We returned yesterday from a 3-night stay over the July 4th, 2004 weekend at what used to be one of the nicest hotels in San Felipe. What a depressing experience, since we have been going down there for over 22 years. The hotel has fallen into such a horrible state that it literally made us more and more depressed each time we returned from a trip into town. The main pool was filthy and could not be used, although it was packed with kids and others more adventurous than us. The side pool was slightly better but lacked lounge chairs and any services. Our room had a great view, but that's it: roaches in the bathroom, stains on the carpet, etc. The hallways were filthy and the grounds unkept. The bathrooms were always horrible and we expected that; but it seems that everything else has also deteriorated.
All of this misery came for $100/night. An utter joke.
We never used to eat at the hotel and didn't do so this time, but based on the reviews it sounds as though the restaurant is just as bad as the rest of the facilities.
San Felipe itself has also changed. It is no longer the sleepy fishing village where you feel safe and carefree. Policemen loaded into pickup trucks were placed all along the malecon. They also were driving all though the town with their lights on. It felt more like a Nazi police state and we were just waiting to be pulled over for some non-existent traffic infraction. The fish tacos were still good, however, as was the food at El Nido steakhouse and George's. In fact, those 2 establishments seem to have withstood the test of time; but the rest has certainly fallen into a terrible state.
Given the long drive, "in your face" police presence, lack of good hotels and generally horrible state of the town, San Felipe and the Hotel Las Missiones (now called the "Mansion at San Felipe" -- hysterical) all seem to need a serious facelift. It is Cabo from now on or forget it.
- Hotel Playa San Felipe
