General Reports

[Reinaldo]

You didn't pay a fine. You paid a bribe. When you pay a fine you get a receipt.

This morning I was arrested coming out of Adelitas.

I decided to stay up all night and leave for the border at 6 AM. I left Adelitas and jumped in a cab. The driver says,"Why are the Policia pulling me over, I haven't done anything". He come back to the car and says,"They want to talk to you". They take everything out of my pockets and put it on the trunk of the cab, and ask me if I have any drugs. Duh, no.

They then tell me that a lady made a complaint about me for "bothering her". They also say that they have it on a camera. I say can I see it, and they tell me to get in the car, and that I must go to the jail. The pictures on TV do not really do justice to what a real sh*thole it is.

I am put before the "judge", who I think may have been a sergeant. He finds me guilty and I have a choice of 24 hours in jail, or 1, 000 peso fine. I opt for the 1, 000 peso fine. They put me back in the car and we drive round for a while, and stop at a car with a lady and kid, in the car with a guy on the outside. They get out and talk. They get back in the car and ask me if I have the fine. I give them the 80 dollars and they take me to the border, joking that this is my cab ride. A very interesting trip to Tijuana.

Health & happiness to all.

[Keg]

This morning I was arrested coming out of Adelitas.

They then tell me that a lady made a complaint about me for "bothering her". They also say that they have it on a camera. I say can I see it, and they tell me to get in the car, and that I must go to the jail. The pictures on TV do not really do justice to what a real sh*thole it is.

SS,

Bummer story. You didn't say if it was all bullshit, or if you actually did something to the lady who made the charge. Just curious where exactly it happened, in AB or outside in front of the club?

[Joe Arturo]

This information conflicts with a Tijuana based forum. There are numerous people posting that nobody was allowed to smoke last night and previous nights this week. The ban started on Feb 16th at 8pm. Maybe some people are still getting away with it before the waiters arrive.

I am dying to know what the deal is.

It has been illegal to smoke in bars and restaurants for about 4 years now. The bars in Tijuana and Mexicali have been ignoring the law. The word on the street is that the Federal government has ordered compliance with the law here.

[Joe Arturo]

Just came back from HK and there was no smoking ban. I didn't pay attention if there were ash trays, but I saw plenty of people smoking.

I don't know when you were at HK but there has been a smoking ban here since Thursday. All of the placeshave no smoking signs posted all over the place. I was in HK last nighf and the giant screen behind the main bar stated with huge letters "PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE". Any time that somebody lit up security was there immediately to have him put it out. Right now a club can be shut down if tbey allow smoking.

[SuperSteve]

This morning I was arrested coming out of Adelitas.

I decided to stay up all night and leave for the border at 6 AM. I left Adelitas and jumped in a cab. The driver says,"Why are the Policia pulling me over, I haven't done anything". He come back to the car and says,"They want to talk to you". They take everything out of my pockets and put it on the trunk of the cab, and ask me if I have any drugs. Duh, no.

They then tell me that a lady made a complaint about me for "bothering her". They also say that they have it on a camera. I say can I see it, and they tell me to get in the car, and that I must go to the jail. The pictures on TV do not really do justice to what a real sh*thole it is.

I am put before the "judge", who I think may have been a sergeant. He finds me guilty and I have a choice of 24 hours in jail, or 1, 000 peso fine. I opt for the 1, 000 peso fine. They put me back in the car and we drive round for a while, and stop at a car with a lady and kid, in the car with a guy on the outside. They get out and talk. They get back in the car and ask me if I have the fine. I give them the 80 dollars and they take me to the border, joking that this is my cab ride. A very interesting trip to Tijuana.

Health & happiness to all.

[Phordphan]

This information conflicts with a Tijuana based forum. There are numerous people posting that nobody was allowed to smoke last night and previous nights this week. The ban started on Feb 16th at 8pm. Maybe some people are still getting away with it before the waiters arrive.

I am dying to know what the deal is.

IIRC, the smoking ban has been "in effect" since 2008. No smoking in any bars, restaurants, etc, etc, etc. However, I *think* if the business builds a completely enclosed area, then smokers can light up in that area. Which ain't going to happen in HK or any other Tijuana bar.

My guess is that somebody higher up decided to crack down on Tijuana. After all, cigarettes are killing, via second hand smoke, thousands more every year than silly little things like the drug cartels. <heavy sarcasm> We must get our priorities on order, after all.

[Artisttyp]

Just came back from HK and there was no smoking ban. I didn't pay attention if there were ash trays, but I saw plenty of people smoking.

