Hotel California Todos Santos

Who doesn’t love the gorgeous small artistic town of Todos Santos? This Village which straddles the Tropic of Cancer near the Pacific about midway between La Paz and Cabo San Lucas has long been an agricultural oasis, with mangos, avocados and citrus trees. Located 1 hour away from Cabo San Lucas, this cultural town is full of legends. For example, ever hear about the California Hotel and the famous song from the Eagles? Is it true that the Eagles soared there?

This is a Legend that all of us would like to believe. According to local legend, the rustic Hotel California in Baja’s Todos Santos is the venue for the song. But is there really a connection? Has there ever been?

In recent years the hotel has begun to capitalize on an alleged connection, even selling Eagles t-shirts and other paraphernalia in the lobby. Carloads of folks on day trips from Cabo San Lucas could be seen roaming around the place snapping up souvenirs.

Many have doubted any connection. There are certainly other Hotel Californias; in fact, gone now is small motel near the second Pemex in Guerrero Negro called the Hotel California. Another example is the Hotel California in Palms Springs. In addition, most Eagles fans thought the lyrics to be symbolic of a culture. After all, this is what the Eagles had said all along.

According to Don Henley of the Eagles “I was looking at the American culture and when I called that one song “Hotel California” I was simply using California as a microcosm for the rest of America and for the self-indulgence of our entire culture. It was to a certain extent about California, or about the excesses out there. But in many instances as California goes so goes the nation. The album “Hotel California” sold 15 million copies, making it an all-time best seller for the band. It should come as no surprise for establishments to attempt to cash in on the fame of the name.

Don Henley even was purported to have been part owner back in the 1970’s. However, he said “The Eagles have never had any association with the Hotel California in Todos Santos”. Well for us that love this town and the magic of Baja we still like to believe……

So when you make the decision and become part of this community you will have something to tell your friends.