Commonly known as Rocky Point, the Mexican resort city of Puerto Penasco on the Gulf of California boasts a dramatic dune-backed beach and tidal pools that help draw large numbers of visitors.
(Photo: Laguna Shores Resort / Courtesy Booking.com)
Indeed, it is the city’s natural attractions that have helped make it one of the region’s most popular destinations. As you would expect from such a major tourist hub, Puerto Penasco is blessed with plenty of accommodation options, ranging from humble guest houses through to high-rise luxury hotels. Among them are plenty of resorts that positively ooze character and charm and are equipped with a wide rage of amenities to boot – we’ve picked out some of the best below.
Laguna Shores Resort
A year-round pool and sun terrace, a bustling on-site restaurant, a hairdressing salon and a tennis court are the stand-out amenities at this Puerto Penasco resort. Guest rooms come with a coffee machine and a private bathroom, and some also offer a comfy seating area. A dedicated concierge service provides guests with tips on things to do in the area and will also help you book tickets for regional attractions or tables in restaurants. Bike hire is available from the resort too. For those arriving by car, there’s free private parking. From $101 per night.
Playa Bonita Resort
(Photo: Playa Bonita Resort / Courtesy Booking.com)
Situated in a plum spot on Rocky Point, one of Puerto Penasco’s most popular stretches of beach, this resort combines a great location with some excellent facilities. There’s an on-site mini-market, a restaurant and bar, two outdoor pools, a hot tub and 24-hour front desk. The air-conditioned guest rooms come with a flat-screen TV and private bathrooms with a bathtub and hair dryer. It’s a 10-minute walk to the shops and restaurants of the downtown district. If the weather lets you down, there’s a highly regarded Aquarium a short drive away. $166 per night.
Princesa de Penasco
Featuring several well-appointed apartments, this resort complex is just moments from the aptly named Sandy Beach and a 10-minute drive from the centre of Puerto Penasco, with its wide choice of restaurants. All of the guest apartments are air conditioned and come with a fully equipped kitchen, a seating and dining area, a television and DVD player, a washing machine and a dryer. Amenities around the resort include three outdoor pools – including one that’s heated – a weekend-only restaurant, private parking and free WiFi throughout. There are also BBQs available for the use of guests, as well as a hot tub. $248 per night.
Bella Sirena Resort
(Photo: Bella Sirena Resort / Courtesy Booking.com)
A few minutes’ walk from the nearest sandy beach, Bella Sirena is a popular accommodation choice with visitors to Puerto Penasco. Resort amenities include a tennis court, a fitness centre and a pretty garden that’s ideal for cooling off after a day on the beach. There’s also free WiFi throughout the property and private parking for those travelling by car. Spacious and comfortable guest units are well-equipped with a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and a kitchen with an oven, microwave, toaster and fridge. $218 per night.
Esmeralda Beach Resort
One of the more recent additions to Puerto Penasco’s accommodation scene, this high-end resort is a sight to behold even before you venture inside its expansive confines, with blue glass windows enveloping the high-rise building, intended to reflect the colours of the sea. As for amenities, these are no less impressive, with a lavish swimming pool, scenic garden, terrace, hot tub and a bar among them. All rooms come with a flat-screen TV, a balcony with sea views, and a private bathroom. For guests arriving in their own transport, there’s also free private parking. $304 per night.