Hotels in San Blas

For budget travelers who are not staying long, you might check out one of 3 hotels that are on the main road from the plaza to the beach. There is the Hotel Pelicanos, ( 323 285 1345 ) the Hotel Ranchero and around the corner the Casa Maria. These are $15 to $20 a night and have communal cooking areas and garden patios. Also very popular is the Bucanero across from Wala Wala. It is old and can be noisy, but it is quite popular since it is cheap and in a good location. They take pets. All of these hotels are centrally located close to the plaza and bus station. These are the closest thing San Blas has to a youth hostel.

A good mid-range choice is the Posada Del Ray. They have a small pool and a nice ambience.

For a more luxorious place try the Garza Canela or Los Flamingos. Both places are very nice and have large pools.

Another upscale option is La Casa De Las Cocadas with a nice view of the estuary from the upstairs bar. It is an older building that has been tastefully renovated and decorated. It has a huge TV screen for sports viewing. Check out their excellent website at Casa De Las Cocadas (01 323 285 0960).

Bungalows

These places are good monthly rentals. They also have weekly and daily rates but you get a much better deal by the month. Bungalows are furnished - all have private baths, hot water and a small kitchen. Please do not write to me for reservations.

Bungalow in Garden
One-bedroom detached bungalow located on quiet residential street three blocks from the plaza. The unit has a separate bedroom, kitchen and bathroom with shower. Kitchen has a stove, fridge, and a large island and is well-equipped for food preparation. This is a well-kept and roomy space that looks out over a flower garden amongst large trees providing shade in the afternoon.

Furnished rental for up to two people for 3,000 pesos monthly; will consider shorter rentals at 1,000 pesos per week. Call Nina at 01-323-285-0588 for more information.

Bungalows Conny
This is a good option. It is a new place with a pool, airconditioning and TV. Their web site is at Bungalows Conny and I've heard they actually answer their emails!. /

Casa Roxanna This is another great little place but a bit more expensive. This place is not a paint peeler so if you are worried about culture shock it could be a good place to start. It has a pool, air conditioning and direct TV. The 2 guys that own it are very friendly and helpful and the rest of the staff is nice as well. Somehow they manage to keep the place in perfect condition. This place is very popular and is often filled up so be sure to make reservations. Check out their website at Casa Roxanna.

El Encanto at Santa Cruz This is a beautiful place with oceanfront apartments and rooms back in the jungle. They have 7 acres right next to the Hotel Miramar Paraiso. In the back they have gardens and a jungle reserve that is good for birdwatching. They also have facilities for hosting retreats. Santa Cruz is about 20 miles from San Blas. The village is smaller so there is not much activity but this is a great place to go to relax. Also, the bugs aren't as bad at Santa Cruz. See their web site, El Encanto, for rates and more info.

Quinta California Another possibility with 2 bedroom apartments for about $300 a month. They are located about halfway between town and the beach and have a beautiful courtyard. Internet is available for customers. Their web site is at Quinta California.

Gustavos Bungalows
$450 a month. These are 2 bedroom furnished apartments - brand new and very nicely done. Must see! About 3 blocks from the plaza. Perfect for an early retirement. Contact Gustavo in the Plazza Minisuper on the plaza, or call him at 52 1 3231121870. English and Spanish spoken.
Contact Gustavo

Apartments

Social Club Aparments 4000 pesos a month. Right on the plaza. Great for people who like to be in the center of things.

Camping

Many of the ramadas on Borrego Beach allow free camping. They have restrooms, food and a place to hang your hammock, put up a tent or park your van or camper. The most popular is Pompis, where the local surfers hang out. It can be pretty buggy in the evenings but lots of people do it. Pompies and Mar Y Sol both have primitive style palapas on the beach that they rent out.

There is a trailer park near the beach called Coco Locos. Also there is a trailer park in Los Cocos called Playa Amor and another at the Paraiso Miramar near Santa Cruz. (http://hotelparaisomiramar.com) This place is exceptionally nice.