Where to Stay In Ensenada Mexico in 2023 [+ Best Areas]

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Ensenada, this post is for you as I will share the best hotel options and cute vacation rentals for each budget and style.

One of the top surfing spots in Mexico, Ensenada is located on the Baja California Pacific coast.

It is home to craggy shores, nature preserves, lovely Mexican weather, and fabulous gastronomy, and it’s also close to the famous vineries of the Valle of Guadalupe.

Picking the best lodging can make or break your travel experience, so it’s important to get it right.

This post will help you decide where to stay in Ensenada, with information on the best areas, and a collection of high-rated lodging options for each location and budget.

Where to stay in Ensenada: Best Areas, Hotels, & Rentals

Before you throw your belongings in a suitcase and jump on a plane,  it is worth giving some thought to where you’d like to stay Ensenada

Do you want to be on the beach with easy access to sandy shores, in the vibrant, upbeat, and noisy downtown, in the tranquil and rustic Valle de Guadalupe—the epicenter of Mexico’s wine country, or in a quiet neighborhood in Ensenada proper? Read on to find out.

Where to Stay in Ensenada Mexico | Downtown

If you love the bustle and hop of city streets, shops, restaurants, and the hum of humanity, you’ll love downtown Ensenada. It’s a vibrant place, especially during the Baja 1000 with food and festivities galore.

Stay close to the action in these hotels within walking distance of the town center.

1. Casa Asturias, luxury hotel

Luxury and boutique combine in Casa Asturias, a small hotel with bright airy rooms. Relax in the lounge, take a dip in the pool, chat on the outdoor patio, and dream deeply on the comfy beds.

Choose between the King Room, King Room with Spa Bath, Superior Queen Room, or the Suite with Hot Tub. Enjoy the included breakfast, air-conditioned rooms, fluffy towels, and warm ambiance.

Guests loved the charming atmosphere, impeccable cleanliness, and excellent service.

Guest Review:
“The hotel had a charm to it, very clean, rooms and bathrooms are spacious, and the staff are so friendly. You are greeted the moment you walk in making you feel welcomed and appreciated. I plan to come back every time I’m in this area.“

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites, a mid-range hotel

Another great lodging option near downtown is the Ensenada Holiday Inn. The air-conditioned rooms are clean and comfortable, featuring great amenities such as a TV, a safety deposit box, free parking, complimentary breakfasts, laundry facilities, and a fitness center.

Guests loved the central location, delicious breakfasts, helpful staff, and spacious rooms. Since this hotel is gated, you’ll feel extra secure… always a plus!

Guest Review:
“Spotlessly clean, good mattress with a REAL comforter! HUGE room. Overall I was very pleased, got a good night’s rest. Good quality shampoo, conditioner & shower gel. Downside: The shower curtain was ripped/hard to pull, so I got water on the floor when I showered. Slight water damage outside the shower, probably from the same thing. There was very poor phone/internet service and my texts and phone calls wouldn’t go thru. the TV remote didn’t work but I was too tired to go to the front desk for batteries, lol! It was nice but very expensive. “

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

3. La Villa de Adelina, budget hotel

What better way to enjoy Ensenada than in a beautifully restored historic home? La Villa de Adelina is a tranquil mansion near downtown offering amazing value for the price.

At La Villa de Adelina, you can choose between a Double Room, King Room, and Triple Room. Each room is equipped with a TV. Some units also have a kitchenette, microwave, and fridge.

You can opt to include the continental breakfast.

Guests loved the aesthetic, the amazing staff, and the great restaurant and café on location.

This is a perfect choice for couples looking for a cozy romantic getaway.

Guest Review:
“Nice accommodations. Convenient dining. Centrally located in nice neighborhood. Secure parking. Friendly staff.“

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

4. El Refugio, luxury vacation rental

One way to enjoy Ensenada is by renting a fully equipped apartment. The units at El Refugio are beautifully furnished, modern, private, and convenient. Downtown is within walking distance, and the staff is attentive and professional.

All units are air-conditioned with a living room, flat-screen TV, washing machine, bathroom, private bathroom, and a kitchen with a fridge and microwave.

Additional amenities include free private parking and wifi. You can access the garden and sun terrace as well.

