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3-star hotels in Mexicali
Ten 3-star hotels in Mexicali, from a downtown address on Avenida Madero to modern chains along the boulevards. This shortlist is for travellers who want a simple, well-located base for a border crossing, a business trip or a stop on the road to San Felipe.
Staying in Mexicali
Mexicali is a desert city on the border with California, reached from the United States on foot or by car at the downtown gate or at Calexico East. It is flat but sprawling, so visitors tend to move between the centre and the long boulevards by taxi, ride app or rental car. The Chinese community here has shaped the local food, and the crossings, the airport to the east and the road south toward San Felipe define much of how a stay is planned.
The hotels here are spread across the city rather than clustered in one quarter. Hotel del Norte, One Mexicali and City Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali sit on Avenida Madero and Avenida Republica De Cuba in the centre, convenient for crossing at the downtown gate. Several others line Calzada Manuel Gómez Morín, Boulevard Lázaro Cárdenas and Calzada Justo Sierra on the city's main arteries, better suited to drivers and business travellers. Couples, families and short-break visitors will find something here; those wanting pools, gyms or family rooms should check each hotel's facilities before booking.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Hotel del Norte
Av. Madero Num. 205, Mexicali
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Bar/Snack/Café
Why stay hereHotel del Norte sits on Avenida Madero in the centre of Mexicali, which makes it a practical base for exploring the city on foot. Guests have a restaurant and a café on site, and the bar and casino give the evenings some life without leaving the building. A business centre, meeting room and free Wi-Fi cover work needs, while free parking and a 24-hour front desk help those arriving by car or at odd hours.
See Hotel del NorteCity Express Junior by Marriott Mexicali
Calzada Manuel Gómez Morín No. 2120 Col. Granjas Agrícolas, Mexicali
Best for: Drivers · Business trips
- Free car parking
- Air conditioning
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereCity Express Junior by Marriott Mexicali on Calzada Manuel Gómez Morín is a straightforward choice for travellers who want the essentials done well. Air-conditioned non-smoking rooms, free Wi-Fi and free parking are the core of the offer, and a business centre makes it workable for short trips that mix meetings with sleep. The 24-hour front desk and round-the-clock security suit guests arriving late or leaving early.
See City Express Junior by Marriott MexicaliMotel Mediterraneo
Blvd Lázaro Cárdenas 3727, Mexicali
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereMotel Mediterraneo on Boulevard Lázaro Cárdenas stands out among Mexicali's 3-star options for its leisure facilities: an indoor pool, a Jacuzzi and a spa let guests unwind without going out. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with a sofa bed, which helps families or small groups. Breakfast can be taken in the room, and the restaurant and bar mean dinner is covered too. Free parking and Wi-Fi round it out.
See Motel MediterraneoHoliday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali by IHG
Calzada Lic. Manuel Gomez Morin 855, Mexicali
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereHoliday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali by IHG on Calzada Lic. Manuel Gomez Morin combines the basics of a reliable chain stay with extras that matter on longer trips. An outdoor pool and a fitness centre give guests something to do beyond the room, and the business centre with copying and a desk in each room supports work. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are included, and non-smoking rooms are available.
See Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali by IHGHotelco Inn
Boulevard Adolfo Lopez Mateos 133 Colonia Zacatecas Mexicali 21070 Baja California
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereHotelco Inn on Boulevard Adolfo Lopez Mateos is the quiet option on this list, with a garden and an outdoor pool setting the tone. It has a restaurant on site and offers wedding services, so it draws guests with something to celebrate as well as ordinary travellers. Free Wi-Fi and free parking keep the practical side simple, and a meeting room plus luggage storage add flexibility for groups and longer stays.
See Hotelco InnOne Mexicali
Avenida Republica De Cuba 22, Mexicali
Best for: Drivers · Business trips
- Free car parking
- Air conditioning
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereOne Mexicali on Avenida Republica De Cuba keeps things simple and central for guests who plan to be out in the city most of the day. Air-conditioned rooms come with a desk and a safe, and there is a bar for an evening drink. A business centre and free Wi-Fi cover work, while free parking and a 24-hour front desk make arrival easy whatever the hour.
See One MexicaliHotel Siesta Real
Calzada Justo Sierra 899, Mexicali
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
Why stay hereHotel Siesta Real on Calzada Justo Sierra suits families and drivers: family rooms are available, there is an outdoor pool and a garden, and parking is free. Air-conditioned rooms include a bath, a refrigerator and a sofa bed in some cases. A restaurant and bar are on site, room service is offered, and non-smoking rooms can be requested.
See Hotel Siesta RealSleep Inn Mexicali BCN
Blvd Lazaro Cardenas 1837 Villas Colonial Blvd Lazaro Cardenas 1837 Villas Colonial, Mexicali
Best for: Drivers · Business trips
- Car parking
- Gymnasium
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereSleep Inn Mexicali BCN on Boulevard Lázaro Cárdenas is built around convenience for travellers on the move. A gymnasium and business centre cover exercise and work, and a shuttle service plus currency exchange help guests arriving from elsewhere. Free Wi-Fi, car parking and non-smoking rooms are part of the package, and multilingual staff at reception make check-in easier for international visitors.
