Ensenada

[StRobert]

I was in Ensenada for the day as a cruise stop and it far exceeded expectations. So many people seem to be holding it up to Tijuana and are disappointed. It's like if you want the glitzy gigantic casinos, don't go to Laughlin. Las Vegas is right there. That's where you go. If you find yourself in Laughlin for whatever reason, they have tables and slot machines. It's just not Las Vegas.

I went to Gala Spa and enjoyed myself tremendously. The internet said it would open at 10. But it's Mexico. I walked by around 10:05. Nope. Walked by again around 10:30. Nope. I could tell though that the area was starting to feel more alive, so I came by again 7 or 8 minutes later and a sign was out in front and they were open.

I happened to walk in at the same time as a group of 4 locals. A lineup of 5 girls came out. All Mexican. No spinners, but none overweight. I don't have the highest standards in the world, but all were perfectly acceptable to me, with a few that stood out just a bit more for my tastes. I was very pleasantly surprised by the selection. I made my pick before the locals made theirs, paid 800 pesos to the house for an hour, and went to the room with my new friend. She quoted 2,000 and I didn't haggle.

Rooms are small with a simple massage table with a few towels on it and not much else. If you are expecting luxury this ain't it. It's a bit seedy but I felt completely safe. We got down to business right away, with her on the table and me standing. I asked if I could lick and that was no problem. At first she had a hand kind of on her thigh, ready to push away or limit access, but after a little while she loosened right up and seemed to have dropped any concerns about what I was up to. Multiple positions when the time came, everything was lovely. She cleaned me up, and I laid face down on the table. She then started a nice massage. I've certainly had better massages, but it was pleasant and relaxing. Sounds of the locals in neighboring rooms enjoying themselves came easily through the walls. I loved it.

There was no time pressure, and after a while I decided to turn over. She kept up the massage, occasionally giving mild attention to the boys. The sounds around me and her stimulation got me going after a bit, and told her I'd give her a tip for more specific attention. She asked if I wanted a blow job, but I wanted her to continue her now straight-forward hand job while my hands wandered. I got all that I wanted, mission accomplished. She cleaned me up, massaged me a bit more, and at that point I was ready to move on. No idea how much time we spent, but if it wasn't an hour it was close, and I was driving the bus in terms of when things ended. Got dressed, left a small tip which she appreciated and was offered bottled Kirkland water from the woman at the front counter on the way out.

Not fancy, not super cheap but a wonderful excursion on a cruise ship port day.

I paid in pesos, with exchange rate on the day being almost exactly 20 pesos to the dollar. I think they were taking dollars at that rate, but I'm not sure as I had the pesos. I'm pretty sure though that she quoted me $40 for the house fee. It was all a bit confusing as there was a lot of Spanish flying around with some English thrown in directed at me. I understand a very modest amount of Spanish so my brain was switching from straining to try to understand the Spanish directed at the locals to the few words of English directed at me. I certainly might have missed something, but in the end communication with the front counter and eventually the girl was pretty easy between my terrible 20 words of spanish, the few words of english they spoke and hand signals. I wouldn't have had any problems if I knew zero spanish; in fact it might have been easier if I hadn't been trying to listen / say something in spanish.

There were definitely other opportunities in Ensenada that I didn't pursue. Right around the corner is Temptation Spa. Neither place is completed secluded, but Gala is a bit more subtle on a smaller street, while Temptation is a bit more in-your-face and on a street with more people on it.

Ensenada, at least when I was there with two cruise ships in port, had lots of touts. Bars, restaurants, strip clubs, pharmacies and souvenir shops all had them. They were in your face, but friendly and took no for an answer pretty gently. After turning down their invitation to go in the pharmacy or whatever some offered girls or their "sister" or a massage without a massage place in sight but I didn't pursue it. My read was that this isn't Soho where they want to get you into an empty bar, lock the door and shake you down. I suspect that they all would deliver what they are touting if you took them up on it, but of course the quality / price might not be ideal. If Gala hadn't worked out I might have talked to a few of these guys up to see more what was on offer, but I had no need. It's an option though. I also saw a few woman give me the streetwalker eye, but I didn't pursue that either. None were as attractive as the least attractive girl in Gala.

