RESTAURANTS IN CHAPALA AND MORE part I

There are hundreds of restaurants around the Ribera of Chapala; finding good restaurants with great deals is not hard, but if you are pressed for time, you might want to visit my Top five list in Chapala.

Restaurant Delicias is located on the right-hand side of the Chapala-Ajijic Highway, just a few minutes away from the town square. Delicias specializes in delicious breakfasts, energy smoothies, natural juices, and healthy meals. The place is usually packed from 8:00 AM until closing time, which is around 1:00 PM.

Restaurant Quetzalcoatl (not to be confused with the hotel of the same name) is a gorgeous new restaurant located in Chapala’s promenade. This is an outdoor restaurant with a beautiful infinity pool and an excellent breakfast buffet containing the traditional American pancakes and scrambled eggs, to Mexican appetizers like quesadillas and pozole. The amazing view and the excellent service make this a must go restaurant.

Cenaduría El Zapote specializes in traditional Mexican dinners; meat quesadillas, enchiladas, pozole, sopes, if you have heard about it, they probably have it. What is great about this restaurant is the “at home” feeling the space provides; small, but not overly so, El Zapote makes you feel like a house guest rather than a customer.

For anything seafood, Acapulquito is the place to go to. Acapulquito is not a restaurant, but a series of restaurants right next to each other located to the far left of Chapala’s lighthouse. All the restaurants are very spacious and located right above the lake. What makes these restaurants popular amongst tourists is the live music provided by the mariachi and banda who make their living by playing their music to customers.

The main square in Chapala also provides many spots to enjoy a good meal; most of the restaurants around the plaza are similar in nature, traditional Mexican with slight variations. Inside the market there are many booths that specialize in 100% natural juices and smoothies, cakes and gelatins. At night, food–trucks take over the main plaza: tacos, tortas (sandwiches), sweet bread, hot dogs, and hamburgers can all be found from around 9:00PM until 2:00AM.

HOTELS AT THE RIBERA part II

As the biggest hotel in Ajijic, Hotel Real de Chapala is similar in nature to Hotel Montecarlo, introduced to you on the last post; the gardens are immense, the pools and outdoor Jacuzzi are located right next to the lake shore, and the 80 rooms plus five suites are inviting and family friendly. The hotel is beautiful, but just like Hotel Montecarlo, its location is somewhat far from the town center and the beach promenade. Prices are very reasonable with rates starting at $1,300 pesos per night for two adults and two children under the age of 12 while a suite only admits two adults for $2,500 pesos per night.

Right on Ajijic’s center, there is La Nueva Posada, a hotel with Mexican colonial charm just a few steps away from Ajijic’s lake promenade. Committed to excellence, La Nueva Posada makes guests feel right at home by offering excellent customer service and cozy rooms that can be bright and energetic or pastel and soothing; 19 suites and 4 villas make up the hotel along with a beautiful roof garden, a refreshing garden right next to the shore, and a private pool. This hotel is a favorite for American/Canadian visitors who want to escape their native weather without worrying about getting a place of their own; aside from their nightly rates, La Nueva Posada offers monthly rates with a 35% discount if paid full in cash. The monthly rate includes a full breakfast, daily maid service, wireless, cable, and local phone calls. Nightly rates at this hotel are probably the most affordable in the Ribera considering the elegance of the rooms; single rates can go from $65 to $85 dollars while double rates can range from $75 to $95 dollars and just like monthly rates, a good discount is applied if paid in full with cash.

The most luxurious yet least know hotel in the Ribera is SPA MonteCoxala; tucked in the mountains inside the so called Racket Club, Monte Coxala displays all the elements of a 5-star hotel with an economical tag. The location of Coxala is the key of its success; the mountains provide breathless views of the lake while San Juan Cosalá, the town were both the club and the hotel are located, is known for its natural thermal waters. There is not much I can say about this hotel that will make justice to the beauty of Monte Coxala; to believe it you have to see it. Its 11 rooms are luxurious without going overboard; white is the main color of the rooms with rattan furniture, and balconies, chimneys, and Jacuzzis are features of some of the rooms. The outside has many thermal pools and special baths, enormous gardens, fountains, pyramids, and restaurants. Being a SPA, Monte Coxala also offers many treatments for the skin, mind, and body, going from the traditional Swedish massage and aromatherapy, to more exotic treatments such as exfoliations with Mezcal-Lima crystals and a Xocotequila body wrap. Prices per room range from $2,200 to $2,800 pesos during weekdays while the weekends can go from $2,500 to $3,200 pesos. Since Monte Coxala is considered to be a place of relaxation and meditation, no children are allowed inside the premises.     

