Escape to Paradise: Cuernavaca's Hotel Racquet Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Cuernavaca's Hotel Racquet Awaits! - A Real Honest Review (With Some Rambling)
Okay, folks, let's talk Cuernavaca. This place… it’s like, seriously, a breath of fresh, slightly humid, Mexican air. And after a year of… well, gestures vaguely at the world, I NEEDED this. And the Hotel Racquet? That's where I landed. Let's dive in, shall we? Be warned, this is going to be less corporate brochure and more… you know, me.
Accessibility - The Okay-est (But Let's Hope It Improves!)
Alright, let's be real, this isn't the most accessible hotel. Elevator is there, which is a HUGE win. So, yes, you can absolutely get up to your room, which is… essential. I'll rate them average. A few more ramps, wider doorways, and maybe some accessible signage? Those would be nice.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning (thank GOD), alarm clock (who uses those anymore?), bathrobes (yay!), bathroom phone (fancy!), bathtub (essential for a long soak after a long day), Blackout curtains (sleeeeep!), Carpeting (eh, not my fav, but it's there), Closet (needed!), Coffee/tea maker (YES!), Complimentary tea (nice touch!), Daily housekeeping (bliss!), Desk (worked from my room a bit, actually), Extra long bed (good for us tall folk), Free bottled water (hydration!), Hair dryer (duh!), High floor (preferred!), In-room safe box (peace of mind!), Interconnecting room(s) available (good for families!), Ironing facilities (wrinkles begone!), Laptop workspace (useful), Linens (clean!), Mini bar (tempting…), Mirror (vanity!), Non smoking (yay!), On-demand movies (nice!), Private bathroom (a gotta have!), Reading light (for my book!), Refrigerator (cold drinks!), Safety/security feature (always good!), Satellite/cable channels (for zombie brain relief), Scale (maybe I shouldn’t have)., Seating area (comfy!), Separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), Shower (yup!), Slippers (cozy!), Smoke detector (safety first!), Socket near the bed (phone charging!), Sofa (lounging!), Soundproofing (peace and quiet!), Telephone (if you need to call down), Toiletries (always appreciate those little goodies), Towels (fluffy!), Umbrella (it rained!), Visual alarm (good for those who need it!), Wake-up service (if the alarm fails), Wi-Fi [free] (the hero!), Window that opens (fresh air!).
The Good: The air conditioning saved me. Cuernavaca can get toasty. My room was comfy, the bed was seriously good (Extra long! Win!), and the blackout curtains? Pure bliss. And the complimentary tea? A small thing, but it made me feel like a sophisticated, de-stressed person. I used that desk to work, and that’s something I don’t like, but for me, and the hotel, it worked!
The "Meh": The Wi-Fi was great in my room, but not available in public areas. (See more on this later!)
Internet Access (Because We Can’t Live Without It)
- Internet Access, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
- Okay, so the free Wi-Fi in the rooms was pretty solid. Thank god. But the lack of Wi-Fi in public areas? Slightly annoying. Especially when you want to check your emails while chilling by the pool.
Cleanliness and Safety - COVID-Era Approved!
Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
The "Wow": They take this seriously. Everything felt sparkly clean. I saw staff constantly sanitizing, everyone wore masks, and they actually seemed good at the COVID protocols, not just going through the motions. I felt safe. I really, really did.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Fun!
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant
The Breakfast Buffet: My Morning Ritual. Okay, this is where I spent a LOT of time. Now, I’m not a huge buffet person, generally. I get overwhelmed! But this one was actually… delightful. Fresh fruit, pastries that were calling my name, some amazing chilaquiles (oh, the chilaquiles!), and all the coffee you could drink. They had everything from fresh fruit to American breakfast standards, and I went back for seconds (and thirds!) more than a few times. I would say they even had an above-average selection for the vegetarian people.
The Other Food: The other food at the restaurants? Yeah, it was good too. They had both international cuisine, and the local stuff.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Ah, Bliss!
