Down the way a bit from the main drag is the Vegas Hotel. Very reasonable. Great staff. Still close enough to the action that you won't be disappointed.

got reservations for the vegas. is the action within walking distance?

Mike,
The Vegas Hotel is a 10 minute walk by foot. But, you can easily take a trike or a jeepney into the Balibago bar area. You can look up Beth. She works in the restaurant/bar area in Vegas (she's either the manager of the restaurant or head waitress). Super cool gal and speaks very good English. No she's not a bar girl but just someone who's very nice and can direct you around AC. Good luck.

I stayed at the Vegas a few days. Beth welcomes you and cares about your stay. But: the place is dead itself, the owners kids are running around yelling all the time, and the pool is sorta green but a sign says "shower before entering". My quiet room was discounted for me at 1040p a night. Several friendly small bars on the main street including a VFW or Amer Legion with great cheap breakfasts. You can walk down to Balibago, or take the 4p jeep, or 40p trike.
"Rumours" hotel/bar/massage is remodeling across the street.
A barfine decided to leave one night after I dozed off at about 3 am. The shotgun-toting security guard brought her back to check if it "was okay for her to be leaving now". I like good security when I travel.

Man, that is security. She probably refused to tip the guy and he got vibes that maybe she lifted
a watch or wallet while you slept. It's a good idea to walk very loudly and slowly if you drag your ass back at 4 a.m.. I would hate to startle
a man with a double-barreled shotgun in the dark.

I stayed at the Vegas in September and the place was dead quiet. But, I actually liked that. The staff is great, especially Beth, who is a real sweetheart.

I assume this is the place now known as Hotel Hana? The prices sound interesting. Has anyone stayed there lately?

http://www.hotel-hana.com/

I haven't stayed there but I've driven by it several times. It's not real close to the action, especially at night. To help you compare distances it's about the same distance as the Villa Zaragoza is to the alley in Tijuana. You do not want to make this walk at night - it's too dangerous. Just stay at the Orchid Inn or the Kokomoz Hotel. Both are real close and nice. The Orchid is pricey but you can get a regular room for $29/night.

...(prog)


(Message edited by progman on June 18, 2003)

According to the pics on their website it looks like they've spruced it up a bit from the old Vegas Hotel. The pool looks great now. It used to be somewhat dingy.

Even though the location is not centrally located near Fields Ave, it is just a jeepney ride (during the day) and a short trike ride away. If you aren't constantly going back and forth from hotel to the action this place should be fine. My gal used to love it because it was quiet and secluded. Plus, the quality of the rooms for the price is outstanding.

N8guy

While this hotel is looking much better, it's location is better suited to the honeymoon type of adventure you've had with your honeyko in the past. For the more "active" hobbyist the location is bad.

Porker

The problem with this place is it's TOO far from the action!! It's nice to be secluded, but relying on jeeps and trikes is not savory in my book.

Trikes are run by the shiftiest men on the face of the earth!! I trust all the trike drivers about as far as I can throw Pinotubo (and I have a bad back). There are some NOT looking to rip you off, but that's 1 out of every 10000 and those trustworthy gents look the same as the guys that will do ALL they can to separate you from your money. This includes shady card games, "here, take a look at my wallet" games and just taking you to a place where his buddies are waiting for you with knives/guns.

Jeepneys are better, but not something I would recommend if you're alone. I've had some moments in the back of one of those where I thought I was going to get a knife in my kidneys...

So, you end up saving on the hotel, but spend more in travel and expose yourself to greater risk. Not the best tradeoff in a country where life is cheap!! Spend the extra $5-10 and stay in the heart of things. Orchid, Chicago, wherever - and walk with your date(s) back to your room.

From one who knows...

E

Thanks for the input, and yes, Progman, comparing the distances to places in TJ helps me tremendously to put things in perspective. From looking at a map it didn't look that far.

Porker,

I figured you needed a point of reference. Glad it helped…

Epimetheus is absolutely correct – it’s not worth the few hundred pesos you will be saving. Another thing to think about - The Orchid and Kokomoz are within spitting distance to Santos Street. We have found that the experience is much more enjoyable if you bring them back to the hotel (the rooms in the Santos Bars are pretty nasty). Staying so far away will take the fun out of it. Besides, if you're like Epimetheus and me - we normally bring back three or four Santos girls to "take the edge off" when we first roll into town. Putting them in 2 or 3 trikes is just not worth it.

...(prog)

Apartelle Royal rooms are even nicer than the rooms at the Oasis and it is in the middle of the action,,,,,incomparable in my book.

Progman is correct - the ST rooms down on Santos St are HORRIBLE!! After a while you get their cell phone numbers and just "order out". No need to even step foot out of your room. It costs less then most hotels room service and it's FAR more fun!!

E