Las Rocas Resort & Spa

Set on a huge cliff overlooking the Pacific, Las Rocas Resort and Spa is a relaxing place with incredible views -- especially from the two pool areas. The ocean breezes and slow pace lend an island feel to the property, which consists of whitewashed stone buildings. The lobby has an authentic look that features tiled floors, whitewashed walls, colorful furniture, and a large mural. Eclectic accents such as colorful pottery and a wooden horse statue next to the red-tiled front desk set a friendly and cheerful tone. Bar Ole is a popular common area with woven furniture and a bar that combines carved wood with painted blue tiles. The bar extends to a terra-cotta patio overlooking the ocean. This property is best for couples and families -- business travelers will have to cope with occasionally slow Wi-Fi. It's especially relaxing here in the off season. 

Located in Rosarito, about an hours' drive south of San Diego, this property has a lovely setting with incredible views of the coastal landscape. The immediate area includes a busy street and not much else. Guests will need a car or other transportation to get around. The center of Rosarito is about a 15- to 20-minute drive and offers lots of bars and restaurants. However, it's a short walk from the property to K38, a famous surfing spot. There are also a few casual eateries within a five-minute walk down the beach, and a supermarket is eight minutes away on foot. Other activities in the area include horseback riding tours and water sports like stand-up paddleboarding and Jet Skis. Tijuana is about 45 minutes' drive and the Tijuana International Airport is about 50 minutes to an hour away by car. 

Rooms at Las Rocas Resort & Spa are simple and some show signs of age. Only some of the rooms were renovated in 2016. Unrenovated rooms have a charming decor that includes exposed wood beam ceilings and whitewashed walls. Floors combine brown carpeting with bright-blue tile. Desks, nightstands, and flat-screen TVs (with a few channels) are provided. All rooms have balconies with ocean views. However, rooms lack coffeemakers. Bathrooms have pretty blue-and-white tile and shower/tub combos with older fixtures. Guests have complained of minor maintenance issues such as faulty light fixtures, a lack of hot water, and slow-draining showers. Suites offer more amenities such as coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Some rooms also have fireplaces. There is free (but spotty) Wi-Fi in all rooms.

Features here focus on the outdoors. There are two attractively designed (unheated) outdoor pools with three hot tubs. One of the pools has a kiddy section, and there's a poolside bar that also has indoor seating. A private, small sandy beach is available to guests. La Palapas (El Meson) restaurant has oceanfront seating and serves fresh seafood dishes that get good reviews from past guests. A casual cafe serves free American-style breakfast each morning, as well as lunch. There's a bar next to the lobby that offers karaoke. The full-service spa provides beauty treatments and massages. A fitness center is available along with a volleyball court and pool table. Fire pits are available outside. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort, but the signal isn't consistent.