to your schedule. Take control!