Escape to Paradise: HEAVEN HOTEL, Playa Del Carmen Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: HEAVEN HOTEL – Or, Did I Actually Go to Heaven? (Playa Del Carmen Edition!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your dry, corporate hotel review. This is ME after my stay at the HEAVEN HOTEL in Playa Del Carmen. Spoiler alert: I'm still trying to decide if I accidentally walked into the pearly gates or if I just had a REALLY good vacation.
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First off, let's be honest. I'm a worrier. Traveling is usually a logistical nightmare for me. But HEAVEN HOTEL, from the jump, went above and beyond.
Accessibility & Getting There: Pretty Damn Good!
Right, so, accessibility. I’m not in a wheelchair, but I’ve got a wonky knee that acts up sometimes. They had elevators everywhere, which, praise the travel gods! Seriously, elevator service is a deal-breaker for me. The exterior corridors felt safe and easy to navigate - no weird, hidden steps. And listen, the airport transfer was smooth. No stress! They got me there in style. The car park [on-site] looked plentiful, and I think they had car power charging stations, but I didn't have a need for it. (Maybe I should start driving electric, eh?)
The Tech Stuff (Because, You Know, Gotta Be Connected)
Let's get the practical stuff out of the way, lest you (or I) forget! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – YAY! Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN were options, which is great when the Wi-Fi falters (it sometimes does, let’s be real). Plus! Wi-Fi for special events…I didn't even attend an event other than the one I made for myself and my cocktails but hey, the offer is nice.
Room Review: My Little Paradise?
My room? Forget it. Seriously, I was tempted to move in permanently. The air conditioning was a lifesaver in the Playa Del Carmen heat, the blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping in (hello, vacation), and the soundproofing…oh, the soundproofing. Absolute bliss. I could almost forget the construction going on next door. Almost.
They had all the usual suspects -- air conditioning (blessed be!), alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone (I didn’t even know that was a thing, but okay), bathtub, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping (seriously, these folks deserve medals), desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, reading light, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, and window that opens.
My Room's Little "Ah-Ha!" Moment: The Bathroom
Okay, here's a minor confession: I'm a sucker for a good bathroom. And the HEAVEN HOTEL bathroom? It was a dream. So much so, that I spent an absurd amount of time in there. The additional toilet was a godsend (no more awkward bathroom schedules!), and the slippers were so plush, I felt like I was walking on clouds. And the lighting! Perfectly flattering no matter what phase of the day it was.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Bring Your Appetite (and Maybe a Second Stomach)
Holy guacamole, the food. Where do I even begin? Okay, first off, 24-hour room service? Yes, please! Breakfast in room? Like a queen! I did order a breakfast takeaway service for my beach days. I could practically eat the salad in restaurant with a view all day long and the poolside bar was perfect.
The main dining options were plentiful. From a buffet in restaurant to the a la carte in restaurant options, the menu was diverse. They had Asian cuisine in restaurant for those wanting the flavors of the East (I hear the spring rolls were amazing, but I was all about the tacos!), all in addition to International cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant. The bar service was top-notch, and the coffee/tea in restaurant was a constant source of caffeine-fueled joy. The coffee shop was a great spot for a quick pick-me-up. They offered desserts in restaurant, Happy hour specials, Snack bar goodies, and Soup in restaurant. Seriously, by the end of the trip, I was pretty sure I'd gained five pounds just looking at the menu.
An Honest Confession: My Food Fail (and the Hotel's Excellent Recovery)
Okay, so I’m a vegetarian, and I’m going to own it: I’m not always in the mood for what would be considered a "healthy" veggie option. The Vegetarian restaurant was great, but I had a moment. On my second night, I ordered something I thought was vegetarian. Turns out, it had a sneaky bit of meat in it. My face went from bliss to utter disappointment in about 2.3 seconds. BUT… their response was incredible! They apologized profusely, immediately comped my meal, and prepared a delicious vegetarian alternative. It was like they actually cared, and that kind of service makes all the difference.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day to Remember
The Spa at HEAVEN HOTEL? Oh. My. Goodness. I pretty much spent a whole day there, and I'm not even a spa person! But the massage was divine, the sauna melted away all my stress, and steaming in the steamroom left my skin glowing. The Pool with view was stunning and the Swimming pool [outdoor] was an absolute essential. I also tried the Foot bath - a new experience for me. It was so rejuvenating. Plus, the Body scrub and Body wrap were a treat.
