Luna Palace Hotel & Suites

While the exterior features a simple design of stucco and terra-cotta tile, the interior is adorned with modern, ocean-inspired furnishings and accents that elevate the overall feel above most typical mid-range hotels in the area. The main draw here, despite its modern interiors, is the beach, and the hotel is a fine option for those looking for a beach-centric vacation. There's more than enough space on the beachside terrace and at the pool to accommodate the hotel’s modest number of rooms. Consequently, guests rarely ever feel crowded in the common areas. Even during the summer high season -- when local families flock to Mazatlan to take advantage of the school vacation -- the atmosphere is relaxed. Winter (typically December to April) draws crowds of mostly American and Canadian couples seeking a respite from the cold and the higher prices of Mexico’s other big-ticket tourist destinations. 

The hotel is situated at the far northern edge of Mazatlan’s downtown area, though the city's historic sights and main tourist areas are a bit farther from here than other hotels in town. The location makes for a far more relaxed atmosphere, but also means that guests must frequently hail a pulmonia (the city’s golf cart-style taxi cabs) for any real dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities. There is a handful of casual restaurants just outside the hotel's front door, but the heart of the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) is an eight-minute drive from here. For a bit of family fun, the Acuario Mazatlan aquarium is 15 minutes away by car; while the center of historical Old Mazatlan requires a 20-minute drive.Mazatlan’s only international airport (MZT) is a full 40 minutes away. Taxis and shuttle buses provide the safest, most affordable transportation option. Rental car service is also available in the airport terminal. However, tourists are strongly discouraged from driving outside the city as the state of Sinaloa continues to be wrought with drug-related violence.

Room decor is bright and simple, with lots of tile and stucco that’s punctuated with tropical pops of red, yellow, and orange. It's a sort of anonymous style that doesn't feel particularly Mexican, and includes IKEA-style light wood furniture, patio-style pieces, and slightly sharper details like padded headboards.The one-room, entry-level Studios are small, bordering on cramped with barely enough floor space to accommodate the dining and sleeping areas. Junior Suites provide a similar floor plan and amenities with slightly more room for guests to spread out. One-Bedroom Suites have separate bedrooms and living rooms. The spacious floor plan in these rooms also adds an additional full bathroom and a daybed-style couch in the living room to accommodate a total of six guests. Kitchenettes in every room include sinks, microwaves, refrigerators, and electric cooktops. Other amenities typical of a three-pearl property -- air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi -- are all standard. All rooms also offer private, furnished balconies with lovely views of the Sea of Cortez. Bathrooms are adorned in a monochromatic color palette with marble and stone accents -- the color scheme is a bit dated, but not problematically so. The floor plans are compact, however, with just enough room for the toilet and walk-in shower stall.

The hotel’s sparkling freeform pool is perhaps its best asset. At nearly twice the size of the pools at most comparable mid-range hotels in the area, it offers plenty of room for guests to spread out without feeling crowded. The atmosphere of the terrace is mostly relaxed, and a kiddy area that features a waterfall and waterslide. Ample lounge chairs ring the space, though the number of umbrellas seems woefully inadequate given the pool’s size. An adjacent thatched-roof bar provides swim-up access to a full menu of beer, wine, and cocktails.The strip of Playa Gaviotas adjacent to the hotel is technically public. However, the hotel’s location at the northern edge of the beach ensures that it’s typically quiet and relaxed. Plastic lounge chairs under a dozen palapas provide plenty of shaded seating exclusively for hotel guests. A volleyball net is available, and unaffiliated water-sports vendors line the sand as well. The small island of Isla de Pajaros just offshore serves as an excellent breakwater to calm the otherwise choppy waters of coastal Mazatlan.The hotel’s only dining space -- Restaurant Eclipse -- is located next to the pool in a tall, two-story building. The all-day menu includes a typical blend of Western and local Mexican fare. Guests can dine indoors or alfresco on the patio overlooking both the pool and beach. A free breakfast buffet gets solid marks from previous guests and includes a mix of hot and cold options, and room service is also available.Free self-parking is available in a staffed, off-street lot. Wi-Fi is likewise free in every common area, including by the pool.