Guest Review:
“Very nice apartment within walking distance to the central tourist zone of Enseneda where all the main clubs and bars are at. The apartment is also a 25 minute drive to wine country (Valle de Guadalupe). The area is also safe.“

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

Where to Stay in Ensenada Mexico | City & Harbor

Sometimes it’s nice to sleep in a quiet neighborhood but still be within range of downtown for outings.

These hotels in some of Ensenada’s outlying neighborhoods offer the perfect balance of convenience and tranquility. And if you opt for one near the water, you’ll enjoy amazing ocean views.

5. City Plus Ensenada – luxury hotel

Awesome sea views await in this clean oceanfront modern hotel on the Ensenada harbor. As an added bonus, it’s near downtown as well.

One of the top perks at City Plus Ensenada is the rooftop pool, bar, and restaurant. The rooms are spacious with mood lighting, comfy beds, and plenty of seating.

As far as amenities go, enjoy the sunny terrace, fitness center, and lounge. You’ll also have access to a free shuttle service, free wifi, free private parking, a free continental breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk.

Opt for the Standard Double Room, Twin Room, Double Room with Sea View, or the King Suite with Sea View.

Guest Review:
“The hotel was pleasantly well run. The property and room were clean. Staff was friendly, polite and worked quickly. The area was also safe.”

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

6. Hotel Suites Malena – mid-range hotel

Hotel Suites Malena is a lovely hotel near the harbor in Ensenada that’s catered specifically to family groups. Their rooms are ideal for families of four to six people and come equipped with two twin beds and a queen bed.

Additional amenities include a sofa, wifi, balcony, free private parking, a swimming pool, and a balcony with pool views.

Although this hotel isn’t fancy, it’s clean and attractive and the beds are comfortable. Guests loved being close to all the tourist attractions without noise affecting their sleep at night.

Guest Review:
” I was surprised by the cleanliness of the room, it’s not as fancy as other hotels, however it was very clean and in good condition. Staff was very friendly.

.“

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

7. Capital O Hotel Rose – budget hotel

This five-star hotel is on a quiet street in the Obrero neighborhood of Ensenada. It is fairly close to the touristy areas downtown. Or, if you’d rather chill on the sand, it’s only a ten-minute drive from La Hermosa Beach.

Room service, a restaurant, a garden, and great amenities set this hotel apart. All units come with a desk, private bathroom, TV, wifi, and air-conditioning.

Guests loved how big the rooms were, the secure parking, and the cleanliness.

Choose between the Standard, Superior, Deluxe Double, Standard Two Beds, and Comfort Suite. Breakfast is included.

Guest Review:
“Good hotel in the area. Breakfast included was good. Had an issue with ac not working and staff were able to resolve and make accommodations for the stay. Overall good experience.”

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

8. Cozy Habitación en el Jardín, mid-range vacation rental

This cute and cozy vacation rental in the Hidalgo neighborhood of Ensenada comes with a bathroom, a bedroom, an equipped kitchen, a back patio with seating, and a garden.

The garden has a grill area, campfire brazier, hammock, and patio chairs.

You’ll feel right at home in this great one-bedroom house. It is clean, comfortable, and has everything you need to enjoy a wonderful stay in Ensenada.

Guest Review:
“It feels like u are at home. very comfortable. the house comes with everything you need.“

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

Where to Stay in Ensenada Mexico | La Hermosa beach

Playa Hermosa is a lovely sandy beach with a secluded feel. It’s a great place to swim, relax, and chat with locals.

If that sounds nice, consider staying at these hotels within walking distance.

9. Hotel Marea Vista – luxury hotel

Only a two-minute walk from Playa Hermosa, Hotel Marea Vista has a location that can’t be beaten. Get a room with a balcony and soak in the ocean views.

Hotel Marea Vista is spacious with a modern aesthetic and attentive staff. Guests loved the customer service, cleanliness, and delicious and filling complimentary breakfasts.

As far as amenities go, this hotel has you covered with a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, fitness center, terrace, shared lounge, room service, satellite TV, wifi, and airport transport.

All rooms include a coffee pot, desk, and safety deposit box. Some rooms also have a kitchen with an oven, microwave, and fridge.

Guest Review:
“Amazing hotel location, comfort, clean, great service and food. Beach view is perfect.”

