It’s probably THE most famous hotel in Tulum: The Azulik is known for it’s boho chic  design and eco friendly concept. But what is it really like to stay in the most insta famous hotel in Tulum.. and probably whole Mexico? This is my honest review about our stay at the Azulik Tulum OR “Why you shouldn’t stay at the Azulik in Tulum”….

The first impression

After visiting the Azulik hotel already two years ago, when we just came for dinner in their famous restaurant Kin Toh and got treated like “second-class guests”, we thought that the experience would probably be a lot better if you’re an actual guest that stays at the hotel. So we gave the Instagram famous hotel another chance and regularly booked a room. But oh.. How little did we know.

The Check In process went smoothly: We left our car with the valet service & we got escorted to the room. We walked over bamboo steps and crossed suspension bridges. I was so excited to finally see the whole hotel with my own eyes and of course to see the rooms!

The rooms – Back to nature… or not?

We stayed in a Jungle villa which reminded me of a tree house with a cool eco chic design – just like I expected it. But when we entered the room I was surprised that it was very hot & humid inside. I was looking for the button to turn on the AC but the guy who escorted us to our room was like “oh no.. we don’t have one.. it doesn’t fit our eco philosophy” – “Okay..” I thought “…If that’s their concept than this makes sense”. But due to the missing AC the mattress and pillows in the bed are always in a very humid surrounding and honestly I felt like our bed was a bit stinky… Later I also realized that we just had ONE power outlet in the whole room and NO electric lights. Instead you find candles in your room. They are nice for a romantic evening  but don’t light up the room after sunset at all, so we used our phone flashlight instead…

Additionally you won’t find a bathroom with a shower. Instead they put a small tub around the corner of the bedroom with a coconut shell to put the water over your body by hand. Very much back to nature! But what didn’t fit the whole eco concept at all was that the bottled water for guests have plastic caps and that all amenities like shower gel and shampoo come in small single use plastic bottles – which you barely find in any four or five star hotels anymore these days. Especially not in the eco friendly ones! I mean – you don’t have electric lights cause it’s “too bad for the environment” but you exchange these small plastic bottles DAILY?

The terrace was my favorite part of the villa

The nonexistent Guest Service

Mexican people in general are extremely kind and welcoming but the staff at the Azulik in Tulum has been mostly arrogant and unfriendly. It’s like Guest Service doesn’t really exist at this hotel.

The first time we noticed that was when we were taking pictures of the hotel area for our blog. Seeing a “professional camera” (Which means at the Azulik: Everything which is no Phone) puts the staff into panic mood. The security guard who spotted us told us to follow him to the reception just as we were criminals. The receptionist told us to show him our camera in a very rude way and said that it’s forbidden to take any “professional photos” in the hotel. “Our website clearly says that cameras are forbidden – just as the sign right at the entry! If you wanna use your camera you have to pay a daily fee of 350,- USD!” The sign he was talking about was a tiny wooden symbol somewhere in the reception which you can barely   see and WHO checks the hotel website for special rules before checking in?

The “different” sunset experience

What makes the Azulik in Tulum so photogenic are the nests on top of the roofs of the restaurant which offer an incredible view over the resort and the ocean – especially during sunset. Therefore all new arriving guests are welcomed to enjoy a sunset cocktail in one of these nests. I was so excited about it.. cause last time – as restaurant guests – we weren’t allowed to enter them.
Arriving at the staircase which leads up to the roof a security guard escorted us to one of the nests which was already quite packed and at the very side of the resort – overlooking the construction side next to the hotel instead of offering a nice view. “Oh.. that’s not where we wanna spend the sunset” we thought and walked to one of the other nests which was connected to ours via a suspension bridge. It was a way bigger one with a bar and the most amazing view over the resort. But as soon as we sat foot on the connecting bridge we heard: “Stop! You’re not allowed to go! Only for VIP’s” from the security guard. Totally baffled we went back and thought “hmm maybe it’s a closed event or only for guests of the highest room categories” But I noticed another staff member selling tickets right under the nests and went to her to ask why we were not allowed to watch the sunset from this particular nest even though we are hotel guests. “Oh… this area is not for hotel guests…” she said “..it’s for people which don’t stay with us but buy a ticket for 50,- USD for one hour to experience our sunset cocktails” – “So I can’t go there as a hotel guest who paid almost a thousand dollar per night?” – “No. You have to get a ticket as well”…..

the last straw that broke the camel’s back

After this unpleasant experience we decided to eat dinner outside of the hotel. The Azulik has a valet service for the cars of all guests since there are no parking lots right in front of the hotel. We experience this kind of service in many other hotels before and it’s never been a problem: You just call the reception around 10 Minutes prior you need your car and they bring it to the entrance for you. So of course we called the reception to get our car. A lady answered the phone and told me that she would connect me with the guest service instead. Okay. Two rings and an automated voice told me “We are currently busy. Try again later.” And hung up. But we really needed our car, so I tried to call again – the same happened. 5 mins later – again. So I tried to call the lady from the reception one more time but she didn’t answer anymore – I just got the same automated voice that told me to try again later! And Remember… you’re in a 5 star hotel – the most expensive one in Tulum – and no one answers the phone several times in a row? Usually we wouldn’t freak out about it but after making all these unpleasant experiences it was just the last straw that broke the camel’s back.

