Hotel Review - Riviera Caribe Maya

Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya, a home away from home. Also a hotel with a very long name. But this hotel surprised me with excellent customer service. From our first steps out of the taxi and into the lobby we were greeted with a smile and an employee that knew exactly who we were. "Are you looking for Javier?" Why yes I was! I was meeting my husband, who had arrived that morning, and our greeter knew we were the two gringas he had been waiting for. Finally, someone that cares about their guests and speaks English! Our room was small but large enough for 3 beds. It was on the first floor and one step away from the refreshing pool. Perfect. No walking necessary. It was like it was our own personal swimming oasis and great for a pool, patio, cerveca sequence on repeat.

This hotel may look small but it packs a good 21 rooms and the ability to make you think you might just be staying at a boutique like hotel. It's beautiful spiral staircase curls around a circular seating area with all the most hipster and gossip magazine for your reading pleasure. Would you expect anything else from Playa? Every room has a working air conditioner, fridge and mini bar. Their suites come with a classy rooftop pool overlooking the city. Now that's a way to chill in style! Internet is free and available at all hours and there is a café right next door for your complimentary breakfast. Keep in mind, it only includes toast and coffee. Not to worry, the menu lists an array of Mexican dishes that range from $5-$8. Very budget friendly and filling.

Location wise, it's one block from 5th Avenue and about a 5 minute walk from the beach. If you are one to complain about noise pollution, Playa may not be the place for you. From early in the morning to late at night we heard music, sport games, traffic and Mariachi bands singing to their hearts content. For us, it added to the atmosphere.

When it came time for us to leave, we had to some how arrange for a trustworthy taxi at 4 a.m. The reliable hotel staff was willing to wake us and have our taxi waiting. That was one less thing to worry about on a hectic travel day. I had a wonderful stay and would be honored to stay again. Maybe this time with the rooftop pool.

Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya
Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya Facebook

10 Things To Do In Chicago With Only 24 Hours

Last weekend, I took a girls trip with my mom and sister and jetted off to Chicago on a Friday night flight after we all got off work, blood shot eyes and all. We attempted the trip last month but the flight cancelled, so this was our last chance because of conflicting schedules. After we landed, the smell of the subway filled my senses. It was my first time. The two hour subway ride and walk-a-thon through the streets weakened our already frail bodies. We made it in one piece to our beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of the city - The Inn of Chicago. Oh but don't kick up those heels just yet, we had 24 hours of full throttle activities scheduled ahead of us and there wasn't any time penciled in for resting. It was a jammed packed timeline with one goal - see as much of Chicago as possible. On your mark, get set .....

The three of us were only in the Windy City for a Saturday, so seeing everything wasn't really possible. So below, I've come up with a must do list of things to do and see in Chicago if you only had 24 hours to do it. Don't forget your trusty map! Or if your phone works, your GPS.

Here is a list of activities that can all be done in one day if planned accordingly:

1. The Subway -
Ride the subway and people watch. Probably not at 4 am though (trust us). Price: 3 day pass - $14

2. Willis Tower Sky Deck -
Be sure to get there before 9 a.m. or you'll be waiting in line for quite a while. Lines were already out the doors and around the block by 11 am. You can also get a "Fast Pass" for $35 and wait in the express lane. Might be worth it with this full schedule. Price: $17

3. Millennium Park -
Here you will find the famous Cloud Gate and Crown Fountain. Next door you might get lucky and catch an artist showcasing his/her music at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. It's design will make you wish you had time to catch a full concert. Price: FREE

4. River Boat Cruise -
Tired of walking? Take a a tour of the city's architecture on Chicago's waterways. Heads up! Price: $30

5. Uno -
Chicago's first deep dish pizza restaurant. Be prepared to wait an hour, the pizza is slow cookin. Price: $12 - $22

6. Portillo's -
Dare to eat a mouthful of the Chicago style hotdog? Total man food. Price: $10

7. Art Insititue of Chicago -
Escape the sun and spend a couple hours at this art museum with four floors of art. Maybe you'll be lucky and see a Vincent van Gogh! Price: $18

8. Navy Pier -
Walk down to the Navy Pier and do a little souvenir shopping and take a look at the ocean, I mean Lake Michigan. Or maybe even ride the ferris wheel

9. Locally Owned Restaurant -
Pick a locally owned restaurant in the area and dine like a local and not a tourist. We stepped into a quaint little Armenian Restaurant, named Sayat-Nova, that was located below a fortune teller's studio. The food, environment and service was excellent. Price: $16

10. Innbar Of Chicago -
End the night by sipping on a cocktail at one of the only rooftop bars in the city with one heck of a view. Price: 1 beer $6

You think you could get all this done in one day?

Hotel Review - Villa Montaña, Morelia

On my trip to Mexico last week, my husband and I stayed at this beautiful hotel called Villa Montaña in Morelia. Morelia is the capital of Michoacán and located between Mexico City and Guadalajara and I think this hotel was definitely a small gem in the mist of a seemingly day to day city. As we arrived and passed through the entrance and beyond it's walls, you see nothing but blooming trees and floral of all colors. Compared to the outside, it was like entering a secret garden. It was quiet except for the singing of birds, the purr of a cat and the sweet smells of greenery wafted past your nose. Our bags were taken care of as we promptly were set up with a room in a massive colonial styled lobby with all of my favorite type of decor. The designer in me wanted to ask to take the rustic wood reception desk home.

I had been in airports for 8 hours and a bus for 3 and needed some food. We quickly found the hotel restaurant with the help of piano music echoing through the garden. We oooo'd and aaaa'd then ordered some food and sat out on a large deck overlooking the city. Oh did I mention the hotel is on top of a mountain with a great view? Sure is! But back to dinner - my fetachini alfredo and Jav's steak was delic!

The hotel staff was always very courteous and helpful. Not once did they seem to not have us totally in mind. They were there to serve. The room was delightful and cottage like. Many rooms included a fireplace, flat screen tv, robes and slippers! Oh and even a bath tub! A bath tub in Mexico!? Get out!

Each room was it's own building, away from distracting noises. The pebbled walkways were sprinkled with flower pedals - almost like they were put there daily for guests. At the bottom of the hill was the pool. It was a bright blue in contrast with the grey of the city in the distance. The temperature was perfect for soaking in. No need to creep into this basin of water. But wait, once you were tired of swimming those laps, there was a spa right next door to cure the days achy muscles. It was like a tunnel to serenity. You enter worn out but come out like you had slept for 8 hours (so they say). Adios Villa Montaña, you were a breath of fresh air, an oasis in the middle of a concrete city.

Photos by me.