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

11. Beach House by Eazy, a mid-range hotel

Another great place to stay in Ensenada is Beach House. This hotel has a modern minimalist aesthetic with wooden and macrame accents.

It is only a 13-minute walk from La Hermosa Beach, a beautiful secluded strip of sand perfect for relaxing and sunbathing.

Guests at the Beach House have access to an outdoor swimming pool, parking, wifi, and bikes that are free to use… making the trip to the waterfront even shorter.

All of the rooms have a desk, TV, air conditioning, and safety deposit box. Some also have a kitchenette and microwave.

Choose between the Superior Twin Room, Queen Room with Disability Access, Standard Suite, or Family Suite.

Guest Review:
“Exceptional!!”

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

12. Hostal Edka, budget hotel

This hostel-style lodging is great for anyone wanting a clean, secure place to sleep in a good neighborhood. It’s also only a fifteen-minute walk or three-minute drive from La Hermosa Beach.

Cook for yourself in the communal kitchen, have a good night’s sleep on the comfy beds and enjoy the garden.

Hostal Edka is an economical, bohemian place to stay with a tranquil atmosphere. Restaurants and stores are within walking distance. The owner is helpful and friendly.

Great for solo travelers, groups of friends, or families of four to five people.

Guest Review:
“Authentic Baja. Great clean shower, comfortable bed. Bohemian atmosphere. Excellent value. Away from the hustle and bustle.”

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

13. Simple House, budget vacation rental

If you’re interested in a short or long-term vacation rental and aren’t fussy about amenities, consider Simple House.

This economical two-bedroom house isn’t fancy, but it’ll give you all the essentials for your stay. It features two bedrooms, a living room, an equipped kitchen, and parking.

This rental is in the Vista Hermosa neighborhood, only a few blocks from Pacífica Bay Beach. Downtown and other touristy areas are within easy driving distance.

Stay the weekend, or book a whole month and spend your money enjoying all the activities Ensenada has to offer.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

Where to Stay in Ensenada Mexico | Valle de Guadalupe

The Valle de Guadalupe just north of Ensenada produces 90% of Mexico’s wine. The area combines rustic sophistication with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for vacationers.

Drive along scenic dirt roads, eat at gourmet restaurants, go behind the scenes at wineries, and soak in beautiful valley views.

14. Paraíso del Valle, luxury hotel

Stay in the beautiful countryside of the Valle de Guadalupe, right at the heart of Mexico’s premier wine-producing region.

Paraíso del Valle is a great boutique hotel with a country chic vibe. It boasts a tranquil setting, beautifully appointed rooms, and fantastic attention to detail.

Paraíso del Valle offers guests the chance to stay in a Double or Twin Room, Suite, or Two-Bedroom House with mountain views.

No matter what you choose, you’ll have access to great amenities such as free parking, free wifi, and a swimming pool surrounded by tropical plants and deck chairs. 

Guests loved the cleanliness, rustic aesthetic, and comfortable relaxing vibe.

Guest Review:
“Everything was great, as expected. Lovely place. Super quiet and relaxing. We will be back very soon.“

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

15. Valle De Guadalupe Glamping, luxury lodging

Sleeping in a tent in wine country? Oh yes! Valle de Guadalupe Glamping is a lovely and unique lodging option in a beautiful valley 30 minutes from Ensenada.

The tents are luxuriously equipped with a cozy bed, sitting area, air-conditioning, and an attached bathroom. There is also an outdoor seating area, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar for your staying pleasure. 

Guests loved the exceptional service, beautifully appointed tents, and delicious restaurant.

Guest Review:
“Very nice place, loved the dog that they have, coco, she takes you to the restroom every time and hangs out with you. The bed is very comfortable as well as the tent it self. Very clean and organized. The staff that is on property is very nice and goes out of their way to get you what you want. His name is Jose Angel. We will definitely be back with more people. Thank you.”

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

16. The Pangea Valle de Guadalupe, budget lodging

What could be better than sleeping in a tent beneath the stars in Ensenada Baja California? This great budget option includes a tent equipped with a queen bed, bathrobe, and clothes rack.

The Pangea features a swimming pool, free parking, grill, fireplace, complimentary breakfast, and garden. Relax, swim, or go hiking.

