We were a group of 8 adults, consisting of family and friends ages 27-65.
Making a reservation about one month in advance for rooms (2 nights) and shuttle from/to San Diego was seamless and easy.
Saturday morning we met our driver and shuttle in San Diego and went directly to Puerto Nuevo for lobster lunch at Villa Ortegas, the view from the restaurant was spectacular overlooking the ocean and the $22 Lobster meal was delicious.
Afterwards the shuttle driver took us directly to Hotel Coral & Marina as we relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful views along the way. Upon arrival, a warm greeting from the bellboys and a swift and simple check in, we were into our lovely rooms in no time (all rooms are ocean view). 3 rooms were the Deluxe Suites, newly remodeled with full kitchens which I highly recommend and one room was the Honeymoon Suite which was spacious and lovely (has a massage table!) with 180 degree views of the ocean – you can watch the cruise ship arrive the Port of Ensenada without ever lifting your head off your pillow in bed.
The first night we had cocktails and dinner at the marina restaurant. The menu had a lot of options, both American cuisine and traditional Mexican fare – something for everyone.
The gym is clean, very well equipped and now has 2 new stair machines! We enjoyed running on the treadmill, some time on the elliptical and the rowing machines. Afterwards we took a walk around the beautiful marina, then South along the walking path along the ocean that seemingly takes you all the way into port (we did not walk quite that far). The next time we come, we were told we could schedule a yoga class in the new ocean view yoga room – this would be a real treat!!
Sunday morning brunch never seizes to amaze with the beautiful selection of foods, omelets made to order, seafood and crepe stations.
2 in our party took the all day ATV ride on Sunday and said it was a BLAST!
The weather was warm and lovely, which made for a great afternoon by the pool, overlooking the ocean. By late afternoon we decided to go into town for some shopping and a drink.
As we returned back to the hotel, we talked to Tony, the Concierge and he made our reservation for dinner at sunset at nearby Punta Morro. The food was great, the view was gorgeous and the service was spot on.
Monday came all too quickly, we enjoyed the breakfast buffet and a couple hours at the pool before packing up, checking out and heading home on the shuttle.
At the Otay border the shuttle has a special lane that zips you by all the people in vehicles waiting to cross. The driver stops, you unload with your luggage, walk into the small customs building, show your passport, declare your items, run luggage through the x-ray, then meet your driver about ½ block away. We departed Hotel Coral and Marina at 12:15pm and arrived at our car in San Diego at 2:15pm - only two hours! All of the drivers we've had have been safe and pleasant, however we had Alejandro on the way home and he is our favorite!!
We collectively decided that 2 nights / 3 days was not nearly enough time at Hotel Coral & Marina – our next visit will be for no less than 3 nights, optimally 5.
Hotel Coral & Marina has been our choice in Ensenada for 20+ years. There are newer hotels in the area, but for us – the amazingly warm and professional hospitality, the spacious ocean view rooms, amazing gym/spa, the delicious food and beautiful indoor and outdoor pools cannot be beat!
