El Cid Marina Beach Hotel

In an area that's flush with outdated resorts and budget hotels, there's a lot to like about this El Cid outpost, even when compared to its adjacent sister properties. The hotel’s overall design -- heavy use of marble throughout, immaculate landscaping, and a sparkling marina full of sizable foreign-registered yachts -- lends a waterfront country club vibe. And yet, it's a casual place with a relaxed vibe, despite the constant hum of activity from a blend of couples and families. A series of waterfront walkways connect most of the common areas, and there are lovely views of the marina from plenty of vantages. While the Las Iguanas pool offers a bit of family-friendly activity space, the hotel’s other common areas -- including two alfresco restaurants, a semi-private beach, and an adult-centric pool -- are relatively tranquil. Additionally, there's no loud entertainment on-site, helping to contribute to the peaceful atmosphere. No matter the season, guests tend to be an even mix of North American and European travelers seeking a laid-back beachfront getaway, though keep in mind getting to the beach requires using the hotel's free water taxi.

With a location at the northernmost edge of Mazatlan, the property feels well secluded. This ensures a quiet atmosphere away from the urban hustle, but it also means that off-property trips require hailing a pulmonia or taxi. The center of the Golden Zone is a 10-minute drive from the resort, while the beautiful plazas and cathedrals of historic Old Mazatlan are within 25 minutes by car. Mazatlan’s International Airport (MZT) is 40 minutes away by car. While renting a car is a convenient and relatively affordable option (compared to Mexico’s many other tourist destinations), Sinaloa’s ongoing crime issues make this a bad option for tourists. Taxis and private shuttles are ubiquitous throughout the city with inexpensive rates.

Room decor is bright and modern, with crisp white walls, floors, and built-in seating. The mix of marble surfaces, light tiled floors, white furniture, and pops of slate blue all come together to create a restrained, but sharp, look that's perfectly beach appropriate. Some rooms have a touch of Expresisonistic art on the walls, though decor is otherwise kept to a minimum. The two room categories start with entry-level Junior Suites that have spacious one-room floor plans (593 square feet/55 square meters). This layout includes a well-equipped kitchenette (with a mini-fridge, sink, microwave, and electric cooktop). Upgraded One-Bedroom Suites provide 731-square-foot (68-square-meter) layouts that include a separate bedroom, kitchen, plus two full bathrooms and one or two balconies -- each with a marina view. For families seeking even more living space, most suites can be combined with adjoining rooms. Air-conditioning and flat-screen satellite TVs are standard. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi is only available via a paid daily or weekly plan. Bathrooms are simple, with a few nominally high-end touches like dual sinks and marble vanities. Stall showers and generic bath amenities are standard in every category.

The hotel’s beach is clean and offers plenty of shaded seating via long rows of lounge chairs under private, individual palapas. Although the beach is public, its location makes it feel semi-private, given that a free water taxi is required to reach it. As such, guests aren’t likely to encounter the ever-present hawkers found at most other Mazatlan resorts.The two pools -- Las Iguanas Pool and Calypso Pool -- are sparkling and well-maintained, with plenty of seating. The former has a large, man-made rock feature that includes a waterfall, slide, hot tubs, and a more family-friendly vibe. Although it offers a small kids' play area, the latter tends to be the quieter and more relaxed of the two. Snack bars adjacent  to both, providing light finger foods and a full liquor menu with poolside drink service.La Marina is the hotel’s primary buffet restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The space feels sophisticated, though not stuffy, with a bright, modern, Mediterranean-inspired design. The extensive selection includes Western fare, however, the focus is on traditional Mexican dishes, particularly locally caught seafood and lobster. Just outside, La Terraza restaurant (reservations required) is situated on a small patio with room for a dozen tables with lovely marina views. A full room service menu is also available, and all-inclusive rates are available. However, there are exclusions, with certain dishes requiring upcharges.Although massage treatments are available at several private beach palapas, the property lacks a dedicated spa or fitness center. Guests are provided transportation to the wellness center at the nearby El Cid Golf & Country Club. However, free access to the gym is only provided to guests on an all-inclusive plan. Many of the amenities -- including the beach, pools, and restaurants -- at the three nearby El Cid sister properties are also available to guests of El Cid Marina Beach Hotel.Free off-street parking can be found in a staffed lot. Wi-Fi is only available in the hotel’s common areas with the above-mentioned daily/weekly paid plans.