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| Friday May 09, 2008 |
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By Cheri Sicard
With its' incredible view, best seen from the uniquely designed swimming pool that appears to "drop off" into the ocean below, it's hard to beat Las Rocas for a romantic getaway. The hotel also sports two Jacuzzis, a tennis court and several bars and restaurants, banquet and conference facilities and gorgeous, lush gardens. Full Time Party
A non-stop party is always going at Festival Plaza, and a good place to start is at the Tequila Museum, one of the hotel's many bars. The "Museum" boasts the world's largest selection of tequilas, so connoisseurs of this potent potable will be in heaven. Great Food on the Cheap
This area of Baja is most famous for the Pacific Lobster. Although many restaurants in town serve this local delicacy, the best bet is to drive south a couple of miles to the quaint village of Puerto Nuevo where La Casa de La Langosta serves up the tasty crustaceans in a variety of forms from steamed to thermidor. Mariachi bands enhance the festive atmosphere by strolling through the dining rooms, taking requests in exchange for tips. Souvenirs & Shopping
Along the road between Rosarito and Puerto Nuevo you can find several shops that make wonderful custom furniture. These shops are no doubt in the secret arsenal of many Los Angeles interior designers, but if you know where to go (and now, you do) you can pick up some truly unique creations. Activities
A little known fact about this area of Baja is that there are a plethora of sports and eco attractions. Expediciones Ecotur offers either day trips or extended camping expeditions into the nearby desert, forests and mountains to view local flora and fauna, natural hot springs, caves, and historical and archeological sites. These custom chartered trips can combine such activities as rock climbing, mountain biking, mountaineering and trekking. Owner/tour guide Manuel Sanchez has explored Baja his whole life and brings a true love of his native land and a profound respect for nature and the earth to his business. Easy AccessAccording to local tourism authorities, one of the most difficult tasks in attracting tourists to Rosarito is the public's fear of driving into Mexico. We found this fear to be totally unfounded. As soon as you drive over the border in Tijuana there are signs pointing the way to Rosarito via a newly paved two lane toll highway. With all signs in English and Spanish, the half hour drive to Rosarito couldn't be simpler. Additional insurance for your vehicle can be bought in San Diego and is recommended for extended stays in Mexico. Several car rentals that allow renters to drive across the border are also available in San Diego. A getaway to Rosarito is simple. stress free and most of all, economical. Take advantage and visit this little known, close to home treasure soon. Practical Info About RosaritoFor more information on Rosarito in general call 800-962-BAJA (U.S.) or 91-661-2-03-96. Two car rental companies in San Diego allow you to take their vehicles into Mexico: Avis - 800-831-1847 (maximum 250 miles into Mexico) Enterprise - 800-325-8007 (maximum 150 miles into Mexico). There are numerous places near the border (U.S. side) to buy extra insurance if you're driving your own vehicle. Once across the border simply follow the well marked signs to Roarito. The toll road is the best option (this will cost $1.40 each way at the time of this writing). Simply exit at Rosarito. HOTELS Las Rocas Hotel & Suites - 800-SEE-MEXICO (U.S.) or 011-52-661-2-2140 TOURS Expediciones Ecotur - 011-526-613-1183
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Waves
crash against a sandy shoreline as light strains of mariachi music float
by on a gentle breeze. The sun sets over the Pacific while we lounge in
a steamy hot tub perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the crystal blue
ocean below. Delicious lobsters tantalize our taste buds at dinner and
the margaritas flow like water. Best of all, these luxuries are all available
at rock bottom prices. Cancun? Puerto Vallarta? Cabo San Lucas? It could
be, but in this case all of these delights can be found just 18 miles
south of the San Diego/Tijuana border in Rosarito Beach. 
Because
the dollar is so strong in Mexico, Rosarito is a great travel bargain.
The most expensive suite in Rosarito's most expensive hotel, the fabulous
Las Rocas, is only $250.00 -- this penthouse suite sleeps six,
and like all Las Rocas suites, has its' own fireplace and private
terrace overlooking the ocean. Other suites start at just $75.00. 
If you prefer
a more casual atmosphere, Rosarito has many lodging options to fit your
needs. The Festival Plaza Hotel, situated in downtown Rosarito,
is the most unique of these. The decor can best be described as a "Mexican
Mardi Gras".
Looking out
the window of the rooms at Festival Plaza, you might get the feeling
that you awoke in the middle of an amusement park. An enormous Ferris
wheel dominates the brightly colored courtyard. At Festival Plaza,
you needn't even leave the pool for your next margarita, as the bartender
at the swim-up bar can take care of all your needs. 
One
word of warning, however, a stay at Festival Plaza is for serious
partyers only, as the beat of the disco music continues into the wee hours
of the morning. If you like to sleep at an early hour, stay in one of
the many other hotel options and pay a visit to Festival Plaza
for the party. 
Man can
not live by tequila alone, and Rosarito offers some great dining options
at extremely reasonable prices. Try some of Baja's famous fish tacos for
lunch (confirmed carnivores can get beef, pork or chicken). They are sold
at countless streetside cafes. We bought four fish tacos and two cans
of soda for the measly cost of $5.00 U.S. All merchants accept American
currency, so there is no need to exchange. If Mexican food is not your
favorite, American, Chinese and even pizza are available. 
After
dinner, stroll through the streets of Puerto Nuevo to shop for
souvenirs and local crafts to bring back to those who were not fortunate
enough to experience Rosarito first hand. Blankets, pottery, glass and
leather goods are all bargains in Mexico.
If shopping is
not your forte, activities abound in Rosarito. Herds of horses for rent
dot the beach and for the more adventurous, three wheeled ATV's are available.
Surfers are plentiful in the early morning light and the uncrowded beaches
make this a very popular activity.