Hotel California Todos Santos - a building with a bunch of palm trees in front of it
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Hotel California Todos Santos

4.5
·10k reviews·Todos Santos, Mexico

Step into the legend of Hotel California, a historic gem in Todos Santos rumored to inspire the Eagles' hit song.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoons

Beat the midday heat

CrowdMedium
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Hotel California Todos Santos - a building with a bunch of palm trees in front of it

Hotel California Todos Santos

Best Time

Afternoons

Beat the midday heat

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into the legend of Hotel California, a historic gem in Todos Santos rumored to inspire the Eagles' hit song. Instagram

4.5
(10k reviews)

"It's basically a tourist trap kind of place, but glad we finally had the opportunity to check it out. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Vibe

The hotel is incredibly photogenic! Don't forget your camera to snap pics of the colorful rooms and courtyard.

💰 Be Wary of Tequila Prices

While tequila tasting is fun, prices can be inflated. Shop around before buying.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Name

The Iconic Name

Step into the legendary Hotel California, famous for its rumored connection to the Eagles' hit song.

Instagram+1
Charming Courtyard

Charming Courtyard

Wander through the hotel's beautifully maintained courtyard, a tranquil oasis with lush greenery.

Reddit
Historic Ambiance

Historic Ambiance

Experience the hotel's timeless charm, a place that feels like it hasn't changed in decades.

Reddit
Delicious Mole

Delicious Mole

Savor the highly-praised Mole dish at the hotel's restaurant, a culinary highlight for many visitors.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Legend (and the Price Tag)

While the Hotel California's name sparks Eagles song theories, the reality is a charming, historic spot. Be prepared for tourist prices; many visitors note it's pricier than comparable options nearby. InstagramReddit

Beyond the Name: Explore Todos Santos

The hotel is a popular stop, but don't miss the surrounding town. Todos Santos offers beautiful architecture, art galleries, and a unique desert-meets-ocean vibe. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Afternoons
Why
Beat the midday heat
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Enjoy a relaxed dinner
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Don’t lie here if you have a fear of heights #mexico #todossantos #cabo
@laurenwolfe
249.1K likes • 1.7M views

📸 Capture the Vibe

The hotel is incredibly photogenic! Don't forget your camera to snap pics of the colorful rooms and courtyard. TikTokInstagram

💰 Be Wary of Tequila Prices

While tequila tasting is fun, prices can be inflated. Shop around before buying. Reddit

Hotel Paradero, Todo Santos @Paradero Todos Santos
@michaelcarranza_
56.7K likes • 603.6K views
5 cosas que hacer en #TodosSantos ☀️ 🏄‍♀️ . . . . . #costoxdestino #todossantos #todossantosbcs #hotelcalifornia #todossantosmexico #todossantospueblomagico #bajacaliforniasur #bcs
costoxdestino
3.4K likes • 95.8K views

🍽️ Don't Miss the Mole

Many visitors rave about the mole dish at the hotel restaurant. It's a must-try! Reddit

🚶 Explore the Town

The hotel is a great stop, but the town of Todos Santos itself is full of charm and history. InstagramReddit

🎥 ¡Bienvenidos al legendario Hotel California! 🏨🌵 En el corazón de Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, está este hotel envuelto en historia, arte y… ¿una canción famosa? 🎶 Algunos dicen que aquí se inspiraron los Eagles. Otros juran que eso es puro cuento. ¿La verdad? Ya casi ni importa. El lugar tiene su propia vibra, con o sin mito musical. ✨ Entre sus figuras más queridas está el Chino Tabasco...
retroveler
14 likes • 369 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Vibe

The hotel is incredibly photogenic! Don't forget your camera to snap pics of the colorful rooms and courtyard. TikTokInstagram

💰 Be Wary of Tequila Prices

While tequila tasting is fun, prices can be inflated. Shop around before buying. Reddit

🍽️ Don't Miss the Mole

Many visitors rave about the mole dish at the hotel restaurant. It's a must-try! Reddit

🚶 Explore the Town

The hotel is a great stop, but the town of Todos Santos itself is full of charm and history. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hotel California in Todos Santos is a charming, historic stop, often visited for its legendary name. While many appreciate its unique ambiance and the highly-praised Mole dish, some find it overpriced compared to nearby alternatives. The hotel is a popular spot for photos and a glimpse into local lore, though its direct connection to the Eagles' song remains a subject of debate. InstagramReddit+1

"Visit this place as it is pretty cool. Clearly a lot of the emphasis of this place being popular is because of its name. However it is overpriced and better offerings can be found just across the street. The tequila sampling bar disgraces and takes advantage of those very patrons that support them. We purchased a bottle of tequila for 2500 pesos and found it the next day at another tequila tasting venue for 1500 pesos 850 US dollar difference. We get it we're tourist call Mom we've been drinking and are having a good time, but don't disrespect us and you did"

z zim

"I'm not sure if this place has anything to do with the song, but it makes for a good story and a visit. There's plenty of shops around for souvenirs and tourists. Worth a visit if you're near by."

Richard M

"I was here 25 years ago and it hasn’t changed. Still a cool stop. The Mole was awesome and would drive back on a heart beat to have it again. My buddy had linguini asada and he also raved about it."

