Overnight Sensation – Hotel Maya – Long Beach – November, 2011

An over-nighter at Hotel Maya in Long Beach is the perfect quick getaway. Take the short trip for the fresh perspective and breath of air needed for a mini-vacation. The Latin accented vibe, sun-filled lobby and view of downtown Long Beach may be just what the doctor ordered. The warm chocolate chip cookies are a delicious welcome at check-in, a signature of DoubleTree by Hilton.

The rooms are sleekly designed with upscale amenities such as flat-screen TV, complimentary WiFi, high thread-count linens and, most essential, comfortable pillows. Crabtree & Evelyn Citron amenities including honey & coriander bath bars are a refreshing touch. Balconies provide views of the Queen Mary and a walking path from Hotel Maya to the Queen is a great way to enjoy the view and fresh sea breezes.

Executive Chef Victor Juarez, originally from El Salvador, infuses Latin and Mayan flavors into breakfast, lunch and dinner. Before coming to the Maya, the chef led the kitchens at the historic Mission Inn in Riverside and the Morongo Casino in Cabazon.

Dinner at Fuego is a trip to exotic Mexico with dishes such as Ceviche Mercado Cocktail, Oaxacan Style Queso Fundido and Plaintain Crusted Mahi Mahi. Outdoor seating offers Long Beach harbor and skyline views.

For lunch we tried the Mayakoba Trio Tacos: Tequila Lime Chicken, Cilantro Jalapeno Skirt Steak, and Baja Lobster. They come with the best-tasting Garlic Rice, Chipotle Black Beans, Cabbage Jalapeno Cilantro Slaw, Tomatillo Avocado Sauce and Tequila Cream Sauce.

The Crab Cakes, Mojo Citrus Kurobota Pork Carnitas; Ropa Vieja, a Cuban style braised flank steak and Creamy Corn Tamales were equally impressive and delicious.

A breakfast highlight the next morning was the Chorizo Skillet: Scrambled Eggs sauteed with Texan Chorizo, Peppers, Onions and Tomato topped with Melted Chapala Cheese.

Fuego has a fabulous Sunday brunch with seafood, omelet and carving stations. Breads, pastries and desserts with endless Poema Cava Wine makes this brunch a place to linger.

Best bite? Lamb Chops with Chimichurri Sauce, Pepper Escabeche, Roasted Sweet Potato and Spring Sweet Peas. Divine!