Essenzia de Cancun

This hotel offers a unique stay, being a converted shopping mall that has been creatively repurposed into guest accommodations. Its excellent location near the beach and major attractions is a significant draw for many. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and helpful staff as a major positive, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel provides spacious rooms that offer good value for money, making it a suitable choice for budget travelers and explorers who primarily seek a comfortable place to sleep after a day of sightseeing. It is also particularly appealing to young people due to its proximity to vibrant nightlife. To ensure a smoother experience, guests are advised to be aware of the hotel's unconventional layout and to confirm hot water availability upon arrival, as this has been a recurring concern for some.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities present a mixed experience for guests. While some were pleasantly surprised by a rooftop pool, others noted the absence of a pool altogether, indicating potential inconsistencies or limited access. Free Wi-Fi is available, though its signal can be intermittent or weak within the rooms. Many guests found the rooms lacked basic amenities such as a microwave, kettle, or refrigerator, and there was no security safe provided. The air conditioning generally functions well, but some experienced issues. The TVs in rooms often do not work or lack channels, and there is no direct phone line to reception. The building's conversion from a mall means some public areas, like public bathrooms, appear aged or abandoned, and guests reported seeing uncovered electrical cables in certain areas. The elevator can also be out of service at times.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests found their spacious rooms to be clean and updated, appreciating the comfortable beds and king-sized beds that ensure a restful sleep. However, a significant number of reviews mention issues such as a persistent smell of humidity, particularly in rooms without windows, and some reported finding cockroaches or bed bugs, along with red stains on blankets and towels. The unique design of the converted mall means many rooms lack traditional windows, leading to a "cave-like" feeling or excessive light from hallway windows at night. Bathroom design is a frequent point of contention, with high bathtubs, lack of privacy due to combined toilet/shower areas with only curtains, and absence of hand or face towels and shower caps. Noise from the hallway and street can also be an issue for some.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers dining options that generally receive positive, though sometimes mixed, feedback. The breakfast is frequently praised as delicious, good, hot, and tasty by many guests, providing a satisfying start to the day. Some, however, found the breakfast to be basic, consisting mainly of toast, juice, and coffee, especially when paid for separately. There is a restaurant on-site, described by some as a cute coffee shop, which serves a buffet. The food quality at the restaurant is generally considered good, and the service is often described as friendly. However, some guests noted slow service at the restaurant, particularly in the evenings, and suggested that food items at the buffet should be labeled for clarity.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. It is very close to the beach, often just across the street or a short five-minute walk away, providing easy access to the sand and sea. Guests appreciate its proximity to a wide array of tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping options. The hotel is also within walking distance of major nightclubs and discos, making it ideal for those interested in nightlife. Public transportation, including a bus stop, is conveniently located nearby, and the ferry to Isla Mujeres is easily accessible. While some guests found the hotel difficult to locate due to a lack of clear signage and its unconventional entrance, free parking is available in front for those arriving by car.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive predominantly positive feedback, with many guests commending the friendly, helpful, and attentive demeanor of the employees. Guests frequently highlight the warmth of the staff and their willingness to assist with various requests, including arranging tours. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient. However, some guests reported mixed experiences with reception staff, citing instances of unresponsiveness, slow service, or a lack of willingness to address specific room issues like lighting or hot water. Housekeeping service also received varied comments, with some guests noting that rooms were not serviced daily or that staff were defensive when issues were raised. Despite these isolated concerns, the overall sentiment towards the staff is largely positive.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel operates under multiple names, which can cause confusion during booking and arrival, as photos online may not accurately reflect the reality of the rooms. The property's most distinctive feature is its origin as a converted shopping mall, with rooms repurposed from former retail spaces. This unique structure leads to several quirks, such as many rooms lacking traditional windows or having glass walls facing interior hallways, which can result in a "cave-like" feeling or excessive light at night. A recurring and significant issue reported by numerous guests is the frequent absence of hot water in showers. Other miscellaneous concerns include the lack of a security safe in rooms, staff attempting to enter rooms without knocking, and difficulties in retrieving lost items. Some guests also reported being charged for late checkout, even for short delays.