There are a few strip clubs that I walked by. I'm only sure Paris de Noche was open. Didn't try the doors on the others and didn't see anyone walk in. I had read that they were more expensive than what I had paid for full service and that the quality of the strippers was low, but I can't report first hand.

Two places in town claim to be the inventors of the margarita. I went to both and they couldn't be more different from each other. Bar Andaluz is in a large former luxury hotel that is now a cultural center. The building is splendid and fun to walk around. The bar is small but next to a lovely courtyard, so most people get a drink at the bar and sit at a table in the courtyard. There was an older woman playing guitar and singing. The clientele was a mix of local and tour groups from the cruise ships. This place isn't far from cruise port, just past the science museum. You have to cross a super busy road though, so the only safe way of doing it on foot is turning left at the busy road, walking a ways to the first crosswalk, then backtracking on the other side to the cultural center. Then find the bar.

The other place is Hussong's Cantina. It's a small place in the central part of town just down the street from the Papas & Beer (P & be is party central for the young cruise ship crowd). Hussong's was jumping when I was there. There was a band of guys in black cowboy hats providing the sound track and the crowd was a mix of locals and cruise ship tourists all having a great time. Then the band stopped and older guy brought out a lasso and did tricks that would put Will Rogers to shame. The crowd went bananas, and when he was done he passed the hat for enthusiastic donations.

The margaritas at Bar Andaluz were in large margarita glasses and were very good. Maybe a bit on the weak side. Hussong's were served in a small, regular glass and were stronger. Didn't like the taste as much though. It was fun to compare.

So, all told I enjoyed my port day immensely. If you are there from a cruise and you are used to typical US prices, hassles etc. And don't mind things a bit on the seedy side, you can have a great time. Heck, I just enjoyed having a lineup at Gala, something I can't get around where I'm from. Ensenada is not fancy and not super cheap and probably not like "the old days", but lighten up and have fun. Or go to Tijuana.

Thanks for the info. I've been to Ensenada (R / T bus from Tijuana) but I didn't know anything about this place. This place is in the tourist zone. I think it's known to cruise ship passengers. They're even on Facebook (search for "Gala Spa Ensenada") Maybe next time I'll visit!

[Mrore]

I was in Ensenada for the day as a cruise stop and it far exceeded expectations. So many people seem to be holding it up to Tijuana and are disappointed. It's like if you want the glitzy gigantic casinos, don't go to Laughlin. Las Vegas is right there. That's where you go. If you find yourself in Laughlin for whatever reason, they have tables and slot machines. It's just not Las Vegas.

I went to Gala Spa and enjoyed myself tremendously. The internet said it would open at 10. But it's Mexico. I walked by around 10:05. Nope. Walked by again around 10:30. Nope. I could tell though that the area was starting to feel more alive, so I came by again 7 or 8 minutes later and a sign was out in front and they were open.

I happened to walk in at the same time as a group of 4 locals. A lineup of 5 girls came out. All Mexican. No spinners, but none overweight. I don't have the highest standards in the world, but all were perfectly acceptable to me, with a few that stood out just a bit more for my tastes. I was very pleasantly surprised by the selection. I made my pick before the locals made theirs, paid 800 pesos to the house for an hour, and went to the room with my new friend. She quoted 2,000 and I didn't haggle.

Rooms are small with a simple massage table with a few towels on it and not much else. If you are expecting luxury this ain't it. It's a bit seedy but I felt completely safe. We got down to business right away, with her on the table and me standing. I asked if I could lick and that was no problem. At first she had a hand kind of on her thigh, ready to push away or limit access, but after a little while she loosened right up and seemed to have dropped any concerns about what I was up to. Multiple positions when the time came, everything was lovely. She cleaned me up, and I laid face down on the table. She then started a nice massage. I've certainly had better massages, but it was pleasant and relaxing. Sounds of the locals in neighboring rooms enjoying themselves came easily through the walls. I loved it.

There was no time pressure, and after a while I decided to turn over. She kept up the massage, occasionally giving mild attention to the boys. The sounds around me and her stimulation got me going after a bit, and told her I'd give her a tip for more specific attention. She asked if I wanted a blow job, but I wanted her to continue her now straight-forward hand job while my hands wandered. I got all that I wanted, mission accomplished. She cleaned me up, massaged me a bit more, and at that point I was ready to move on. No idea how much time we spent, but if it wasn't an hour it was close, and I was driving the bus in terms of when things ended. Got dressed, left a small tip which she appreciated and was offered bottled Kirkland water from the woman at the front counter on the way out.

Not fancy, not super cheap but a wonderful excursion on a cruise ship port day.

I paid in pesos, with exchange rate on the day being almost exactly 20 pesos to the dollar. I think they were taking dollars at that rate, but I'm not sure as I had the pesos. I'm pretty sure though that she quoted me $40 for the house fee. It was all a bit confusing as there was a lot of Spanish flying around with some English thrown in directed at me. I understand a very modest amount of Spanish so my brain was switching from straining to try to understand the Spanish directed at the locals to the few words of English directed at me. I certainly might have missed something, but in the end communication with the front counter and eventually the girl was pretty easy between my terrible 20 words of spanish, the few words of english they spoke and hand signals. I wouldn't have had any problems if I knew zero spanish; in fact it might have been easier if I hadn't been trying to listen / say something in spanish.

There were definitely other opportunities in Ensenada that I didn't pursue. Right around the corner is Temptation Spa. Neither place is completed secluded, but Gala is a bit more subtle on a smaller street, while Temptation is a bit more in-your-face and on a street with more people on it.

Ensenada, at least when I was there with two cruise ships in port, had lots of touts. Bars, restaurants, strip clubs, pharmacies and souvenir shops all had them. They were in your face, but friendly and took no for an answer pretty gently. After turning down their invitation to go in the pharmacy or whatever some offered girls or their "sister" or a massage without a massage place in sight but I didn't pursue it. My read was that this isn't Soho where they want to get you into an empty bar, lock the door and shake you down. I suspect that they all would deliver what they are touting if you took them up on it, but of course the quality / price might not be ideal. If Gala hadn't worked out I might have talked to a few of these guys up to see more what was on offer, but I had no need. It's an option though. I also saw a few woman give me the streetwalker eye, but I didn't pursue that either. None were as attractive as the least attractive girl in Gala.

There are a few strip clubs that I walked by. I'm only sure Paris de Noche was open. Didn't try the doors on the others and didn't see anyone walk in. I had read that they were more expensive than what I had paid for full service and that the quality of the strippers was low, but I can't report first hand.

Two places in town claim to be the inventors of the margarita. I went to both and they couldn't be more different from each other. Bar Andaluz is in a large former luxury hotel that is now a cultural center. The building is splendid and fun to walk around. The bar is small but next to a lovely courtyard, so most people get a drink at the bar and sit at a table in the courtyard. There was an older woman playing guitar and singing. The clientele was a mix of local and tour groups from the cruise ships. This place isn't far from cruise port, just past the science museum. You have to cross a super busy road though, so the only safe way of doing it on foot is turning left at the busy road, walking a ways to the first crosswalk, then backtracking on the other side to the cultural center. Then find the bar.

The other place is Hussong's Cantina. It's a small place in the central part of town just down the street from the Papas & Beer (P & be is party central for the young cruise ship crowd). Hussong's was jumping when I was there. There was a band of guys in black cowboy hats providing the sound track and the crowd was a mix of locals and cruise ship tourists all having a great time. Then the band stopped and older guy brought out a lasso and did tricks that would put Will Rogers to shame. The crowd went bananas, and when he was done he passed the hat for enthusiastic donations.

The margaritas at Bar Andaluz were in large margarita glasses and were very good. Maybe a bit on the weak side. Hussong's were served in a small, regular glass and were stronger. Didn't like the taste as much though. It was fun to compare.

So, all told I enjoyed my port day immensely. If you are there from a cruise and you are used to typical US prices, hassles etc. And don't mind things a bit on the seedy side, you can have a great time. Heck, I just enjoyed having a lineup at Gala, something I can't get around where I'm from. Ensenada is not fancy and not super cheap and probably not like "the old days", but lighten up and have fun. Or go to Tijuana.

[BlueMoon22]

Will be there for a day and would like to have some fun!

