La Pasion Hotel Boutique by Bunik

La Pasion Boutique feels a lot larger than its 34-room description may lead one to believe. The entrance is small with a rustic oxidized metal sign and a large wooden desk operating as reception. There’s a small, slightly dim lounge area and coffee, tea, and snacks station just beyond the desk, as well as a bright, natural light-filled L-shaped lounge area off to the left of reception and a small, dim reading room tucked away in a corner (also where guests can find the spa area). More pockets of indoor sitting areas and outdoor garden set lounge areas are scattered throughout the hotel -- all beautifully decorated in dark woods in Euro-East Asian design with quality fabrics and accents. Families and couples alike choose this hotel, but there isn't much of a convivial atmosphere among guests.  

La Pasion is located off 10th street between 15th and 20th Avenue. While this extra block-and-a-half from a main thoroughfare may feel like a hike compared to the majority of Playa’s hotels (especially to the beach), it translates to a quieter atmosphere and better night’s sleep -- unless there’s a show in the town square across the street. The hotel is also two blocks from Wal-Mart, a 15-minute walk to the beach, and still less than five-minute walk to La Quinta Avenida. Immediate surroundings include a Mexican restaurant, small Venezuelan spot, and casino.

All of La Pasion’s 34 rooms are outfitted in stained wood from Indonesia and porcelain tile floors -- though not all rooms are created equally. Balcony Rooms are in the back of the hotel, facing a non-remarkable street and have high wrought iron balconies, but, unfortunately, not much of a view. All other rooms face inward toward the pool and gardens, though Pool Plus rooms have better views, snazzy peek-a-boo deep-soaking tubs, and roomier bathrooms. Flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and a beach bag are provided. All bathrooms include hairdryers, cotton swabs and pads, and a variety of natural toiletries, including conditioner, but some bathrooms are on the cramped and dark side. Each room has a specific quote about passion hand-painted on the wall in Spanish.

For a small boutique, La Pasion really goes the extra mile in providing well-thought-out features for guests. Aside from somewhat expected features, the hotel raises the bar with a free breakfast that includes fresh pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, and choice of a hot dish from the a la carte menu. It’s a surprisingly comprehensive start to the day, but if you miss it, the pastries and additional snacks are available in the lobby area, plus tea, coffee, and drinking water, 24-hours a day. Guests also receive a discount on lunch and dinner menu items, which can be delivered poolside during certain hours.In the center of the hotel, surrounding the pools and above-ground hot tub, there is lots of greenery, loungers, and a few tables and chairs. There’s also a long second-floor covered terrace area overlooking the pools and garden that is usually empty and a great place for outdoor privacy.In the evenings, in addition to the snacks, the hotel has small serve yourself tequila and wine tastings. Other features include a small spa area (treatments can also be given by the pool or in-room), free Wi-Fi, lending library, and two guest computers. There’s also beach club privileges 15-minutes away at the small, but lively Zenzi Beach Club. The deal includes free umbrellas and sun beds, though visitors are still required to make a minimum purchase of food and drinks. A special bonus feature is the hotel’s secured underground parking, a rare find in this mostly pedestrian and street-parking only city.