A nice, well rounded review of Blue Angel. I’ve stayed there several times and although I found the rooms to be adequate for my tastes I could see others needing a little bit more. I was there to dive so not in the room much. But it’s not somewhere I would recommend if someone had non divers in a group. Our bathroom sink needed a bit of attention the last time or two we were there. It all depends on what you’re accustomed to.
We’ve since moved on to a place in town that is an upgrade in my eyes. We also love the fact that we can walk around to different restaurants in town without having to get a cab. And we love our new dive shop.
I've never stayed at BA, but I'm somewhat of a fan. That said, I too found the sefeuchs post to be informative and well rounded. It really helped me fill out my understanding of the place.
Casa del Mar has been mentioned by a few in this thread. As it checks all the convenience boxes I thought I'd expand. I've stayed there on every trip with one exception when I stayed at Casa Mexicana.
As opposed to BA, there are at least 2 restaurant choices other than the CDM restaurant less than a one minute walk from CDM. There are also more dive shops within that same distance and more hotel options too. Though it is north of the marina, I've witnessed at least one dive shop that leaves from the marina pick up divers from the CDM dock. I suspect there are others that would do the same as it is so close to the marina. This is conjecture for sure, but I suspect that if I contacted Tres. P. and told them that there are 6 of us a CDM that want to dive with them for the week but want to be picked up from the CDM dock, Tres P. might acquiesce and pick us up. 4 divers might be enough. With regard to shore diving, at CDM you also have multiple entry/exit points. CDM is probably 5 minutes closer to the reefs than BA, maybe even a little more. This may be true of BA too, but at CDM you're a one minute walk from a convenience store. This has come in very handy at times, plus the OXXO has canela coffee. Yum. CDM also has a hot tub and a swim up pool bar. Sounds like BA has a nice staff. I would say the same about CDM.
What I like about CDM is that it splits the difference between a large resort and someplace like BA. I've taken non-divers there many times and they've loved it. In terms of "rustic", CDM sounds like a little step up from BA, but CDM is still what I'd call rustic. Clean, quaint and a little rustic. It's not the Park Royal for sure. Also, as opposed to the southern resorts, you're north of the park, so all dive sites are a possibility for you no matter who you dive with.
Reasons to stay at BA instead of Casa del Mar:
It's really small. 22 rooms compared to about 100 rooms. I like that CDM is small, but there would be more guest traffic/activity there than at BA for sure.
Closer to town. I've walked from CDM to town and anyone downplaying that walk isn't being very honest. I don't know that I'd walk from BA either, but if the cab fare is less than CDM, that could be a good reason to stay at BA.
BA is right on the water and all the rooms face the water. No road between the hotel and the water. I've heard some complain about road noise at BA, but others have said it's not a big deal. It wouldn't bother me.
No proximity to cruise ship piers. At CDM you're only about 2 blocks from the south pier. If your room faces south, the ships block your view during the day. Very present.
You actively desire a room with no TV. (I really enjoy watching Mexican TV before bed.)
Less people/tourist traffic. As CDM is close to the south cruise pier, there is more tourist traffic during the day. In some ways, this is a plus for CDM. There is jeep, car, Harley and scooter (don't do it) rental right there. The submarine excursion is right across the street as is the AquaCat snorkel excursion, though I think they take you from there to board the AquaCat downtown. You get on a boat for the sub right at the shop. There are snorkel excursions from the ships that go to Tikila, which is right across the street from CDM. In any event, BA would be less tourist traffic and for some that would be a plus.
Fridge in the room. Last time I was at CDM they didn't have those, but you could request one if I remember correctly.
It's been awhile since I've been there, so some things may have changed. I may have heard that the Harley rental place is gone now.
Hope this helps.
Edited to correct AquaCat to Fury Catamaran. Had the AquaCat liveaboard in my head.
