If you want a nice stay in Long Beach that feels like a mini tropical escape, you have to check out Hotel Maya. It sits right on the waterfront, across from downtown, spanning 14 acres of lush gardens filled with 500+ palm trees. It’s got a Latin-inspired, open-air resort vibe that legit made me feel like I was in a mini version of Mexico.

About the Location

You’re just outside the hustle and bustle of the city, but still within walking distance to:

• The iconic Queen Mary. And yes, it is absolutely worth a visit if you're a history nerd.

• Downtown Long Beach (restaurants, bars, shopping, everything). It's a longer walk. But still walkable.

• Jetski rentals are just steps from your room. And I highly recommend you go out on a jet ski for an hour or two. When we went, we had dolphins jumping alongside us! Which you can see in one of the videos I uploaded.

What Makes It Special

• “Playa at the Maya” - A 6,500 sq ft man-made beach with real sand, fire pits, loungers, and daybeds. It's fun to make s'mores here at night.

• Waterfront pool with floating cabanas, hot tub, and full bar.

• Free shuttle to downtown (super clutch for exploring without parking stress).

• Bike rentals + easy access to walking paths along the water.

• Fuego at Hotel Maya - A Latin-inspired restaurant with a patio overlooking the skyline.

This is one of those rare properties where you can genuinely stay on-site and feel like you’re on vacation… or use it as a basecamp to explore everything around you.

Important Strategy Notes

• Book a waterfront room if you can. Depending on the location of your room, you might be able to see amazing sunrises with the Queen Mary in the distance.

• Take advantage of the free shuttle to hit spots like Shoreline Village, The Pike Outlets, and Aquarium of the Pacific without worrying about parking if you don't want to walk.

• Sunset at Fuego is a must. So, if you can time your dinner for it, do it!

The Bottom Line

If you want something that feels more like a resort than a standard city hotel, but still keeps you close to everything, look no further than Hotel Maya.