With full credit to Sam.

The Grand accepted my rate ($65) and gave me a "club" status, so I changed. The problem with the PA, for me, was the absolute non-existence of a work out room. The Grand had a fantastic gymnasium in the mall. Also, the Grand has a tremendous outdoors pool / jacuzzi, with tennis courts. The food was unbelievable. Also, the bar scene was great. Although the PA had better rooms, the view at the Club level was unbelievable. I stayed at the Grand for the next 6 months. Then, they changed management and as usual, tried to change my rate.


Try negotiating the rate in pesos. Start at 625 and see where it takes you. Tell them that you come to TJ frequently. And, you are in search of a steady place to stay.

At the Grand, insist on $65/night with Club level room.


Grand Hotel
Best rooms with view
Best Pool / tennis court
Best with gold course
Best restaurant selection
Best gym set up
Move show within the complex
Best lobby and buffet
Best security

My opinion, only.

Any idea on where this hotel is located at? I'm in search for a nice place to bring a favorita to. Have already been to hotel leon and villa zaragoza. both are pretty nice.

Eclipse,

Check out: http://www.grandhoteltijuana.com/

They have a pretty good site, and the location page will answer your quesiton.


StrikeEagle

Wow. The pictures on that website look really nice. However, the prices listed there are nowhere even close to the $65/night price Sam listed. I rather spend a couple nights at VZ at that price!

Btw strikeeagle, thanks for all your efforts in putting all the info in a much needed categorized manner.

De Nada.

Don't worry about the prices posted on the hotel web site. They've been there for months.

As with hotels all over North America, prices are being SLASHED. But, YOU HAVE TO ASK for the better rate. Call down there, and negotiate. Even before 9-11, the Grand was commonly no more than $85 per night for Club Level room. (I have personal experience with this) Given this, I'm quite sure that you can currently get them to give you a Club Level room for $65 per night.

When booking at the Grand, insist on a Club Level room. This gives you a view room on a high floor, and the little 'extras' that come with a stay at a nice hotel. (Continental Breakfast and an evening cocktail in the Club lounge)

BTW, please let us all know how your booking works out. I know that you'll give us a review after your stay. ;-)


Bueno Suerte,

StrikeEagle

I made a reservation there for cinco de mayo and got a club level room for $99 but when i called to confirm the date, i was informed somewhat reluctantly that the hotel is remodeling. Does anyone know the nature of the work? I don't really feel like dealing with construction noise, drywall, or dust... also the website is down
thanks,
velour

don't know but if you don't get an answer here let me know and i'll put jesus on it.

5pm checkout and free breakfast for 2 was what i ended up getting instead of a 'club' level room. floors 28 and above are closed for remodeling. overall not a great deal for $99 plus tax, about what you'd get in SD for the same price. 'Concierge' was a joke, couldn't answer a single one of my many questions about restaurants, shopping, directions ect.
velour

What's going on with this place? It used to be classy and good, and is located near cool stuff in the Zona Rio. Caliente sports bar downstairs.

the last time i drove by i thought they were renovating.

Anybody been by there lately? They're now off the web link above.

Harry

Anybody?

i drive by everday now, and it appears to be business as usual. haven't stayed there in a couple of years.

Thanks. I was looking for a pool and I think I found a place within my budget.

Harry

There is a place south of Plaza Rio that has nice rooms called The Fiesta Inn. It is probably a $10 taxi ride to the zona, but very nice.

Ben, How does this place compare to Pueblo Amigo Junior Suite and pricing?

I would say Hotel PA is better, but a toss up. Rooms are a few bucks less. Have a nice Presidential Suite.

Away from the main stream/zona/central area, but still very nice. Nice spa/massage business in the hotel.

Oh, right across the street from a high school where just watching recess is an uplifting experience.

Stayed here the last weekend in Feb on a Friday night. I believe we were on the 25th level or something close to that. We payed 140.00 for a double room that was just a normal room. The hotel was very nice though. Very hot waitresses at the bar downstairs and they told us that later it turns into a lounge with dancing and live band. The breakfast buffet was top notch for $11. All in all it was good but I can't see paying more than $100 for a night. I'll try another next time, but would love to see the lounge late night.

I have stayed at the Grand Hotel 4 times in the last three months. Go to the website http://www.grandhoteltij.com.mx/english/index.htm and click "Reserve Online." At the bottom, you'll see "Promotional Rates." If you choose AAA rate, you'll get a $79 weeknite rate (plus tax).

If you stay on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nite, and choose "Weekend Rate," the rate is $84 (plus tax) and includes buffet breakfast for two people the next morning. That's a heckuva deal if you're there on a Saturday nite because the Sunday buffet is over the top.

Rack rate is $140 per nite for a standard double, so the Promotional Rates are a very good deal.

I like the location because it is easy walking distance to good restaurants: Los Arcos, Saverios, La Espadana, and TGIFridays. Even closer to McDonald's, Cinemax, and Sam's Club. There's Argentine Beef and another restaurant directly across the street that I haven't tried yet.

There's a nice pool and hydropool. The hotel is well-maintained.

It is in a good location if you don't mind being a hefty cab fare from the zona norte, but personally I find this place to be really cold, and I don't mean cool or underheated in winter. Two dark towers rising high into the sky above a city done up in low slung buildings and festive colors. The Grand was designed to be a formal business hotel and it goes way over the line in fulfilling that mission. It is the perfect venue for a morticians' convention.

Also, even though I'm sure there are some really nice accomodations here, they also have a good number of seriously undersized rooms - the pretty comforter and firm mattress don't make it worth the money.

IMO every other premium hotel that I know of in TJ has a more festive atmosphere and give you that feeling you want when you're on vacation.