This information conflicts with a Tijuana based forum. There are numerous people posting that nobody was allowed to smoke last night and previous nights this week. The ban started on Feb 16th at 8pm. Maybe some people are still getting away with it before the waiters arrive.

I am dying to know what the deal is.

[Sock111]

I've spent many nights at Premier, and a few at La Mansion. The beds are better at Mansion, the room service better at Premier. Free wifi at Premier, none at Mansion. There have been times when overnight on weekends was not possible, and others when it was welcome. Always a premium price for Friday thru Sunday nights.

When I am trying to impress a new novia the Lucerna is my choice. It is near La Mansion in the Zona Rio. A good solid 3-4 star spot that doesn't draw the hard partying US tourist crowd. Walking through the lobby with a girl 40 years younger has never been an issue. Easily within the $5 cab range of the Frontera or downtown.

I just want to add that La Mansion is only $30 a night. I've stayed there from 8 pm to 8am in the morning. It is not a 3-4 hour hotel as previously mentioned. The room was very nice and the bed better then average. Also, they keep your ID as a kind of deposit until you check out.

[Sock111]

Unfortunately there are reports of a smoking ban taking place now in the Zona Norte. I believe it extends beyond the Zona Norte as well. HK club hasn't put out ashtrays and never did Adelitas. Reports on another forum mention all clubs / bars in the zona have been like this for the past few days.

I wrote an emotional post on another forum regarding "Above All" law making and Nanny State governing so I won't bore you guys with it here.

When the ban hit New York City it was a foot in the door for a mess of other regulations that soon followed. I am glad you non smokers are happy with this new law but don't come crying when the ruling majority tampers with something you like to do.

Nothing it to be taken too seriously regarding crap like this in Mexico. Things could change in a heartbeat. However at the present time reports are as such.

Any guys on the ground care to share info?

Just came back from HK and there was no smoking ban. I didn't pay attention if there were ash trays, but I saw plenty of people smoking.

[Immortal]

I was there last night and as far as the inside the zona bars are concerned it is true. Smoking is no longer allowed inside the clubs or the adjoining hotels. All ashtrays have been removed and no smoking signs are posted in all clubs. As a smoker I couldn't believe it. Every time I wanted to smoke I had to go outside into the cold. Luckily I was with friends so we took turns so we wouldn't lose our table. This is a major negative and will definitely give me seconds thoughts about going down again. This is just the beginning.

What's next, no alcohol!

[Artisttyp]

Unfortunately there are reports of a smoking ban taking place now in the Zona Norte. I believe it extends beyond the Zona Norte as well. HK club hasn't put out ashtrays and never did Adelitas. Reports on another forum mention all clubs / bars in the zona have been like this for the past few days.

I wrote an emotional post on another forum regarding "Above All" law making and Nanny State governing so I won't bore you guys with it here.

When the ban hit New York City it was a foot in the door for a mess of other regulations that soon followed. I am glad you non smokers are happy with this new law but don't come crying when the ruling majority tampers with something you like to do.

Nothing it to be taken too seriously regarding crap like this in Mexico. Things could change in a heartbeat. However at the present time reports are as such.

Any guys on the ground care to share info?

[RomanyStar]

I've spent many nights at Premier, and a few at La Mansion. The beds are better at Mansion, the room service better at Premier. Free wifi at Premier, none at Mansion. There have been times when overnight on weekends was not possible, and others when it was welcome. Always a premium price for Friday thru Sunday nights.

When I am trying to impress a new novia the Lucerna is my choice. It is near La Mansion in the Zona Rio. A good solid 3-4 star spot that doesn't draw the hard partying US tourist crowd. Walking through the lobby with a girl 40 years younger has never been an issue. Easily within the $5 cab range of the Frontera or downtown.

Hey Guys, never been to tijuana before, quick question.

Its my impression after reading through the blog that the love motes (premier, la manson, el perador) are not "real hotels" but are just for 3-4hr renal. Is this true for ALL of them? I really like the pics on the web site of el parador. But I need a hotel for about 5 days where I get a key to the room and I can come and go as I please (weds through sun) and I want to stay in Tijuana. I am going there for one reason only and thats to fuck! I was planning on mostly using escorts because I like the GFE and I don't want to be rushed by fucking girls at HK for 30mins at a time.

And if I can't stay at one of the "love motels" what would be my next best option? It seems like guys like Hotel Ticuan. I do not want to pay an arm and a leg for a room but I don't want to stay at a dump either.