See Sleep Inn Mexicali BCNCity Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali
Avenida Republica De Cuba 39, Mexicali
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereCity Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali on Avenida Republica De Cuba adds more than the minimum: an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and a gymnasium on site, plus a restaurant and a bar for meals and drinks. Rooms are air-conditioned with a desk, safe, microwave and minibar, and family rooms are available. Free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk with security suit both business and leisure stays.
See City Express Plus by Marriott MexicaliCourtyard by Marriott Mexicali
Calzada Cetys 2650, Mexicali
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereCourtyard by Marriott Mexicali on Calzada Cetys is the most complete of these 3-star options for travellers who want food and fitness on site. A restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and a buffet, and there is a bar plus a market for snacks. A fitness centre, business centre and family rooms are available, pets are allowed, and free Wi-Fi and free parking make it easy for drivers.
See Courtyard by Marriott Mexicali
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel del Norte | ★★★ | Yes | Yes | – |
| City Express Junior by Marriott Mexicali | ★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| Motel Mediterraneo | ★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali by IHG | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Hotelco Inn | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| One Mexicali | ★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| Hotel Siesta Real | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Sleep Inn Mexicali BCN | ★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| City Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Courtyard by Marriott Mexicali | ★★★ | Yes | Yes | – |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For drivers
Every hotel on this list offers free car parking, and Hotel del Norte, City Express Junior by Marriott Mexicali, Motel Mediterraneo, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali by IHG, Hotelco Inn, Hotel Siesta Real, City Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali and Courtyard by Marriott Mexicali all combine it with free Wifi. Useful in a flat, sprawling city where a car makes the boulevards and the border crossings easier to reach.
Hotel del Norte · City Express Junior by Marriott Mexicali · Motel Mediterraneo · Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali by IHG · Hotelco Inn · Hotel Siesta Real
For swimmers
Motel Mediterraneo has an indoor pool, spa and jacuzzi. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali by IHG, Hotelco Inn, Hotel Siesta Real and City Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali each list an outdoor pool. Hotel Siesta Real adds a garden, and Motel Mediterraneo a patio, for time outside the room.
Motel Mediterraneo · Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali by IHG · Hotelco Inn · Hotel Siesta Real · City Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali
For fitness
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali by IHG, Sleep Inn Mexicali BCN, City Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali and Courtyard by Marriott Mexicali all list a fitness centre or gymnasium. The two Marriott properties also pair it with a pool, and Courtyard by Marriott Mexicali adds a restaurant, bar and room service.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali by IHG · Sleep Inn Mexicali BCN · City Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali · Courtyard by Marriott Mexicali
For families
Hotel Siesta Real, City Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali and Courtyard by Marriott Mexicali list family rooms. Hotel Siesta Real adds an outdoor pool and a garden; City Express Plus provides a cot, pool and non-smoking rooms; Courtyard by Marriott Mexicali has a pool, cots, a restaurant and pets allowed.
Hotel Siesta Real · City Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali · Courtyard by Marriott Mexicali
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
From California you cross on foot or by car at the downtown gate or at Calexico East; northbound waits can pass an hour at peak times. MXL airport sits about 20 km east with domestic flights. Buses reach Tijuana in roughly three hours and San Felipe in two and a half. The city is flat but sprawling, so use taxis, ride apps or a rental.
Questions, answered
How do I cross into Mexicali from the United States?
You can cross on foot or by car at the downtown gate or at Calexico East, according to the site. Northbound waits can pass an hour at peak times, so allow for that on the return. Hotels such as Hotel del Norte, One Mexicali and City Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali are addressed in the centre, near the downtown gate.
Which hotels have a pool?
Motel Mediterraneo has an indoor pool, spa and jacuzzi. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali by IHG, Hotelco Inn, Hotel Siesta Real and City Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali each list an outdoor pool.
Are there hotels with a fitness centre?
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali by IHG, Sleep Inn Mexicali BCN, City Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali and Courtyard by Marriott Mexicali all list a fitness centre or gymnasium.
Do these hotels offer free parking?
Yes. Every hotel on this list lists free car parking, which suits travellers arriving by car through the border crossings. Several also provide free Wifi alongside it.
Where can I stay with my family?
Hotel Siesta Real, City Express Plus by Marriott Mexicali and Courtyard by Marriott Mexicali list family rooms. Hotel Siesta Real and City Express Plus also have pools; Courtyard by Marriott Mexicali allows pets.
How far is Mexicali airport from the hotels?
MXL airport sits about 20 km east of the city and has domestic flights. The hotels are spread across the centre and the main boulevards; taxis, ride apps or a rental car are the way to cover that distance, since the city is flat but sprawling.
Is it easy to get around without a car?
The city is flat but sprawling, so the site recommends taxis, ride apps or a rental. Buses reach Tijuana in roughly three hours and San Felipe in two and a half for onward trips.