Tijuana is a unique travel destination for many reasons I won't elaborate on here. The Tijuana Hotels primary market targets the budget conscious American leisure traveler, usually in TJ on a 2-3 day fun excursion so given the limited market here for the business traveler, the offerings are minimal. That's why I was so pleasantly surprised when I inadvertently booked a night at the new Quartz Hotel, located within a mile of the San Ysidro Border Crossing, across the street from a large casino and only a short, 1 mile cab ride to the main city centre where all the shopping and activities are.
I've stayed at every nice Hotel Property in Tijuana and frankly, I thought the Quartz Hotel was a cut above the other Hotels and they'll be getting all of my business in the future. It's hard to believe that I got so much value and hotel for $120. It's a $320 hotel in San Diego, easy. There are a number of highlights that I'd like to point out....
For starters, the physical property is the nicest of all of the Tijuana hotels I've visited, including the Marriott.
The position of a Hotel's Bar plays a critical part in determining the feel and energy of a hotel. Walk into many of the great hotels in New York City, Chicago or Los Angeles and you'll find that the energy, activity and personality of the hotel emanates from this very spot. The Quartz Architect and the Interior Designer were very aware of this fact and you could argue, began their months of preparation and planning by designing the Bar.... and then building the hotel around it. It's a great way to ensure that your Guests are 'Staying" at your Hotel and not just sleeping there and that they feel like the Hotel is their "home away from home."
The room was very comfortable and exceptional In providing the subtle comforts that may mean little to the occasional traveler or even a leisure traveler but to a Businessman who spends a lot of time in hotels, can make all the difference in the world.
A very comfortable bed with excellent pillows and linens, many large, thick bath towels and plenty of smaller hand towels and washcloths. 2 large, thick bathrobes with slippers that actually fit a size 12, excellent toiletries, a small fridge and an excellent coffee maker and coffee products. Outstanding Internet bandwidth so the wireless connection was good, and enough electrical outlets as well as USB charging ports to make sure you could stay plugged in. A state of the art digital phone, room lighting system and remote controlled curtain/drapes completely darken the room in the middle of the day and all of this can be controlled by the panel, which is located bedside. A large, outstanding HD TV completed the room amenities.
They also have excellent doors, which shut gently. Everyone's had a hotel experience where the people on both sides of you walk out of the room and JOLT you out of your senses when the doors slam shut repeatedly, especially while you're trying to sleep. So annoying.
I only had two small meals there, one in the dining room and one through room service and both were outstanding. They have an excellent menu with a wide variety of items in all price ranges and they don't gouge.
There were a couple of areas I thought could be improved and point out the subtle differences between a good, 4-star hotel and a renown 5-star property. I am not bilingual and do not speak Spanish. Checking in was no problem at all but when I returned to the hotel after midnight, there were 3 people that were working, 2 at the front desk and the bell captain, and none of the 3 spoke English, a real problem when you're 1 mile from the US border and frankly, surprising given how many Americans I saw the hotel.
If you forget toiletries, front desks worldwide, ranging from the Marriott to the Motel 6 will have emergency items they'll generally provide, free of charge, to tide the traveler over until the next day. When I came in at 1 AM and asked if they had any Saline solution for my contact lens, there was nothing available, even for purchase and since no one spoke English, it took me a good 10 minutes to explain what I was after. For a contact lens wearer, Saline is more important than toothpaste. There was also no iron or ironing board in the room.
I Love the 4:00 P.M. checkout option ($30) Every business traveler knows what it's like when you have an 8 PM flight and nothing to do until then. That option allows you to wait in comfort at your hotel rather than sitting in an airport or an airport lounge.
Fixing those few minor details I pointed out, really would move this hotel and place it on par with some of the best hotels I've stayed at anywhere in the world. There may not be a gigantic market for upscale hotels in Tijuana, but they've already set themselves apart in Tijuana.
Book a stay at the Quartz. You'll thank me. read more