It’s easy to vacation like a movie-star in Mexico! All you have to do is cross the border from San Diego into Tijuana, and drive south for just a few miles until you reach Rosarito Beach, an area in Baja/Cal-Mex known for its Puerto Nuevo lobster, glorious coastline and movie stars.
What do Sinatra, Hayworth, Douglas, Peck and Monroe have in common besides the obvious? They all stayed and played at the beautifully renovated Rosarito Beach Hotel.
2011 marks the 86th Anniversary of the legendary Rosarito Beach Hotel, a haven for the cinematic stars of the golden age of Hollywood.
It was here that the place was proudly proclaimed as Frank Sinatra’s favorite bar, and where Rita Hayworth had her steamy love affair with the son of the Shah of Iran decades ago (later, they were to marry). And now, this luxurious hotel invites you to be a part of their history and member of their family, as they certainly know the definition of “high-class hospitality.” To celebrate such a milestone, they are offering free historical tours of the famous resort during their 86th Anniversary.
From their humble beginnings as a 12- bungalow hunting lodge in 1925, to their star-studded era of the 1940’s & 1950’s when guests included a galaxy of luminaries, now the Rosarito Beach Hotel has completed their brand new, exquisite 18-story Pacifico tower. As part of The Legend, which is more like a hotel-condo, it’s a montage of tradition and beauty of Mexico’s past with all the current creature comforts and infusion of excitement of Mexico’s future. The suites are just beautiiful and zen-like, while also being luxurious and very modern. There’s a coffee-table in the great room which provides a sand tray of pebbles to play with, a full kitchen with stove, fridge, cupboards full of dishes and drawers filled with cutlery. There’s a huge bathroom with a sunken bath tub and separate shower. Plus some of the most comfortable beds and pillows you’ll ever sleep on are featured in the beautiful master bedroom… complete with dramatic lighting. All the suites boast two plasma TV’s.
Aside from many tourists, most recently pop-performer Britney Spears spent a few days there, and actor Mickey Rourke (9 ½ Weeks) decided he liked the atmosphere and surroundings so much he stayed for several days. Movie studios are located just a few miles down the coast, where Russell Crowe starred in Master & Commander, Brendon Frasier was spotlighted in The Eye and Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet proved their on-screen passion in the award-winning film, Titanic.
At Rosarito Beach Hotel, their free tour will allow you to learn about the couple who started it all—businessman Manuel Barbachano and his gorgeous wife, Mexican actress Maria Luisa Chabert. Not only do their descendants still own the hotel, but Chabert’s nephew is actually the Mayor of Rosarito Beach. You’ll walk in amazement as you look around their beautiful mansion that they called home. It’s now the decadent Casa Playa Spa and the elegantly refined Chabert’s Restaurant, known for their “Frenchican” fare, serving up escargot, flaming Crepes Suzette, grilled Puerto Nuevo lobster, traditional, fluffy Mexican rice and freshly hand-tossed tortillas.
You will travel to the beginnings of the hotel through the Pasillo Maya corridor, where you’ll discover unique, ancient art as you go along. From there, you’ll re-visit the past as Rosarito Beach Hotel began to grow and expand—preserving the past while still planning for the future.
Why not travel to Baja and book your suite at the Rosarito Beach Hotel? It’s a memorable journey through Baja’s largest and most historic oceanfront hotel—and through time, one you’ll always remember. So put on those movie-star sunglasses and scarves and come travel back in time and tradition as you vacation at the exclusive, but not elusive, legendary Rosarito Beach Hotel. See www.rosaritobeachhotel.com.
10 TIPS ON WHAT TO BRING TO ROSARITO BEACH:
1. Cash (American money is accepted in Baja)
2. Casual clothes
3. A formal outfit with the appropriate shoes
4. Sandals
5. Sunscreen
6. Camera
7. Always bring a sweater or wrap—no matter what day of the year it is it might get chilly!
8. Always bring some shorts—no matter what day of the year it is it might get warm!
9. Your lover
10. A feel-good attitude; ready to have some fun!
Connie Werner Reichert, President of Write Side Up Travel Journalism, is an award-winning travel writer recognized for her work in the Wall of Fame of the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance and American Writers and Artists, Inc. The former radio and TV news broadcaster may be reached at Connieis.pacbell.net. Please visit her website at www.authorsden.com/conniewreichertvv