“[El Chante] Spa Hotel has the exact combination between pure air, herbs, flowers, thermal waters, stones, minerals, magic and mysticism, which makes an authentic experience of physical, mental and spiritual well-being.” That is how El Chante Spa Hotel describes itself and guests cannot do anything but agree; mysticism is definitely in the air, magic and comfort combine in harmony in every room, and world renowned therapies treat the mind, the body, and the soul. 19 charming suites with a mountain or lake view will make you feel pampered and loved; as a plus for all of you music lovers, the suites are equipped with a Bosse surround system that speaks for itself. However, what makes this SPA hotel stand-out is the range of world treatments. Oxygen, Ayurvedic, Obsidian, Polynesia Massage, and Kunda vi are some of the 25 therapies offered by this exclusive Spa. 28 treatments complete the Spa services offered by El Chante and this include exfoliations, facials, body wraps, and thermal baths. Aside from that, the hotel also has a built-in beauty salon for manicures, pedicures, hair-cuts, and make-up. For nightly rates and Spa information call 01 (800) 821 9757.

Make sure to choose carefully from the hotels I have given you today; while El Chante and Monte Coxala are amazing, their exclusiveness makes them hard to reach and far from town centers, so if you are thinking about exploring without a car, perhaps Real the Chapala and La Nueva Posada are the best options; the same can be said about families with small children.

HOTELS AT THE RIBERA part I

As the newest hotel in Chapala, Hotel Villa San Francisco has the tough job of finding a new customer base or does it? The fact is that the owners of this hotel did an amazing job in creating an elegant yet cozy hotel just a few steps from the lake; the hotel counts with only ten rooms into which the  interior designers really poured their hearts into, creating a space that feels like home. A musical theme can be seen throughout the hotel; each of the rooms is named and decorated after a musical instrument or theme such as Spanish Guitar and Tango. Like previously mentioned, the rooms and the hotel in general are extremely luxurious, but this is not reflected in the price: depending on the season, the most affordable room can range from$967 to $1,673 pesos per night for two people while the grand suite can range from $1,997 to $2,862 pesos per night for up to five adults. This hotel is great for families and private parties and an excellent getaway for romance.

Not far from Villa San Francisco you can find the exclusive B&B Quinta Quetzalcoatl, a personal favorite of foreign visitors who year after year come to this beautiful B&B. Hotel Quinta is like no other hotel or B&B; the one-acre property seems mystic and mysterious, like a jungle or forest, but with lots of sunshine and an excellent taste in landscape architecture and gardening. Adding to the mysteriousness of the place is also the fact that the hotel stands behind a rock wall over three meters high and its giant wood doors only open to let guest in and out. This hotel counts with five rooms and two casitas, all extremely inviting and with beautiful views of the surrounding gardens and pool. Rates can go from $85.00 dollars for the smaller rooms for two people a night to $160.00 dollars for the casita for four people per night. This hotel is great for relaxation and romanticism because of its adult's only policy.

For the perfect family vacation there is no better suited hotel than Hotel Montecarlo. Located to the left of the Chapala-Ajijic highway, Hotel Montecarlo is one of the oldest hotels in the Rivera de Chapala. Known for its thermal pools, luscious gardens, and the many peacocks that roam the hotel, Montecarlo is the perfect playground for children and the ideal site for family reunions and events. 45 rooms and 2 suites make this hotel one of the biggest in the Ribera; many of the rooms overlook the lake while the gardens and main pool are right next to it. Prices vary from season to season so for the best prices and packages call 01 (376) 7652120.

The previous three hotels are my personal favorites in the town of Chapala; whether you are looking for relaxation, romanticism, or a family vacation, these hotels will cover all of your needs, but also take into account that there are a couple more hotels in Chapala where you can choose from. In the next blog I will introduce you to some hotels in the town of Ajijic and some very luxurious SPA hotels that will make you believe you are in heaven.

* The hotels I have mentioned today include breakfast and taxes in the nightly rate.

AJIJIC; FOR THE OLD AND THE YOUNG

Ajijic is another beloved city by Lake Chapala; the town is less than 15 minutes away from Chapala by bus and around 1 hour and 15 minutes walking distance. The direct bus leaves Chapala every 30 minutes and costs around 12 pesos. A smaller bus leaves town every 15 minutes and although it is a little cheaper it takes longer to get to Ajijic.

Ajijic is known mainly for its American-Canadian population who come to this town in search of the perfect weather; during the winter the town is full of the so called “snow-birds” who get away from the harsh weather conditions in their native land. The summer also brings travelers who are trying to escape the intense temperatures of places like Florida and Texas. Many of these seasonal travelers have made of Ajijic their new home thanks to the beauty of this town.

Although very similar to Chapala in nature—cobblestone streets, specialized stores, a lake promenade, and a charming atmosphere—the American-Canadian population has definitely altered the character of this town. The main street, leading directly into the lake promenade, is full of American-owned boutiques, real estate offices, art studios, restaurants, hotels, and bazaars (this street is where the action is). The bazaars in Ajijic are very “yard-sale” like without the yard-sale prices; from linens, to coffee makers, to plasma TV’s, and antique furniture in the thousands of dollars, you can find anything you can think of at a bazaar.

