The Inn at Mazatlan

There's not a whole lot to distinguish The Inn at Mazatlan from its other tourist-friendly competitors in Mazatlan's Golden Zone, though it's one of the better kept options in the area. Decor is a fairly straightforward and predictable blend of older details like tan marble surfaces and wicker furniture. Wrought-iron tables and chandeliers, coupled with Mexican tiles, do add a touch of class in the lobby, but overall the style is a bit dated in most parts of the hotel. The most notable common amenities -- including a water-view restaurant, two pools, and small, but intimate spa -- are step above similar features at comparable area properties. The restaurant, in particular, has a modern interior and spacious terrace with contemporary wooden tables that's a sharp place to kick back with loved ones or mingle with other hotel guests. In summer, the hotel is packed with local families and couples taking advantage of the seasonal school vacation. December through April attracts American and Canadian couples and retirees seeking a needed escape from the northern winters. Keep in mind that this is a timeshare property, and as such guests can often be approached with sales pitches from staff. 

For those wanting to be in the touristy, if slightly charmless, Golden Zone, the hotel is a fine pick. Dozens of restaurants, shops, and services (including banks, pharmacies, and mini-markets) are within a five-minute walk of the property. However, the surrounding neighborhood is busy and often loud. Guests looking for a bit of history can reach Old Mazatlan (including the city’s famous Catedral de Mazatlan) by car in less than 20 minutes. The hotel is a 40-minute drive to the nearest airport, Mazatlan International (MZT). Taxis are plentiful in the area, and while rental cars are available, the state of Sinaloa isn't safe for tourists to drive outside of downtown Mazatlan due to ongoing issues with violence.

The hotel’s two shortest buildings are decades old and house its original Studio rooms. The decor is a slightly dated, watered-down version of traditional Mexican design. The subtle, decorative accents -- including wrought iron wall mirrors, terra-cotta lamps, and ornate inlay tile -- brighten things up a bit, but the faded fabrics and worn blonde wood-veneer furniture leave a lot to be desired. Floor plans are comparable to a typical, mid-range chain hotel room. Standard features include mini-fridges, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies. Bathrooms in these units have walk-in stall showers with Mexican tilework, but otherwise look dated due to older marble surfaces, including roomy vanities.The majority of the rooms are situated in one of two all-suite towers, though the look in these is the same as the Studios and doesn't exactly feel fresh. Each of these units has a spacious, apartment-style layout with an array of bedroom configurations. Kitchenettes with refrigerators, microwaves, electric cooktops, and a handful of small appliances come standard in these rooms. They also feature private balconies, some of which have stunning sea views, particularly from the upper floors. The 3,800-square-foot (353-square-meter) Penthouse Suite upgrades to a full gourmet kitchen, a massive, private terrace, and a master bedroom with walk-in closets and a hot tub.

The sole on-site restaurant, Papagayo, offers all-day menus in a bright, modern space. Indoor and alfresco dining are available -- both with water views. Like most hotel restaurants in the area, the menu is a mix of traditional Mexican and Western fare. An adjacent sports bar/lounge provides a separate casual space with large, flat-screen TVs and a full liquor menu. Room service is available for a nominal fee.  Given it's oceanside location, it's perhaps no surprise that the hotel's two pool capitalize on beach views. The larger of the two includes two tiny hot tubs, plus a lagoon-style water feature with a waterfall. Ample shaded seating includes dozens of lounge chairs, palapas, and umbrellas throughout the terrace. There's also a second smaller pool, and organized activities are organized from time to time. Like most nearby hotels, the beach is small even at low tide. At high tide, the water rises nearly to the retaining wall, eliminating almost any trace of usable sand. Consequently, the hotel does not provide permanent beach seating or facilities. The condition of the water depends heavily on the season. However, the three small islands just offshore provide a natural breakwater ensuring that the surf is typically calmer than most other nearby beaches.Tucked into an unassuming corner of one of the older buildings, the hotel's Paradise Spa is small, but clean and modern. While it offers just a few treatment rooms, a full menu of massage and beauty services (including nail and hair) is available.Free, basic Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property and faster internet is available for a daily fee. Valet and self-parking are also both offered for a fee.