Newbie Question on US hotels

[Melody E]

Good reading about the bus ride and the guitar guys The taxi guys are real piss off, almost all of them, give them 5$ and they are still friggin unhappy ! I have stopped testing my spanish on them or learning a few words on the way, just to keep it cheerful

 

[isnoop]

The Calafias run for 6.5 pesos. The guitar guys are pretty regular and they normally drive me crazy as well.

 

[Whatever Dude]

Speaking of buses does anyone ever take a bus a the border to the zona?

Yesterday for the second time as I was trying find a taxi libre I instead took a bus to Revolution and 3rd street. I just ask the guy Revolution and he says Si. The bus is usually always there you get on wait for about 5 minutes and then it takes off up 3rd street. Once it dropped me off two blocks away from Revolution, but this time it went past REVO so I got off right there, looked around REVO and then took that short walk down to the zona after checking out some places on REVO.

The bus is cheap too, I gave the guy a dollar, and I got back a few Mexican coins, not sure what they were, and can't see at night without my reading glasses, and I usually give them away later to the first person to ask or beg for money, but think it's like 50 cents. It fun riding the bus as you feel like a local.

But on this occasion we had this asshole with a guitar get on the bus and then start playing and singing. At one point I wanted to offer him money to not play and sing but didn't. After the song was finished he passed his hat and people actually gave him money, but no way was I going to give him a cent as he ruined my bus experience.

But like I said the bus is the best deal in town, even those Taxi libre's want at least $5 dollars to go to the zona, and they don't want to turn on the meter. It's a hassle to argue with them.

The bus I rode said 'Centro' and Linea on it, if any say Centro I'll get on as they all seem to go to or near Revolution.

 

[Amy O]

Hey Kegolf, I am glad you enjoyed your trip overall and found our tips useful. you seemed to be a seasoned guy, knowing just the right thing like taking the bus back. I forgot to mention thats what I do to cut the line sometimes. Good thinking.
About the bad "cold" girl, you just picked a lemon, many a times its a hit or miss, and by the law of "adelita averages" you hit one good one and one bad one ! In case of a "lemon" even if you spend time and drinks with her and she gives fake good vibes downstairs and turns out to be total opposites upstairs. I am sure other mongers know that by now. Of course it does help to get warmed up with the girl before, but in Adelitas its more mechanical anyway. You can try that in other local bars like Chavelas and Tropical next time.

 

[Layla]

First - thanks to everyone for the various input on my first excursion into Tijuana. It was a complete success and I'm sure many visits will be to come.

I arrived on-time on this past Sunday in San Diego - picked up my rental and checked into my hotel by noon. I decided to head on down to the border as I figured I could grab a beer or two and find a place to catch up on some of the football games.

Plan worked great. Dropped of my car at one of those $9 lots and walked on across through the two gates. (They should make a ringtone on the sound of those gates whirling through btw!).

Got across saw the taxis but as it was Sunday afternoon and (so far a nice day) figured I'd just walk it on into two. I ended up at one of those touristo bars before you head across the river and had some tacos and a few beers.

Finally around 2pm headed out and walked the rest of the way and found my way to Adelitas. I felt totally secure in the daytime walking around through the main roads to get there. I had to ask directions once but as I checked maps etc. before going, and thanks to the Arch, I had a general sense on where to go.

Adelitas - great place. To me, it was a mixture of a strip club + Hotel Del Rey + Zona Blue (for those that have been to San Jose) all mixed into one.

Compared to Costa Rica, it did appear a little more "mechanical" that spending time with the ticas, but then again, this was my first visit. Had a great time with three ladies. The first was one of the girls that was dancing on the seforum.xxxe - I had a table by the seforum.xxxe and when she stopped by for the tip I had whispered in her ear to swing by after she was done on the seforum.xxxe. 10 minutes later we were each having a drink. 20 minutes later and $12 shorter for room fees we were both naked and I was enjoying every minute of her luscious body.