An Unwanted Wake Up Call

Tulum nights known for beach parties and often staying up until the early morning hours. So we were very much looking forward to sleep a bit longer the next morning after celebrating into our birthday the night before. But suddenly – 6 am – I was standing in my bed after hearing a loud horn blowing. Do yo remember the nest from the sunset experience? Oh… they have a sunrise yoga experience there too! People were chatting and they put on some music right above all the rooms in the resort. And let me tell you that wooden rooms aren’t very well acoustically isolated.. I felt like these people have been standing right in front our room. After ONE HOUR and when the sun has been risen completely they blew into the horn several more times and this was probably when EVERYONE in the resort woke up.

I don’t know if they have this sunrise event happening every day or just at certain days but I felt like it is so rude to wake up everyone in the resort to do something quiet and relaxing as yoga? Why don’t you do it at the beach? Why do you need to play loud music? And why the hell do you have to blow into this god damn horn???

RÉSUMÉ – Is the Azulik Tulum worth the hype?

Hell NO! I’ve never experienced anything like this before!!! We were so lucky that we only stayed for one night and didn’t waste our money to be treated unwanted and disrespectful any longer. The Azulik definitely has an eye catching design and is super photogenic. But what’s the point if you don’t allow guests to take pictures and if you don’t give your own guests access to the best spots in the hotel?

I know this isn’t my usual hotel review and normally I’m not that kind of person which complains about everything but PLEASE don’t waste your money at the Azulik Tulum and please spread this message to make more people aware of it! After sharing our experience in my stories on Instagram I got sooo many messages of people which made similar and even worse experiences at the Azulik which totally ruined their stay in Tulum

There are so many other amazing hotels in the area which have a REAL eco friendly concept, nice boho designs and which truly care about the well-being of their guests: Like the NOMADE or the COCO Tulum which we absolutely loved!

Plan your stay in Tulum!

You may also like to read:

• My Hotel Review of the Nômade Tulum
• The best things to do in Cabo San Lucas
• My Yucatan Road Trip Guide

Die capital of Mexico is one of the biggest metropolis worldwide and offers a huge variety for visitors. Starting from many hundred years old ruins of Aztec pyramids, art museums to colonial buildings from the 19. century and modern sky scrapers. One of these new super buildings is the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma.

LOCATION & TRANSFER

Located in the beautiful and modern neighborhood Reforma, the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma has the ideal location in the city. The historical old town with many sights and the famous Parc Chapultepec are located within walking distance and the area of the city is famous for its many restaurants and shopping possibilities.

The Concept of the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma

With the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma the French hotel chain Sofitel built a modern and stylish hotel which newly opened up in 2019 and already counts as the new hotspot hotel in Mexico City.

My first impression of the building is already fascinating: It combines a renewed colonial house from the 19. Century with the recently built 40 storage hotel.
Arriving to the Sofitel we got instantly welcomed and in times of COVID-19 every guest’s temperature will be checked plus it’s mandatory to always disinfect your hands if you enter the hotel and to wear a mask in the public areas. This keeps all guests and also the staff safe!

Pool & Spa

One of my highlights of the Sofitel is the huge indoor saltwater pool! Located on the 38th floor it offers an insane view over the skyline of Mexico City. Due to the pandemic guests have to reserve a time slot in advance to have the pool just for themselves. Many relaxing beds, the service right at the pool and massaging water streams make it to the ideal place to unwind. 

The Spa with L’Occitane is located on the 39th floor and is an amazing place to recover after a strenuous day and to enjoy the incredible view. No matter if during a pampering treatment or in the saunas (one for woman & men each) which are complimentary.

The Rooms

During our stay at the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma we stayed in one of the amazing Opera Suites which left us speechless! But even the Luxury Rooms of the hotel are offering incredible views:

LUXURY ROOM

The room with a cozy Sofitel bed in the center will impress you with its amazing view the very second you set foot through the door. A sliding door leads to the spacious and bright bathroom – it even has a bathtub from which you can enjoy the view over the city too!