A Special Shout-Out to the Spa Staff…and their Miraculous Hand-holding
Okay, let’s be real, spa days can be a little…awkward. But the staff? Beyond professional. They were kind, attentive, and somehow managed to make me feel completely comfortable (yes, even when I was practically naked!). I went in with a headache, and came out feeling like a new woman. Pure bliss.
Safety & Cleanliness (Because, You Know, the World)
I was honestly impressed. They're doing everything right. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and meticulous Room sanitization between stays really eased my mind. They had hand sanitizers everywhere, and the staff were following all of the health protocols. I was also relieved to see Physical Distancing of at least 1 meter enforced.
The Quirky & the Imperfect (Because Life Isn't Perfect…or is it?)
No hotel is perfect. The Internet hiccuped a couple of times (but hey, that's the modern world, right?), and, look, there was a bit of construction noise. But honestly, it was so minor. The staff, bless their hearts, are working constantly to remedy any issues that pop up. And the occasional hiccup just reinforces the fact that this is a real, living place, and not some sterile, corporate machine.
The Verdict: Did I Find Heaven?
Okay, so…did I find paradise? Almost. It was a damn near perfect experience. The HEAVEN HOTEL is a beautiful, well-run resort. It's a dream for relaxation and a damn fine spot for adventure. I’d absolutely go back. In fact, I’m already plotting my return. Just…maybe I'll try a different dish next time. And maybe I'll request a room a bit further from the construction crew, just in case. But hey, that's just life, right? And even with the little imperfections, HEAVEN HOTEL…well, it came pretty darn close. Consider me a believer. Highly recommend!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Anushree Hotel, Jabalpur - Your Dream Getaway!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is… my impending doom, I mean, vacation, at the Heaven Hotel in Playa del Carmen. And trust me, I need this. I need a margarita the size of my head and a beach that doesn't involve shoveling snow. Here we go…
Trip to Paradise (aka, Trying Not to Lose My Mind in Mexico)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (and, Okay, Maybe Some Tequila)
- 10:00 AM - Flight from Dulles: The Pre-Vacation Panic. Oh god, the airport. The screaming children, the stressed parents, the questionable smells… I swear, I can smell the existential dread of everyone crammed into this metal tube. I'm already regretting my decision to wear white pants. (Why? Why?!) Grab a lukewarm coffee - fuel for the journey, and a double shot of anxiety.
- 2:00 PM - Touchdown in Cancun, Mexico! Okay, sun! Warmth! Okay, the humidity is already hugging me like a sweaty ex-boyfriend. Finding the transfer… the driver has a mustache that could rival a walrus. He's very insistent, but also very polite. Negotiating the price was a breeze…I got good at that after living through a hell year.
- 3:30 PM - Arrival at Heaven Hotel: Initial Impressions & Room Roulette. Woah. The lobby IS stunning. Like, "Instagram worthy" (and I'm not even an influencer). Check-in is… slow. The staff is all smiles, which feels slightly unnerving. They probably know that I'm already a stressed person. The room better NOT have a view of the parking lot. Please, god, no parking lot. (Fingers crossed. It's the ocean! I'm in the ocean!)
- 4:00 PM - Unpacking (Mostly). I'm a terrible packer. Clothes bursting at the seams of my suitcase, wrinkled sundresses, and I always forget… deodorant! Seriously, I don't know how I manage to forget the one thing that keeps me from offending everyone around me.
- 5:00 PM - First Margarita & Beach Reconnaissance. Found the pool. Amazing. Found the bar. Divine. Found the margarita. Sweet nectar of the gods! Sipping it by the pool… I observe the other guests. A couple making out with a fervor that suggests they haven't touched in years. Another, a man doing an impressive amount of pushups. The life! The people! The sun! I'm forgetting about the news back home, the bills, the everything. Ahhh, bliss…
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (and a Potential Disaster!) The restaurant is beautiful, candlelit, the works. I order the grilled fish, feeling sophisticated. Then… I get food poisoning. Yes, I know, I jinxed myself. It was terrible. I spent the best of the night vomiting into a toilet.
Day 2: Sun, Sand & Stomach Woes (and More Tequila. For Medicinal Purposes)
- 9:00 AM - Wake up and Assess the Damage. Still alive! Barely. Grateful for the hotel's water.
- 10:00 AM - Beach Day (Attempt #1). Okay, small steps. I slather on sunscreen (finally remembering that important detail!), and shuffle onto the beach. The sand is heavenly! Or, at least, it was heavenly. Until the waves started churning and I got a little seasick. Back to the hotel. Another dose of water to recover.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch with Caution. Light and blan. I decide to try a simple soup. Fingers crossed. Everything is bland.
