Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Hotel Plaza Palenque in Mexico!
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Hotel Plaza Palenque – My Chaotic, Honest, and Slightly Messy Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on the Hotel Plaza Palenque in Mexico. Forget flawless, picture me as a human whirlwind of opinions, and you'll get the idea. This review? It's gonna be… well, it's gonna be a thing. Think of it as your anti-travel-brochure, brutally honest guide to the good, the bad, and the overwhelmingly beautiful of this place.
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- Category: Hotel Review, Travel, Mexico, Accessibility, Luxury, Family Travel.
First Impressions (and a Slight Panic Attack):
Right, so landing in Palenque… it's remote. Stunning, yes, but also… deep. Which, honestly, gave me a small jolt of excitement because I was looking for a change. The Hotel Plaza Palenque, though… wow. The entrance? It's grand, but I instantly started sweating because I’m always worried about the whole “getting my luggage taken care of” dance. Thankfully, the doorman was a lifesaver. He even offered me some fresh water. Apparently, I looked like a wilted lettuce leaf. Me, looking wilted? Never! (Okay, maybe sometimes.)
Accessibility – The Make or Break, Especially When You're Me:
Let’s be real; accessibility is my thing. And the Hotel Plaza Palenque? Mostly good, but with a few hiccups.
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes! Elevators are plentiful, wide corridors, ramps… They've clearly thought about it. Now, navigating around the city itself? That's a whole different rodeo, but in the hotel, freedom! A huge win!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Top marks! They had everything I needed, including grab bars in the bathrooms and accessible rooms that were surprisingly stylish, which is a huge bonus.
- CCTV in common areas: Always a comfort, especially when checking in and out.
- Express check-in/out: Yes, and it was genuinely express, which, after a long flight, is a godsend.
- Exterior corridor: Less stuffy feeling, which is great.
Room Ramblings (My Fortress of Solitude… Sort Of):
My room was… substantial. The decor was a bit… classic, but I wouldn’t call it boring, just… traditional. More than enough space for my wheelchair, which always gets a thumbs up from me.
- Air conditioning: Bless it! It worked like a dream. Thank the heavens it wasn't a humid nightmare.
- Wi-Fi [free]: And fast! I could actually stream movies without wanting to hurl my laptop out the window. (Okay, maybe I only wanted to).
- Internet access – LAN: For those who like that kind of thing. I'm a Wi-Fi person, myself.
- Air conditioning: I mentioned that, right? Seriously, a lifesaver!
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for those afternoon naps and keeping the sun out.
- Bathtub & Separate shower/bathtub: Ah, choice is a beautiful thing, and the water pressure was amazing!
- Coffee/tea maker: Saved my bacon (well, coffee) every morning. Couldn’t live without it.
- Desk, Lap top workspace: I actually got some work done, which is a small miracle.
- Mini bar: Perfect for late-night snacks (because rules are meant to be broken).
- In-room safe box, Safety/security feature: Okay, safe box. That's a nice touch for added peace of mind.
- Slippers, Bathrobes: Hello comfort! Didn't venture to the pool without my robe, that's for sure!
- Non-smoking rooms: a necessity for me.
- Mirror: Important. I need to check that I’m presentable.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Prepare for Food Glorious Food… and a Few Tears):
The food at Hotel Plaza Palenque was… a roller coaster.
- Restaurants: Several!
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant: Got it. Variety is good.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: Impressive. You get a large variety.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet was a thing… The smells, the colours, the choices… You could get lost in it. And I did, several times. The pastries were a crime against humanity (in the best way possible).
- Room service [24-hour]: Essential. Especially after a long day of sightseeing.
- Poolside bar: A total holiday essential.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Caffeine fix!
- Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: All good.
- Happy hour: Excellent.
- Alternative meal arrangement, Vegetarian restaurant: Helpful.
- Bottle of water: Always appreciated.
- Snack bar: Helpful.