[Phordphan]

Hey Guys, never been to tijuana before, quick question.

Its my impression after reading through the blog that the love motes (premier, la manson, el perador) are not "real hotels" but are just for 3-4hr renal. Is this true for ALL of them? I really like the pics on the web site of el parador. But I need a hotel for about 5 days where I get a key to the room and I can come and go as I please (weds through sun) and I want to stay in Tijuana. I am going there for one reason only and thats to fuck! I was planning on mostly using escorts because I like the GFE and I don't want to be rushed by fucking girls at HK for 30mins at a time.

And if I can't stay at one of the "love motels" what would be my next best option? It seems like guys like Hotel Ticuan. I do not want to pay an arm and a leg for a room but I don't want to stay at a dump either.

The love motels really aren't set up for long term stays. You could, but I'm not sure how comfortable or convenient it may be. And some may not allow all night rentals on the weekends, or will charge you a fortune for such.

The only two realistic options are Ticuan and Pueblo Amigo. Both are nice. Both are similarly priced. The PA has specials for Mon - Thu stays, which put them on par, pricewise, with Ticuan. Except that the PA charges tax on top of the room price.

You can google them both. They both have web sites where you can book a room. The PA has an English option, but the Ticuan does not.

PA is within walking distance of the border, Ticuan is a $5 cab ride to the border. With escorts, it won't matter.

Rooms are around $60USD per night, a bit more on the weekends.

Another legit option, but not nearly as nice, would be two hotels on Revu, Caesar and Espana. Around $35 weekdays, $40-ish on weekends. Much like a Super 8, or some such. Clean, comfortable, basic. You'll need to book the rooms in person, IIRC.

Other than that, you can search the forums for long-term stays at the short-time hotels in the zona. If you're going for escorts, you probably don't want to do this. No point.

[DrSexalot]

Its a nice place to stay for an overnighter. Its a love motel and it is not anyplace close to the zona.

If you want to stay really close just stay at Leyva next to Chicago Club.

If you want a nicer hotel not to far away. Try the Ticuan. Very popular for the weekend guys. Its a real hotel.

El Parador is the same as Premier and cheaper. Better Jacuzzi rooms.

If your plan is to go in an out for a weekend? Than go to Ticuan. If you want to me close to the action. Lleyva.

Love motels (like little appartments. You park underneath) than Premier, La Manson or El Perador all about the same. With El Parador my personal favorite and a great jacuzzi suite for 480 pesos.

Hey Guys, never been to tijuana before, quick question.

Its my impression after reading through the blog that the love motes (premier, la manson, el perador) are not "real hotels" but are just for 3-4hr renal. Is this true for ALL of them? I really like the pics on the web site of el parador. But I need a hotel for about 5 days where I get a key to the room and I can come and go as I please (weds through sun) and I want to stay in Tijuana. I am going there for one reason only and thats to fuck! I was planning on mostly using escorts because I like the GFE and I don't want to be rushed by fucking girls at HK for 30mins at a time.

And if I can't stay at one of the "love motels" what would be my next best option? It seems like guys like Hotel Ticuan. I do not want to pay an arm and a leg for a room but I don't want to stay at a dump either.

[SuperSteve]

The Surfliner is a way to get to Tijuana that I greatly enjoy. I will be on it tomorrow. For me it is about three hours, each way, including the blue line, and $48. 40 R / T. This is less than I would spend in gas, and depending upon traffic not much more in time.

A few thoughts about travel from LAX / Tijuana would involve time.

I don't know how long it would take to get from LAX to Union Station but I would imagine 30 minutes to an hour. The Amtrak from Union Station (LAX in Amtrak Terms) to San Diego Station (SAN) would be just under three hours. Unless you hit the blue line perfectly you will add another hour, but 45 minutes at best. Using this scenario you are talking about almost 5 hours to get to the border, about $45. 50 total cost. If you are over 62 it would lower the Amtrak, blue line, portion by about $5. 00 each way.

On the reverse trip you will also need to factor the day and time for the border crossing. It will be anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours. If you have to be at the airport at least an hour before your flight that means leaving Tijuana 9-10 hours before your flight leaves. It also will add another $45. 50 to the cost. All added up it will cost you about $90. 00, but 11-12 hours of time, round trip.

For me, I would not want to fly to California and then probably take more time in getting to Tijuana, than it took me to fly to California, but that is just me. I don't know what the savings are, but it would have to be very substantial for me to invest this much time, and effort.

Health & happiness to all.