Rosarito Reactions

It was with considerable chagrin that I read Patrick Mott’s “Rosarito Reverie” (April 24). Having harbored similar romantic notions about the hotel after peeking through its historical lobby on many trips, I convinced my husband to book our reservations.

However, it was one of the worst hotel experiences either of us ever encountered, from the rude staff to the room itself--complete with dirty carpeting, torn furniture and ineffective air conditioner. Even the once-famous ballroom now displayed video machines and pool tables. But the real clue should have been the red and black spots dotting the ceiling and walls in our room. Imagine our surprise to be roused from sleep by a swarm of mosquitoes. We spent most of the night swatting mosquitoes with newspapers, adding more blood to the already splattered walls.

No apology or explanation from the staff upon our brisk departure the next morning, even when we complained of being terrorized by mosquitoes. We have no mosquitoes, they insisted, although exterminators were busy spraying the lobby when we left. The only redeeming feature of the trip was the Real del Mar Golf Course, where we encountered lush greens and a courteous, hospitable staff.

FERN LEVIN FLORES

Los Angeles

Owner Hugo Torres Chabert replies: “It is unfortunate that the Flores had an unpleasant stay at the Rosarito Beach Hotel & Spa. A new wing opened in 1992 providing rooms with air conditioning . It is possible that the Flores stayed in one of the older parts of the hotel, which is not air - conditioned. Window screens are provided in all rooms; often guests forget to close them, allowing mosquitoes to enter. The hotel is constantly renovating rooms. We also spray for insects on a regular basis.

We now have a guest relations/front desk manager to interface with our guests and any problems they may have.

*

Patrick Mott may have been disappointed by his pepper steak at Chabert’s in the Rosarito Beach Hotel, but we were thrilled. On our last visit we (dined at) the relatively new Chabert’s because we wanted to see the inside of the original hotel owner’s mansion in which two salons had been converted in 1937 to a casino for rich and famous guests.

The Caesar salad was one of the best we’ve eaten ($7 for two) and the perfectly done rack of lamb for two ($22) came with fresh vegetables and hot garlicky bread. The waiters gave us impeccable--almost grandiose--service. The whole experience was a delight.

RAECHEL DONAHUE

JEFFREY JOHNSON

Venice