Okay, the one thing that really got me (and this is a big one) was the breakfast service. The variety! The freshness! I’m a sucker for fruit, so I may have accidentally eaten an entire plate of mango slices. More specifically, their fresh juices were a revelation. I still fantasize about that orange juice. Honestly, I'm tearing up just thinking about it. That breakfast alone earns this place extra stars.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Spa Day, Baby!):
- Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Beautiful! The pool area was stunning, with lush greenery and plenty of space to lounge.
- Spa, Sauna, Steamroom: I'm not a spa person, or at least I wasn't. The spa treatments were heavenly. I opted for a massage, and let me tell you, it was the best one I have ever had. I booked another one! I was a total puddle of relaxed afterward.
- Gym/fitness, Fitness center: I tried to go to the gym once. Emphasis on "tried." Let's just say the pool won out every time.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: Tempting, but I was already a puddle. Might try next time.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because Let's Be Real, That's Important These Days):
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They took precautions seriously. Everything felt squeaky clean without being sterile.
- Breakfast takeaway service, Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: I felt safe dining.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: A standard that's appreciated.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Make a Big Difference):
- Concierge: Helpful!
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Always useful.
- Luggage storage: Always appreciated.
- Doorman, Elevator: Amazing!
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential!
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Didn't use them, but good to have.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for picking up last-minute presents.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars, Wi-Fi for special events: Useful for business travelers.
For the Kids & Family Friendly (If You're into That…):
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: It seems they cater to families.
Getting Around (Help, I'm Lost!):
- Airport transfer, Taxi service: They offered this. Nice.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: More options than I needed.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, the Honest Truth:
Look, the Hotel Plaza Palenque isn't perfect. There were a couple of minor hiccups. The service, while mostly excellent, was sometimes… a little slow. But the staff were always so incredibly friendly and helpful.
Also, one day, my hairdryer… well, let's just say it went on an unscheduled vacation. But the lovely staff promptly replaced it after a quick call. And honestly, it gave me the opportunity to try one of the robes.
The Verdict (My Chaotic, Honest, and Totally Unbiased Opinion):
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel La Fenice, Castel di Sangro, Italy
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Palenque adventure. Buckle up because, honestly, I'm pretty sure I'm more likely to trip over a root in the actual jungle than I am to have a perfectly structured itinerary. But hey, that's the fun, right? Here's the utterly realistic, probably-slightly-chaotic, and definitely-opinionated journey planned (loosely) from my base camp: Hotel Plaza Palenque.
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic (Hotel Plaza Palenque – Yay, I think?)
- Morning (or, like, early-ish afternoon, let’s be realistic): Landed in Villahermosa. The airport was…well, an airport. Found a collectivo (shared van) to Palenque. The driver blasted some questionable Mexican pop music. I tried to look sophisticated and cultured, but I think I just ended up swaying awkwardly in my seat.
- Afternoon: Arrived at Hotel Plaza Palenque. Apparently, it's centrally located? Whatever, I'm tired. Checked into my room. It's… functional. Cleanish. The air conditioning is a godsend because the only other option seems to be the oven of the Chiapas jungle. Immediately collapsed on the bed. Briefly considered ordering room service (nachos, obvi), then realized I had no idea what the local currency was. (Oops.)
- Evening: Bravely ventured out to find food. Walked around the town square. It felt hot. Like, really hot. Found a tiny little taco stand. Ordered "al pastor." The meat was… spicy. In a good way. I'm now convinced I'm going to die of deliciousness. Walked back to the hotel, sweating and happy. Wondered if I should learn some Spanish. Maybe tomorrow. I'm going to attempt the pool.
- Quirky Observation: There's a stray dog that seems to have taken up residence outside the hotel. Brown, floppy ears, perpetually hopeful look in its eyes. I'm already half in love. I'm sure I'm going to have to deal with not adopting it.
Day 2: The Ruins and Existential Dread (Palenque Archaeological Site – Prepare yourselves)
- Morning: The alarm blared. I hate alarms. Dragged myself out of bed and forced down some lukewarm coffee (hotel coffee, what did I expect?). Negotiated with a taxi driver -- my Spanish is… evolving.
