El Cid Granada Country Club

When compared to the other, more upmarket El Cid properties, things at the Granada are a bit of a mixed bag. Awash in marble, stucco, and exposed wood beams, the lobby feels like it has one foot squarely planted in this decade and the other in the ‘90s. Wood-beam ceilings have a bit of rustic charm, and the dark color palette keeps things looking almost fresh, but it’s all a tad dowdy, with an Old World resort feel that seems suited to senior couples seeking a modest Mexican escape near the water. The target demographic ensures the grounds are buttoned-up day and night, and things stayed quiet during our visit. It also appears that most guests prefer to make use of the admittedly better amenities at the two sister resorts (El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel and El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel) across the street.

The property’s location -- at the northern edge of Zona Dorada and away from the beach -- is a mixed blessing. While it makes for a tranquil retreat, it also ensures guests need to venture downtown or to nearby El Cid properties for any real beach, pool, or dining opportunities. The “core” of the Golden Zone (including shops, restaurants, and services) is five minutes away by car, while Old Mazatlan requires a 25-minute ride to reach.The hotel is 40 minutes from Mazatlan International Airport (MZT). While paid airport transportation is available through the hotel, taxi and private shuttle service are both typically less expensive. Rental cars are also available from several brand name providers in the airport terminal. However, the area of Sinaloa outside downtown Mazatlan can be dangerous and tourists are strongly discouraged from driving themselves.

Room decor is clean and modern, with polished marble flooring, chunky chocolate brown furniture, and frosted glass light fixtures. However, the look is oddly disjointed from that found throughout the rest of the hotel, as though the rooms were designed independently of every common area.There are two main room categories -- Studio Double and Studio King. Both offer spacious layouts with roughly 25% more square footage when compared to a three-pearl hotel. Air-conditioning, flat-screen satellite TVs, and private balconies are all standard. However, the Studio King offers a simple mini-fridge, while Studio Double rooms provide kitchenettes (including a mini-fridge, microwave, toaster oven, electric cooktop, and a sink). A third category -- One Bedroom Suite -- is also available by combining adjoining Studio Double and Studio King rooms. Wi-Fi is only available via a paid daily or weekly plan.Bathrooms are small and basic, with a motel-like split design; the toilet and shower stall are in one rooms, while the sink is just outside, exposed to the sleeping quarters.

Compared to the other El Cid properties, features here are a bit thin, and some are entirely underwhelming. Take the pool, for instance. A Roman aqueduct-inspired stone structure spans the rear of the terrace, but it all looks a bit dated and worn, and the pool itself is quite small for a resort. Adjacent to the pool sits El Patio -- an open-air, all-day restaurant with a broad menu. Breakfast and lunch feature Western fare, as well as Asian, Cajun, and Tex-Mex dishes. At night, the menu switches to Argentinian steaks and other traditional Latin American dishes. Additional dining is available via three other restaurants, all of which require reservations. Ban Horu sushi restaurant and Prime Grill Steak House share an intimate, indoor space that borders on dark and dated.The hotel’s best amenities are available to its guests but require venturing off-site. The adjacent El Cid Golf & Country Club is arguably Mazatlan’s premier athletic and golf destination. A full-service spa, large fitness center, tennis courts, and the area’s best golf course are all within a short walk. The resort is connected to two sister properties across the street via sky bridge. Most of the facilities at both locations -- including the pools, restaurants, and beach -- are available to guests of the Granada. All-inclusive plans are available.Free off-street parking is provided in a secure, staffed lot. Wi-Fi is available in most common areas -- including the pool, lobby, and restaurants -- however, paid daily and weekly plans are required.