Luna Blue Hotel

Luna Blue Hotel sits behind a four-story white-washed building capped with a thatched roof. Guests enter through a bougainvillea-laced stone archway and descend into a jungle courtyard that feels far from La Quinta Avenida's hustle and bustle -- although it's only a half-block away. A rough stone-paved path guides you through the hotel. Instead of being
built around a pool like many hotels, Luna Blue circles a thick, shady,
leafy bit of jungle centered around a large, twisting tree. To the right of the entrance is a rope swing bar and the
small sunken pool, to the left is the reception desk, tour desk, and petite lobby. If you're confused, helpful hand-painted signs point the way to the "office" and to "margaritas." Little decorative shots of cobalt blue in the tiles and ceramic lights perfectly offset the white building and ample vegetation.   In 2015 this long-standing hotel underwent a change in management. The new owners inherited everything --
including the resident cat, Frankie. Plans to upgrade some of the facilities
and room features are in the pipeline, but overall they want to keep everything
as it stands, which means Luna Blue would remain a simple spot without modern some amenities but with beautiful and relaxing jungle grounds.   

Located just four blocks north of Avenue Constituyentes and a
half-block west from the main strip, La Quinta Avenida, Luna Blue holds some
prime territory. Though it’s not one of Playa’s beach hotels -- the beach is
about a seven to 10-minute walk -- the location is an ideal mix of quiet but close to the action. Streets surrounding the hotel offer spots to do yoga or grab sushi, pizza, or drinks.
The closest beach clubs are Mamita’s and Kool Club. The hotel is about a 45-minute drive south of Cancun Airport, 30-minute drive north of Akumal Bay, and 40 to
50 minutes from Tulum.

Luna Blue’s basic rooms have some obvious drawbacks, specifically the lack of TV or phone. But some guests find this a virtue, as it leaves you free to focus on your vacation. And those that are feeling disconnected can still use the free Wi-Fi to reach the outside world. Bedspreads and curtains in celeste blue offset the white walls and solid, hand-carved wood furniture from Guadalajara. Every room has a wall stenciled with a notable travel quote. Little extras like in-room safes, mini-fridges, and watercoolers are also provided. (Although some watercoolers are looking dingy and worn.) The bathrooms, decked out in blue tile and earthen colors, have simple standing showers, but tiny touches like woven soap baskets and toilet paper hanging rope return to the jungle theme. All rooms have a palapa-covered outdoor terrace or balcony with seating and side tables -- though the Treetop Terrace Rooms go a step further with a hammock, four chairs and a table, and the best views. While the outdoor spaces are lovely, note that smoking is allowed everywhere outside, and often the smell of cigarette smoke can waft into your room. Another drawback: Walls are thin and sound can carry room to room.Garden View Deluxe rooms have full kitchens with blenders, coffeemakers, larger mini-fridges, and a few pots, pans, and dishes. There’s also a full-sized dining room table and extra single bed in addition to the queen in the main sleeping area. Families or those traveling in groups can connect one of the Garden View Deluxe Rooms with the third-floor Treetop Room just above it.

By far Luna Blue’s best feature is the
garden grounds. Trees take on prehistoric proportions; vines weave around the property; massive palm fronds
sway; and bougainvilleas add a splash of color. The shade this lush landscape creates is welcome refuge from the beating sun. (Frankie, the
resident cat, can often be found escaping the heat under a large leaf.) A small garden pool with four loungers, a small circular mural, and table and chairs set provides an alternative to the beach. A free beach towel is available from the front desk (with deposit). Another fun feature, the
bar is open from mid-afternoon until late-night, serving up beer, wine, and
cocktails, and it often
has live music. The oversized thatch hut holds a cluster of barstools, but it's the rope-swing chairs that offer the best seats. Note: If you decide to go out at night, be prepared for
the front gate to be locked after hours. Guests can access the property through
a small, garden side door whose key is given out at check-in.For other outings, guests can book a tour from the dedicated tours desk at reception. And off-site, the hotel has discounts and deals made with local
beach clubs like Indigo, about a 10-minute walk south. Here, guests are entitled to a lounger, cabana,
umbrella, and/or towel free of charge with a minimum purchase. Indigo offers good food and generously sized drinks, so it's not hard to meet that minimum.