- Late Morning: Arrived at the Palenque ruins. WHOA. Okay, seriously, WHOA. The scale of it all. The jungle creeping in, swallowing the stones, the ghosts of the Mayans… It’s… breathtaking. I mean, I've seen pictures, but they don't do it justice.
- Afternoon: Wandered around, trying to absorb all the history. Climbed the temples. My legs were screaming. Took approximately one million photos. (I’ll probably delete 90% of them later, but still.) I felt, for a moment, a connection to something bigger than myself, and then, almost immediately, existential dread. (Are we all just dust in the wind? Is the meaning of life just tacos? I can't handle the questions.)
- Rambling: The humidity is insane. My glasses are constantly fogging up. I’m pretty sure I saw a monkey. Maybe. Okay, I definitely saw some monkeys. Small, agile, mischievous little things. They're stealing my soul with how adorable they are.
- Evening: Back at the hotel, exhausted, covered in sweat, and buzzing with a strange mix of awe and confusion. Had the nachos I've been dreaming about, maybe a beer. Contemplating the great questions of humanity while watching the news. Found the news in Spanish confusing.
Day 3: Waterfall Woes and Chocolate Dreams (Misol-Ha and Agua Azul and Maybe a Chocolate Workshop?)
- Morning: Decided I’m a tourist, darn it. Signed up (read: vaguely agreed upon) a tour to Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls.
- Mid Morning: The bus was… packed. The driver seemed to enjoy honking. At EVERYTHING. Misol-Ha was stunning. The waterfall. The water. The spray. I've been feeling like a Disney Princess. I'm not sure if I can actually go in the water. I wasn't expecting to actually go in the water!
- Afternoon: Agua Azul. Okay, a lot of tour buses are going to the waterfalls. It’s beautiful, yeah, but also a bit crowded. Struggled to navigate the crowded path, dodging vendors. Still stunning! The blue of the water is unreal. The entire area is super touristy, in a way that makes me both happy and sad. I bought a slightly overpriced, very bright blue t-shirt. No regrets.
- Rambling: The humidity is still trying to kill me. I'm pretty sure my hair is permanently damp. And speaking of wet, I'm starting to think I need a new pair of shoes.
- Late Afternoon: Currently brainstorming how to book a chocolate workshop. All the local offerings are, sadly, in Spanish. I'm preparing to use Google Translate. A chocolate workshop!
Day 4: The Journey Home. (or, back to the airport)
- Morning: Woke up early, heart filled with a mix of gratitude and sadness. This place is magical. But on the flip side, my luggage is packed. I've got the collectivo to the airport at an ungodly hour. Double-checked my passport approximately a thousand times.
- Late Morning: Say a final farewell to the stray dog outside the hotel. Hugged him, and swore I would return one day to adopt him. The collectivo ride was a blur of honking, and questionable pop music.
- Afternoon: Back at the airport. This adventure was not perfect, but it was mine. And I think I'm leaving a little bit better than when I arrived.
(Optional, if time permits):
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Maybe another taco. Maybe. Or maybe, a final, all-out chocolate indulgence before reality sets in.
Final Thoughts (or, what I learned):
- Bring comfy shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking.
- Learn some basic Spanish. Even a few phrases will make a difference.
- Embrace the mess. That's where the best stories are.
- The stray dog is adorable.
- Palenque is breathtaking. Go. Just go.
- And, most importantly, always be prepared for the spice level of the Mexican tacos.
So there you have it. My Palenque, mess and all. Next time I think I'll get the chocolate workshop in my calendar. Until then, Adios and hope that I'll be back!
Escape to Paradise: La Casona de la Roza Awaits in Spain!
So, what *is* Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Hotel Plaza Palenque, anyway? Is it actually paradise?
Alright, so the name? A *bit* of a stretch, honestly. It's the Hotel Plaza Palenque, near the Palenque ruins in Mexico. Escape? Well, yeah, *technically*. Paradise? More like "Escape to Charming, with a healthy dose of 'rustic' thrown in." Don't go expecting pristine white sand and infinity pools. Think more… verdant, with a touch of the jungle trying to reclaim everything. Think history with a side of "maybe a scorpion or two?". Still, it's cool.
How's the location? Is it actually close to the Palenque ruins?