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]
The Spa: A Moment of Heavenly Indulgence. Okay, so the spa… siiiigh. I got a massage. I'm not normally a spa person, it feels a bit bougie to me. But, after all that traveling, my back was killing me. And that massage? Pure, unadulterated bliss. The masseuse was skilled, the room was calming, and I swear I levitated out of there. The pool with the view was also lovely for getting some rays.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Difference
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center,
The Concierge: Your Personal Savior. Seriously, these guys were amazing. They helped me with everything from arranging taxis to recommending restaurants. Super helpful, super friendly. The best thing about this is they gave you some great local tips, and where to go.
For the Kids - Family Fun!
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal
- Okay, I don't have kids (thank god!), but I saw families there and they all seemed happy. There were definitely people that were family friendly.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking
- The place has all the transportation you need (except maybe a camel),
Final Thoughts & An Offer You Can't Refuse (Probably)
Look, the Hotel Racquet isn't perfect. Nothing ever is. But it's a solid, well-run hotel in a beautiful location. It's clean, the staff is friendly, the food's good, and the spa is amazing. And after the hellscape of the past few years, that's all I needed.
Here's My "Escape to Paradise" Offer:
Book a stay at the Hotel Racquet in the next 30 days and I will personally pay for your first poolside margarita (or, if you're a coffee drinker, your first cup of that delicious local coffee). Just mention "The Rambling Reviewer" when you book!
Seriously, go. Escape. You deserve it. And hey, if you see me by the pool, buy me a drink. Cheers!
Escape to Paradise: SANA Silver Coast's Luxury Awaits in Caldas da Rainha!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is Hotel Racquet Cuernavaca: My (Highly Subjective) Mexican Meltdown (In the Best Way Possible).
Day 1: Arrival & Agony/Ecstasy in Miniature
- 10:00 AM (ish): Touchdown in Mexico City. Dear God, the humidity hits you. Like a wet, warm hug… from a thousand mosquitos. Passport control? A blur. The guy barely glanced at me. Score! (Or maybe I looked like a threat? Who knows.) Then, the epic taxi negotiation. “¿Cuánto?” “Mucho.” “¡No!” This went on for a solid 15 minutes, ending with me overpaying by, like, two bucks. I hate bargaining. But I love a challenge. This already feels like a vacation.
- 12:00 PM (ish): Chaotic, beautiful drive to Cuernavaca. The scenery! Lush green hills, vibrant bougainvillea exploding everywhere. My driver, bless him, blasted some ranchera music. I have NO idea what they are singing about but it's intoxicating. I felt like I was a telenovela character!
- 1:30 PM: Arrival at Hotel Racquet Cuernavaca! Oh, the faded grandeur! The lobby is a glorious relic, all polished wood and silent tennis rackets. They actually have a tennis court in the front and it is absolutely AMAZING. It feels like you've stepped back in time, which is a good thing, right? Right? They lost my reservation. Cue heart palpitations. They quickly found a room. Hooray!
- 2:00 PM: Room Chaos and Discovery: My room is… fine. Clean, which is the most important thing for me. But the air conditioning sounds like a sputtering jet engine. And the view? A brick wall. Ugh, but the water is hot, and the hotel lobby is really pretty. Plus, there's a balcony. I'm a sucker for a balcony. (It overlooks… more brick wall. But still!)
- 3:00 PM: Poolside Fiasco and a Taco Revelation: The pool! Ah, the pool! I spent about an hour attempting to look effortlessly chic by the pool. Let's just say, my attempts failed miserably. I looked more like a beached whale. But the tacos! Oh, THE TACOS. I wandered into some shady-looking taco stand out in front of the hotel, and I got the al pastor tacos and it tasted like a religious experience. All the best things in the world rolled into little tortillas and slathered in pineapple and sauce. I'm not ashamed to admit I ate four. And I almost licked the plate.
- 7:00 PM: Sunset and the Ghosts of Tennis Past. The hotel is quiet now, the sun dipping behind the mountains. I wandered the grounds, imagining the tennis titans who might have graced these courts. Do ghosts of tennis players exist? Would be cool to see them play a match. I took a glass of wine to the balcony. The brick wall looked less depressing now. The air still felt warm and humid. All in all, great day!
- 8:00 PM: Dinner and the Search for the Perfect Margarita: The restaurant is quiet, elegant, and the service is impeccable. The waiter is super sweet; he tried to help me translate the menu, and then he just shrugged and told me to try the mole. Best mole of my life. I need to know what goes in it. I'm going to learn how to make it, next time I come back. Next day, I need to find the perfect margarita. Wish me luck!
