Hotel Playa Mazatlan

What started as a tiny, ramshackle beachfront getaway in the mid-1950s has evolved into a sprawling, full-featured resort. The property still includes many historical architectural and decorative details -- like the original pool showers, wrought iron balconies, and mosaic tile artwork -- all of which add a distinct sense of place. While that's a welcome change of pace compared to many of the Golden Zone's other large resorts, the style is still fairly plain and functional throughout the property. There are a few adult-oriented amenities, including an adults-only pool and hot tub area, a tiny spa, and a small “quiet beach” area. However, with a kids' club, kids' pool, and plenty of supervised kids activities, the resort is definitely better for families. The vibe is loud and lively -- perhaps too lively for guests seeking a relaxed beachfront getaway.

Situated near the heart of the Golden Zone, the property is convenient to the area’s most popular restaurants, bars, and shops. Numerous banks, pharmacies, and a Mega supermarket are all within a short walk. Guests looking to venture farther off-property can drive to the Mazatlan Aquarium in 10 minutes, while historic Old Mazatlan is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The trip to Mazatlan International Airport takes 40 minutes. Rental car service is available in the airport terminal. However, due to Sinaloa’s ongoing drug-related crime, tourists are strongly encouraged to use other forms of transportation.

A dizzying array of room categories -- 17 in total -- is available and while decor varies widely, the style is mostly on the plain and simple side. The majority of rooms are done in bland, dark, polished wood furniture and tile flooring typical of any mid-range property. However, subtle decorative accents like stucco walls and talavera tile countertops add a bit of flair. Upgraded rooms provide more elaborate decor that includes vintage carved wood furniture and locally-inspired artwork and accents.Entry-level Standard, Ocean View, Deluxe, and Family rooms feature similar one-room layouts with a bit more square footage than typical mid-range properties. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen satellite TVs, and private balconies or terraces. Every room category has free Wi-Fi. However, we found the service unreliable and couldn’t connect during our stay. Mid-level Superior Rooms and Suites add minibars and microwaves. The hotel’s flagship Boutique Rooms are individually sized and decorated; additional amenities include kitchenettes and wide balconies with panoramic sea views. A handful of Penthouses provides all of the above plus spacious, apartment-style layouts with separate living, dining, and sleeping areas. Generic bath products and walk-in shower stalls are standard in most rooms. Penthouses upgrade to multiple bathrooms and large soaking tubs.

This sprawling property has one of the longest amenities lists in all of Mazatlan. With a wide, immaculate beach, three all-inclusive restaurants, and six pools -- including a kids’ pool and a massive, freeform lagoon -- it’s hard to imagine guests will ever need to venture off-property.

The stretch of Playa Camaron next to the hotel is clean and well-maintained. There's a good amount of shaded seating via scores of plastic chairs and individual palapas, though plenty of sun for those looking to up their tan. As the beach is open to the public (like all Mexican beaches), hawkers can be an issue. The waters of coastal Mazatlan are largely exposed to the open sea. However, the tiny Isla de Venados offshore acts as a partial breakwater, ensuring the water is never too rough for swimming.

Even with more than 400 rooms, the atmosphere around every pool is lively, though guests never feel too crowded. Two pools have adjacent kids' pools with slides and water features, while adult-only hot tubs are available in a huge freeform lagoon. A series of winding manmade caves within the lagoon also allow for opportunities to explore and “cave dive” as well. All of this ensures that both families and couples can find somewhere to cool off and have fun.

La Terraza -- the hotel’s central dining space -- is situated in a large, casual space with lovely, panoramic sea views. The decor is bland, however, to the point of being almost non-existent. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served as buffets, with a predictable mix of American and Mexican dishes. The full menu is available via room service as well. Casa Roberto serves traditional a la carte Sinaloan dishes amid a more polished atmosphere. Georgini’s Italian Restaurant is the resort’s only elegant, fine dining restaurant with a dinner-only menu of traditional Italian fare. U.S. George Sports Bar has a bespoke cocktail menu, a dozen high-definition TVs, and a dark, sophisticated atmosphere reminiscent of an upscale airport lounge. A number of satellite bars also dot the property offering additional snacks and full liquor menus. The hotel has all-inclusive rates that cover all drinking and dining. Entertainment takes place on many nights in the resort's theater.

Situated in a modest, one-room cottage, the spa offers limited services. Typical massage treatments -- including hot stone, relaxation, and sports varieties -- however there are no salon services available.

Adjacent to the spa, an equally small gym room houses a dozen cardio machines plus free weights and other essential equipment. An on-site trainer is available to assist guests with their workouts free of charge.

Daily off-property tours and transportation to nearby attractions like Stone Island are offered. Free self-parking is available in a gated, off-street lot with 24-hour security. Wi-Fi is free property-wide, however, we were never able to connect during our stay.