Desert Inn Loreto

For $50 a night, the older rooms felt fair enough. They were roomy, the beds were comfortable, and we had a great beach view with easy access right out front. We wanted somewhere inexpensive, right on the beach, and away from the tourist scene. There are only a couple of beachfront hotels, and this was one of the two in town. The location is great, though it felt strange that the hotel was so quiet with hardly anyone around. We still enjoyed it for what it was. A few things were confusing. We’d called a couple of weeks before arriving to reserve, but at check-in the front desk said there were no rooms. Once we mentioned the reservation, he took us to a room and booked us in, though they couldn’t find our reservation. The hotel seemed nearly empty, so I’m not sure why we were told there was no space. On a couple of occasions, staff or security didn’t recognize us when we returned after a day out and again said there were no rooms, even though we were staying there. We got the impression the government runs the hotel, and that it was built some time ago to promote tourism in the region. I’m not sure how that works when people trying to stay there are turned away. The pools are nice but unheated. In January they were cold enough that we eventually went to Hotel Oasis, the other beachfront hotel, so our daughter could swim in a partly heated pool. There’s a restaurant, but it only serves breakfast until around 10 a.m. It’s an easy 10-15 minute walk to the town center. I’d go back if they’d rent us a room again 😉

It costs 950 pesos per night, with a 15% discount for booking on Facebook. The villa rooms are lovely, and you can watch the sunrise right from bed. It’s pet friendly, and the beach is great for walking a dog.

The beds were really comfortable and the AC worked well. The rooms face right toward the beach, which feels pretty romantic. We visited during the off season, a week before spring break, so the outdoor pool bar was closed. The jacuzzi was out of service and dirty, and the rooms themselves were just okay.

The hotel could use some updating and care, but it was clean and comfortable, which matters most to me. The staff were helpful, friendly, and professional throughout.