We are planning a trip to Laredo and need suggestions about hotels and shopping. Is
parking safe in public lot near Bridge 1?
Thanks!

Laredo might be a good day trip, but I really wouldn't recommend staying there for any length of time- it is not a pretty place at all! I have been twice on my husband's business trips.

Yes, the parking near the bridge is OK. Be forewarned that most of the shopping in Mexico is cheap touristy stuff (Tshirts, blankets, etc). If you are looking for lovely handcrafted items, you will not find them in a border town.

Laredo does have a couple of nice hotels- the Family Gardens off I-35 and the Marriott Courtyard are nice.

If you really want to make your trip enjoyable, stay in San Antonio and just go down to laredo for a day trip. Even better- skip Laredo entirely and shop at El Mercado in San Antonio- the selection is much better and the prices are about the same.

My wife and I live in central Texas and spend a couple of weekends each year in Laredo. We love it. As with any tourist destination, Nuevo Laredo is what you make of it. Just remember, it is an authentic border town, not a disneyfied version of one.

The only hotel we ever stay at is La Posada on the US side. http://www.laposadahotel-laredo.com/ It is literally on the border by the main pedestrian bridge. Once parked at the hotel, you never have to drive again since you can walk to Mexico. It has a very tropical feel and two outdoor pools with palm trees. Very relaxing.

Shopping on the main stretch (Guerrero Ave) in mexico is dominated by tacky tourist shops. However, there are some very nice stores, especially for the home. Try Rafaels. One is near the border behind the mercado. It has no signs. The other is bigger and further away down the main road. Ask a taxi driver how much (usually $5) and then take the taxi. Liquor can be very cheap. If you like margaritas, be sure to get Controy, a mexican triple sec. It is the secret for good margaritas, and is very expensive in the US, if you can even find it.

Food can be amazing. We really like 3 places. One is El Dorado (formerly the Cadillac Bar) near the bridge. It is an old fashioned bar with good food and great drinks. Another is El Rancho down the main road. They specialize in grilled meats. Finally, for a nice dinner, try Victoria's near the bridge. It is in an old mansion and has more interior mexican food.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. I've spent far too much time in that town.

Thanks for the information;
Christie, I can't send you email; it comes back.

Sorry, Stan! I have a block on Hotmail accounts because of the X-rated spam I get from that server!! Can you post your question to the board?

Does anyone know if the info posted here by Freddy is still accurate? Are the restaurants still there and is the hotel still nice? thanks.

That was me on the earlier posts, too...;-)

Yes, the La Posada is still there. I'm not sure about the restaurant as I haven't been back in quite a while.

One word of warning about Laredo: PLEASE be careful!! There has been a LOT of cross-border violence in recent months in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo. Please read the U.S. State Department's consular information sheet before you cross the border: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...s/cis_970.html

ChristieP is right, please be careful if you choose to go! I have two friends who will no longer go there for safety reasons--one went on business, the other pleasure. I am shocked by the stories I read in the local paper and wonder if they get picked up by the AP.

I'm pretty fearless when I travel. I'm careful so I don't have problems with crime. I once visited some parts of the Middle East at a time when others wouldn't go. There are only a few places in the world I would avoid for fear of violence.

Having said that, one of the few places in the world I would avoid right now is Nuevo Laredo. I hope you will change your mind and go somewhere else.

Wow, thanks for the words of warning. This is a business trip...but it sounds like I need to pass.