Enchanting Hotel Coral & Marina Is Ensenada’s Cinderella Of The Pacific

One of the largest and most enchanting oceanfront resorts just South of the Border is Hotel Coral & Marina. Designed in a horseshoe shape, there are 147 well appointed guest rooms and suites providing picturesque Todos Santos Bay, marina and island views.

Located about 90 minutes from San Diego, Ensenada is the country’s largest municipality in the area. Nicknamed ‘La Cenicienta del Pacifico’ or ‘The Cinderella of the Pacific’ it’s a leading seaport city in Baja California. Locals and tourists enjoy an exciting lineup of water and land activities, plus an immersive culinary, craft beer and wine scene.

The hotel’s English and Spanish speaking staff can provide guests with pick-up and drop-off service from, and back to the U.S. Border, which is about a 90-minute drive.

The resort also offers 350 boat slips at their marina for visiting boaters. “Ensenada is the first port of entry for boaters exploring Mexico from California,” said Lizette Sanchez, Sales & Marketing Director at Hotel Coral & Marina. “The marina offers the first fuel dock in Mexico to fill up on the way down the Baja California coastline. Immigration and vessel import process is seamless for marina guests.”

Guests docked at the marina have access to the hotel’s amenities, plus specialized yacht maintenance services. “We even have housekeeping that will clean the interior of a guest’s boat for those who use our marina.” Low season is from November to February where it is easier for boaters to rent a slip. Fishermen can have their own catch-of-the-day grilled up to eat at the casual Marina Grill restaurant. Plus the marina offers hydro bikes, kayaks, and paddle boards for guests to use throughout their stay.

Guests and boaters have access to the resort’s two swimming pools. The large outdoor pool has a heated whirlpool, plenty of lounge chairs and a pool bar. There is also an indoor pool and heated whirlpool near the fitness center and full service Spa.

Multiple dining venues include the  full service, all day restaurant BC Bistro & Cava. “We are known for our conchas,” said Sanchez. This sweet Mexican roll is shaped like a seashell. It’s soft, slightly sweet, and best to enjoy when served warm. “Guests enjoy them so much that they ask for them during dinner too.”

This award winning indoor and outdoor terrace dining venue prepares popular regional fare that includes huevos rancheros, two different types of chilaquiles, fresh seafood, sizzling steaks, and wines from nearby Valle de Guadalupe. Breakfast guests can select a variety of Baja favorites from the hot and cold buffet or choose from an a la carte menu.

“We are known for our lavish Sunday brunch,” said Sanchez. Locals and guests enjoy an array of fresh fruit, made-to-order omelets, and other Mexican favorite dishes.

The resort is a popular wedding venue due to its beautiful Baja ocean and marina backdrop. The professional wedding team will help the bride turn into a beautiful ‘Cinderella’. The resort provides an executive in charge to make sure the intimate ceremony or grand event of up to 800 guests flows smoothly. There are 7 wedding venues around the resort and three different terraces for the special ceremony and reception. Meals can be selected and customized from the hotel’s catering menu.

There are plenty of rooms for guests to all stay at the hotel before and after the ceremony. The hotel also offers a special Honeymoon suite for the bride and groom to retire to after their special day.

During the last four years, the resort has been renovating the guests rooms. A standard room offers water views and a private balcony. Besides a comfortable pillow top bed, there is a flat-screen television, complimentary Wi-Fi and a coffee maker. Specialty suites range from 721 to 2,034 square-feet. Some offer a dining area, kitchenette, refrigerator, and Jacuzzi bathtub. The largest is the oceanfront Triple Presidential Suite providing 2,034 square-feet of spacious elegance in furnishings, artwork and a wraparound balcony.

Guests are 10 minutes from Ensenada’s culinary scene. Here’s some of their top spots for fresh fish tacos, margaritas, wine tasting opportunities, Italian, Japanese and Steakhouse fare.

Ensenada Culinary Guide:

Fish tacos at Tacos Don Zefe

Japanese Food at Temaky and MV Steakhouse at Hotel Maria Vista

Delicious Italian pasta, pizzas and wine Geppettos Pizzeria 

Farm-to-table innovative cuisine Morocha attached to Bodega Santo Tomas

Popular breakfast spot is at Victor’s

Original Ensenada Margaritas at Bar Andaluz and Hussong’s

Craft beer and pub fare at Wendtland Beer Pub

Original Gin Hops at Microbrewery Agua Mala

Wine Tasting at Bodega Santo Tomas

Visit Ensenada Tourism Bureau for eco-tourism excursions, whale watching boat ride and to learn more about the City of Ensenada.