- 2:00 PM - Recovery Time & Rumination. I go back to the room for rest. I flip through the TV channels, it's all in spanish, but I can understand what is happening.
- 4:00 PM - Another Attempt at the Beach (and Epic Fail). I am determined. Back to the beach. I decide to jump in the waves - big mistake. The current is wild. I get tumbled around and swallow half a bucket of saltwater. I emerge looking like a drowned rat, salty and miserable. More water.
- 6:00 PM - The Healing Power of Tequila (Again). I've earned it. I head to the bar and the lovely bartender (who now knows me by name, and probably thinks I'm either an alcoholic or just really prone to misfortune) makes me a strong margarita. I sip it slowly, staring at the ocean. Maybe tomorrow will be better. Maybe…
Day 3: The Day I Actually Enjoyed Myself (Hallelujah!)
- 9:00 AM - Beach Day! Third time's the charm? I'm more cautious, pick a sheltered spot, and just… relax. I read my book. I stare at the ocean. No vomiting. No drowning. Just… peace.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at a Beachside Restaurant (Finally!). A little place down the beach. The food is amazing! Fresh seafood, ceviche, and cold beer. I'm in heaven. Seriously.
- 2:00 PM - Exploring Playa del Carmen. Walked through the town. Saw shops, tourists, all that jazz.
- 3:00 PM - Shopping. I bought a colorful scarf! A bit of retail therapy, and feeling like myself again.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner & Sunset. Back at the hotel, watched the sunset from the beach. Amazing!
- 7:00 PM - More Margaritas. Because I earned it.
Day 4: Exploring Paradise & The Mayan Ruins
- 10:00 AM - Excursion to Tulum & Cenotes. Okay, this is the "culture" part of my trip. Tulum is stunning, the ruins perched on cliffs overlooking the turquoise ocean. I'm actually impressed with myself for not falling off a cliff or accidentally touching a poisonous plant. The cenotes are even better: refreshing, crystal-clear water.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Restaurant. We went to a small place. It was delicious, so real, and so beautiful.
- 7:00 PM - Drinks and music After dinner, we went to a bar.
Day 5: Beach Day!
- 10:00 AM - Relaxing.
Day 6: (And the remaining days of my trip are a blur. They were pretty much all the same… more beach time!).
Day 7: Departure - Back to Reality (and Maybe Another Margarita)
- 10:00 AM - Departure. The taxi driver has the walrus mustache again. The airport doesn't seem as frightening this time. I'm even sad to leave.
- **4:00 PM - Arriving back home, full of gratitude. **
Important Notes & Disclaimers:
- The Food Poisoning. I’m not sure where I went wrong.
- Tequila Consumption: It's a survival strategy, okay?
- Sunscreen: Wear it. Seriously.
- My Mood: Fluctuated from ecstatic to terrified, multiple times a day. This is normal, right?
- Overall: Despite the bumps, this trip was worth it. I need to do this again.
So there you have it. My honest-to-goodness Playa del Carmen experience. It wasn't perfect, but that's the point, isn't it? Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go plan my next vacation…
Escape to Paradise: Running Y Ranch Resort Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: HEAVEN HOTEL, Playa Del Carmen Awaits! - (Or Does It?) - FAQs (and My Chaotic Brain's Take…)
Okay, so... Playa Del Carmen and HEAVEN HOTEL. What's the *actual* vibe? Is it… you know… *heaven*?
Alright, first things first: "Heaven" is a bold claim. Let's just say it's *aspirational*. Playa Del Carmen itself? Gorgeous, undeniably. Turquoise water that'll make your jaw drop, sand so white it practically *glows*. The energy is electric. You've got everything from chilled-out beach bars to clubs that thump until the sun peeks over the horizon.
HEAVEN HOTEL... well, it depends. It's definitely trying to be the chic, minimalist Instagram-worthy oasis, you know? Think clean lines, white everything, probably a pool that looks amazing in photos. My actual, real-life experience? (And this is where things get a little… real.) I’m thinking the lobby? Beautiful. The first room I got? Not. The AC was on the fritz, and there was a weird, faint smell of… *stuff* I couldn't quite identify. Like, old wet dog meets… disappointment. (Okay, maybe I'm being harsh, but it messed with my Zen!).
They *did* move me, though. Kudos for that. And then, the second room was… better. Much, much better. Still, about Heaven? Maybe *Hotel-Adjacent-to-Heaven* is a more accurate description. Look, it's a good starting point. But don't expect angels with harps, okay? Expect sunshine, a few hiccups, and a whole lotta potential for a good time.