[StRobert]

Hello, Hola! Guys if you are in Tijuana and have an extra day off, taking a bus from Tijuana to Ensenada is easy and safe. Start from the "PedEast" border crossing in San Ysidro, USA. On the Mexican side, once you go through the revolving door, go right Av. Frontera across the bridge (over the street leading to the USA.) When you get to the Easy Park building, turn left and go down. The "Tijuana Linea" bus station is right there, there is a large sign on the building "ABC Salidas Ensenada". (total walking time 10-15 min.) Of course, you can take a taxi to the "Tijuana Linea" bus station (bus to Ensenada), but the distance is really short. (From Hong Kong / Cascadas hotel take a taxi) Buy a one-way ticket to Ensenada "Calle Sexta" (6th Street) bus station. (As of May 2023, the price was 255 Pesos or 15 USD). Ask to seat by the window on the right side as there is a beautiful view of the ocean. Buses run every hour, here is a link to the timetable https://abc.com.mx/home In Ensenada, walk about 10-15 minutes or taxi, to the main street in the tourist section Av. Adolfo Lopez Mateos (also called Calle Primera). You can visit: Malecon, Fish market "Mercado Negro" and seafood restaurant nearby, local museum "Museo Historico Regional" (entrance is free and closed on Monday), "Cantina Hussong's" (Wow! This place is lively! A place where, according to legend, the Margarita drink was invented (90 Pesos for Margarita in May 2023), the famous street seafood cart "La Guerrerense" praised by Anthony Bourdain (closed Tuesday). The same owner Dona Sabina has the restaurant "Sabina" next door. Next seafood cart "El Guero" and also fish tacos cart "Tacos Fenix". I recommend beautiful Bar Andaluz in Centro Social why Cultural (formerly casino Riviera del Pacifico). It is also here in Bar Andaluz that they claim that the Margarita drink was invented in this bar (100 Pesos for Margarita in May 2023). According to legend, both bars Hussong's and Andaluz were the favorite places of gangster Al Capone during the era of alcohol prohibition in the USA. I recommend also the very good seafood restaurant "Mariscos Bahia De Ensenada" open since 1969 (Calle Primera corner Av. Riveroll nr. 109) recommended by local Mexican chica from Ensenada link https://www.mariscosbahiadeensenada.com/ Please check all locations on Google map. To return to Tijuana you need to buy a ticket at the same "Calle Sexta" ABC bus station. Travel time to Tijuana 1. 5 hours. Often in Ensenada there are large cruise ship sometimes two or three from the USA on the way to Cabo San Lucas and further.

With hundreds or even thousands of tourists. If you don't like crowds, check the timetable for arrivals cruise ships to port of Ensenada link https://cruisedig.com/ A good video about Ensenada filmed by American Gareth and the Mexican guide Tadeo link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T9mPzvDgkE.

Have fun!

Another good video about Ensenada is made by Adam and Heidi link here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SpRZgMKYyI If you have extra time, take a taxi from the Cascadas hotel to the "Tijuana Linea" bus station and visit Ensenada. A good day trip.

[StRobert]

