Resort-style 'Playa at the Maya' man-made beach with fire pits
Quick Take: A former DoubleTree trying to find its soul as an independent boutique hotel while undergoing major surgery.
Reviewed by @Askfoodb: I spent a weekend at Hotel Maya and it was the perfect local escape. The outdoor lounge with those daybeds is incredible, and I loved watching the boats from my room. It feels like a tropical resort right in Long Beach.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
The hype
Guests love the tropical 'Tulum-lite' vibe and views but are frustrated by the noise and nickel-and-diming.
Reality check
Thin walls mean you will hear your neighbor's conversation and the wedding DJ blasting until midnight.
You are cruising out of Long Beach (Carnival terminal is next door)
You want a pool day with a view rather than a city exploration trip
You are traveling with a dog (very pet-friendly with ground floor access)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Some guests report missed spots and 'dusty' corners, likely due to staffing shortages.
Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean but aging. Reports of black streak marks on toilets and rusted fixtures in some rooms.
Maintenance: Showing its age. Peeling paint and 'incomplete' renovation areas are common complaints.
Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality, though some recent reviews mentioned stained sheets.
Odors & scents: Mostly fresh, but occasional complaints of musty smells in older buildings.
Sleepability™
5.5MODERATE
MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
Wedding receptions with loud DJs until midnight
Staff noise in hallways early in the morning
Thin connecting doors between rooms
Before you book
Good to know
Self-parking is steep at ~$45/night; there is no free street parking nearby.
The 'beach' is for lounging only; swimming is in the pool, not the bay.
The free 'Passport' shuttle stops nearby and takes you to the Aquarium and downtown.
What to pack
High-quality earplugs or a white noise machine
A sweater for the waterfront fire pits at night
Your own snacks (on-site options are pricey and limited if Fuego is closed)
Room Genie
Best picks
Water View King Deluxe with Balcony (Building 3 has the best skyline views)
Ground floor Garden View rooms (essential if you have a pet for easy access)
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the pool/event space if you sleep before midnight
Connecting rooms (soundproofing is non-existent)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a room in Building 3 on an upper floor facing the water for the best view and privacy. Please avoid connecting rooms due to noise sensitivity.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is this still a DoubleTree by Hilton?
No. It officially transitioned to an independent boutique hotel on April 1, 2025. Hilton benefits no longer apply.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the outdoor lap pool is heated, but check for closure dates during the 2026 renovation period.
Can I walk to the Queen Mary?
Yes, it is a scenic 10-15 minute walk along the waterfront path.
How much is the pet fee?
Approximately $50-$100 per stay. It is one of the most pet-friendly hotels in the area.
Is there a resort fee?
No explicit 'resort fee' is listed, but the high parking and breakfast costs act as a hidden tax.
What is the 'Playa at the Maya'?
It is a 6,500-sq-ft man-made sand area with fire pits and daybeds. You cannot swim in the water there.
Insider Tips
✨
Building 3 offers the most unobstructed views of the Queen Mary and skyline.
✨
The water taxi (AquaLink) is a fun, cheap way to get to Belmont Shore or downtown without an Uber.
✨
Ask for a 'quiet room' away from the event lawn if staying on a weekend.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'waterfront' rooms sometimes face a parking lot with water in the distance—check the map.
💡The elevators can be slow and rickety, showing the building's 1970s age.
💡Cell service can be spotty on the far ends of the property.
💡The 'resort' feel ends at the property line; the immediate area is just cruise terminals and roads.
💡Housekeeping is by request only or upon checkout unless you specifically ask for daily service.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hotel Maya, A Doubletree By Hilton is located and what's nearby.