This small, once-luxurious hotel is not to be confused with the Melia Turquesa. Designed to be a more intimate version of a Ritz-Carlton, it has failed to live up to its advertising. It still calls itself the "Celebrities' Hotel," after a host of Hollywood celebrities—Sylvester Stallone, Demi Moore and Bruce Willis—actually did stay here when it first opened, but these days, the hotel has fallen off the radar of most deluxe-class travelers. New management, however, shows promise in turning this place around, and the current low rates will not last if that happens. This property does offer large accommodations and private whirlpools on oceanfront balconies or terraces.
Set on a hillock behind a large shopping center, the classic white structure is entered through an ornate marble lobby accented with chandeliers, fresh flowers, a grand piano and Mayan stone carvings. The public space is adorned with pricey paintings and nude bronze statuary, because, as the receptionist explains, "Celebrities have art in their homes, and this makes them feel like home."
To press the point, the formal dining room off the lobby is called Celebrity. The circular wood-vaulted space offers Black Angus steaks, fresh seafood and a decent (though expensive) wine list. However, the cuisine alone isn't enough to draw outside trade, and when occupancy is down, guests may feel like they have the restaurant to themselves. The competent chef serves as the guests' private cook, and, given plenty of notice, will create whatever meal a guest desires. A second air-conditioned sea-view restaurant serves Oaxaca-style dishes.
A glass archway leads to a terrace with steps down to the enormous pool and lounge area abutting the beach. Uniformed waiters dispense refreshment from the pool bar. The single unlighted tennis court in front of the hotel continues to be in need of resurfacing. The simple gym is enduring a very long makeover, as it was also closed at the past inspection.
The 26 studio-sized accommodations, reached via a spiral staircase off the lobby, show contemporary Mexican accents with wood doors, throw rugs atop rose marble floors, white armoires, desks that look more like vanities, TVs atop cabinets containing minibars, glass-topped pedestal tables, two phones (in most) and data ports. The gray marble baths are huge, with double vanities and abundant toiletries. The rooms' best features are the whirlpools set on the balconies, even if rust and salt plaque dull their appeal. Royal Suites have multiple bedrooms by the sea and add kitchenettes, and the Presidential Suites have two to three bedrooms and offer the best views. Ground floors, however, lose the sea view.
This is no Ritz-Carlton, but if guests can snag a promotional rate, they will find plenty of quality, a prime location, gracious service and a welcome air of privacy in a convenient location away from the party scene.