Hello, Hola! Guys if you are in Tijuana and have an extra day off, taking a bus from Tijuana to Ensenada is easy and safe. Start from the "PedEast" border crossing in San Ysidro, USA. On the Mexican side, once you go through the revolving door, go right Av. Frontera across the bridge (over the street leading to the USA.) When you get to the Easy Park building, turn left and go down. The "Tijuana Linea" bus station is right there, there is a large sign on the building "ABC Salidas Ensenada". (total walking time 10-15 min.) Of course, you can take a taxi to the "Tijuana Linea" bus station (bus to Ensenada), but the distance is really short. (From Hong Kong / Cascadas hotel take a taxi) Buy a one-way ticket to Ensenada "Calle Sexta" (6th Street) bus station. (As of May 2023, the price was 255 Pesos or 15 USD). Ask to seat by the window on the right side as there is a beautiful view of the ocean. Buses run every hour, here is a link to the timetable https://abc.com.mx/home In Ensenada, walk about 10-15 minutes or taxi, to the main street in the tourist section Av. Adolfo Lopez Mateos (also called Calle Primera). You can visit: Malecon, Fish market "Mercado Negro" and seafood restaurant nearby, local museum "Museo Historico Regional" (entrance is free and closed on Monday), "Cantina Hussong's" (Wow! This place is lively! A place where, according to legend, the Margarita drink was invented (90 Pesos for Margarita in May 2023), the famous street seafood cart "La Guerrerense" praised by Anthony Bourdain (closed Tuesday). The same owner Dona Sabina has the restaurant "Sabina" next door. Next seafood cart "El Guero" and also fish tacos cart "Tacos Fenix". I recommend beautiful Bar Andaluz in Centro Social why Cultural (formerly casino Riviera del Pacifico). It is also here in Bar Andaluz that they claim that the Margarita drink was invented in this bar (100 Pesos for Margarita in May 2023). According to legend, both bars Hussong's and Andaluz were the favorite places of gangster Al Capone during the era of alcohol prohibition in the USA. I recommend also the very good seafood restaurant "Mariscos Bahia De Ensenada" open since 1969 (Calle Primera corner Av. Riveroll nr. 109) recommended by local Mexican chica from Ensenada link https://www.mariscosbahiadeensenada.com/ Please check all locations on Google map. To return to Tijuana you need to buy a ticket at the same "Calle Sexta" ABC bus station. Travel time to Tijuana 1. 5 hours. Often in Ensenada there are large cruise ship sometimes two or three from the USA on the way to Cabo San Lucas and further.

With hundreds or even thousands of tourists. If you don't like crowds, check the timetable for arrivals cruise ships to port of Ensenada link https://cruisedig.com/ A good video about Ensenada filmed by American Gareth and the Mexican guide Tadeo link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T9mPzvDgkE.

Have fun!

[RikyMichaels7]

Unfortunately Ensenada is nowhere near Tijuana in the sex and fun department after Anthony's, the best strip club in town, was burned down, likely for not paying taxes to cartels.

The few strip clubs remaining now, like Paris at Night, have half dozen old, obese, extremely ugly women who want $50 lap dance and $300ST, what a disgusting joke!

I usually stay at hotel Santo Tomas on Route 3, corner Miramar, huge free cover parking with security guards. It's the most convenient location to walk downtown, across the street to the trinket and fish markets, malecon, cruise pier, and restaurants on tourist trap. Double rooms about $65-70 with balcony looking out to the parking yard. We brought electric pot and skillet, bought sea food and shell fish cheap and fresh from the fish market across the street, made our own food, drink and party all day on the balcony.

Restaurants in Ensenada are far worse and more expensive than those in Tijuana. Being a fishing town, seafood in restaurants are not fresh and fish tacos are a joke. That's why we made our own seafood with all fresh ingredients in the hotel. Restaurants are expensive except the AYCE Churrascaria do Brasil North of downtown, about $20 per head.

Miramar street next to hotel Santo Tomas is dark and had street girls, some pretty hot, but the hotel is very strict against bringing hoes into their place with security guards patrolling. You can take them to ST motel Las Vegas across the street, $8-10 for an hour. It's a bad idea to walk or even drive too far away from the hotel to the East side after dark. The whole town is dark and deserted after cruise passengers are gone. Policia patrol aggressively against cartel guys. We were pulled over 3 times within 12 hours for policia to check and make sure we were not gang.

Guys mentioned casas with hot girls South of town near beach for locals. Talk to young cabbies. They might know.

I totally agree with Captain. Ensenada was a fun place when Anthonys was open. They used to have a pretty good live band that played American music and the girls were funner than Hell. Place has been closed and burned down for years. I went to Paris De Noche one night and they just rip you off big time. Ensenada in my opinion is only good to take a girl you already know. There are a lot of fun bars there and a few decent restaurants. Other than that, it is a waste of time.

[Aviator400]

Excellent recommendations and tips.

Much Thanks.

Going down Monday.

[El Guerito]

Also check out San Nicolas Hotel and Casino, the Best Western El Cid, or Hotel Eiffel in Ensenada. All are nice and you shouldn't have any issues with your TLN girl, if she arrives with you at check in and is dressed conservatively, as Captain said.

I've checked in at both the El Cid and Hotel Eiffel with girls without any problem. San Nicolas shouldn't be a problem either.

