Summer is over, but dirty sheets aren’t part of the vacation package
As summer winds down, the Baja California State Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (COEPRIS BC) is turning up the heat on hotels. After all, tourists expect sandy beaches and tacos, not food poisoning. When hotels skip the basics—clean sheets, pest-free rooms, safe kitchens—guests can do more than roll their eyes. They can file an official complaint.
Training at the Caliente Hotel
Recently, 20 employees at Tijuana’s Caliente Hotel and Casino sat through training led by COEPRIS BC. Instead of learning how to fold swans from towels, they covered Mexico’s Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOMs).
For example, hotels must keep a cleaning log. This includes records of room sanitation, fumigation, and air filter cleaning. Without these steps, pests like bedbugs could turn a weekend trip into a nightmare.
Hygiene Rules Are Not Suggestions
One of the most important regulations is NOM-251-SSA1-2009. It sets hygiene practices for kitchens, from hand washing to grease traps. Food must be stored properly. Meats and dairy go in the fridge, vegetables must be washed, and even cans need cleaning before opening.
Because of Tijuana’s summer heat, poor storage can spoil food quickly. That means tacos that bite back.
Laundry Rooms Matter Too
Guests often overlook the laundry area. However, clean towels and crisp sheets don’t just appear by magic. Machines require regular maintenance, detergents must actually clean, and linens should smell like soap, not mystery mildew.
Other Rules That Hotels Must Follow
Beyond NOM-251, several NOMs keep the tourism industry safe:
- NOM-245-SSA1-2010 sets pool hygiene standards. No one wants to swim in bacteria soup.
- NOM-06-TUR-2017 requires hotels to meet minimum standards in hygiene and safety.
- NOM-07-TUR-2002 forces hotels to carry liability insurance. If something happens, guests aren’t left with the bill.
- NOM-10-TUR-2001 protects tourists with clear contracts. No fine-print traps.
Together, these rules keep vacation fun instead of risky.
How to Spot a Problem
Look around your hotel room. If you see dust on the fan, smell revenge in the bathroom, or notice shiny food under heat lamps, something is wrong. In these cases, your hotel may not be following the NOMs.
What Guests Can Do
Guests are not powerless. If you spot dirty rooms, pests, or spoiled food, you can act.
- File a complaint online with COFEPRIS.
- Or call 800 033 50 50 (only available in Mexico) for help.
These are legal obligations. Therefore, hotels that fail to comply can face real consequences.
Why It Matters for Baja
Tourism keeps Baja alive. Visitors want tacos, tequila, and sunsets—not stomachaches or bug bites. Also, hotel hygiene protects the region’s reputation.
One bad review about cockroaches can spread faster than a hurricane. In today’s travel world, cleanliness is marketing.
Know Your Rights
When you book a stay, remember:
- You deserve safety. NOMs are mandatory.
- Contracts must be clear. No vague charges.
- Insurance is required. Hotels must cover accidents.
- Food must be safe. Strange smells or pests? Report them.
GGNorth Bottom Line
Vacations should bring memories, not medical bills. If sheets smell funky, the pool looks cloudy, or the food seems risky, don’t ignore it.
File a complaint. Hotels that break the rules need more than bad Yelp reviews. They need accountability.
So when you check in, remember: margaritas are optional, hygiene is not. Baja deserves better, and so do you.