Spot on! You are *right there*. Like, walk-out-the-door-and-you're-practically-in-the-jungle-on-your-way-to-history close. This is probably the BEST thing about the hotel. Forget the hassle of trying to navigate the windy roads, trying to find a parking, the hotel is the perfect choice. The sounds of the monkeys at dawn, like a rock band rehearsing in the rainforest, were pretty special. I woke up one morning and the monkeys were literally RIGHT outside my window. It was fantastic.
What about the rooms? Are they nice? Clean? What's the deal?
Okay, here's where we need to set some expectations. The rooms… they're serviceable. Don't expect the Four Seasons, alright? I'd describe them as “clean-ish.” There were a few… friends… I'm talking ants... that showed up in my room. One of the light fixtures kept flickering and I swore I saw a spider the size of my palm (OK, maybe that was exaggeration…a little. But still!), I asked twice to be replaced and it never happened. I ended up just using my phone's light and it was fine. The AC? It worked. Mostly. Sometimes it sounded like a dying robot, but hey, it kept me cool. Still...the rooms *could use* a bit of love. The charm is a little... worn down the edges.
The food? Is it edible? Any good local eats?
The hotel restaurant? Okay, it's there. Breakfast was included, and it was… fine. Standard continental fare. The coffee, though… hit or miss. Sometimes strong, sometimes like dishwater. I’d recommend the local restaurants outside the hotel. The taco stands? Absolutely *essential*. *Get the tacos*. And the fresh fruit? Oh. My. God. Paradise in a bowl. Seriously. One place, I can't recall the name, but it was a tiny little shack off the highway, they had the absolute *best* fried fish I've ever had. The best. So fresh. So crispy. So delicious I had to send back the plate four times.
What's the vibe? Is it family-friendly? Good for a romantic getaway? Mostly tourists, more locals?
The vibe? Relaxed. Very relaxed. Think backpackers, history buffs, and the occasional family. It's not a party place. It's a place to recharge before or after you explore the ruins. You'll see a good mix of tourists and, definitely, some friendly locals working at the hotel and in town. Romantic? It *could* be. If you’re into a more low-key, jungle-adjacent romance. Think sunset drinks, not fancy cocktails. Still.
Do they have a pool? Is it actually swimmable?
Yes, they have a pool. And yes, it's swimmable. It was a *lifesaver* after a day exploring the humid jungle. Nothing fancy, but it was clean and refreshing. I spent a few hours here reading my book. And maybe, just maybe, sneaking a few margaritas. Don't judge me.
Okay, I'm a bug-averse person. Should I be worried?
Alright, let’s be honest. This is jungle-adjacent. You will encounter bugs. I'm not going to lie. I even found a scorpion on the ceiling of my room. It was tiny, thankfully. I screamed. The staff came running. They killed it. (Thanks, guys!). Bring bug spray, for sure. Possibly consider a mosquito net. And just… accept that you're sharing your vacation with the local wildlife. It's part of the experience. (Seriously though, bug spray is key.)
What about safety? Is it safe to walk around at night? Should I be worried about anything?
I felt pretty safe. The hotel itself is well-lit, and there are security guards. The area around the hotel felt fine. Of course, use common sense. Don't flash expensive jewelry, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t wander alone in poorly lit areas. But generally, I felt safe. I walked around a bit at night, but always with a friend, and never felt threatened. The people are friendly, and it's a pretty relaxed atmosphere. But again, be aware, and take the normal precautions you would anywhere.
Would you go back? And who is this place for, really?
Honestly? Yeah, I probably would. The location is amazing, and the imperfections… well, they're part of the charm. This place is for people who value proximity to the ruins over luxury. People who are adventurous, not afraid of a few bugs, and appreciate a more authentic experience. If you’re looking for a perfectly polished resort, this isn’t it. If you want to explore incredible history, eat amazing tacos, watch monkeys play in the trees, and escape the usual tourist traps, then yes, go. Go now. Just remember to pack the bug spray, and maybe a sense of humor. And prepare to fall in love with Palenque and its people. Now get out there and explore!