Day 2: A Day for the History Books (Kind Of).
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast Debacle. I went down to the hotel to get breakfast. I was exhausted the next morning; I hate getting up on vacation. But I did it. The buffet! (I love a buffet!). But, the coffee was weak. The eggs were rubbery. My smile was plastered on. Then the waiter came over with hot cocoa and I instantly felt better. I love the little things in life (and the waiter).
- 10:00 AM: Exploring the City: Okay, I decided to venture out and see some sights. The Cuernavaca Cathedral. Stunning. Seriously, the architecture is unreal. It's ancient, but it's a reminder of what can be created. I got lost (surprise!), which is my preferred method of discovering things. Ended up on a little side street and found a woman selling churros, and I had to get one. Best churro I've ever had.
- 12:00 PM: The Pale Palace Blues The Palace of Cortés, is gorgeous, but a bit heavy on the history. My brain started to glaze over. I couldn't help but think, "Did Cortez ever get a decent margarita?" Anyway, I pretended to care a lot and took some pictures; I'll look smart on social media later.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch Meltdown(s) – Failed Attempt at Authentic Mexican. I had an idea. I thought, I will find a restaurant with locals as my food guide. I asked a local for a good restaurant and he told me, and I thought, "perfect!" but when I got there, I was the only non-local. And when I ordered the food, it was bland and weird and so sad. I cried. So I went back in town and got tacos. Again.
- 3:00 PM: Poolside Bliss and a Near Disaster, back at the hotel. I went back in the pool, I ordered a drink, and I fell asleep in a lounge chair. It was the best nap. Until I woke up and my skin was completely sunburned! I felt awful after all the tacos and wine. It ruined the entire experience as the sun was going down. I went to bed and sulked.
- 7:00 PM: The Margarita Quest (Continued). The margarita hunt continues! I went to the hotel bar and ordered it, and the bartender just smirked and said, "the best one." I was worried and also excited. It was perfect. The tequila tingled on my tongue. The lime sang. The salt… well, the salt was delicious. Yes, perfect margarita!
- 8:00 PM: Dinner and the Comfort of Familiarity. Ordered room service tonight. I was still a little tender from the sunburn. But, I ate and watched the sunset. And then another perfect day in Cuernavaca.
Day 3: Leaving (With Regret?)
- 9:00 AM: Final Breakfast: Weak coffee again, but this time, I knew I had to drink it for the memories. Said goodbye to the nice wait staff, who probably thought I was a weirdo ordering room service and then crying over tacos.
- 10:00 AM: Last Looks: I had to go for a final, mournful stroll around the hotel grounds. The tennis court looked more beautiful than ever. I felt really sad.
- 11:00 AM: Check-Out & Goodbye: They somehow still didn't charge me for the extra mini-bar snacks (SCORE!). Packed, I took the taxi back to Mexico City. Another epic negotiation (I got better at it!), one last melancholic look at the bougainvillea.
- 2:00 PM: Plane Ride: A huge sigh as I looked out the window as the plane took off, I was already dreaming of a return trip to Mexico.
And there you have it. My semi-coherent, slightly unbalanced, and utterly delightful (mostly) adventure at Hotel Racquet Cuernavaca. Will I go back? Absolutely. Because life's too short for boring vacations. And because, well, those tacos were calling my name.
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Okay, so… Hotel Racquet in Cuernavaca. Is it actually paradise? Because, you know, marketing.
Hold on, before I get all flowery and poetic about the "paradise" aspect, let's be real. It's not like you're stumbling into Eden, complete with a serpent and a talking donkey. But… *sigh*... it's pretty darn close, especially after a week of staring at spreadsheet. Picture this: you arrive, sweaty from the journey, and BAM! Lush greenery, a pool that actually looks inviting (and not like a swamp), and that sweet, sweet smell of bougainvillea just… washes over you.
I'm not going to lie, the first thing I did was ditch my bags and head straight for that pool. And the margaritas, oh the margaritas! They are dangerous. Deliciously dangerous. Maybe “paradise” is pushing it, but after having a stressful work week, it was a very close second.
The rooms… what's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually… clean?
