Hotel Maya
Just 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles, laidback Long Beach offers an unpretentious antidote to its nonstop neighbor. Slower paced, great for families, and without the eye-popping prices that you’d find in Los Angeles, this working-class seaside town offers plenty to see and do. Stay put here for a few days — and maybe even use it as a lower-key base for exploring LA — and you’ll also notice a new energy emerging, especially if you stay at Hotel Maya. Bursting with creative, modern, Mexican-style design, and filled with intimate and thoughtfully designed spaces, you’d never know at first glance that this resort is actually a Doubletree. Here’s what we found when we checked in.
The Basics
Budget Level: Upscale ($150 to $300 per night)
Lodging Type: Resort (197 rooms)
What You Need to Know
The Look
A recent renovation transformed this property from a run-of-the-mill big-box hotel into a slick pastiche of pre-Colombian Mexico, and the reference makes sense. Long Beach is home to the amazing Museum of Latin American Art, a must-visit while you’re in town. Giant felted beanbags, overstuffed pillows in indigenous patterns, textured stone and wood, colored glass, and pops of pinks and oranges make this property a fun feast for the eyes. Poolside cabanas, a lovely landscaped walking path along Queensway Bay, and a man-made sandy beach offer innumerable places to enjoy some solace or take in the views. Rooms are somewhat less detailed and eye-catching than the public spaces, but many have balconies with views of the bay where you can relax after a day of sightseeing.
The Vibe
The other refreshing thing about this property is its blessed lack of a scene. There’s no such thing as an LA-style velvet rope here, and guests include business travelers, families with young children, and older and younger couples enjoying a staycation. Evening and seasonal events (brunch with a live Mariachi band is a favorite) lure locals, as does the on-site Latin American restaurant, Fuego. The latter has an outdoor seating area that’s especially appealing at sunset, and even in cooler weather when gas heaters keep things cozy.
Who Will Love It
Hilton devotees in search of something totally out-of-the-box will love this property, whether traveling for business or pleasure. Even if you’re not part of a loyalty program, though, this hotel is a charmer if you’re looking for a unique SoCal stay with plenty of personality and zero attitude.