Las Rosas Hotel & Spa

The mid-range Las Rosas Hotel & Spa occupies a large five-story pink building by the ocean, offering scenic views over the water. Interiors are pleasant, if a bit dated and worn, with lovely decorative tiled floors and plenty of potted plants and other greenery lending a tropical flair. Touches of turquoise in cushions on wicker seating and handrails on staircases pop against the white walls of the lobby, a lovely color palette that's also warmed by hints of subdued pink on accent walls. The restaurant and bar have a similar turquoise-accented ambience and large windows offering views over the pool deck and ocean beyond. Overall, it's a solid choice for both leisure and business tourists, and despite the hangups some guests have about the dated and worn nature of the property, most rave about the views.

The hotel occupies a beachfront location on a rocky stretch of coast, with direct access via steps from the property to the shore. It sits along a busy highway, with a gas station and a Subway restaurant directly across the road. Ensenada's center is about a 15-minute drive, where guests will find dining options, shops, and attractions like the Museo de Historia and the Caracol Museum. First Street, which is lined with restaurants, bars, cafes, and souvenir shops, is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Other area attractions include La Bufadora, an impressive marine geyser, which is about a 55-minute drive south of the city. Wine lovers might want to head north to the Museo de la Vid y el Vino, which is about a 30-minute drive. Ensenada Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Tijuana is about an hour and 20 minutes away, where travelers can cross the American border -- though drive times vary depending on traffic, which can get congested.

Rooms are simply styled but homey, all with private balconies that let in natural light and offer views of the ocean. Plain white walls and gray carpeting are paired with colorful accents like turquoise pillows and throws on white bed linens or striped cushions on wicker seating. Some wear and tear is visible, but the spaces are pleasant enough.

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, electronic safes, telephones, bottled water, and free Wi-Fi (though guests complain of poor connections in rooms), plus some rooms have fireplaces. Bathrooms vary in style -- some feature colorful tiling, while others are more subdued -- but they're a bit dated and come equipped with either showers or shower/tub combos. Jacuzzi Suites have whirlpool tubs. Note that guests complain of cleanliness and maintenance issues, as well as audible noise from the nearby highway.

The hotel's outdoor pool is one of the highlights here, surrounded by a large sundeck lined with loungers, and offering beautiful views over the ocean. There's also a hot tub, and plenty of space to lounge around. The on-site spa offers various treatments such as massages and facials, and there's also a small fitness center equipped with a moderate amount of machines, plus a sauna. There are tennis courts on the grounds as well.

The hotel has a restaurant on-site as well as a bar that offers live music on some evenings. Other amenities include meeting and event space, a shop for souvenirs and sundries, and free Wi-Fi throughout, though guests complain that the signal is weak in guest rooms. Parking at the hotel is free and easy.