Four days’ stay at this Gran Turismo hotel was a gift for buying into the ILX resort family. Located on Playa Algodones on the Sea of Cortez, we really kicked back and relaxed here! Our deluxe room had a partial ocean view from the covered private balcony. Our room, done in aqua, peach, and sand, contained queen-sized beds, TV, dresser, table, chairs, and nightstands. A room with double closet, mirrors, and sinks with regular and purified water faucets led to the bathroom. The bathroom consisted of bath/shower combination and toilet.
If a person was going to be picky, they would have to mention that the Plaza isn’t immaculate. There’s a bit of peeling paint in the corners of the ceilings; there are a few small holes and tears in the curtains and bedspreads, and one bedspread had some spots on it. My biggest gripe: the locked mini-frig is one of those that’s packed full of expensive mini-drinks, and can’t be used for important items, like FOOD! But these minor flaws are more than made up for by the nice touches. The Kleenex and toilet paper are folded to resemble seashells. There is a water conservation policy posted. The lobby, hotel décor, and restaurants are stunning, making use of wide open spaces and lots of luxuriant tropical plant growth, most alive, some artificial.
But best of all is Plaza’s "backyard"! Walking through the back double doors, one is greeted by large, inviting swimming pools amidst a lot of greenery, an unimposing waterslide, a couple of palapa bars, and beyond, sand and sea! I didn’t even mention the spa, which is sometimes hot, sometimes warm, and sometimes lukewarm, depending on possibly too many variables to worry about. And I didn’t mention the fitness room, with a small collection of obligatory machines and a large stack of oversized pool/beach towels for the guests.
The steps that lead down to the beach put you in another world, a sandy refuge next to the sea, where there are white plastic beach chairs and loungers in the shade of a field of palapas. The staff of the Plaza are only too willing to take your order for whatever drink or tasty morsel you please, and will find you to deliver it. This is a wonderful place to enjoy a Corona while people-watching and waiting for the sunset. As you climb back up the steps, there are handy showers that will rinse you off, or if it’s only your feet that are sandy, a foot pool to dip and clean your feet and sandals.
The Plaza partners with Premier Vacation Club, the ILX resort next door. PVC has a sales office, an owners’ lounge, and a restaurant in the Plaza. PVC members are allowed to use the other facilities at the Plaza as well. Promotional tours introduce Plaza guests to PVC and its additional benefits. Plaza host fiestas, conferences, and provide venues for weddings and other events.