Mazatlan

Beautiful resort. Wonderful staff. Awesome food. Very clean and always being cleaned throughout the week. We stayed in the big, older hotel and the rooms were nice and adequate but there were some serious issues with things breaking down and the terrible elevator experiences. At arrival the resort is gorgeous. Staff is helpful and friendly. The view from the room was epic. But one sink literally was so clogged we couldn't use it. Beds were old and need changing. Our friends next door had the metal piston thing on their door break off and mold on their box spring. Mini fridge was stocked well but if you want it done daily you have to phone reception and stay on them. Elevators were a struggle. We were on the 6th floor so we would usually walk down to avoid the wait and on the way up you had to just tough it out. There were new elevators under construction so hopefully that helps but with thousands of people using 3-4 elevators it was difficult, plus one person told us she fell half a floor in an elevator and was scared to use them. The buffets were AMAZING. Probably the best buffets I've ever experienced. Something for everyone. The stir fry station in the Italian buffet at lunch was a highlight. My only issue with the food was none of the a la cartes were menu dining they were both buffets. Although really great food we were looking forward to something different and a fine dining experience and didn't get that. The pools and water slides and kids pool and slides were all totally awesome. Lots of bars and fun places for the kids to play. They had a blast. The only issue the adults had was that we hoped for more entertainment in the form of pool games and exciting hosts to ramp them up. There was plenty of activities but no central area or pool for them and no music except for in the adult pools. The beach is perfect and we had a great time in the ocean. They have vendors behind ropes halfway down the beach so people could relax without getting bugged and the vendors were super cool. The nightclub was super loud and played all salsa dance songs so it wasn't our jam, the sports bar was pretty cool except you had to pay for pool, air hockey, and foosball!!!! They had a beach party/rave which was awesome but a bit much for the young kids so we left lol. No foam party!!!! One thing I will say is that we were there right when the COVID-19 virus hit high gear so the mood was slightly shifting and Canadians were leaving daily so that affected activities happening and put a slight cloud over the trip for the adults.

Food is good with strong Mexican influence even when it's International night. One buffet and one à la carte restaurant multiple poolside.. Never had to wait to be seated. Kelly's bar great for drinks. Beautiful grounds. The rooms are a hit or miss - see weak points. The timeshare reps became a nuisance really quickly; we were approached 4 times in 48 hours. One of them called our room at 8:30 in the morning with her pitch! Guest consisted of some families but retired couples for the most part. Very accommodating for guests with reduced mobility.

The overall impression of this hotel is average, certainly not a 3.5 star. Very friendly staff. To eat, you have to walk about 1/2 kilometer to their buffet (Pergola Restaurant) eatery. A La Carte restaurants already booked for the whole week with only ONE available time at 9:30PM. All restaurants are a long walk to El Cid Castillo. Location is good but weekends are terrible because of some all night bars with blaring music until 4:00 AM. If you are a gym user, you will be allowed to use gym only if your have "tennis shoes". For that reason, I could not use the gym for the whole week, which ruined my trip. Temperature in January is not too pleasant either.

The room was good and housekeeping did a very good job of keeping it clean. We had a room connecting with friends and a big shared balcony which we enjoyed. We were on the ocean side above the pool and the noise level in the afternoon and evening was very loud on the balcony and even in the room

We managed to get an ocean view room on the ninth floor. The view was amazing. This resort is maintained very well though expect to see older decor. The beach is beautiful but expect to be approached by peddlers now and then. Internet will cost you extra. This is a relaxing resort. The drinks are weak and the buffet is just ok but it's a beautiful way to spend a week. There are several shops with jewelry and souvenirs and a coffee shop where you can get your Americano fix and check your email if you need to. Overall we would recommend and would love to go back again!

It was a great place to stay considering the construction going on . The restrents were good but there was no entertainment. Overall it was ok.