Salvia Cancun

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.

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.

The property has 84 rooms, Studios, and suites decorated in a traditional, outdated style.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).

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).