LetraCH - Restoran del Mar

Enter into the old style charm of Mexico as you ramble down the cobblestoned street from Guadalajara down Pepe Guizar to the Boutique Hotel and restaurant LetraCH which is right next to an OXXO and across from Lake Chapala.  This is a favorite spot for the Tapito's from Guad, they love the food and convenience to Christiana Park, the malecon (without the noise) and the old railroad museum. Newly revamped to include luxury suites and a fabulous SPA. An hour massage for 900 pesos, a refreshing facial that deep cleans as it adds moisture only 750 pesos. Why drive all the way to San Juan Cosala?  Enroute to Mezcala, this family owned and operated JEWEL offers lots of history, and less traffic. 

ADDRESS for TAXI: Carretera a Mezcala, Gonzalez Gallo 4 - Las Redes, 45900 -Chapala, Jalisco. Book online or call 376-765-3004.  Newly remodeled with pool, massages, air conditioning.  Follow them on Facebook.  Letra CH - Restoran del Mar.

Hotel Lindo

With only 8 rooms at this boutique Hotel, you are guaranteed to get excellent service. You can book online on Hotels dot calm, and give the address to your Taxi driver. The best way to drive from airport is to take the Libriemiento towards Ajijic, turn RIGHT at Wal-Mart, drive through 4 stop lights, just past Colon in Ajijic, turn RIGHT up mountainside at the corner at PIZZA place LaSerenata - up one block, turn RIGHT on Angel Flores. Hotel Lindo front door pictured.  GREAT beds, sheets, breakfast included. Walk to Ajijic Plaza in 5 minutes down Colon.  Eat at Tango's facing the malecon.

ADDRESS FOR TAXI: Angel Flores 17A - Las Salvias, 45920 Ajijic, Jalisco.  CALL: 331-865-4766 EMAIL: reservas@hotellindoajijic.mx

The Blue Rose Bistro

The Blue Rose is a spot that works hard to give all guests a fine dining experience to include food, service and atmosphere.  Comfortable seating was made for a party of 20 in their new location in Ajijic. Just past Colon, pass the Waffle House, turn LEFT towards LAKE like you are going to Dental Express. NEW location right on the corner.  This Bistro has an excellent chef and wine selection. The female owner pays attention to the atmosphere and provides great music, flowers and every detail to enhance your dining experience. Her menu offers a variety of flavors that will astound your taste buds. The chef uses fresh ingredients and many couples reserve tables for those special occasions. Depending on the season and weather, outdoor seating around a fire pit with friendly service. An expat favorite with a taste of finery from home. Like them on Facebook and make a reservation on messenger, or call 376-766-2948 (English Spoken fluently) The Blue Rose exceeded my expectations as they catered to a fun gathering on my birthday 2022.  

Local Spa

Just past restaurant row in San Juan Cosala at the base of the Racquet Club area residents can enjoy a spa day at the Grand Cosala Resort, or the boutique hotel next door for under $20 USD.  Dip into hot pools that are 110 F, thermal waters, cooler waters, get a facial, a massage - and choose NOT to drive 3.5 hours to the beach --- get-refreshed quick in just 40 minutes from home. The Grand Cosala allows you to enjoy the pools from 10 am - 6:00 pm - even if you check into a room visitors are allowed to change into bathing suits on site, bench it, enjoy a meal at the garden cafe, then check bags into room at 3 PM. The front desk staff speak English and you can book by phone or online.

Attached to Grand Cosala is a Italian Cafe, and in the same shopping center is a garage of Costco goods and a second boutique hotel for a day in the sun with a lovely cafe and view of the lake.

Grand Cosala contact info in comments.

Book facial or massage a few days prior to Spa day.

Jalisco Sounds and Vistas

Luis Miguel's presentation colorfully boasts of all that one can experience in the beautiful state of Jalisco, Mexico! For a short one week visit there is so much to taste and see. Enjoy a full day in central Guadalajara with a bus tour of all the historical buildings. Plan another fun day in Tlaquepaque which is in the middle of Guad. A fantastic place to shop and then dine at El Patio where the famous female Mariachi Band entertains! Day three and four visit the Lake Chapala area which is an hour drive from the middle of Guad. Around the lake there are several pueblos to explore. Chapala, Mirasol, San Antonio, La Floresta, Ajijic and the famous restaurant row which is in Jocotopec. It is a 4 hour drive to Manzanillo or Barra de Navidad beach. All the workers in the various beach cities in Mexico come to Lake Chapala or Mazamitla to cool off in the months of May-Sept.

Puerto Vallarta

Thanksgiving at the beach! Puerto Vallarta is the destination of many ETN bus loads to stay at all inclusive hotels. In November 2014 we traveled by luxury bus for six hours with many great friends from Lakeside to PV and we stayed at the all inclusive RIU Hotel Resort.  At the RIU we body surfed, rented jet skis and strolled a half mile down the beach to receive a great massage for half the price that the RIU spa offered.  In October 2014 Mike arrived as a permanent resident in Mexico, we bought a new car in Guadalajara and drove to PV for Mikes Bday. We stayed at the 5 star rated Garza which is NOT an all inclusive.  Too much food and too many people crowd the pools at all inclusive hotels. It is perfect for a family reunion, or whenever you want to focus on the FUN and not the FOOD.  At the Garza we enjoyed a suite that overlooked the ocean.  The infinity poolside service and food was marvelous.  The Garza is located up the hill from the downtown PV Centro in the midst of a forest.

If you travel by bus or fly into PV, the all inclusive RIU HOTEL would offer you the luxury of not renting a car to go to in town restaurants.  As we don't drink all the free liquor offered at all inclusives, we prefer the quieter five star hotels that offer luxury accommodations with less population.  Driving uphill from Garza is a best western hotel with a private beach that rents jet skis.  Puerto Vallarta is best visited in December - February due to the high humidity and heat. Both hotels are on tripadvisor.  Happy travels.

Villa 1927 Chapala

Mike and I stayed at this boutique hotel for July 4, 2019. We had an upper room facing the lake with air conditioning. This hotel is great for visitors for their first night in Chapala.  View and book a room using Hotel.com and transport from Airport is included. Villa 1927 Chapala Hotel

Arrive, check into your room, take a swim, enjoy a glass of wine at the lakeside elegant bar, then stroll the malecon and wind your way across the bridge out to the Fisherman Jesus. Walk out on the pier, hail a boat ride out to Scorpion Island, or just enjoy people watching. Every weekend Chapala fills with people from Guad as there is always something to do. There are many wonderful restaurants at the end of the malecon. "Al Kafe" or the "Beer Garden" for the bomb sunset!

Depending on when you arrive, it tends to be noisy on the weekends on the malecon. Villa 1927 is great because of the LOCATION for visitors. Enjoy the charm of this 800 year old fishing village. This hotel used to be a grand hacienda that took the owner took 2 years to restore.  The rooms have quality sheets and the location is excellent for a night. Miguel and his parents arrived Dec 22, 2022. Hooray!

The splendor of an era. History + Luxury + Style

Click for Reservations www.villa1927.com

Tel. (52) 376 765 5571