My two motorcycle companions and I were exhausted from traveling all day and pulled into culiacan in search of some digs. While we initially headed toward "el centro", where our Latin America experience tells us most of the budget hotels are always located, we spied the Hotel Paradise just off the cuota (toll road) exit. It looked new and modern and a billboard outside advertised rooms for only 300 pesos (about $25) and a family restaurant. It also offered secure parking in the back, which is critical for our motorcycles and our gear. After a quick chat with the front desk "hostess" and a quick inspection of the rooms, it only took a moment to realize we had stumbled into one of mexico's many "no tell motels"---- places that rent rooms for those wishing discreet liasons. Each room has it's own garage-- much like the motels of route 66 in Amerioca's good old days. You drive in, pull the door down and you have al the privacy you want. We laughed uproariously and debated leaving, but we were tired, so we each got a room. We were pleasantly surprised. OK-- sure-- the bed was round and the room was mirrored and the purpose of the room was obvious, but it was absolutely immaculate.There was even a leather "sex harness" hanging there with a kama sutra type diagram with suggestions, although i was alone and exhausted and it was therefore wasted on me, as was the availability of a continuosly running porno channel on the TV.
I enjoyed being able to just get off my bike and crash, without going through the usual ritual of unloading my luggage boxes and hauling them to a room for the night, then reversing the process inthe morning. The restaurant was quite good, and prices moderate. We thought the place to be such a good value we stayed there ---on purpose this time--on our return trip, and even talked the manager into a $5 per sroom discount, based on our new status as "returning customers" (speaking good spanish helps alot).
Believe it or not, this place was a great value and should be considered not just by romantic couples,but any travelers wanting a good bargain in Culiacan.