Hotel Faranda Imperial Laguna Cancun

The exterior of the hotel shows water marks and stains through fresh coats of cream-colored paint, and gives the accurate impression that the hotel is a bit rough around the edges. Once guests make their way back into the garden and pool area with its tropical vegetation and views out over the Hotel Zone and lagoon, however, the charm of the property has a chance to break through.

The lobby area, much like the rest of the hotel, is kept spotlessly clean by the staff. The decades' old marble floors, stairs, and the reception desk are still holding up despite the obvious years. There’s missing grout as well as a few nicks and dings here and there, but the breakfast nook to the left and the couches to the right of the stairs provide some comfortable seating for guests, not to mention air-conditioning, a welcome reprieve from the constant humidity.

Heading out to the garden and pool area just to the left of the lobby past the restaurant nook, guests are guided past the fountain into a tropical landscape with a well-manicured garden area that surrounds the hotel’s pool. However, there’s limited seating and only a couple of loungers available, and beyond that the private marina and the independent Belgian restaurant, with only two additional covered beds for lagoon-side lounging.

There haven’t been any updates in recent years beyond normal maintenance, which means visible wear is evident throughout; there are cracks in the plaster and paint, discolored areas and the ever-present mold from the tropical humidity and moisture from air-conditioner units. While the rooms are comfortable and clean, things such as sagging closet doors and corroded/aged bathroom fixtures are a common occurrence. 

The hotel isn’t near any major restaurants or shopping centers, although Plaza Quetzal on the main avenue is roughly five minutes from the hotel on foot, with its own gas station, a La Europea liquor store, Xpress mini-mart, pharmacy, money changer, and a couple of Mexican eateries for tacos and quesadillas.

The location across the street from the golf course is quiet and off the beaten path. If you want to get to any of the beaches that Cancun is famous for, the only option is a bus or taxi. There are usually taxi drivers waiting out front of the hotel to take guests where they need to go, but there are also the R1 and R2 buses on Kukulkan Boulevard. They both head deeper into the tourist strip down to places like Playa Chac Mool or Playa Delfines, two of the more well-known beaches, or guests can cross the street and find routes heading back to the mainland, as well as to beaches such as Playa Tortuga or Playa Perlas. 

The Beach House Imperial Laguna Cancun Hotel has 65 rooms in Smart, Classic, and La Villa categories. They are simply furnished with marble floors that have held up over the years, and dark wood desks, chairs, closet doors, and trim. The wood is visibly warped with age, with closet and cabinet doors don't shut all of the way in some cases. The in-room safes in the closets cost a fee to use. Orange curtains, comforters, and pillows contrast against white walls and the grey marble floors.

Smart Rooms come with either two single beds or a king-size bed and can sleep three adults. The Classic Room comes with two double beds and can sleep up to four adults. The Villa has two double beds and a single, and can sleep up to five adults. All of the rooms come with flat-screen televisions and air-conditioning. Some, but not all, of the rooms come with mini-fridges, sinks, and kitchen cabinets. While some of the rooms have views out over the Hotel Zone and lagoon, as well as the garden and pool area of the hotel, others look out in the opposite direction over the golf course. The Smart Room we viewed faced a roof area and some road. 

Bathrooms have showers, as well as shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Tiles have grout is missing in some areas, and are stained with age in others. Most of the shower fixtures are heavily worn and corroded, and leaks are not uncommon.

Hairdryers are available upon request from the reception desk. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, including in the rooms. 

The Beach House Imperial Laguna Cancun Hotel is primarily a self-service budget hotel, apart from the breakfast nook that serves free continental options every morning. There are a few tables set up just outside of the nook, although guests can eat anywhere in the lobby they find space.

The pool has a bridge over it and faces the lagoon. While you can bring your own alcohol into the rooms, it is prohibited at the pool or anywhere in the public areas of the hotel.

Although the hotel only serves breakfast, the La Palapa Belga is an independent Belgian restaurant operating on the marina within the hotel grounds, and is open for lunch and dinner. 

While the hotel is adjacent to the marina, the slips are private and off-limits to guests. There are roughly 20 parking spaces in front of the hotel, some just for guests and others across the street along the edge of the golf course.