Guests loved the stunning views of the valley, the trendy buildings, and the delicious breakfast served outdoors. This is a unique and elegant lodging option, and the customer service is great.

Guest Review:
“It’s a great place for vacation!! Clean and very comfortable Staff is above in seeking for your pleasure!!”

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

17. Villas La Morita Valle de Guadalupe, mid-range vacation rental

Villas La Morita is another excellent lodging option in the Valle de Guadalupe. It can be mid-range or luxury depending on the unit you choose, but their one-bedroom house is an awesome deal.

The best part? It’s only six miles from the closest winery.

As far as amenities go, Villas la Morita has you covered. The one-bedroom house features mountain views, a terrace, air conditioning, a sofa bed, and all the linens. You’ll also have a minibar and coffee maker at your disposal.

This location is perfect if you want to visit both the Valle de Guadalupe and downtown Ensenada.

Guest Review:
“Great location. Very cute and clean! We will definitely come back.”

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

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Top Things to do in Ensenada Mexico

Although Ensenada is mainly known for surfing, there are many other interestig activities that you can join, besides walking on the beach or basking in the sun. Here are a few.

Please read well the details of each tours before booking, what’s included ad not, pick up time and location and requirements.

👉 Take a picture at la Bufadora

20 miles south of Ensenada you will find the second largest marine geiser in the world, La Bufadora, one of the most incredible natural attraction in Baja California with water shooting out of a sea cave more than 100 feet into the air.

It’s definitely worth the trip and you can either rent a car and get there on your own or you can join an organized tour that also include a guide and transportation.

If you decide to rent a car, you may want to check out on Discover Cars rental platform where you can compare prices and take advantage of their affordable insurance.

👉 Otherwisw you can book this highly-rated 4-hour guided tour on VIATOR.

👉 Valle Experience by Ansell Wine Tours (for private groups)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 124 Reviews

Ansell wine tours is a local agency that specializes in private group tour to take you to different wineries and restaurant. They can also include a winery that you are particularly interested in as the tour is tailored exclusively for your group.

👉 Book your Valle Experience by Ansell Wine Tours on VIATOR.

👉 Xecue Wine Tasting in the Guadalupe Valley (for individual travelers)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 387 Reviews

If you are traveling alone or with a smal party, this wine tour is for you. You will be joining a small group of other travelers and explore the vineyard facilities of the Xecue region learning about their winemaking process and the history.

Of course you will also join a guided tasting of various wines from the estate to learn the tasting notes.

👉 Book your Xecue Wine Tasting tour in the Guadalupe Valley on VIATOR.

👉 Las Cañadas Canopy Tour in Ensenada

Las Cañadas is an ecopark located at at only 20 miles from Ensenada, where you can experience all sorts of activitires, from horseback riding to ziplining tour in ATV and much more.

This tour includes Zip lining only where you can challenge yourself in an adventure flying over the spectacular natural landscapes of Baja California.

👉 Book your Valle Experience by Ansell Wine Tours on VIATOR.

Find out more amazing activities in Ensenada Mexico

Where to stay in Ensenada FAQ

Does Ensenada have nice beaches?

Ensenada in itself doesn’t have great beaches, but the ones north and south of the city are nice, and swimmable.

Which is better to visit Rosarito or Ensenada?

Rosarito is more of a touristy town with party vibes while Encenada is a bigger city but with lots of thigs to do in the surrounding areas, especially if you like wine and the outdoor.

Is Ensenada walkable?

Ensenada downtown is indeed walkable and you can move around easily on foot. However if you want to explore further the surroundings you will need a car or a private driver.

What is Ensenada known for?

Ensenada is mainly known for the Wine Mexican capital for its cercanity to the Valle de Guadalupe, the most important Mexican wine region.

How do you get around Ensenada?

The best way to get around Ensenada is either by car or by tour.

Does Ensenada take US dollars?

Yes although the local currency is the Mexican Pesos, many shops accept dollars. However I would recommend you should use Mexican pesos as the exchange rate won’t be very favorable.

Where to stay in Ensenada: final thoughts

As you can see there are many hotels in Ensenada offering many options depending on which neighborhood you want to stay and what budget you have.

I personally love Casa Asturia in down town, for its cozy ambiance while if you want to be on the ocean I would choose the City Plus ensenada for its chic modern decor and stunning views over the ocean.