El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel

Those seeking a quiet, intimate beachfront stay will want to look elsewhere, as this resort goes big in many ways -- from its size, to its pool, to the upbeat family-friendly vibe. The style is also refreshingly modern, which isn't always the case in the larger beachfront resorts in Mazatlan. Most common areas are adorned with a tasteful mix of modern seating, bold pops of color, and oversized artwork and sculptures -- all surrounded by natural stone, dark wood, and marble. The result is more polished style than at competing upper-middle-range properties in the region. The hotel shares a beach and two huge pools with its sister property, El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel. Consequently, both spaces frequently feel busy and overcrowded, particularly during peak season. The hotel’s clientele depends heavily on the season. During the hot summer months, local families flock to Mazatlan to take advantage of the long school vacation. Winter sees a sharp rise in American and Canadian couples seeking a getaway to one of Mexico’s lesser-known (and far cheaper) beachfront destinations.

The hotel’s location just north of Mazatlan’s Golden Zone tourist district means there are some restaurants, shops, and services within walking distance. There are also plenty of other resorts and hotels nearby. However, the majority of the city’s most popular points of interest require at least a short drive. Guests looking to escape the commercial, resort-heavy vibe can venture to historical Old Mazatlan by car within approximately 20 minutes.

The hotel can arrange paid transportation for the 45-minute drive to and from Mazatlan International Airport (MZT). However, the area’s ubiquitous shuttle buses and taxi service are just as convenient and frequently less expensive. Affordable car rental options can also be found in the airport terminal. But, Sinaloa’s ongoing drug crime makes this a risky alternative for tourists.

Like most of the hotel’s common areas, room decor is modern and pleasant. The mostly monochromatic color scheme relies heavily on creamy tile flooring, soft gray upholstered seating, and dark wood furniture. Tan marble details do add a bit of polish, though it can feel like the decor was wedged into an older property. Take one look at the popcorn-style walls for proof. Still, it's hard to fault the bright pops of colors, contemporary fabrics, and clean lines.

The hotel offers three main room categories. Pool View and Ocean View rooms feature nearly identical floor plans plus standard amenities that include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private, furnished balconies (with optional water views). However, mini-fridges and free Wi-Fi are notably absent. Bathrooms in both categories feature a cramped, split-style design (the toilet and shower/tub combo are separate from the sink). Heavy use of marble and stone in both spaces adds a subtle touch of class. Yucatan Herbal brand organic bath products are standard.

The hotel’s only Presidential Suite steps up substantially to a sprawling, three-bedroom, condo-style layout that includes multiple bathrooms, living and dining rooms, a full kitchen, and a massive private balcony with a whirlpool hot tub and ocean views.

The long list of on-site amenities includes a wide, soft sand beach, three restaurants, several bars, and a huge water complex. Combined with the shared amenities at neighboring El Cid properties, the hotel offers guests access to more than almost any other resort in Mazatlan. Otherwise, expect to pay extra for Wi-Fi, though valet parking is free. The hotel has purified tap water throughout the property, and there are business facilities as well.

The hotel features three full restaurants. La Pergola is the main dining space, serving buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A large number of stations provide a wide array of cuisines, including Western, traditional Mexican, and themed (Asian, Italian, etc.). The overall atmosphere is reminiscent of a slightly upscale cafeteria. A second restaurant, La Alhambra, offers buffet-style dining in a casual, alfresco space with lovely water views. El Alcazar is the hotel’s only fine-dining, a la carte venue. The decor features a tasteful mix of brightly colored stucco walls, crisp white linen tablecloths, and dark wood seating, all of which creates a far more intimate and sophisticated look than anywhere else on the property. Guests also have access to room service, plus additional restaurants at the two neighboring El Cid properties. All-inclusive rates are available, and there is nightly entertainment as well.

The adjacent strip of Playa Gaviotas is wide and beautiful. However, the fact that it’s public and shared between the neighboring El Cid properties mean that it’s often overcrowded and overrun with hawkers. Because of the area’s substantial erosion issues, the stretch of usable beach also shrinks considerably at high tide. The hotel does provide shaded seating exclusively for guests under a long row of palapas. However, the seating is inadequate given the hotel’s 500-room capacity. The coastal waters of Mazatlan are largely exposed to open sea. However, three small islands offshore from the hotel act as a natural breakwater tempering the otherwise choppy sea.

The large pool connects with a second, equally large pool at the adjacent El Cid El Moro Beach, creating a single, massive water complex -- one of Mazatlan’s largest. A series of man-made rock formations dots the edges of both pools creating a freeform, lagoon-like feel. While it’s possible for adults to find quiet nooks throughout the complex, the entire terrace is billed as an active, family-friendly space. The resulting vibe tends to be loud and lively, bordering on frenetic when the hotel is at or near capacity. Watersports and hosted activities (with music) only add to the atmosphere.

There is no dedicated gym or spa on-site. However, guests have access to both at the nearby El Cid Granada Country Club, and in-room massage services are also available.

A modern business center (shared with El Cid El Moro Beach) is situated in a staffed space with flat-screen workstations, printers, and refreshments. Valet parking is provided free in a secure lot. Wi-Fi access in the common areas is only available via paid daily or weekly plans.