Royal Villas Resort

In a strip of Mazatlan packed with mid-range hotels, there's not much to make this one stand out, though it's at least in better shape than some of the dingy and dated options in town. However, while the name connotes private villas, there's none of them to be found here. The common areas feature eclectic decor -- seemingly unintentional -- of stone columns, wrought iron window gates, and blue stucco trim. Every space appears to have been designed independently of every other space. Sophisticated accents like high-back wicker chairs at check-in, stone wall inlays in the lobby, and modern light fixtures -- are peppered throughout. However, the overall look and feel is disjointed when moving from the entryway to the lobby to the pool area, for example. The atmosphere at the hotel changes dramatically with the seasons. Summer attracts local families from Sinaloa and the surrounding Mexican states all looking to take advantage of school vacation. Winter draws in-the-know Canadian and American couples seeking an affordable beachfront getaway at one of the country’s lesser-known tourist hotspots.

The resort’s location at the center of the Golden Zone makes it convenient to many attractions. Dozens of shops, restaurants, and services (banks, pharmacies, and convenience stores) are within a five- to 10-minute walk of the property in any direction. For a change of pace, Plaza Machado and Cathedral Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepcion are a 20-minute drive away in historic Old Mazatlan. Like many hotels in the area, the Royal Villas does not extend free airport shuttle service. However, taxis and private shuttle buses are inexpensive and ubiquitous around Mazatlan. Alternatively, several rental car counters can be found 45 minutes away in the terminal of Mazatlan International Airport (MZT). However, the area’s ongoing crime problems make public transportation a far safer bet for tourists.

Like the lobby and common areas, the room decor feels mostly modern. However, the drab color scheme and bland furnishings are uninspiring and can be found in almost any mid-range chain hotel. Expect to see unremarkable abstract wall art, tile floors, and the requisite touch of travertine found in almost every hotel along Mexico's western coast. It's pleasant, but unmemorable.The entry-level Junior Suite room category offers a distinctly non-suite, one-room layout. However, the oversized floor plan does provide space for a four-person dining area and a kitchenette (with a mini-fridge, sink, and electric cooktop). Each of the hotel’s Suite categories has a genuine suite layout that accommodates up to six guests via two sleeping areas (either two bedrooms or a dedicated plus a pullout living room sofa) and some feature two bathrooms. Suites also upgrade to larger dining areas, better-equipped kitchenettes, additional televisions, and larger balconies. The massive, two-story Penthouse Suites have three bedrooms, four full bathrooms with massage tubs, and an oversized oceanfront terrace with a hot tub. All rooms also provide typical three-pearl amenities, including flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and even guarantee a private furnished balcony with excellent views of the Sea of Cortez. Wi-Fi is free throughout and we found the service fast and reliable during our visit.Bathrooms are modestly sized but offer excellent fit and finish including travertine-lined walk-in rainfall showers and marble vanities.

While the rooms and style here aren't overwhelmingly great, the hotel offers a decent set of amenities that keep most of the beach-bound guests pleased. The hotel’s premier dining space, La Hacienda de La Flor, has terra cotta tile flooring, white stucco walls, and exposed wood beam ceilings, but it’s hard not to notice that everything feels quite dated. Lunch and dinner menus focus primarily on traditional Mexican fare, including local seafood and tableside flambe preparations. The hotel’s large lobby also features Cafeteria Montealban (with a la carte and buffet breakfast service daily) and Bar El Cenote.The sparkling freeform pool at the rear of the property is dotted with man-made rock formations -- including a waterfall and a waterslide. The space is lined with plenty of chairs, however, it quickly overcrowds when the hotel is at capacity. A small rock wall, volleyball net, and pool soccer nets all provide kid-centric play spaces. However, they also guarantee that the atmosphere is rarely quiet or relaxing.The hotel’s piece of Playa Gaviotas -- one of Mazatlan’s most popular beaches -- is clean and beautiful. Unfortunately, it all but disappears at high tide, meaning the hotel rarely bothers to provide seating or any other facilities on the sand. While the water at many area beaches is consistently choppy, the small islands just offshore from the hotel act as a natural breakwater. The sea is never completely calm, but it is swimmable enough for most.The hotel advertises a fitness center and spa, though as of mid-2016, both were closed indefinitely. Free valet parking is provided, as is Wi-Fi.