I think the only problem you'd run into is trying to bring an obvious street girl back to your hotel.

[Captain Solo]

I registered my girl on arrival at the hotel, they gave me no problem. But she dressed conservatively. As long as she doesn't dress like an obvious puta and you convince them she's your GF, you have the right to stay with her in your room. The hotel is full of families, cook, drink, party in the parking lot during Baja races.

Security guys block both front and back gate, know what putas look like, especially street girls working on Miramar Ave next to the hotel, not allowing them to enter. One night I snuck a girl past security but got stopped by reception at the stairs and the girl was refused entry to my room.

I once drove an Anthony ST girl past the front office of hotel Villa Fontana, no problem. She changed to a pair of white jean and color top to leave the bar. Rooms are smaller.

[Aviator400]

Captain, you say that the Hotel Santo Thomas is "strict" about bringing girls up. Would there be an issue to TLN a girl?

Other hotels in Ensañada that are girl-friendly for a TLN?

[Captain Solo]

Unfortunately Ensenada is nowhere near Tijuana in the sex and fun department after Anthony's, the best strip club in town, was burned down, likely for not paying taxes to cartels.

The few strip clubs remaining now, like Paris at Night, have half dozen old, obese, extremely ugly women who want $50 lap dance and $300ST, what a disgusting joke!

I usually stay at hotel Santo Tomas on Route 3, corner Miramar, huge free cover parking with security guards. It's the most convenient location to walk downtown, across the street to the trinket and fish markets, malecon, cruise pier, and restaurants on tourist trap. Double rooms about $65-70 with balcony looking out to the parking yard. We brought electric pot and skillet, bought sea food and shell fish cheap and fresh from the fish market across the street, made our own food, drink and party all day on the balcony.

Restaurants in Ensenada are far worse and more expensive than those in Tijuana. Being a fishing town, seafood in restaurants are not fresh and fish tacos are a joke. That's why we made our own seafood with all fresh ingredients in the hotel. Restaurants are expensive except the AYCE Churrascaria do Brasil North of downtown, about $20 per head.

Miramar street next to hotel Santo Tomas is dark and had street girls, some pretty hot, but the hotel is very strict against bringing hoes into their place with security guards patrolling. You can take them to ST motel Las Vegas across the street, $8-10 for an hour. It's a bad idea to walk or even drive too far away from the hotel to the East side after dark. The whole town is dark and deserted after cruise passengers are gone. Policia patrol aggressively against cartel guys. We were pulled over 3 times within 12 hours for policia to check and make sure we were not gang.

Guys mentioned casas with hot girls South of town near beach for locals. Talk to young cabbies. They might know.

I'm coming down to Ensenada for a night or two in January. Any info to help me figure out best place to stay (to walk everywhere), taxis, adult services. I don't want to drive out to Tijuana everyday for fun if I can find it local. Milerticos seems to be the best site, but not sure if it is any better than others. If you have another service to share, please let me know.

[VasyaPetya]

Where can I go to have some Tijuana like fun? Best place to stay where I can park my car and walk everywhere?

I haven't spent too much time in Ensenada, but a lot of bars and restaurants etc are in the tourist part which is downtown by the marina.

[ShortVisits]

Where can I go to have some Tijuana like fun? Best place to stay where I can park my car and walk everywhere?

[ShortVisits]

I'm coming down to Ensenada for a night or two in January. Any info to help me figure out best place to stay (to walk everywhere), taxis, adult services. I don't want to drive out to Tijuana everyday for fun if I can find it local. Milerticos seems to be the best site, but not sure if it is any better than others. If you have another service to share, please let me know.

[VasyaPetya]

Any action in Rosarito?

Only strip club I've been to there is Bad Girls and it lives up to its name (and not in a good way, at least from my experience). Girls were bad in literal meaning of the word and the bouncers and staff were pretty scummy. Maybe I went on some odd days, I dunno. I have a couple girls in town I've met that I hit up once I'm there or day game around town. On my last trip during Thanksgiving, I drove down towards Ensenada and took the free road through little towns, stopped by some local bars and got a couple numbers from tourist chicks. Ended up getting with one of them the following day.