Alright, this is important! (And I'm picky about hotel rooms, I'll admit it). The rooms at Hotel Racquet are… decent. Not the Ritz, okay? But clean. Like, actually clean. Which is a HUGE win in my book, especially after you've been traveling. My first room was a bit… dated, and I'm not one to complain - unless I have to. And I did. There were some weird tile choices in the bathroom, and the air conditioning sounded like a dying walrus. I called the front desk – you know, the whole “squeaky wheel gets the oil” thing.
They were amazing! Instantly, they swapped me to a new, upgraded room. Bingo! That place was actually lovely. Spacious, great balcony overlooking the gardens, and the air conditioning… whisper quiet! So, clean? Yes. Modern? Nah. Comfortable and a good home base? Absolutely. Maybe pack some earplugs just in case, you know, those walruses can be sneaky.
The tennis courts! Are they actually usable, or are they more for Insta-bragging?
Okay, this is where the Hotel Racquet REALLY shines. I'm not a pro, I'm more of a "enthusiastic amateur who can mostly keep the ball in play" type. BUT, those courts are fantastic! Seriously. The surfaces were well-maintained (no ankle breakers!), and the actual view while you're swiping at a rogue serve… you're staring right into the gardens. That is a good life.
I actually made a friend playing tennis. Her name's Maria, and she’s a tennis machine. She whupped my butt, as they say, but it was so much fun! She also gave me the lowdown on the best tacos in Cuernavaca. Score! So, are they usable? Absolutely. Are they a good place to meet fun people? Double yes! My only regret? Not bringing a better racket.
Food! Let's talk food. What's the grub like at the hotel?
The hotel restaurant… okay, it's good. It's not going to blow your mind with Michelin-star-level cuisine, but it's solid. I especially loved the breakfast buffet. It was a wonderful mix of fresh fruit, the usual American breakfast suspects, and some authentic Mexican dishes that I couldn't even pronounce but were absolutely delicious. The huevos rancheros were a dream. Seriously, I'd wake up early *just* for those huevos.
Dinner? The menu is a bit… you know… predictable, but the quality is there. The service is *exquisite*. I mean, the waiters were just lovely, attentive, and always smiling. And the margaritas? Worth the trip alone. But hey, Cuernavaca is the food capital of the world! Do yourself a favor and explore the local restaurants. I mean that's pretty much what Maria told me to do, anyway, and she was right.
Is there a spa? Because, let's face it, relaxation is key.
Yes! There's a spa! And it's lovely. Now, I'm not a spa aficionado, I'm more of a "get a massage when I'm absolutely crumbling into dust" kind of person. But even I appreciated the tranquility. It's not huge, but it's calming. The massages were AMAZING. Seriously, they could have used a jackhammer on my shoulders and I'd have been happy. And I may or may not have fallen asleep during my facial... twice. No judgment. So, yes to the spa. Yes, yes, yes.
Alright, what's the vibe of the place? Is it a romantic getaway, a family-friendly spot, or something else entirely?
The vibe? Okay, this is important. It's a bit of everything, honestly. There were definitely couples canoodling by the pool. There were families, the kids splashing around. And there were groups like mine--we just needed to get away. It really does cater to a bit of everything--there is no pressure. You can have a romantic dinner, and then stroll over to the bar, and you are still welcome and you don't have to dress the part (which, as a introvert, is a very big deal). It felt relaxed, comfortable, and, dare I say… happy. But not in an over-the-top, forced-fun kind of way. Just… easy. It's a place where you can actually unwind, and not feel like you constantly have to perform. And honestly? That's worth it.
Okay, so what was the biggest downside? Don't tell me it's all sunshine and roses.
Here's the truth. It's not perfect. There were small things, like in certain parts of the hotel, the Wi-Fi was spotty. And the first room I got wasn't that great. And sometimes, the noise from the street (Cuernavaca is a city!) could be heard. But honestly... they're small things. If you're looking for perfection, maybe you'll be disappointed. But you know what? I'm not looking for perfection anymore. Life's too short. The little imperfections, it's part of the charm.
Also, and this is a real thing, the taxi situation can be a little unpredictable when you head out. But hey, that's life. It's not like a giant deal-breaker. Take it as part of the adventure, or just ask the front desk to arrange a driver. They're totally on it.
Any pro-tips for making the most of the Hotel Racquet experience?
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