The only place to stay in La Paz

I Currently live in Cabo San Lucas so going to La Paz is always a treat as it allows me to go away for a few days and experience a bit of authentic Mexico. I would not think of staying anywhere else but Angel Azul. It is a wonderful little oasis in the historic district and is like walking into a true hacienda. The garden is gorgeous and maintained with dilegence and love. The breakfasts are outstanding and Esther is a delightful hostess. I enjoy being a bit off of the beach area as it tends to be a bit noisy. I highly recommend staying at Angel Azul for a taste of old fashioned Mexico.

The Only Way to enjoy La Paz!

Mexico is a cultural shift for Americans - but La Paz is peaceful, safe, and happy to have you. The same with El Angel Azul (The Blue Angel). This is more a quiet hotel than a house - you aren't in someone's upstair room - you are in your own room, with an incredible courtyard, wonderful decorating and flora, and terrific people on hand for help of any kind. Esther, owner and operator, is a fixture in this little city and knows everything you need to know. I usually want seashore - but this was better. We slept and woke with the gentle sounds of a village - the town is around you but you are isolated - the place is within a wall - like a cloister. The sun and the air are as though intended for this place - and the setting is like a movie set. I've done many hotels and many B&B's - never enjoyed a stay like this one. Grab the "suite" if you can - 2nd floor - the layout is like a penthouse apartment for kings. We're going back to La Paz just to stay in this place !

John and Jean Bradford - Minneapolis

Paradise in La Paz

After a nightmarish flight ala Aero California (which was grounded before we left), we walked into the doors of el ángel azul, and time came to a stop. It was glorious. We felt at home right away. This place is about as well-run as anything you'd ever find in Mexico. Very clean, and they spoiled us rotten with good service, cheery smiles, and great food. Plus, we loved having the cat, dog, and the rabbit around. They were very sociable, and it made missing our own dogs easier. Esther has done amazing things with this place. The decor is fabulous, as you could slap a frame around any area and hang it on the wall. It's an easy walk into town, and Esther provides a list of all her favorite restaurants. She was also very helpful when our travel plans got put on hold for one more day because our airline was kaput. We would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a relaxing and delightful time in the charming town of La Paz.

Peaceful Respite in La Paz

El Angel Azul is a lovely surprise when you step through the door. The outside of the building belies the old-world charm of this distinctive B&B. Esther, the proprietor, is good at communicating to prospective visitors, welcoming, knowledgeable and helpful in recommending places to eat, things to do and see in LaPaz. The staff is efficient and courteous and the B&B is clean. Bottled water is provided. The place felt like home.

We had the room that was once the jail; the decor is lovely, the room quite large with a double bed and a single. Plenty of hot water in the shower--which was good. Beds were comfy. Breakfast--hot and served at your table--was served at a civilized hour and coffee was ready for those of us early risers at 7 a.m. Adolfo, Esther's pet rabbit, was friendly and likes toes. All in all, I'd recommend El Angel Azul highly.

Wonderful B&B,!

We just returned from our honeymoon and spent some time at this b&b in La Paz. The staff and especially the owner were absolutey lovely to us....the breakfasts were great and above all it was very clean and very peaceful!!

There were 3 lovely animals..a rabbit, dog and cat which we adored!

We very muched enjoyed the atmosphere which was whatever you wanted it to be...the staff chatted away with you if you wanted or they left you to enjoy a quiet drink and relaxing time if thats what you preferred.

The location was also great, very close to the centre (minutes walking) and all in all we would definately recommend staying here to anyone!

We didn't have any problems understanding any of the hotels advice on water being precious and therefore only have your towels washed when you need to...its standard practice in Mexico where resources are short and the environmnet needs looking after! also we loved the fact that our room was cleaned whilst we had breakfast..infact it was a great service all round.

Enjoy your holiday if you stay here..its really a lovely place with lots of character!

Donna & Harvey

(Honeymooners!)

The Best Place in La Paz

I read the review from Chicago. I don't understand what this person is talking about. I have been staying at El Angel Azul for five years have have always had a great stay. We are there at least twice a year. The towels are changed if you leave them on the floor like any hotel in the USA. There is no pressure to talk to other guests and the owner is very helpful. The place is secure, there is no fear of getting ripped off since all rooms are on the gound floor and all doors can be seen from the garden. The same staff have been working at the hotel for years. I have been there with camera equipment and computers (there is free Wifi). Never a worry. The owner is Swiss and the hotel runs like a Swiss watch. No other hotel in Mexico is this clean!

