Planning my next trip wto T.J. Looking to stay somewhere I can relax poolside during rest periods. Other things on the wish list are an outdoor entrance, quality television with American broadcasts, and within an $8 cab ride to the zone.
Any tips?!
Thanks in advance!

I can recommend one place on the U.S. side...Americana Inn and Suites on San Ysidro Blvd. near Dairy Mart exit of I-5. It's about to become Best Western so rates are going up (ask for AAA rate to save a few bucks). Spacious grounds...definitely the best pool facilities in San Ysidro, maximum extended cable TV, but not within walking distance to the border or cheap ($50-55 summer AAA rates on weekends for a single...usually $10 cheaper during the week). Drive to TJ and add insurance/parking, or park in U.S. and walk or pay for cab.

If you don't mind being on the U.S. side, this is the best pool situation you're going to find unless you stay in the most expensive TJ hotels.

Fordsy, check out the holiday inn-agua caliente in the zona rio. has restaurant, nice pool and hot tub with natural mineral water. full service health spa on the second floor. interior corridor though. i think it is on ninos de los heroes rd in the zona rio. about an $8 cab ride to the adelita bar area. call 1-8oo-holiday for more info. or pull it up on the holiday inn website. lobby has tile floors and pillars and it is on historical natural hot springs. very nice place. rooms are decent, service is fair. no hassle bringing back a chica to the room.

airdick

Country Club (Baja Inn) on Aguacaliente. It has an heated outside pool and jacuzzi. I recommend getting a suite because it is only $15 more(~$65). Plus it is right across the street from Caliente, the Sportsbook/gambling place. Room service is good and many English/Mexican television stations.
I don't know about the fare, but I'm sure $10 would do it.

I assume Pollo means the Baja Inn that is right across the street from the hipodromo, which also contains a sports book, of course. Baja Inn has at least one entrance besides the lobby, but it may be locked at night. You do need to be somewhat discreet bringing girls there. I knew one person who stayed there on a regular basis who was chastised for bringing too many girls back to his room. The restaurant in front has good food and coffee, but slow service. That is OK, because there always seem to be cute upper class Mexicanas in there, as it is just down the street from one of TJ's better neighborhoods. I think the cab was $7 or $8 to the zona, but I remember them asking $10 on at least one occasion. You can also walk to the corner and catch a ruta taxi for 5 pesos. That is a major pickup and drop off point for a few of the cab companies and buses. I never think to recommend this place, because most people I know consider it too far from the zona.

I would recommend the Hotel Lucerna. It is in Zona Rio, has a beautiful pool and courtyard area. Taxis to Zona Rio are from 7 to 10 dollars. Ask for the corporate rate. It has a great restaurant and is close to many other restaurants. Just down the block from Baby Rock, Guadalajara Grill, and El Zaguan. (all at the Abe Lincoln statute)

Robertosol, what are they quoting you as the corporate rate at Lucerna. One of the "discount" hotel reservation websites quotes the corporate rate at $130 for midweek.

Try the palacio azteca. It is on the Ensenada free road off the Boulevard. Probably $8 cab ride from the zone. I have never had a problem with chicas. Just be discreet.

http://www.sdro.com/palacio/

I have been told a couple of times that the corporate rate at Lucerna is $95.

$95 is correct for the corporate rate. I remember just 5 years ago when it was $53. Just inflation I guess.

So much for "discount" reservation websites. More like fraud. Cutting IN the middle man looks like.

I have never found a good rate on a TJ hotel through one of those websites. Has anyone else?

Hotel Najera has one on the roof. Gotta buy an elevator pass, however. Ask any of the chicas out front. They'll hook you up!

Agua Caliente looks appealing... I like the idea of catching some rays, a little workout, a steam, a shower, then hit ZN.
Any downsides to this place?