The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) is another addition done to the town of Ajijic; an oasis for American-Canadian expatriates this is the place to go for those who want to socialize with other retirees. LCS organizes hundred of activities for the foreign population of Ajijic; afternoons in the Opera, tours, music events, and fundraisers, are some of the activities organized by LCS. The LCS building also counts with a restaurant, an English library, English movie rentals, and a main office where people can renew their passports, send letters, apply for volunteer work, and much more.

Because of its foreign population, it is at Ajijic where people can find restaurants from around the world; Chinese, Japanese, Argentinean, German, Italian, and Indian food restaurants can be found throughout the town. This is also one of the few towns in the Rivera with a movie theater.

Next to Ajijic you can find the towns of San Antonio and La Floresta; La Floresta is a luxury house complex and aside from expensive houses there is little more. San Antonio on the other hand is more similar in nature to Chapala, however, because of it closeness to Ajijic, a mall, a casino, a modern movie theater, and a Walmart have been built right next to the main highway.

Ajijic is definitely the perfect place for retirees; the weather, the “walk-able” surroundings, the low-priced lifestyle, the economical real-estate, and the English-speaking population offer and facilitate a high-end lifestyle compared to the Mediterranean but without spending the big bucks.

There are dozens of accommodations in both Chapala and Ajijic for those who want to travel to these beautiful towns. In the next blog I will tell you about the types of accommodations available, their prices, locations and ratings so make sure to check back next week.

CHAPALA; FUN, CULTURE & TRADITION

Chapala is a magical town; it is one of those towns where everybody knows each other, a town where “ghosts” still walk its cobblestone streets. Chapala is old and modern at the same time and this is perhaps Chapala’s greatest charm.

It seems to me the town has not changed at all from my childhood days; of course there are new buildings here and there, and as any other city succumbing to the claws of globalization, a Walmart and some other giant corporations have been taking hold of the town’s outskirts (thankfully, the town has not yet yielded to the McDonald’s and Starbucks craze.) However, tradition is still hanging strong; this is a place where specialized stores—places long lost in most of America’s metropolitan areas—still cater to villagers particular needs: A “papeleria” sells school supplies only, ranging from a single map of the Mexican territory to pieces of carton and wrapping paper. A “ferreteria” specializes in anything metal: outlets, cables, sandpaper, pipes… A “perscaderia” sells anything seafood, a “carniceria” supplies customers with pork and cow’s meat, while a “polleria” specializes in poultry. Like these types of business there are many others that specialize in leather, fruits, fresh juices, dairy… The old, and the young, still prefer these places over the Walmarts and Office Depots, a fact that is especially charming for foreigners. These places also close during siesta time which usually goes from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM depending on the store.

Another advantage for the lack of Starbucks and McDonalds is the abundance of privately owned  restaurants and coffee shops; lining Chapala’s main street, Francisco I. Madero, there are many restaurants that specialize in Mexican Food, restaurants that sell breakfast packages, ice cream shops, and coffee shops. By the promenade overlooking the lake many other bars and restaurants, usually specialized in seafood, become completely packed during the weekends with local and international tourists.

In that same promenade, many concerts, art expositions, health clinics, and political presentations are given throughout the year by the district of Chapala; these events are usually free so make sure to arrive with plenty of time to save good seats. On the second side of the promenade, to the left of the lighthouse, many street vendors sell food, “garrafa” ice cream, toys, traditional candy, and many hand-made products: earrings, weaved handbags, ceramics and talavera, “manta” clothing… These vendors are allowed to sell their products in this little outdoor market seven days a week; their prices are cheaper than privately owned stores and the quality of their products is just as good.

In the last paragraph I gave you some terms that are not exactly “translatable” into the English language so let me introduce you to some of this terms. “Garrafa” ice cream is made in a very traditional, hand-made method, very similar to the way ice cream used to be made hundreds of year ago; in a wooden container with ice, water and salt, a smaller metal jug is introduced where the ice cream mix is added; after hours of hand-mixing, a very traditional, crystallized ice cream can be served. One of the most popular versions of this ice cream is the “diablito” which consists of lemon or mango garrafa ice cream, lemon juice, salt, and chili powder: simply to die for! “Manta” is a fabric similar to linen although a little rougher in texture. Manta clothing is usually completely white or cream colored with hand-made patterns sewn into it. Although original of Spain, “Talavera” ceramic has become a staple of Mexican art. This ceramic is cooked at a higher temperature than traditional ceramic giving it strength and a polished shine; from giant vases to lamps and tableware, talavera ceramics can be found in the traditional white and blue colors or multicolored.

Chapala’s cobblestone streets are still roamed by men on horseback, its lake still sailed by one-man boats. Just by sundown the elderly go out to the main square to gossip about their fellow villagers while the young go to coffee shops to find out the latest rumors. On Sundays the main church is completely crowded with locals while at night the main square fills up with children and their families who come listen to live music. And sometimes, once in a while, people still speak about “La Llorona,” a ghost who still wanders the streets, crying in pain for drowning her children in Lake Chapala.