My wife is from Chicago and I just got back from a week in the cold and rain of winter in the windy city. This person from Chicago must not travel much or have had other issues in their life that made them sad. Chicago is depressing this time of the year and not as safe as a stay at El Angel Azul in La Paz.

I look forward to going to La Paz and staying at El Angel Azul next week, again!

If you have any questions email laclamarte@aol.com

AND, saying the animals are fat is just mean. The person from Chicago must be a little over weight to even think of writing that. There is one rabbit and one cat. I hate cats but I like this cat and love the rabbit!

Don't expect much!

This B&B is overall acceptable. However, there are two critical respects that made us very uncomfortable.

Room-making: Timing is wrong! We could not understand why chambermaids had to start cleaning during breakfast every morning. It was really appalling to find several rooms' windows and doors wide open and unattended at the same time when we came back from breakfast. We had left our baggage wide open. It was very uncomfortable and we even doubted security there.

Cleanliness: We need fresh towels! Bath towels were not replaced every day. This was unpredictable because the notice in our room said nothing about that(the notice was very elaborate in other respects). When we asked the owner, she just refused and said it was on the notice. Actually, it was not. The notice just said "Water is sufficient but precious. Don't waste it." It seemed she told us to interpret the sentence like "Water is precious as written on the notice, therefore towels cannot be washed everyday". It is impossible for anyone to make such an interpretation. Although we wanted new towels eagerly, we did not argue because we did not want to leave uncomfortable memory in us. We simply think she should have said clearly beforehand on the notice, like "Towels are not replaceable."

Otherwise acceptable. Room is fine, garden is beautiful, breakfast is nice and animals are fat but loyal.

Lastly just one pointer for those who want to stay very quietly alone and need privacy: This B&B may not be for you. They encourage guests to be very friendly and be acquainted with each other.

Blue Heaven

After spending two days on the heartbreakingly and tearjerkingly gorgeous bus trip down the Baja Pennisula, the Angel Azul was like entering the actual gates of heaven. Covered with grime and exhausted, the cool respite of the interior courtyard put myself at peace and ready for a deep sleep.

The hotel is a converted government building that is built in a courtyard style and has been lovingly renovated by a Swiss ex-pat in native plants and fauna. Along with the two cats, (which manage to awake you in the morning by jumping through the open window), dog and rabbit (!!), it was the most wonderful experience. The walk to the malecon is a short three blocks away, and one passes by the town green (with the imposing Roman Cathedral-always having a festival of some sorts-overlooking it). With many restaurants nearby, it is the perfect location in La Paz. The main bus station is about ten blocks to the east, and easily reached by taxi.

Without a doubt, a wonderful oasis in the glorious desert harbor of La Paz.

BTU

El Angel Azul - Wish we were still there

Stayed there for two nights, and enjoyed the peaceful, beautiful setting almost as much as the wonderful hospitality. The rooms are tastefully decorated, and the courtyard serves as the perfect setting for the great breakfast in the morning and fresh margaritas in the evening.

El Angel Azul is the best part of La Paz

While searching for a new spot to go to in Mexico since Playa del Carmen has become crass and commercialized, we came upon La Paz. While certainly not answering our needs for a holiday location, La Paz introduced us to El Angel Azul which is one of the most lovely B & Bs anywhere. Esther, the builder and proprietor arrived from Switzerland to turn the old jailhouse into a beautiful hostelery. We were fortunate to stay in the suite which had an incredibly beautiful terrace with a sexy outdoor shower. The rooms are comfortable, decorated with a variety of Mexican artifacts and antiques. The air-conditioning worked well, and the shower's hot water cleaned off our daily grime. The breakfasts were some of the best meals we ate in La Paz, and we were surrounded by a beautiful courtyard with the inn's resident dog, cats, and birds. It would had been perfect had El Angel Azul been closer to the water. Be aware that the Malecon is a "healthy" 10 minute walk and you will need a car to get to any decent beaches. This is an urban inn, but a beautiful one.