Was booking online & saw that you had to have a physical cc card at check-in. I knew I wouldn't have mine on me, so I called to ask if that was ok. A woman told me use the cc# for booking online and it would be fine. Came 3 days later by cab, after crossing the border w/ very limited USD, to be told NO. Physical cc only. I had to hand over nearly all my cash, or start walking.
Price is up from $45 (late 2017) to $70 for a 8' x 10' room - plus nook for mini fridge/micro, & tiny bathroom.
Food spatters in micro, old drink left in fridge, what felt like an old-timey spring mattress. Worn out shower control that requires a lengthy adjustment process to move to right temperature. Two 1970's-quality bath towels, 1 hand towel, 1 washcloth. No bedside lamps for reading and large sized exterior lightbulbs in ceiling without shades. You can't relax with high beams in your face, let alone read. Nightstands below bed height, one considerably low.
No place to put clothes, bags. No table to sit at. 1chair up against ac unit.
And the cherry on top, a large flying cockroach.
In the morning I opened the curtain a few inches for natural light to read by & the maid pressed her face to the glass to peer in. Later she knocked at the door and insisted I go to the office to prepay for the 2nd night, tho' he DOES know I have 2 nights, has my cc # w/ all details, and one usually settles up at checkout...
So, an unnecessary and humiliating begging phone call to the office. It's Sunday and he knows he got all my cash. Am waiting on Western Union, but took a moment to write this review.
I booked Ca. S. because I had stayed here a few years ago and been pleased. The differences this time were a substantial cost increase (see prices in older reviews) deteriorating condition, cockroach, he didn't stand by the agreement of no physical cc and had me hounded at my room for cash the day before checkout. That makes me think he's pulling a fast one one booking.com
Also: Last time I was coming out of Mexico in late Dec. from a month camping on the beach, and a place with no hot water, heat or other fancy stuff. California Suites shone by comparison only. read more