Adrian Simpson

What People Like

Historic charm
Legendary name
Excellent Mole dish

What People Dislike

Overpriced
Tourist trap perception

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hotel California is located in the heart of Todos Santos, Baja California Sur. If you're coming from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), it's about an hour's drive north. You can rent a car, hire a taxi, or arrange for a shuttle service. TikTok

Yes, Hotel California is a well-known landmark in Todos Santos and is generally easy to find in the town center. Look for its distinctive architecture. Instagram

Todos Santos is a walkable town, especially the central area where the hotel is located. For exploring further afield, consider renting a car or using local taxis. Reddit

Absolutely! Hotel California is about an hour's drive from Cabo San Lucas, making it a perfect day trip destination. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, you don't need tickets to enter the public areas of Hotel California, such as the restaurant and bar. If you plan to stay overnight, you'll need to book a room. Reddit

The hotel generally operates throughout the day, with its restaurant and bar open for visitors. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or call ahead. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to walk around the common areas and enjoy the ambiance. However, prices for food, drinks, and accommodation are as expected for a tourist destination. Reddit

Hotel rooms are for guests only. However, the hotel's common areas, including the courtyard and restaurant, are accessible to visitors. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, Hotel California is incredibly photogenic! Its colorful rooms, charming courtyard, and unique architecture make it a popular spot for photos. TikTokInstagram

Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed in public areas. However, it's always a good idea to be respectful of guests and staff. TikTok

The colorful rooms, the central courtyard with its lush plants, and the hotel's exterior are all fantastic photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

For professional photoshoots, it's best to contact the hotel directly to inquire about their policies and any potential fees. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Hotel California offers a dining experience with a focus on Mexican cuisine. Many visitors highly recommend their Mole dish. Reddit

As a popular tourist destination, the prices at Hotel California are generally considered higher than local eateries. Reddit

While specific menus can change, Mexican cuisine often offers vegetarian options. It's advisable to check with the restaurant staff upon arrival for current offerings. Reddit

The restaurant offers a pleasant dining experience with a historic ambiance. It can be a quiet and enjoyable place for a meal. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hotel California can be a fun stop for families, especially if your kids are familiar with the Eagles' song. The colorful rooms and courtyard offer visual interest. However, be mindful that it's a historic hotel, so some areas might not be ideal for very young, energetic children. The restaurant offers a chance for a family meal in a unique setting. TikTokReddit

When visiting Todos Santos with family, consider exploring the town's art galleries and shops, which can be engaging for older children. For more active adventures, look into nearby beaches or kid-friendly activities recommended by locals. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While Hotel California is a historic landmark, it's generally considered a more upscale option, and prices for accommodation and dining can be higher than average. Reddit Visitors on a tight budget might prefer to visit for a quick look around, enjoy a drink at the bar, or try the highly-rated Mole dish, rather than staying overnight or having a full meal. Reddit

For more budget-friendly accommodations and dining in Todos Santos, explore options outside the immediate vicinity of the main tourist attractions. Many local eateries offer delicious and affordable Mexican cuisine. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Hotel California is a dream for photographers! The vibrant colors of the rooms, the intricate details of the architecture, and the lush courtyard provide endless opportunities for stunning shots. TikTokInstagram Don't miss capturing the hotel's exterior and the unique ambiance of its interior spaces. Instagram

Beyond the hotel, the entire town of Todos Santos is a photographer's paradise. Explore the historic streets, colorful buildings, and local art scenes for a diverse portfolio. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Eagles Connection: Myth vs. Reality

The most famous aspect of Hotel California is its supposed connection to the Eagles' iconic song. While many believe the band was inspired by this very hotel, the truth is a bit more nuanced. Don Henley and Glenn Frey, the Eagles' songwriters, have never confirmed this link, and some sources suggest the song was inspired by a more general feeling of disillusionment with the American dream. Instagram+2

Despite the lack of definitive proof, the story has become an integral part of the hotel's allure. Visitors often come with the expectation of finding a direct link, and the hotel itself plays into this mystique. It's a classic case of a legend becoming more powerful than the factual origins. Instagram+1

Whether the song connection is true or not, the hotel's name certainly draws a crowd. It's a testament to the power of storytelling and how a catchy tune can imbue a place with enduring fame. The hotel has embraced this narrative, making it a key part of the visitor experience. Instagram+1

A Taste of History: Dining at Hotel California

The Hotel California offers a dining experience that complements its historic charm. While the ambiance is a significant draw, the food also receives notable praise. Many visitors specifically highlight the Mole as a must-try dish, describing it as excellent and a reason to return. Reddit

Beyond the signature Mole, the restaurant serves a variety of Mexican dishes. Reviews suggest that other offerings, like the linguini asada, are also well-received. The dining experience is often described as pleasant and quiet, providing a relaxed atmosphere for guests. Reddit

It's worth noting that, as with many tourist-centric locations, prices at the Hotel California restaurant can be higher than at local establishments. However, for many, the combination of historical significance, unique ambiance, and well-prepared food makes it a worthwhile stop. Reddit

Exploring Todos Santos: More Than Just a Hotel

While Hotel California is a significant draw, the town of Todos Santos itself is a destination worth exploring. This charming Mexican village is an oasis in the Baja desert, known for its well-preserved historic architecture, including beautiful brick and stone buildings. InstagramReddit

Todos Santos is also a hub for art and culture, with numerous galleries and artisan shops. Visitors can wander through the streets, discover local crafts, and soak in the unique atmosphere that blends desert landscapes with coastal proximity. Instagram

For those seeking activities beyond the hotel, the surrounding area offers opportunities for adventure. Recommendations include exploring nearby beaches like Cerritos Beach, known for surfing, and enjoying the vibrant coffee and dining scene in town. Reddit

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