What's the deal with those "all-inclusive" packages? Are they actually worth the money? Are they a total rip-off? Spill the tea!
ALL-INCLUSIVE. The siren song of travel, right? Unlimited margaritas! Food whenever you want! No nasty bill at the end! It's tempting. And listen, for someone like me? Temptation is my middle name.
Here’s the deal regarding HEAVEN: check VERY carefully what "inclusive" actually means. Is it just *some* of the restaurants? Are top-shelf liquors included? (The cheap stuff… ugh, the shivers!) I made a rookie mistake. Just *assumed* the "premium package" was, well, premium. Nope. Turns out, the lobster bisque? Extra. The imported beers? Extra. Flipping heck! I felt like I was nickled and dimed for everything that remotely resembled quality.
My advice? Read the fine print. Ask QUESTIONS (lots of ‘em). Compare packages *carefully*. Do the math. Sometimes, yeah, it works out. You're getting a deal. All that food and drink adds up. Sometimes, though, you're better off paying a la carte and exploring restaurants off-property. I’m leaning heavily towards the latter for HEAVEN. That lobster bisque *still* stings! In fairness, the buffet was decent, but that's not why I picked *Heaven*, is it?
Food! Hit me with the food situation at HEAVEN HOTEL and Playa Del Carmen in general! (Because, let's be real, food is important…)
Okay, buckle up, foodie friends, because Playa Del Carmen? Food is an absolute highlight. HEAVEN HOTEL? Well… mixed bag.
The buffet itself? Fine. Perfectly acceptable. Lots of options. But… it's a buffet, you know? It's not *memorable*. It satisfies a hunger, gets the job done. I did stumble across some truly delicious fresh fruit, like mangos that tasted like sunshine in my mouth. (Seriously, I think I consumed my body weight in mangoes.)
The supposedly "specialty" restaurant onsite? Hit or miss. One night, I had a fantastic fish dish. The next? Dry, overcooked, and frankly, a little sad. The service was… shall we say, inconsistent? (My waiter seemed to have misplaced every trace of enthusiasm about his job.)
*However*, get yourself *off* the property. Explore! Playa Del Carmen explodes into amazingness. Little tacos stands with al pastor that’ll change your life. Fresh seafood shacks right on the beach. Amazing little cafes with amazing real coffee and avocado toast. You *absolutely* need to find a real Mexican restaurant, not the tourist traps, and order some mole. My mouth waters just thinking about it. Just… go outside. Don't just eat at the hotel. Trust me! Because that's how to *really* experience Playa Del Carmen.
What kind of activities are available at/near the hotel? Is it boring?
Boring? NEVER! Well, not *usually*. Ok, perhaps the hotel itself? Mmm, I'd say that *depends* on your definition of "excitement". HEAVEN has a pool, which is lovely. Some watersports, which are standard. Occasionally some evening entertainment – think live music, maybe a fire dancer. All fine, but nothing particularly mind-blowing.
But, the secret is, you are in Playa Del Carmen. A little walk down 5th Avenue and you've got bars and shops galore. Scuba diving and snorkeling is a must at Cozumel, or the Cenotes. You’re a short hop from some seriously stunning Mayan ruins (Chichen Itza, anyone?) and eco-parks, too. I went swimming in a cenote, and oh my *god*. Crystal-clear turquoise water, a whole mystical experience. It was absolutely breathtaking. I spent an hour just bobbing around, staring at the sunlight streaming through the caverns above. Wow!
So, yeah, HEAVEN is a decent base for operations. But don’t be lazy. Get out there and explore! Rent a scooter! Book a tour! Don't become a poolside potato! Playa Del Carmen is begging you to have an adventure.
Speaking of the beach, how's the beach *actually*? Is it crowded? Clean? Is it the Instagram dream?
Beach time! The *reason* we're all in Playa, right? And the beach… oh, the beach. Absolutely stunning. Powdery soft sand, turquoise water that sparkles under the sun. *That* part is definitely Instagram-worthy. When it's a good day, it is paradise. Pure unadulterated bliss, I tell you.
However… and there’s a *however*. The area around HEAVEN HOTEL itself was sometimes… busy. Not *packed* like sardines, but enough to make you wish you’d claimed your spot at dawn. The hotel could have some umbrellas, it isn't that expensive. It isn’t a *deal-breaker* , but it can feel a bit less than paradisiacal when you’re trying to squeeze between a family playing volleyball and a couple… *displaying a bit too much affection*. (You'll see what I mean.) The water clarity also depended on the day and the weather. One day crystal-clear, the next? A bit murkier after the winds stirred things up.
Hotel Adventure
