Best Western Posada Freeman

The landmark building dates back to 1944 and was the first high-rise building in the area. Many vintage architectural and design elements remain, including wrought iron railings and the building's original elevators. Decor is mostly typical of the BEST WESTERN brand, but there are just enough local touches to remind guests that they're in Mexico. Stone tile flooring, wrought iron chairs, and yellow stucco walls all add a bit of simple charm. With minimal kid-friendly amenities and a lovely, but small restaurant and bar, most guests will need to look off-property for any real dining or entertainment opportunities. Consequently, the clientele is an even mix of families and couples seeking safe, simple lodging as a base of operations before exploring the surrounding historical district.

The hotel is situated on the bustling, tourist-friendly strip that runs along Olas Altas Beach, which is just across the street. Old Mazatlan’s most popular restaurants, shops, and services (banks, mini-markets, and pharmacies) are within a five-minute walk. The historic center of town -- including Plazuela Machado, the opera house, and Teatro Angela Peralta theater -- is less than 10 minutes away on foot. The bars and tourist-friendly destinations of the Golden Zone aren't within walking distance, though, and will take 20 minutes to reach by car.The nearest international airport -- Mazatlan International (MZT) -- is approximately 30 minutes away by car. The hotel does not provide free transportation. However, taxi and shuttle service are readily available throughout the city and fares are affordable compared to other Mexican tourist destinations. Several brand name providers offer rental car counters in the airport terminal. However, the state of Sinaloa has been plagued by drug-related violence in recent years, and tourists are strongly discouraged from driving outside the downtown area.

While these rooms won't win any style awards, they are bright and cheerful, which helps make them a solid budget option in Old Mazatlan. Furniture in every room category is typical of the BEST WESTERN brand -- plain, medium-brown wood veneer pieces plus simple fabrics and details. However, additional decorative accents like Spanish tile flooring, locally-inspired artwork, and wrought iron seating add subtle dashes of local flavor.Due to the historic nature of the building, most rooms are small compared to other nearby chain hotels. Entry-level rooms offer standard one-room layouts with barely enough room to walk around the bed(s). Standard amenities include air-conditioning, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Some floor plans also allow for a tiny, unfurnished balcony with city or sea views. Upgraded Suites offer a bit more square footage and include kitchenettes with mini-fridges and microwaves. Bathrooms are clean and colorful, with makeup mirrors and bright tilework that perk up the otherwise standard features like stall showers, pedestal sinks, and generic toiletries. 

As a relatively small city center hotel, features don't go deep, but what's here adds a bit of value. The pool is among the most beautiful of its kind in Old Mazatlan. Located on the 11-story building's rooftop deck, the space is small, but offers shaded seating and beautiful, panoramic views of the sea and surrounding town. It also affords the best vantage point in Old Mazatlan to view both the sunrise and sunset.Just downstairs from the pool deck, the casual Sky Lounge occupies the entire 10th floor. With large wraparound windows, the space gets plenty of natural light and has great sea and town views as well. Lunch and dinner menus feature a mix of Mexican and Western dishes, and beer, wine, and cocktails are available. A free hot breakfast buffet is served daily in the lobby with traditional Mexican dishes -- aguachiles, refried beans, and fried potatoes -- and basic Western favorites as well.Free self-parking is available in a gated lot with 24-hour security at the rear of the building . A small business center in the lobby has two modern computer workstations with printing and fax services. We found the free Wi-Fi to be fast and reliable in all common areas.