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Weekend Getaway: A Boutique Stay at One Bunk Hotel in Downtown Tijuana
Downtown Tijuana is a seriously cool destination for craft beer and elevated bites. This hotel is as hip as the neighborhood that houses it.
San Diegans have long enjoyed close proximity and easy access to Tijuana for tacos, beer, and inexpensive shopping. But with more and more Baja restaurants, boutiques, breweries, and cultural opportunities launching by the day, trips to our sister city have created a bounty of new lodging options that fit any budget and lifestyle.
One of the most exciting new hotels is One Bunk in the heart of Zona Centro, Tijuana’s bustling downtown district. Historically, and to a lesser extent today, downtown Tijuana has been considered a tourist trap. But the past few years have brought massive changes to the main drag through the area Avenida Revolución.
One Bunk opened in May 2017 with nine rooms, which has since expanded to 14. The building originally housed the 1950s-era Hotel Lafayette and still boasts the name in bold neon letters facing Ave. Revolución. The dual name can cause confusion to those unfamiliar with the property, so Tania Lopez, concierge at One Bunk, explains it: “[I]n honor of the building’s history, they [the architects and owners] decided to place the Hotel Lafayette neon sign outside instead of the One Bunk name. So we are One Bunk TJ located in the historic Lafayette building.”
THE LOCATION
Arriving at One Bunk is fairly straightforward, even for visitors who don’t speak Spanish. Those who walk from the San Ysidro border crossing should be sure to use the new PedWest pedestrian crossing in lieu of the older bridge near the trolley. (Confession: I made that mistake this trip and will not be making it again.)
Shuttles are available and affordable (as in, $1) from the San Ysidro trolley stop to the PedWest corridor by the Las Americas outlet mall. From there, stroll across the border and either rideshare or take the short walk to Ave. Revolución.
Those who prefer to drive have the benefit of free parking in the adjacent Soriana Market parking lot on Ave. Revolución between 2nd and 3rd. Validation is available inside One Bunk, so don’t forget to grab your ticket.
One Bunk is located in the heart of downtown between 3rd and 4th, practically in the shadow of the iconic Tijuana Arch. Unless you’re very comfortable driving in near-constant traffic or are familiar with the area, it’s easiest (and frankly more fun) to explore the neighborhood on foot.
THE VIBE
Upon arrival, journey up the stairs to the One Bunk lobby. (You’ll pass a small window slinging tacos to go, and no one would blame you if you snagged a few on the way.) Tropical trees and broad-leaf palms command the astutely hipster space, complete with scrawly neon signs, a record player, and plenty of curated mid-century modern furnishings.
Once the onsite host checks you in, enjoy the second lounge area featuring a foosball table and a Polaroid wall. Make sure to check out the cascading light fixture made completely of tennis rackets.
Architect Jorge Gracia from Gracia Studio worked with local artist Seth Sullivan and Bien designer Gibran Huerta to develop the concept and furnish the space. Huerta’s design studio came up with the logo and branding, which inhabits every inch of the area from custom water bottles to guest notepads in each room.
THE ROOM
Each room is comfortably and somewhat sparsely, furnished with low, soft beds and minimal wall art. Instead, curios sit atop small shelves, inviting exploration as well as nodding to Mexican art history with statues, pottery, and woven art.
The bathroom is in stark contrast to the sleeping area with floor-to-ceiling tiles are a cacophony of color that envelop whoever steps foot inside.
If you end up in one of the rooms facing the street, prepare for it to be a little loud, even with the windows closed. Fortunately, air conditioning is available in every room, so you don’t have to worry about choosing between comfort and noise.
THE AMENITIES
One Bunk is small, so the amenities are few but well-selected. The small lobby coffee shop serves espresso drinks and pour-overs to order, sourcing beans from San Diego-based Cafe Moto. Free WiFi is available, as well as several bottles of water in every room.
The second floor is also home to Miles & Louie, a leather goods showroom.
“They are from Tijuana and have their products manufactured in Guanajuato, which is the capital of where leather goods are made in Mexico,” explains Lopez. “They carry one-of-a-kind items that you usually don’t find at their main shop in Plaza Fiesta, Zona Rio area.”
