The Best Hotels to Book in Ensenada, Mexico, for Every Traveler

Watch the world go by over a cocktail at the yacht-packed Ensenada Port | © Richard Cummins / Alamy Stock Photo

24 September 2021

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A well-established tourist destination on Baja California’s Pacific coast, the port city of Ensenada has a bounty of hotels for all flavors of traveler. From prestige resorts on the boat-speckled marina to upgraded Airstream caravans on the edge of wine country, there’s reason to check in and stay a while here. We round up the best places to stay in Ensenada – all bookable with Culture Trip.

Hotel Coral & Marina

Guest room in pastel hues with two large beds, dark wood headboards, abstract art and light carpet at Hotel Coral And Marina

Courtesy of Hotel Coral And Marina / Expedia

Comfortable and convenient Hotel Coral is close to Riviera del Pacifico, the 1930s Spanish-style former casino rumored to have been a haunt of Al Capone and (maybe) the birthplace of the margarita cocktail. Now it’s a family-friendly museum delving into the region’s history. Back at the hotel, you can sip a margarita from your balcony and watch the luxury yachts in the marina.

Torre Lucerna

Courtesy of Torre Lucerna Hotel Ensenada / Expedia

Fresh white linens against deep navy walls and pops of gold give a cool, contemporary look to the rooms at Torre Lucerna. One of the top places to stay in Ensenada for foodies, this luxury hotel’s three restaurants really make the experience. Dine on succulent steaks and the freshest seafood from the Riviera Pacific Grill or head to the rooftop raw bar for an open-air view across the water accompanied by chilled local wines and citrus-loaded ceviche.

Estero Beach Hotel and Resort

Courtesy of Estero Beach Hotel and Resort / Expedia

An old favorite with activity addicts since the 1950s, Estero Beach hotel in Ensenada is dedicated to keeping its guests entertained. Hosting volleyball, soccer and tennis tournaments on-site, the concierge will also arrange horseback rides on the beach, jet skiing, golfing, sailing, diving and wine tours. If you need a rest after all that, head to a lounger by the pool and take a snooze under the palms, relaxing to the sounds of the waves.

Quintas Papagayo

Courtesy of Hotel Quintas Papagayo / Booking.com

Beach lovers on a budget will appreciate this gated oceanside complex roughly 10 minutes from the center of Ensenada. It offers a variety of options – chalets, cabins, studios and suites – in a low-rise block, many of which have balconies. The comfortable accommodation is scattered around a tropical garden with a pool. When making a booking at this cheap hotel in Ensenada, ask for an ocean view – you’ll never tire of the palm trees and glittering waters.

San Nicolas Hotel and Casino

Simple king room with decorative wood panel behind bed, tile floors and sliding doors to deck with hot tub at San Nicolas Hotel

Courtesy of San Nicolas Hotel and Casino / Expedia

Looking for a place to party? San Nicholas has the largest swimming pool in town and three large hot tubs for good measure. It’s also the only Ensenada hotel with a casino and 400 Las Vegas-style gaming machines. You get the vibe. All rooms look onto the pool, which is edged with plenty of sun beds. When booking, ask for one of the newly refurbished rooms, which keep things simple with wooden floors and pared back décor, allowing you to focus on the fun stuff going on outside.

Hotel Cortez

Courtesy of Hotel Cortez / Expedia

Ensenada’s shops and nightlife are within a few steps of this 122-room hotel. Popular with business travelers, guests can be certain all the basics are covered, enabling them to concentrate on the boutiques and amenities in the area. Families will appreciate the charming Ventana al Mar harborside park, which sits just over the road and features a playground, fountain and live music. In the evenings, the fountain comes to life with a dramatic light and water display.

La Villa de Adelina

Courtesy of La Villa de Adelina / Expedia

Make yourself at home in a genuine slice of Baja history and hospitality. Built in 1887, La Villa de Adelina is a family-run boutique bed and breakfast in the heart of Ensenada, which offers a touch of comforting refinement. Retreat to one of four bright and fresh country garden-style guest rooms with floral cottons. Wake up to coffee at the on-site bistro where you can also grab a fluffy fresh-fruit pancake before exploring wine routes.

Valley Nomads

Courtesy of Valley Nomads by GuruHotel / Expedia

Marvel at the vastness of the desert night sky from the doorway of an Airstream caravan at this quirky place to stay in Ensenada. Getting closer to nature is all part of the experience at Valley Nomads, where a collection of 19 glamping trailers come with queen-size beds, mini bars and daily maid service. Walk 20 minutes and you’ll find yourself in two of the area’s finest vineyards: Winery Santo Tomas and Liceaga Winery. But when you’re ready for the delights of the city, central Ensenada is just a 30-minute drive away.

If none of these take your fancy, discover the best boutique hotels or resorts in Ensenada, now bookable via Culture Trip. See how to spend your days there, as well as your evenings in these bars. If you’re continuing your Mexican trip, head to the capital for these unmissable attractions in Mexico City.

These recommendations were updated on September 24, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.

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