Mision Mazatlan

There isn't much about this hotel that makes it remarkable, and it's best for unfussy travelers looking for a cheap crash pad on the beach. The style throughout is fairly dated, with older tan marble details and sagging furniture in the hotel's lobby -- it's a style that doesn't get much more fresh in the hotel's rooms. There are two notable social spaces, and each features a distinctly different vibe. The strip of Playa Gaviotas beach next to the hotel is clean, quiet, and relaxed, given its location away from the hustle of Mazatlan’s Zona Dorada. The modest pool, however, quickly overcrowds, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere that never completely quiets down. Like many area hotels, Mision Mazatlan sees two distinct tourist seasons. Summer draws local families looking for a beachfront getaway while their kids are on school vacation. Winter attracts American and Canadian couples looking for a similar escape without the high travel costs associated with most other popular Mexican tourist destinations.

The hotel is situated a few minutes north of the Golden Zone, or Zona Dorada, Mazatlan's touristy collection of restaurants, bars, and hotels. However, the immediate area around the hotel is more laid back and less developed, ensuring that the adjacent stretch of Playa Gaviotas public beach is quieter and sees far less foot traffic than at many competing area hotels. However, it also means guests will likely need to flag a pulmonia (the city’s golf cart-style taxis) to reach most dining or shopping opportunities. Expect a 10-minute ride to the heart of the Golden Zone, and at least 20 minutes by car to the heart of the city's charming historic district.Mazatlan’s airport is 45 minutes away by car. Several brand name rental car counters are available in the airport terminal. However, Sinaloa’s ongoing crime (sometimes targeting travelers) continues to be an issue and driving outside the downtown area is strongly discouraged. For that reason, the city’s taxis and shuttle buses are the safest bet. They’re also ubiquitous and affordable compared to most Mexican tourist destinations.

Rooms here aren't the most inspiring, and don't rise above the hotel's budget category. Decor is simple, with light tile floors, light wood veneer furniture, and white bedding plus a few pastel prints hanging on the walls. However, the mostly monochromatic color scheme and dated furniture feel more appropriate for a budget property, and previous guests have reported maintenance and cleanliness issues. There are two virtually identical categories of rooms here -- either Double or King -- differentiated only by the bed configuration. Both offer modest floor plans with square footage comparable to most budget chain hotel rooms. While the layouts allow for a small dining table and a private balcony, they feel especially cramped, especially in Double Rooms, which are intended to sleep four guests. Amenities include only the essentials -- air-conditioning, limited bottled water, and flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is available, but only via a paid plan. Bathrooms feature a split design (the sink is separate from the toilet and shower area) that is functional and no-frills. Generic bath amenities and shower/tub combos are standard in every room.

The sparking main pool serves as the property’s most lively social space. However, its modest size means the terrace quickly overcrowds when the hotel is at or near capacity. A small, connected pool serves as a kiddy pool and there's a basic bar with subtle tiki-inspired accents that serves snacks, beer, wine, and tropical cocktails.While the beach here is technically public, a small, cordoned-off area is available exclusively for hotel guests. However, the city’s notoriously aggressive hawkers and tchotchke peddlers hardly respect the space. A handful of palapas and lounge chairs provide shade. While Mazatlan’s coastal waters are often choppy, Isla de Pajaros just offshore acts as a natural breakwater to calm the waves a bit.The hotel’s only full restaurant, La Perla, is a bright, airy space with a tall, two-story design that makes it feel much larger than it is. Dining is casual, and reservations aren't required, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus that are a predictable mix of Mexican and Western fare. Twenty-four-hour room service is also available for an additional fee.While it’s surrounded by windows facing the pool and sea, the fitness center feels dark and drab. Like the rest of the hotel, the equipment is decent and functional but clearly dated.Off-street self-parking is available for free in an attached garage. Free Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby.