Hotel Villa Fontana Inn

I brought my girlfriend from San Diego for a romantic trip to Mexico, and she loved it. The walls are thin, so I felt a bit bad for the neighbors, though nobody complained. The hotel is excellent value, with a perfect location and equally good service. The bathroom and plumbing worked, and parking was secure. My one suggestion is to replace the mattresses.

We slept well in a balcony room with A.C., and the location is wonderful. The pool was nice but unheated, while the kids enjoyed the jacuzzi. Staff were friendly and helpful with directions. Parking on site is limited, but they offered secured parking around the corner. You can hear other guests through the thin walls. During the Rosarito bike ride, the price jumped from the usual $60 to $140. I think most hotels do that.

The location was perfect for my work trip with a bit of holiday mixed in. Staff greeted me by name every time, and housekeeping was outstanding. I had a great stay, thanks to everyone there.

Know the exchange rate before you pay. Two tall, thin men looked me in the eye, quoted one price, then charged another, adding $30 to my card. Thieves. The location puts you right in the middle of everything, which is convenient, but the whole surrounding area feels like a tourist trap aimed at cruise ship vacationers. A block or two away, you can get a better atmosphere and more for your money. There’s no hot water at the usual shower rush. The rooms are dated, parking is stacked if you drive, and there are parties around the hotel during the day. At night, some guests keep partying in their rooms. A group of drunk hat and sunglasses sellers outside the liquor store next door harass people and can make it hard for families with strollers to get past.