Estero Beach Hotel & Resort

Estero Beach Hotel & Resort was built in the '50s as a typical Mexican resort, with large outside areas, stunning sea views, and picturesque palm trees. The decor is mostly simple, with small added touches bringing some life into the hotel. There's a rather homey atmosphere throughout, with no pretense to be anything but a relaxing beachside resort. Las Terrazas Restaurant and Bar is bright and airy in the summer months and warm and cozy in the winter months thanks to a fireplace in the dining room's center. The inside seating area of the restaurant is slightly more formal (no bare feet or tank tops allowed) and the outdoor terrace is casual with beachwear clad bodies welcome. The hotel runs onto a private beach; the swimming pool area has the best views of the ocean. Active guests can keep busy with the tennis and volleyball courts and beach activities. There's a chance to relax with the massages and beauty treatments available on the beach or in rooms. The hotel is popular among couples and families, and provides enough facilities and space to satisfy all guests. The on-site conference and event facilities also attract business guests.

Estero Beach Hotel & Resort is located outside of Enseneda, 30 minutes off a main road. There's a small private beach right in front of the hotel. Unfortunately, there's not much in the way of restaurants, shops, or activities within walking distance from the hotel. La Bufadora is about a 20-minute drive south of the hotel, and includes the spectacular natural attraction of a marine geyser that shoots water into the air, along with a bazaar filled with restaurants and shops. The Baja Country Club, known as the most challenging golf course in the Baja, is about a 25-minute drive from the hotel. Downtown Ensenada is a 30-minute drive away, and there's a popular Seafood and Fish Market located at the Marina, as well as numerous other food and shopping opportunities. The area lacks public transport, so the easiest way to get around is to hire a car or make use of private cabs. Ensenada Airport (which only operates two regional carriers) is an 11-minute drive from the hotel. Tijuana is about an hour and 50 minutes away, from where travelers can cross the American border -- though drive times vary depending on traffic, which can get congested.

The guest rooms and suites at Estero Beach Hotel & Resort are simple and classic, with all rooms following a similar theme. The decor is simple, though with a few interesting pieces including handcrafted lampshade stands and indigenous-inspired art pieces on the walls. Furniture is a combination of contemporary and dated and rooms are either carpeted or tiled. Each room has a private furnished terrace, with either garden or sea views. All rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, work desk, tea/coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The Uxmal and Akumal Suites offer a more luxurious experience. Suites include two bedrooms, living and dining area, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a hot tub -- all with sea views. Bathrooms are large, though some are a bit shabby, and come with a shower/tub combo, hairdryer, and toiletries.

Features at Estero Beach Hotel & Resort are catered towards both couples looking to relax and families looking for activities to keep the kids busy. There's a beachfront restaurant and bar (Las Terrazas Restaurant) which serves both Mexican and international cuisine -- including a sushi bar. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a popular Sunday brunch -- though all meals are excluded from room rates. There is a large swimming pool overlooking the beach, surrounded by palm trees, sun lounges, parasols, and a pool bar. There are three on-site tennis courts as well as a volleyball court and children's playground -- though no fitness center. The private beach in front of the hotel offers various activities including kayaking and Jet Skis, as well as massages and beauty treatments (all for an additional fee). The on-site souvenir shop sells local trinkets and souvenirs as well as a limited selection of snacks. The on-site Mexican Culture Museum includes a collection of treasures from Mexico's past. For business travelers there's a convention center that accommodates up to 300 guests. The Recreation Hall can accommodate up to 60 guests. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.