We were dissatisfied with several things. We feel that potential guests have the right to know so they don't feel the way we did after having arrived. We did our research prior to reserving, and we felt very comfortable about our hotel choice. However, upon arrival we realized that this was nowhere close to the descriptions we had read about. Pros: rooms are spacious, grounds are clean, the view of the bay is beautiful, most of the staff was helpful.
Cons: a couple of dead roaches scattered by the sink, the telephone did not work and they were not able to fix it during our three night stay. The bedding was not very clean (cracker crumbs which I discovered only after climbing into bed and tucking my feet in) Even after all this, we thought well, we should go for a swim...as we approached their private beach we realized why no one was getting in...sewage and a dead pelican floating on the water's edge. This really ruined our stay as we were traveling with children and they really had nothing to do. On the second day our two-year old got sick and we decided to cut our vacation short. However, when we approached the front desk with our concern they were not very helpful and said that we could cancel our last night, but we would still be charged for it as that was part of their cancellation policy.
We definitely don't feel that we got our money's worth and we would not recommend this place to anyone.

I have been spending a week at the Playa de Cortez almost every month since I bought property in San Carlos to build a house. My favorite room is #304 which overlooks the Sea of Cortez. The first sounds of dawn are chirping birds and the sound of water calling to the beach. I have found the rooms always clean.

The personnel are always courteous and anxious to please. I'm widowed and travel alone but always feel safe at the Cortez.

The Cortez depicts Mexico the way it used to be. The front desk & lobby with it's old fashioned wall slots to hold keys and messages is so charming, sometimes I just sit to enjoy the ambiance, view the water and great courtyard that has seen so many weddings, social gatherings, meetings, etc. The grounds have glorious blooming bougainvilla bushes, huge shade trees and native cactus to remind you of where you are.

The wonderful little bar still stands ready to host the governors, movie stars and dignitaries that once crowded the premises.

Sometimes it is so quiet, one can hear the grass grow. When I have been there, I've seen mostly the older crowd but there are also families with children whose laughter and splashes in the crystal clear pool is very pleasant.

Breakfast is a delight in the huge dining room that has a large round table, always decorated with an urn of flowers. Large windows line one side of the room with a breathtaking view of the Sea of Cortez and mountains in the distance.

Rafael, my favorite waiter is always soft spoken and so helpful with suggestions and information about what's on the menu today. He's anxious to please and never forgets to smile. A tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice appears almostly instantly after it's ordered and service is excellent.

The Cortez is like the most beautiful movie star who has aged with dignity and grace and is still charming and lovely.

My wife and I have been visiting this beautiful hotel since 1972! We try and visit every year and in the 80's we spent a month there. This is truly one of the most relaxing and clean hotels you will find. The food is excellent and the bar is wonderful, especially on Friday nights when they present Guaymans Shrimp on swords. My children always enjoyed the pool and grounds and learned to play tennis. The fishing is very good. If you are interested to know, we have driven there most of the time with no problems. An easy three days from Lake Tahoe and two long days on a couple of occassions. If you are looking for lots of excitement, this probably is not your place. Take reading material and be ready to reduce your pace to a crawl. Happy travels!

The Hotel Playa de Cortes is THE place to stay in Guaymas. We toured San Carlos and found it to be too touristy, and then in Guaymas didn't see much on the beach. The Playa de Cortes was perfect. It's quiet, a few minutes outside of the city, and right on a beatiful beach. It was built in 1936, and has all the classic charms. The rooms are big and clean, the food is excellent, and the hospitality is great. Patios around the hotel offer views of the ocean and the hotel's garden, and there is a great pool- very deep, all tile. We were there just after their season ended, in May, and were practically alone in the hotel. I would recommend this hotel to anyone. It's a very romantic place!