BEST WESTERN Hotel Plaza Matamoros, Matamoros Centro

We are canceling ALL reservations with Mexican hotels--especially those run by the Los Zetas cartel in Matamoros until US MARINE JON HAMMAR is released from the prison there.

you can fly into brownsville (continental is the only airline that takes you to brownsville Texas) a taxi ride to the border/ bridge (the new birdge as the locals call it) cost $14. you can walk over the the bridge to mexico. no passport needed to walk over -- (only if you fly into mexico (this is until jan 2008) ... once you walk over the bridge any cab will take you to the hotel for $10 -- its in the middle of the shopping district. food is close and tasty. shopping is rediculous. the gift shop at the hotel is owned by Ms castaneda whose father owned the hotel. her prices are 4 times what they are at the market . haggle and haggle and get the best price... thats what they love and do! on the same side as the hotel there is a shop 3 from the corner (heading towards Garcias that is owned by a fat little dark skin mexican man who you will LOVE -- he has leather overnight bags large ones for $40 -- ostrich boots full quill for $100-- dont miss it!!! btw the hotel says it includes continental breakfast - nope it is coffee and 2 pieces of wheat toast. across the street a great breakfast is $3 !!!

Hotel and food was great. Desk employees were very helpful, even giving us a tour of the market and teaching us to shop and bargin at the market - only one block away. Parking was "tight" but attendents parked the vans for us. The lot was always attended and locked at night. The area was constantly being cleaned and swept. The smell of the food in the open market was awesome!! Everyone was friendly, helpful and it was a delight to meet and interact with everyone.