Paid the room boy (although they all ask for a propina) and went back to the club. Hung out and recovered and found one of the very hot looking ones that just stand around so approached her and off we went. Fucked up and she wanted $80 (I know - should have negotiated before I went up). By this time she was naked except shoes with her ass up in the air on the bed. What a great way to sell if you ask me....

She was colder than the last one without much personality and learned the "hard" way that you you need to make some kind of up-front investment of time and it will pay off more up in the room.

Finally left around 5pm and decided to walk back. By the time, smoke and ashes and wind were picking up due to the fires etc so that was no fun. I still walked back and stopped off at Margaritas for a taco and margarita.

I know that advice given previously recommended to leave past 8pm or so due to how long the lines are to get out of MX. I did find out that a trick I've used at other border crossings work here - which was that I paid (in this case $10) to get on a bus. Lines were about 2-3 hours. Taking the bus route gave me AC and got me out of the smoke and wind and was back across in 20-30 minutes and well worth the $10.

Thanks to everyone again for their help. Next trip I plan to get back to Adelitas, but venture out some more to the other clubs and perhaps to a SG. I did walk past large amount of SG's, but frankly they were much rougher looking that what I would prefer so did not partake...

 

[LindZ]

Also if you are going on a weekday, you wouldn't need a reservation anyway. I tried to pay cash days in advance for a jacuzzi room and they were hearing none of it...even offered a tip.

 

[Above Normal]

If you arrive at La Mansion on a weekday then you get to stay until 2pm the next day with the regular rate of $36.00; however, you don't get 'in-and-out' privileges. On the weekends there is a four hour limit.

I haven't rented a room overnight with 'in-and-out' privileges at La Mansion is a couple of years. The last time I did the rate was $59.00.

Rooms at El Parador come with 'in-and-out' privileges as part of the regular rate (about $33.00). Which (together with having a place in TJ) is why I don’t use La Mansion overnight. (These days I only use 'love-motels' when I don't want a chica to know where I live. Which is often wise, but that's a topic for another post.)

La Mansion and their kin don’t make reservations. In Mexico reservations don’t mean much unless you are staying in a major hotel. Many is the story I’ve heard of a guy who make a reservation only to find they didn’t have a room for him when he arrived. In Mexico if you want a room then you need to get there early.

 

[Daddy B]

Can anyone here tell me if you can rent a room at La Mansion for a whole night? If so, do you know how to get ahold of them to make a reservation? I can't find anything online. Thanks-

 

[molloyboy3]

So much good specific and correct advise/suggestion, I wish I was new and coming into San Diego. Why did I have to go through the trial and errors ways until I found out ! Thanks Guys

 

[AHMAI]

As long as you left early enough and there wasn't a serious traffic snarl from an accident, for example, you won't have too much trouble getting from Chula Vista to the airport. If the flight is at 10 a.m. and you want to get to the rental car by around 8:00 a.m., plan on leaving by 7:00 to 7:15 a.m. This should get you there in plenty in time. If you are paranoid, leave at 6:00 a.m.

 

[Hoonaengalp]

Based on your schedule I'd suggest staying in downtown San Diego instead of Chula Vista. Personally I'd try to avoid driving from Chula Vista to the Airport Monday morning. Just my $0.02.

 

[Torigirl]

Here is my last one before turning in for tonight, just saw Chicago Defeat Greenbay, that was a turnaournd ! Between 2 to 9 pm you can find good action starting at Adelitas, and if you are interested in local bar types there is Chavelas and Tropical, on your left when you walk out of Adelitas.
You dont want to leave TJ early mornng on monday if you have time constraints, it can be crowded at border crossing on foot too. Best time to leave is after 9 pm Sun night, as before 8 pm there are long Qs. Also driving from Chula Vista to Airport may take about minimum half hour with traffic on Monday morning.

