Last Friday night there was a major fire at the Hotel Ticuan (8th and Constitution) in downtown Tijuana.  Current estimates are it will be closed 6 months or more.  The parking garage is still open (and is a good place park).

Newspaper accounts say the fire started as a result of a guest falling asleep with a candle burning.  Three floors were destroyed in the fire.

The hotels most frequently used by hobbyists staying in downtown Tijuana to consider as a replacement for the Ticuan are the Villa Zaragoza (on Madero between 7th and 8th) and the Rio Agua (on Constitution between 9th and 10th).  (The Villa Zaragoza is an old standby, however the Agua Rio is newer and less expensive.)

The Caesar Hotel, Espana, and other downtown hotels, of course, are also available.  They are, however, of a somewhat lessor quality.

For those looking for a more upscale hotel than either the Auga Rio or Villa Zaragoza that is "chica friendly" choices include:  Pueblo Amigo, Grand Hotel Tijuana, Marriott, Hotel Palacio Azteca, Baja Inn, Camino Real, etc.  However, they are not within walking distance of the Zona as are the Agua Rio and Villa Zaragoza.  

The Zona hotels are, of course, also open.  However, most escorts will not go to a Zona hotel.

-- Modified on 12/9/2014 12:43:05 AM

It's too bad about the Ticuan. I like that place. They must have had notes about me on their computer because after the first couple ladies they quit calling me every time one wanted to come up and see me.  

I just stayed at the Villa Zaragoza and the Pueblo Amigo. I just walked into the Pueblo Amigo and wanted a room and there was a big sign up at reception with prices. For a simple single it was $150 and the single suite it was $200. I was not expecting prices like that. Decided to splurge on the suite and impress my lady and I have to say it was an awesome, spacious room with a perfect king sized bed and great shower. But no savings over the US.

Villas de Z was about $50 bucks a night. It was comparable to a US motel. Nothing fancy. Has a wall air/heating unit and a small tv. The bed was sloping down on one side but was a king and there was plenty of room to just use the other side. Shower was plain looking but very good pressure and hot water. Sound definitely carries through the walls here, for those of you who like the screamers. We accidentally left the window open and my lady turned a bright red when I showed her in the morning.  

I also tried the Motel Premier for a few hours. A great budget alternative for a quickie but they hold onto your drivers license and seem oddly slow about giving it back. I have no idea if they let you stay all night or not. Not in a location convenient to the zona norte but taxis are pretty damn cheap if you speak enough español to not get ripped off although most drivers are honest.

recently met my regular  at TJ a d we found a dilemma when our beloved motel primer was booked solid so we went down  the road east and went to motel Via. It is just like motel primer in set up and decore. Here is the address and the pay was $26 per 3hrs not bad for a smash in grab.
Av. Via Rapida 13800, El Chamizal, 22415 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico