Puerto Nuevo Baja Hotel & Villas

With flat terra-cotta roofs and burnt earth-toned exteriors, this property is charmingly reminiscent of Pueblo Revival architecture. The vast grounds, studded with palm trees and cacti, include walking paths and seating areas to enjoy sparkling ocean views and breezes, even without direct beach access. Inside, Mexican wall decor and features like clay floor tiles and cushioned wooden benches throughout the lobby, bar, and restaurant create a laid-back Baja California vibe that’s ideal for the many vacationing families with children or the frequent weddings happening on-site. However, hallways between rooms have structural issues like broken tiles and stained walls.

The hotel is situated off a main highway about a 15-minute drive from downtown Rosarito and Rosarito Beach. While there isn’t much to look at out front, the gorgeous Pacific coastline is just behind the property, and the shops and restaurants of Puerto Nuevo, or Lobster Village, are a two-minute walk away. The filming locations at Baja Studios are a 12-minute drive away, and the Valle de Guadalupe wine country is around a 45-minute drive away. Tijuana is 45 to 50 minutes away by car. Tijuana International Airport is an hour’s drive away. San Diego International Airport takes an hour and a half to reach by car. Airport shuttles to and from the hotel aren’t provided.

Standard Rooms at the hotel are spacious, but unlike the fresh and breezy common areas, they look dated and feel shabby, with old ceiling fans, basic floor lamps and dressers, worn carpets, and walls that need a fresh coat of paint. Guests have noted that the beds can be hard and uncomfortable, and even partial ocean or garden views are obscured by dusty windows. Villas and Ocean Studios are bigger and slightly more polished, and some have small balconies, but their furniture could still use an update. Amenities are also subpar. TVs are old and often don’t operate properly, and the free Wi-Fi connection is unpredictable. Free water bottles are provided, but only Ocean Front King Rooms come with coffeemakers and air-conditioning. Villas also have fully-equipped kitchenettes with toasters, blenders, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Some rooms have unfurnished balconies and uninterrupted ocean views. Bathrooms also look outdated. While decent in size, the faucets look grimy, tiles are chipped, and light bulbs often need replacing. Standard Rooms have walk-in showers with fixed showerheads. Tub areas in some Villas are stained or peeling. Basic toiletries are provided, but hairdryers must be rented from the front desk, and require cash deposits. 

The hotel offers a nice variety of features. Colorful placemats, Spanish tiles, and indoor and outdoor seating with ocean views comprise La Langosta restaurant, which offers a decent seafood-focused Mexican menu. The breakfast buffet isn’t bad but comes with extra charges. Sunday brunch is particularly special, with unlimited cocktails and live music. Room service is available. The airy and spacious lobby bar includes seating at its long, tiled counter.The tiny fitness center contains minimal and somewhat dated equipment. The equally old-looking La Vid Spa offers free local wine or fruit-infused water, plus massages, manicures, and treatments -- also available in rooms -- for extra fees.The lovely, light-filled indoor pool (includes two whirlpools) and outdoor pool areas both offer plenty of surrounding seating. The outdoor pool is also adjacent to a pool bar and snack bar -- but the spaces can get crowded with children. Instead of a beach, a sandy area at the edge of the cliff with lounge chairs provides beautiful views of the seashore without direct access to the water.Other amenities include a small mini-market in the lobby, a large outdoor playground including play equipment for kids, a volleyball net, and an outdoor basketball court. The hotel also offers yoga, capoeira, and tai chi classes during select times of year. Scuba diving courses and tours are also on offer.A computer in the lobby is free to use, and three meeting rooms plus two outdoor spaces are well-equipped for business events and weddings. On-site parking is free, as is Wi-Fi, but guests have complained of spotty service.