 

[Jonny Mick]

thanks for the feedback..

Looks like I will be staying in Chula Vista. I have a rental car and will drive it to the lot on the US - side and walk over. I may head over around 1-2pm and take my time and grab some taco's/lunch then hit adelitas.

Based on the feedback, I'll plan on finding "something" to do until at least 8pm (and maybe 9pm) before I head back across the border.

I have a flight out of SAN at 10am Monday morning, otherwise I would think about staying in TJ - but I'd rather have the security of time and staying on the US side at least during this first visit.

I'm definately looking forward to the visit - even if it is only for a handful of hours....!

 

[Spooky1]

Burt and Radishe, you'll make good points.. To add, I would say since Kegog is new/ first time, I would just advise him plain and simple to take a rental car, stay around Chula Vista hotels which are on both 5 and 805 exits and then drive to parking lot near the border. Do not drive into Mexico, walk across, take a cab to Adelitas. Do not listen to taxi drivers for any destination, just firmly say you want to go to Adelitas, pay 5$. On way back reverse the same routine. Do not solicit any advice from persons on the street. Just take a cab to and fro to the point of entry.

 

[Magic But Mediocre]

There are a couple of motels (Days Inn, Motel 6, etc.) on E Street in Chula Vista. (Also some places to eat.) E Street is a trolley stop and these places are within walking distance of the trolley. While they are nicer than the Travel Lodge in San Ysidro I don't know they're enough nicer to merit the extra hassel of staying in Chula Vista.

Most guys are afraid to drive in Mexico. I drive there all the time and seldom have problems with the cops. (Be sure to buy Mexican auto insurance if you're going to drive in Mexico.) However, it takes much longer to cross the border by car than on foot. Few people need a car in Tijuana and so unless you need a car in TJ it makes sense to park in the US.

 

[kiwee@y7mail.com]

One thing I think that most of the guys have not said, probably because it is 2nd nature to them, so I'll say it .... do not drive your car across the border into Mexico. Use one of the closer parking lots (expensive) or take the trolley. And if you take the trolly, make sure you are back across the border before the last train runs. Taxis are expensive and walking long distances at 3:00 AM is not fun and can be down right dangerous.

But do take a taxi within TJ. Fare to Adelitas should be about $5. Do not allow the driver to take you to the "Donkey Show" or to this special place he knows. Tell him "Adelitas" and make sure he thinks you know where you are going.

 

[Other Girl]

Kegolf. I am guessing you like those nicer hotels. Then you can stay in Chula vista, there are couple of good one including Holiday Inn Express, which I found to be comfortable, clean and quiet. You dont have the Cleaning staff yelling around early mornings ! It will be about 4 miles to the border. You can rent a car, or you can take a taxi which cost 50$ to the border from San Diego Airport. Rental car parking would cost you about 5$ for 8 hours in a better parking lot just near the crossing. You can also take the trolley to the border, it would be onaly 2.25 but it will take you 30 to 45 minutes including bus to the Trolley station
Since this is your first time you are better off in Adelitas, the star attraction in TJ.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hi :
I agree crossing back the USA border in the Sunday afternoon is a real
pain in the ass for mongers who need to come home for new work week
in front of them. I would wait til 10pm and then walk cross the border line.
However, I need to do a lot of stuff on Sunday so my solution is very
simple to avoid all the hassle and ruin my weekend in TJ. I just stay in
hotel ZN. and come home 7 am. There is not many people crossing border
that early morning , but It works for me any time I make a trip here. You
need to spend over night in ZN. to really know and enjoy this atmosphere.
Enjoy,

 

[LHOOQ]

If I were you I would stay later on Sunday, till 9pm unless you plan on waiting in the 2-3 hour line to cross the border. Another reason why you should stay in a hotel in TJ.

 

[Ashleypink]

It is true that the selection won't be at its best but don't let that deter you. There will still be a good selection.

Happy Hunting!