Quality Inn Mazatlan

Liberal use of marble in the lobby provides a hint of sophistication at check-in. However, the dated pleather seating, generic accent pieces, and lack of any memorable decor create an overall bland look and feel. That being said, everything is well kept and perfectly pleasant -- and entirely on par with what's expected from this reliable budget brand. Los Candiles restaurant and the hotel's two pools -- particularly the intimate rooftop pool deck -- provide decent social spaces for guests to congregate. However, with the restaurant's limited hours, the social scene quiets down considerably by mid-afternoon. The clientele varies by season -- November brings American and Canadian couples seeking a tropical winter escape; while, in summer, Mexican locals flock here to take advantage of the long school break.

The hotel is situated one block from Playa Gaviotas public beach and the touristic Golden Zone. Dozens of restaurants, bars, shops, and services are within five to 10 minutes of the hotel's front door on foot. The historical churches, beautiful public squares, and 19th-century buildings of Old Mazatlan are less than 20 minutes away by _pulmonia _(the area’s popular golf-cart-style transportation).The nearest international airport, Mazatlan International (officially General Rafael Buelna International Airport), is reachable in 35 minutes by car. Taxi service is often the safest, most convenient, and affordable mode of transportation to and from the airport. Alternatively, several brand name car rental agencies are located in the terminal. However, travelers are strongly recommended against driving the area outside of downtown Mazatlan due to ongoing crime issues.

Room decor feels like a half-step above the aesthetic and furnishings typical of the Quality Inn brand. While the seating and large furniture pieces are mostly bland, the stone tile flooring, oversized shower stalls, and subtle tropical accents (bamboo on the furniture and seashell-shaped lamps) add a whiff of sophistication that adds a little personality to everything.Only two room categories are available -- Standard Double and Standard Double with Balcony. Both feature similar, one-room layouts with slightly more square footage than most Quality Inn rooms offer. Every room features two double beds plus a futon to accommodate a total of up to four guests. The list of technology amenities is solid for a hotel in this class. Flat-screen HDTVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi are standard in both categories. Unlike many area hotels, mini-fridges are notably absent, and housekeeping service is only provided once per week.Bathrooms are more polished than many would expect of this category of hotel. Liberal use of stone and marble in the showers and vanities creates an aesthetic that feels surprisingly sophisticated.

The hotel's main pool is located in a central, open-air courtyard that serves as its social hub. Dozens of lounge chairs ring the space and the surrounding architecture provides ample shade. A hot tub is situated at the far end, and a second, more intimate pool deck is located on the rooftop, with decent views across neighboring rooftops and palm trees. Here, a seasonal bar provides beverage service, including beer, wine, and cocktails.The sole on-site restaurant, Los Candiles, provides breakfast and lunch service in a casual space that includes a covered, alfresco patio. A free continental breakfast buffet is served daily, while a la carte lunch service is also available with a predictable menu of both Mexican and American fare. Service ends early in the day, however, meaning the dining scene is quiet by mid-afternoon.A small fitness room features some free weights and a handful of relatively modern cardio machines. Free self-parking is available in a secure, staffed lot. Wi-Fi is free property-wide and a small internet station includes web-connected computers for guests traveling without one.