OPERA SUITE

Our 147 sqm huge suite is comparable to a fully equipped apartment. Behind the very well sorted bar and the office is the open living room with a big sofa located. A block in the center of the room has a TV on two sides plus a fire place at the third side. Behind it you find the big dining table right at the window facade which is ideal for meetings too. That’s where we started every day with an excellent in room breakfast and the iconic view over the city. The window faced begins at the living room and continues along the whole suite for an incomparable 270 degree view over the capital. Thanks to the windows the bedroom feels even bigger and open than it is already is – but of course it can be completely darken anytime. Right behind it is the walk in closet and the spacious marble bathroom. Beside two sinks and a rain shower with window, a free standing bathtub with the size of a jacuzzi is the highlight of the room. After a strenuous day it’s been a welcoming relaxation to sip a glass of wine while enjoying a bubble bath and watching Mexico City at night!

Restaurants

Balta

Breakfast will usually be served at the Balta Restaurant with a rich buffet. But the Balta is also open for lunch and dinner with a Mexican & Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Due to COVID-19 regulations the restaurant is temporarily closed but guests can still order in room service and the breakfast will be á la carte & delivered to the room.

CITYZEN ROOFTOP KITCHEN

The rooftop bar of the Sofitel Mexico City quickly developed to a new hotspot in the city with unparalleled views over some of the most popular sites like Chapultepec Castle, the Angel of Independence and much more. It’s also open for non-hotel guests which would like to enjoy a cocktail with a view or the French and Mexican cuisine.

RÉSUMÉ

In my opinion Sofitel Mexico City Reforma is THE address for travelers in the Mexican capital – no matter if you’re traveling on a business trip or for sightseeing like us! The French elegant Sofitel Style continues throughout the whole hotel and together with the finest culinary highlights and the courteous service we could relax and enjoy our stay! We couldn’t have imagined a better accommodation for our first journey to Mexico City.

Click here & organize your own stay the the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma

Find more reviews of my favorite hotels around the world here!

We had a sponsored stay at the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma.

‘Sound of Silence 1964’ airstream – the best Airbnb in Joshua Tree

During our road trip through Nevada & California the Joshua Tree National Park has been an absolute highlight for us. Not only because of the impressive landscape but also because of our lovely accommodation: An original vintage airstream in the middle of the desert!

LOCATION

The Airstream is located on the Joshua Tree Acres – together with five other vintage airstreams. It’s only a few minutes away from the official entry and visitor center of the Joshua Tree National Park and around 45 Minutes away from Palm Springs.

YOUR 1964 AIRSTREAM

The airstream we stayed in is called the Sound of Silence 1964 airstream. It’s the biggest one and also the most photogenic one if you ask me. We looked for a unique Airbnb in Joshua Tree for a while and have been so happy when we found this one!

The outside area with a huge Joshua Tree right in front of the wooden terrace is perfect to enjoy the evenings. Sitting outside with a bottle of wine and looking at the countless stars above us has been a magical experience.

When you enter the airstream you will step in a little living area with the original interior and furniture from the 60’s. Behind this first room is the huge cozy bed with several blankets and pillows to stay warm during the chilly nights in the desert. A little heater helps to warm up at night and if the sun heats up the air stream during the day you have an AC to cool down. The airstream even has a small kitchen and bathroom but these can not be used. But never mind – you will find them in the Club House!

THE JOSHUA TREE ACRES

As already mentioned above you share the area with five other airstreams. But the whole area is huge and the air streams are built away from each other to give each guest enough privacy.
During our stay in November 2019 there was just one other air stream occupied.

In the middle of the acres is a cute Club House, with a kitchen, living room and a bathroom with shower and toilet. Outside you find another kitchen with a grill and a huge sitting area.

During the hot summer months you can use the small pool to cool down or to enjoy the impressive sunsets and sunrises of Joshua Tree.
If you walk around the area you find more cute details like a bath tub surrounded by some bushes, several hammocks, outdoor showers and of course many Joshua Trees – which gave this place its name

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

I was a little worried about the shower situation but it was no problem at all! You have running cold and hot water during the whole day and night in the Club House.
Towels are provided in the airstream if you want to use the pool or shower.

If you plan a BBQ or to cook you will find all necessary items in the Club House. Even basic spices to cook, plates, pans, wine glasses etc.

But remember that you are in the desert and no restaurant or huge shop is in walking distance. A little town called Yucca Valley is only 10 Minutes away by car. There you will find several eating options and even a Walmart to get groceries.

BOOK YOUR STAY

Make sure to SIGN UP FOR AIRBNB HERE before you book your Airbnb in Joshua Tree to get 25 EUR/28 USD off your first booking. And find the same airstream we stayed at HERE after you signed up with link above first to don’t miss your discount!

RÉSUMÉ

Our stay at this amazing Airbnb in Joshua Tree has been amazing! It’s something so different from the hotels we usually stay at and we both loved to be so close to nature and feeling like we took a step back in time. I would recommend to stay two or three nights to have enough time to visit the National Park during the day and still enjoy the vintage vibes of your airstream