What's Nearby
For as much art as One Bunk has to offer, there’s plenty more to see, eat, and drink right outside its doors. Trendy La Justina occupies the ground floor of the building, and the iconic Caesar’s—the birthplace of the Caesar salad—is across the street.
La Justina’s menu unites swanky gastropub fare many Americans have become accustomed to, like riffs on pizza and Asian-inspired pork belly with a Tijuana twist. The tostada de pulpo (octopus tostada) was wonderful to share, but I mostly hoarded the slow-braised tacos de lengua (tongue tacos) topped with charred pineapple, and guacamole and served on fresh corn tortillas for myself.
American visitors will be pleased with the cost of things in Tijuana as well. At La Justina, our party shared four cocktails, two appetizers, two entrees, and a dessert with the final bill coming out to around $75 USD. The vast majority of places take US dollars but small bills are preferable to avoid making change.
Plenty of craft breweries line the streets of Zona Centro. Border Psycho, Mamut, and Cervecería Transpeninsular are all within easy walking distance, as is Estación Central (where I heartily recommend the Chinese fried rice and cocktails). Other renowned watering holes such as Public House, Insurgente, and 52 Kool are quick car rides away.
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Miles and Louie
Tuesday through Friday, 1pm–5pm; Saturday, noon–5pm
Get handcrafted Mexican leather goods straight from the designers at this small showroom within One Bunk.
La Justina
Tuesday through Thursday, 2pm–1am; Friday and Saturday, 2pm–2am; Sunday, noon–7pm, closed Monday
The award-winning eatery slings craft cocktails and elevated fare without a heavy price tag. Located just below One Bunk, it’s a great spot to relax in the heart of Tijuana.
Caesar’s Restaurant and Bar
Monday through Thursday, 11:30am–10:30pm; Friday and Saturday, 11:30am–11pm; Sunday, 11:30am–8pm
The historic restaurant is known around the world as the birthplace of the Caesar salad. Expect old-school service and French-meets-Mexican cuisine.
Border Psycho Brewery
Tuesday through Saturday, noon–midnight; Sunday and Monday, noon–10pm
The Revolución outpost of popular Tijuana brewery Border Psycho provides a calmer beer experience in downtown. Unlike many nearby bars, Border Psycho is relatively laid-back, with a diverse array of styles to choose from.
Mamut Brewery
Monday through Saturday, 10am–midnight; Sunday, 10am–8:30pm
The “Cerveceria Artesanal” serves up brewery favorites like pizza and nachos alongside house-brewed beers ranging from tart Berliner weisses to hoppy pale ales.
Cervecería Transpeninsular
Monday through Thursday, noon–10pm; Friday and Saturday, noon–2am; Sunday, noon–8pm
Ensenada-born Transpeninsular offers craft beer in a comfortable setting perfect for large groups or individuals. An outdoor patio equals great people watching as well.
Estación Central
Monday through Thursday, 8am–10pm; Friday and Saturday, 8am–1am; Sunday, 9am–8pm
“I only care about carrying really good stuff here,” says Ernesto Jimenez, creative director for Estación Central. “Our job here is to connect you with everything there is to do in Baja.” It’s a great jumping-off point; EC offers breakfast, lunch, and late-night dishes for dining in or taking out.
Public House
Monday through Wednesday, 3pm–midnight; Thursday and Friday, 3pm–1 am; Saturday, 1pm–1am; Sunday, 10:30am–10pm
Arguably the most well-regarded taproom in Tijuana, Public House offers draft beer as well as a hefty list of bottled beer for the true craft connoisseur.
Cervecería Insurgente
Tuesday through Saturday, 4pm–midnight; Sunday, 1 pm - 9 pm; closed Monday
The modern minimalist structure is an architectural wonder. Enjoy a spacious bar overlooking the working brewhouse or head to the rooftop to sip on some of the best beers in Baja.
52 Kool
Tuesday through Thursday, 1pm–11pm; Friday and Saturday, 1pm–midnight; Sunday, 1pm–6pm; closed Monday
A sleek interior pairs well with the curated menu of 52 Kool’s caliber. The ceviche is not to be missed, nor are their cocktails.
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