Casa Margarita Hotel Boutique

Casa Margarita Hotel Boutique is a two-story mansion with upscale Mediterranean architecture and decor. Situated lagoon-side in a secluded (but not gated) residential area, it features a tranquil atmosphere ideal for honeymooners, couples, and long-term guests. The main entrance is a garage door, which opens to an outdoor courtyard and the wooden double doors to the hotel; it provides security but doesn't make the best first impression. However, the rest of the property impresses. The building itself is a soothing yellow, with marble balustrades along the second-floor balconies. The Mediterranean-inspired decor includes marble columns, marble tile, crown molding, thoughtful artwork (including pieces the owners picked up on their travels), and a grand double staircase with wrought-iron balconies. 

The front desk is somewhat hidden and there is not a proper lobby; the feel is definitely more that of a house than of a hotel. A relaxing patio overlooking the lagoon can be glanced from the foyer, and the vibe here is generally quiet, as it is uncommon to see children around. The hotel is considerably more expensive than other hotels in the Pok-ta-Pok residential area, though with good reason. 

Located on the lagoon side of the Pok-ta-Pok residential and golf development, the Casa Margarita Hotel Boutique provides a tranquil atmosphere right in the Hotel Zone, which is better known for its vibrant nightlife, luxury shopping, and beaches. Getting to these attractions requires reaching Boulevard Kukulkan, which is Cancun’s main thoroughfare. It's about a 15-minute walk to the avenue, and from there travelers will find buses to both the beaches and downtown. Three blocks away from the hotel is a convenience store, as well as a taxi stop with cabs available around the clock. It's a 10-minute drive to the Cancun International Convention Center, the main nightlife area, and the beach. Getting to Cancun International Airport takes about 40 minutes, or up to an hour when traffic is bad. Downtown Cancun is about a 25-minute drive.

The property has only five suites, all named after exotic flowers. All rooms feature marble floors and elegant Mediterranean style. Some also have a small sitting area and/or a dining table with chairs. Amenities available include a digital safe, an ironing kit, a minibar, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. Big bathrooms are a high point, and have double vanities, glass showers, jetted tubs, Bulgari toiletries, plush robes, and slippers. The Master Suite bathroom is massive (almost double the size of a regular hotel room), and equipped with not only a huge whirlpool but a steam shower and a walk-in closet. Beds in all rooms are queen-size. 

Some rooms overlook the lagoon and feature a furnished balcony. Others have a shared terrace area, and the Gardenia Suite has direct access to the pool. 

The property features a large patio overlooking the lagoon, featuring a large thatched-roof cabana where the free, lavish American-style breakfast is served, an outdoor grill area, and two smaller cabanas for romantic dining right on the lagoon. The hotel provides its own personal chef and menus are fully customizable. All meals are made from scratch and must be requested in advance. 

The chic infinity-edge pool and whirlpool overlook the lagoon. Beach towels are provided, but loungers are scarce. A picturesque, small bridge over the pool connects the house with the patio, which can also be accessed through a small corridor that goes directly from the garage to the garden. 

Next to the main stairway is a TV room that also works well for reading or socializing. This room has a corridor that leads to the hotel’s luxurious kitchen.

A kayak is available for guests to tour the lagoon, but the lagoon itself is not swimmable. Fishing tours can also be arranged right from the property through the concierge, who is also the on-site manager and may even sometimes act as the porter, as the staff is limited to five or six people. Guests traveling with a car are given a remote so they can enter the garage at their leisure, but spaces are limited to three or four cars. Transportation is available at a cost from the hotel to the airport, but the hotel does not offer pickup service.