When I first walked into the Hotel California in Todos Santos, I could see where the rumors started.
Infamous for its association with The Eagles’ legendary song, The Hotel California is quiet, secluded, and the air is thick with mystery inside its colorful walls.
I was mesmerized by the bold colors and airy suites of the hotel, each one different from the next.
The lobby made a great first impression.
With the secluded pools, private seating areas, and high walls covered in lush greenery, it had more of a stately, manor feel than that of a cold hotel.
Would love to curl up right here.
Loved this hallway.
Here’s a peek in one of the rooms.
This next one was a two-story suite.
Here’s the upstairs.
And the bedroom.
Each room had large, open balconies with incredible views of the small town.
The balconies were almost bigger than the rooms themselves!
We had lunch at the hotel’s restaurant, La Coronela.
This bar. I swoon.
We were seated outside in the beautiful courtyard.
I was so excited to see this fabulous Mexican fare! This was actually the first time we’d had traditional Mexican food since we’d arrived. Chips and salsa, guacamole and pico de gallo, fish tacos, and gorgeous, cheesy chicken enchiladas.
I’m hungry.
And rich, decadent, fudgy chocolate cake for dessert.
The hotel also has a funky gift shop with souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.
Trust me on this one.
I was allowed to leave the Hotel California… though I’m not sure I wanted to.
Do you have the recipe for the chicken tortilla soup from the Hotel California restuarant(La Cornela) in Todos Santos
LOVE the pictures… you always bring things to life with your camera! Great inspiration…
Beautiful pictures and information. I really enjoy your website!
One small bit of trivia, if I can clarify (this information provided directly from the Todos Santos website):
Question: Did the Eagles ever come to Todos Santos? Did Don Henley write the song while staying at the Hotel California in Todos Santos, during the hippie heyday of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s?
Answer: Sometime in the mid to late 1980’s, the word got out that Todos Santos was home to “the” Hotel California made famous by the Eagles’ song in the 1970’s. In the 1990’s, the rumor had reached “hipper” journalists in the US and the first articles started appearing in major newspapers, like the Detroit Free Press article in 1996. As other journalists heard of the rumor, momentum increased and the story soon became a full fledged urban legend.
The actual cover art for The Eagles *Hotel California* was taken at the Sonoma Mission Inn, in Sonoma, California (now the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn). Definitely worth a review and photos, which I think should be posted here on your site as well!
Amanda – I just have to ask: what kind of camera you use? Your photos are amazing!
Nevermind! Found your most super helpful camera guide. You continue to be wonderful!
OK – it’s for sure I want to live in Hotel California. Your pictures were fantastic! The song will have even more memories now. Thanks for sharing.
your pics are eye candy! thanks for sharing your adventure! Blessings to you!
I came across your blog through my subscription to goodlifeeats, and am just stunned. Your gift with a camera amazes me. I have a budding photographer (daughter turning 18 next week) who will really enjoy your photos. She prefers capturing nature, rather than people. I can’t wait to show her your blog! I actually want to get into photography myself, and your pics sure help.
I’ve never been to that area of Mexico, and don’t even have a passport (a 40 year old who’s never gotten her passport!). Your blogging about your trip is changing that oversight, and I’m going to look into vacationing in that area of Mexico next year with my daughter (and stay @Hotel California). Thank you so much for sharing your amazing pics. The Mexican Tourist Board knew what they were doing with your trip for sure! : )
Hi Beth! Does your daughter have a blog? If she has, I’ll be happy to check it out. :)
Todos Santos is absolutely one of my favorite spots. We’ve been going there for years as a day trip when we’re in Cabo – and we stayed one night there on our honeymoon. They have one of the best Italian restaurants that I’ve ever been to in Todos Santos – I love love loved seeing this post. :)
The colors in the photos are amazing. Looks like you had a great time!
Stunning hotel with fabulous food. YUMooooo I want to have a bite. Is this the hotel where the Eagles photographed their record in the 1980s ? Oh you may be too young to remember. They called the record Hotel California. Hugs, Becky
I love the details in boutique style hotels. Those lighting fixtures really grab my attention in your images. There’s just something about all that colorful glass. And that pool … I’m pretty sure I could fall asleep in one of the chairs overlooking it. Glad you were able to “leave” ;)
What beautiful photos, Amanda! I could be happily lost in the nooks and crannies of the Hotel California.
Gorgeous hotel! I’m loving all of your recent posts :) I saw all of your pics on twitter and have been anxious to hear about everything since! Beautiful pictures!
Oh my good golly miss molly! Your photos are not only amazing, but they make me wish even harder that I could be there! I so need a vacation there like…NOW!
I hope you get to stay there some time:)
Beautiful pics!!! Makes me want to go there! I have the song playing in my head now:):) XO, pinky
Your photos are absolutely beautiful! I love the town of Todo Santos! Great post!
Your photography skills are awesome girl! You always travel to the neatest places!I just love your blog and always look forward to your next post!
How do you look so darn good and still eat all the decadent desserts! Tell me what is your
secret? I can just LOOK at a piece of cake, cupcake etc. and I gain 10 lbs! LOL
Beyond gorgeous. I’m talking about your photography skills!
And of course, the hotel is a beautiful canvas to photograph, but your work is just…stunning, Amanda!
Pic are amazing. I just recently starting receiving your blog and I think it’s great. I made a recipe from your website over the weekend- cheeseburger macaroni and it was awesome. Great job Amanda!!
This was great! I had no idea there was a real Hotel California!!
Those pictures are amazing. What a beautiful hotel. I might have to add this one on my list of places I must travel to!
Amanda~
So glad you posted these! Over 10 years ago my husband and I were in Cabo and decided to drive our hard top convertible bug to “Hotel California”. We drove that rode for 2 hrs and never saw anyone…we decided we were either on the wrong road or were about to be kidnapped. We gave up and went back and I’ve regretted it every since. What a beautiful place! If we ever go back, we won’t give up again. :)
The song is now playing a loop in my head and I love that now I can associate pictures with the lyrics – so neat! Gorgeous photographs as usual. ;)
what a beautiful hotel! And delicious looking food. I would love to stay there!
how do you get to go to all the wonderful places. I am sooo jealous
everything looks so beautiful, wish I was there!
Oh Amanda… I would love to have been there.. how beautiful… and the photos are to die for.
Awesome shots! What is that watermelon made out of???
The colors are beautiful! To say it is eclectic is an understatement. What a fun experience.
OOh la la! I want to visit there! Love your photos! Thanks for sharing…
These pictures are gorgeous! The colors are so vibrant & amazing!
What a beautiful place! I love, love, love the chandelier in the fourth picture. So whimsical and lovely!
I love all of the bright, vibrant colors in Mexico. Makes me want to go on vacation!!
Ooh looks pretty! I’m sure you girls had a ton of fun!
beautiful pictures as always :)
As usual Amanda your photos are more beautiful than a travel brochure!! Thank you!
Much different than the song invokes! You’re doing Mexico a great service with these posts!