Oceano Palace Beach Hotel

We have seen our share of dated and drab mid-range hotels in the Mazatlan area, but the Oceano Palace thankfully sidesteps that trend. From the outside, the hotel looks built to resemble the chic, minimalist hotels found in swish destinations like Miami’s South Beach. While it doesn't quite live up to that grand expectation, the hotel's interiors are pleasantly modern. Expect to see lots of tan marble and white surfaces, with warm reclaimed-wood details plus funky accents like brightly colored Buddha heads. It's not fancy, but some thought has gone into the style here, which helps make this a decent option for the area. However, the hotel can be loud, and borders on raucous throughout much of the year, so it's not the place for a quiet beachside escape. As is typical of Mazatlan, the hotel sees two main tourist seasons with two types of clientele. The summer months attract local families seeking a lively family getaway during the extended school vacation. From December to April, Canadian and American couples flock to the area to escape the winter cold. Additionally, as of mid-2016, there is a nearby construction project that makes for some noise and unsightly detours, so check ahead with the hotel. 

The hotel is situated on a bustling stretch of Avenue Camaron Sabalo -- the winding beachfront road that connects Old Mazatlan (20 minutes away) to the city’s marina. While some restaurants, shops, and services are within walking distance, the most popular Golden Zone attractions require a six-minute taxi ride to reach. The beach near the hotel is a popular stretch of sand -- almost too much so, as there are bands, performers, and hawkers galore throughout much of the day. Mazatlan International Airport (MZT) is 35 minutes away by car. As the hotel does not facilitate airport transportation, the safest, most convenient alternative is via taxi or private shuttle bus. Both are ubiquitous and affordable throughout the downtown area. Rental car service can also be found in the airport terminal, as well as at several city center locations. However, tourists should avoid driving outside the city due to Sinaloa’s ongoing drug-related crime.

Room decor is bright and crisp, with a distinct IKEA-esque vibe that's a pleasant step up from other mid-range options in Mazatlan. Tasteful pops of teal and red punctuate the mostly white color palette. However, noise can be an issue for rooms overlooking the pool, beach, and construction. Band's in the restaurant play loudly into the night and are also audible in rooms. The hotel’s smallest rooms -- Ocean View and Premium Sea View -- offer typical one-room layouts with square footage similar to any mid-range hotel room. Both provide only the most essential amenities -- cable television, a closet safe, and air-conditioning. Standard Rooms feature the same amenities plus a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, and electric cooktop. Flagship Suites provide spacious floor plans that include two bedrooms. Most room categories feature a private balcony, however, the unfurnished space is just large enough to accommodate two guests comfortably. In-room Wi-Fi is only available via paid daily or weekly plans. Bathrooms feature a split design (the sink is separate from the toilet and walk-in shower stall). Generic bath amenities are standard in every category.

There are a number of features here, helping to make this a popular choice, even if it has a few issues. The main dining space, La Terraza, features a casual, open-air design that blends seamlessly into the pool terrace. The a la carte and buffet menus both consist of the usual mix of Western and local Mexican fare. Room service is available 24 hours a day for a nominal fee. Next door, Roxy restaurant offers an all-day, a la carte menu of steak, wood-fired pizza, and liquor. Entertainment is offered on many nights, though the music can be heard in many of the hotel's rooms.The large pool occupies most of the outdoor terrace. A row of surrounding lounge chairs is pushed to the edges, and the space can overcrowd quickly, especially when the hotel is at capacity. The attached Aqua Bar has swim-up cocktails, as well as beer and wine. As the hotel’s main social space, by mid-morning, the entire terrace is often lively and loud with Banda and other traditional music from the adjacent beach.As all of Mexico’s beaches are public, the strip of Playa Gaviotas attached to the hotel caters to a mix of guests and non-guests. Consequently, the area’s notorious hawkers and tchotchke peddlers are an ever-present nuisance. The hotel offers a dozen palapas and accompanying lounge chairs exclusively for guest use. The sea is rarely ever calm, however, the three small islands offshore act as a natural breakwater.The on-site fitness center is bright, spacious, and modern. Half of the cardio machines face a wall of large, floor-to-ceiling windows with excellent pool and beach views. Free self-parking is provided in a cramped, overcrowded lot. Wi-Fi is available in most common areas only via paid plans.