Long Beach, California’s, glow-up continues with The Maya on the other side of the bay.

In addition to its proximity to Queen Mary, the ocean liner turned museum; a major cruise port; access to Catalina Express ferry to Avalon; and the improved downtown going for it, it also boasts an interesting 50-year history leading to its latest incarnation as a lifestyle-driven, 4-star property suited for family staycations and vacations, weddings, business meetings and retreats, and local events. It is also pet-friendly, especially with a paved sidewalk spanning the length of the resort.

© Courtesy of The Maya

The architecture of the 191-room, 14-acre waterfront expanse was originally designed as a nod to historic Latin American culture and its influence on Los Angeles. The year-long, $10.5 million redesign, completed in June 2026, introduces visual elements bridging the structure’s past and future that ushers in its new era as a boutique lifestyle hotel. Chic, Mid-Century furnishings and curated artwork by local artists brighten up the public areas.

A neutral color palate punched up with 1970s-hued accents, meanwhile, replaces the heavy pink and earth-toned color scheme and further opens up the indoor spaces visually. It is an inviting calm space across the water from downtown, though cultural institutions such as Museum of Latin American Art and Mexican Cultural Institute of Los

Angeles make it a destination for locals and visitors through art shows, festivals and events they bring to the property.

© Courtesy of The Maya

Maya’s upgrade also includes a stylish pool and cabana moved over to make space for a private beach and tropical landscaping.

Expanded event space includes the 6,400-square-foot waterfront Lagunita Pavilion, which can accommodate 450 guests and 3,700 square feet of divisible ballroom space along with various boardrooms. There is also a stylish gift shop adjoining the check-in area with light snacks and a few nicely curated souvenirs and fashion items that fit the boutique hotel mold.

The number of premium rooms across its several buildings expanded from two to 10, and they are particularly well-suited to small families and friend groups. Some rooms feature balconies with ocean or garden views. Luxury touches inside the rooms include a Sweet Dreams Sleep Experience, featuring 400-thread-count sheets and non-allergenic feather pillows, Aromatherapy Associates bath products, a Nespresso coffeemaker, and a 55-inch television.

The main building is anchored by Fuego Bar and Lounge, perched on the waterfront and steered by executive chef Luis Torres, who brings a wealth of culinary expertise from his experience working under celebrity chef Curtis Stone and Montage Hotels & Resorts. His fusion menu combines Mexican and Latin American flavors and recipes with a “less-is-more” approach with high-quality, seasonally influenced selections. A new grab-and-go program, Café de Fuego, offers baked goods and beverages from local businesses such as Shelldrake Coffee and Colossus Bakery.

© Courtesy of The Maya

Wellness partner DEN Meditation will bring indoor and outdoor sound baths, reiki, yoga and other activations to Maya’s emerging wellness program. Additionally, guests can soon expect to see things like Long Beach-area restaurant pop-ups and a wellness market with wares from local curators and artisans on the grounds. Other things that make it feel simultaneously like an escape and an arty city enclave include seven fire pits for evening cocktails and sunset s’mores roasting, a clean fitness room with quality equipment, Jet Ski rental area and shuttle service to nearby attractions.

Long Beach’s communities have worked hard to offer visitors a new way to view and experience the city, and The Maya as a whole does a fine job of contributing to the city’s vision on several levels.

The Maya

700 Queensway Dr.

Long Beach, CA 90802

tel 562 435 7676