Where to Stay in Ensenada: Camping to Luxury Private Villas

Your first exposure to Ensenada, Mexico’s 3rd largest seaport may be as a port-of-call on a cruise.  But this seaside town with a sweet little downtown area offers much more to see and do than cruisers can accomplish in a day. Therefore, you may want to return and spend some time in the area. Here are some amazing accommodation options spanning a wide price range for your vacation in Ensenada.

**Disclaimer: Aspects of this trip were hosted, however, all opinions are my own. I strive to provide my readers with my most authentic sentiments.

While some of these places to stay are not directly within the town they are all close to downtown. A few are so amazing you won’t want to leave. But if you do, here are some things to do while you’re out and about.

Casa de Los Siete Patios

If you plan to stay in Ensenada for three days or longer, you might consider Casa de Los Siete Patios. This private hacienda, owned and designed by Jean Loop Bitterlin for his mother, sits on the outskirts of town. It is secluded, and secure, and boasts unobstructed views and ocean breezes. There is a large pool with a cabana and bar on the property.

This unique circular home surrounds a central patio area and features all the amenities for entertaining. You can rent one to 5 suites, but you will never share the villa with anyone outside your party. The cost of your stay includes kitchen staff who prepare your breakfast and lunch.

Additionally, there are some charming outdoor features for youngsters. On the property is a children’s carousel and the coolest two-story playhouse. It reminded me of a life-sized Barbie Dream House. It just needed the pink convertible.

Siete de Los Siete Patios is the perfect location for a destination wedding and if you are interested, they will arrange it. The two acres of outdoor space provide several locations for the nuptials and reception. The venue allows for up to 650 guests.

And as a bonus for any self-respecting Gen Xer, Bono has been one of Siete Patios’ famous guests. Stay here and you can brag that you slept where Bono slumbered.

Villa Bitterlin

This Gaudi-inspired, multilevel, open-concept home is another of Jean Loop Bitterlin’s creations and private residence. It provides an intimate space for a couple or family.  It could even be an ideal space for the parents of the bride- and groom-to-be to stay, assuming they all get along.

While Villa Bitterlin does not have the circular shape of Siete Patios, it is without corners. It features, brightly colored mosaics and stained-glass windows. A spiral staircase leads to the upstairs sleeping quarters and at one time water flowed along the banister. The sunk-in living area opens to the third floor with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the ocean offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Other elements of the space include a working fireplace and a formal dining area.

This property sleeps up to six and offers 2.5 baths. It has a fully equipped kitchen. Villa Bitterlin is probably one of the nicest mid-size vacation rentals in Ensenada. It’s available through both VRBO and Airbnb.

Villa Bitterlin and Casa de Los Siete Patios are both located near the famous San Miguel surfing beach.

Posada El Rey Sol

If Casa de Los Siete Patios and Villa Bitterlin are outside your budget, Bitterlin also owns a budget hotel in town. I’ve now stayed at Posada El Rey Sol twice. This is a newly remodeled “motel-style” accommodation with the room entrance from the exterior. However, beyond that, nothing about this place feels like a motel.

Posada El Rey Sol offers guests some nice amenities including a welcome drink, WiFi an outdoor pool, and free American breakfast at Restaurant El Rey Sol, the oldest French restaurant in Mexico, another Bitterlin establishment.

Hotel Marea Vista

This lovely oceanfront hotel built in 2016 offers 24 eco-friendly rooms of varying sizes and comfort levels. Hotel Marea Vista strives to reduce its carbon footprint by using sustainable flooring materials in the rooms and lights that are only activated when the key card is present. This prevents guests from leaving lights on while not in the room. Rather than lighting empty hallways, lights are on motion sensors.  These are just a few of the eco-friendly initiatives they have taken.

In addition, there are two restaurants on-site, MV Steakhouse which features Baja Med cuisine, and Temaky which serves Japanese fare.

Coral Hotel and Marina

You’ll find this lovely resort on the outskirts of Ensenada. As the name implies it is a hotel and a marina. Coral offers all the amenities you would expect of a resort including restaurants, bars, a fitness center, a full-service spa, a beauty salon, multiple pools, and more. The rates seem quite reasonable and they offer an all-inclusive option.

We ate breakfast at the Bistro and Cava which offers both menu and buffet options. I opted for the extensive buffet with Mexican and American selections. I visited mid-week and would imagine that the buffet is more encompassing on the weekends.

As you would imagine, this lovely resort offers wedding packages for your destination wedding.

Cuatro Cuatros

On the outskirts of Ensenada, Cuatro Cuatros is associated more with Valle de Guadalupe. Perhaps this is because it is primarily a winery.

Cuatro Cuatros offers a different kind of stay in Ensenada. This is glamping at its finest. Situated on a massive 144-acre working winery that extends up to a high cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Cuatro Cuatros offers luxury accommodations, an open-air restaurant, multiple bars, and wine-tasting experiences.

Cabanas are located in the valley near the winery and elevated to afford splendid views of the vineyard from the terrace. They have full baths, a mini-bar, a fireplace, and air-conditioning. Rates start at around $200 US per night, with only 19 units.

For accommodations in Valle de Guadalupe, try one of these great options.

Las Rocas

Las Rocas is all about location, location, location! Situated high above the Pacific Ocean just south of Rosarito, Las Rocas offers stunning ocean views. This resort has all the amenities you would expect including multiple pools, bars, a restaurant, and a full-service spa. You never need to leave but if you do, you are conveniently situated to Rosarito and Puerto Nuevo.

You can expect Hacienda-style rooms with exposed wood beams and many with a working wood fireplace. If you are there on a chilly evening like when I visited, they will have someone come to start the fire for you. Also, all the rooms face the ocean. I had a walk-out on the ground floor. The rooms on the higher levels all have balconies.

You won’t have any trouble finding this place. Las Rocas is located across the street, beneath the giant Jesus statue perched on the hill. This provides an easy landmark for you.

Rosarito Beach Hotel

Rosarito Beach Hotel (RBH) is the oldest hotel in Rosarito. The resort dates to the early 1900s and began as a hunting lodge. The original 12 rooms still exist today but with the addition of three other buildings including the 17-story Pacifico Tower, the resort boasts over 500 rooms.

I stayed in a Grand Suite in the Pacifico Tower. The unit was spacious with a combined kitchenette and living area with a balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean. My accommodations had a separate bedroom with a television and king-size bed plus a bathroom with a soaking tub and a large shower.

Pikin Campground, Bungalows, and Adventure Park

This is an excellent choice for budget-conscious families, adventure-seekers, and those seeking unique accommodations. Part of Pikins Adventure Park, visitors can opt for RV camping or a private oceanfront bungalow. For your convenience, you will find a full-service bar and restaurant on-site.

In the ravine below the ziplines and suspension bridge is a campground, with a swimming pool and outdoor facilities.

For those not into camping or perhaps looking for something a little different, at the top of the ravine overlooking the ocean Pikin’s has little bungalows available for rental.  How do you feel about zip-lining to breakfast?? OK. That’s not how you get there but you could.

With so many amazing options for where to stay in Ensenada, it will be a tough choice. However, I hope this provides a starting place.

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