Expansive pristine beach right
downstairs
Walking distance from the
nightlife area, including clubs like CocoBongo, The City, and Mandala
One block from Plaza Forum
shopping center
Three blocks from the
convention center
Two panoramic elevators
overlooking the lagoon
Suites include a kitchenette, dining room, and an ocean-view
balcony
Furniture and appliances at
rooms are dated and worn
Standard Room bathrooms are tiny
Fee for Wi-Fi
No loungers or beach umbrellas; beach towels available for a fee
Fee for using the hotel's tiny
gym
Pool can be crowded during spring and summer
breaks
Noise from nearby nightclubs can be heard in rooms
Noise from late-night party-goers is a common issue in peak seasons
Suited for affordable, extended stays, the lower-middle-range Salvia Cancun is one of the best
located beachfront hotels in the nightlife district. It offers 84 rooms with old-fashioned decor housed in an 11-story tower; large Studios and suites are equipped with kitchenettes and dining
room areas. Standard Rooms may suffice for people looking for a place to
rest after partying, but their bathrooms are
tiny. The beach area is a major draw and it is one
of the most expansive around. Those seeking a beachfront Hotel Zone option away from the main party area may prefer the slightly pricier Flamingo Cancun Resort.
Scene
Beachfront condo hotel centrally located in the nightlife district
Salvia Cancun
is an 11-story condo hotel with traditional, old-fashioned architecture, and decor that's showing significant wear and tear. It has a gated entrance where security staff checks arrivals. Ocean
views from lobby are lovely, and a way to occupy yourself if the porters don't notice your arrival (porter service is limited). Right next to the lobby is the access
to the beach and an ocean-view terrace furnished with basic tables and sun
loungers. During low season (September through November) the atmosphere is quiet and family-friendly, as the
hotel can be half empty. Summertime and spring breaks, however, can be a nightmare
for anyone looking for a good night's sleep, as the hotel fills with late-night
party-goers.
Location
In the heart of the nightlife district and facing an impressive beach
Located
a block (or less) away from the best nightclubs in Cancun
and right on the beach, the Salvia Cancun caters to lively party-goers, budget-minded families, and beach enthusiasts. The hotel is across from a flea
market and near several services such as pharmacies, car rentals, and tour desks. The convention center is about three-and-a-half blocks
away and a supermarket is also within a 10-minute walk. A bus stop is situated
right outside the building, and buses take guests to downtown Cancun
in about 15 minutes. Getting to Cancun
International Airport
takes around a half hour; we recommend driving through the Hotel Zone instead of going through the downtown area, which usually has worse traffic. The much fancier Aloft Hotel right behind the convention
center is close to the same attractions and costs about the same, but
lacks kitchenettes and a beach area.
Rooms
Tiny rooms, or ocean-view Studios with kitchenettes and dining rooms
The
property has 84 rooms, Studios, and suites decorated in a traditional, outdated style.
Standard Rooms can be small and their bathrooms are tiny. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with an empty mini-fridge,
a cable TV (not necessarily a flat-screen), a safe, and a private balcony with
two chairs or sun loungers. Many rooms overlook the Nichupte lagoon and side
beach views can be taken in from most balconies. Studios are much larger and
come equipped with a dining table for four and a kitchenette with cutlery, dishes, an electric stovetop, blender, microwave, coffeemaker, and toaster, but most
appliances look worn. Studios also have larger fridges, a stereo, and a DVD
player. Bathrooms in the Studios are larger too, and typically have a (most likely
worn) shower/tub combo. The suites are made up of a Standard Room connected to a Studio. Rooms are opened with actual keys, not keycards. Most furniture is worn, but it depends on the unit, as many of them are individually owned and rented. Units located closer to the nightlife area may be noisy at night but it also depends on the season or day of the week (weekends are noisier than weekdays).
Features
Stunning beachfront area, an outdoor pool, a snack bar, and a tiny gym
The beach area
is one of the hotel's main assets, and it is an expansive white sandy stretch.
No loungers, umbrellas, food, or beverage service are available though, and
getting to the poolside snack bar requires going through the lobby, which can be inconvenient. Beach towels are available, for a fee. There is a
solarium with tables and umbrellas next to the beach (it was under
renovation during our visit). The small, square swimming pool is deep enough for lap swimming and also has a paddling pool. The adjacent snack bar has limited seating and limited food variety for breakfast and lunch
(it's not open for dinner). The tiny gym near the pool requires a fee to use and only features a treadmill, a few free weights, and a strength training machine.Limited parking is available on-site and is in the same parking lot used by the hotel staff, which limits it even more. Next to the parking lot there is an archway that leads to the pool area, a snack bar, and the gym. Spa services and massages are supposed to be available upon request yet there is not a specific area for these treatments. There's a vending machine in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is available for a fee (per device).