The Melville Boutique Hotel

Built in the 1870s, the property has served as a publishing office, the headquarters of a Spanish trading company, and a nun’s school. Many remnants of its former lives -- cathedral ceilings, Neoclassical architecture, and eclectic (in some cases original) furnishings -- remain. The property now serves as a no-frills home base for travelers looking to escape Mazatlan's bustling beachfront tourist strip. Unlike the area's famous resorts, there aren't a ton of features here, aside from an open-air courtyard and a small lounge. Consequently, the vibe is quiet, relaxed, and feels a bit like crashing at a well-to-do family member’s house. Guests are often locals and other long-term travelers seeking clean, no-frills lodging that feels like a home.

For those wanting to experience something a bit more authentic than the all-inclusive resorts that line the shore here, the hotel's location is a sure thing. Two blocks west of the hotel is Mazatlan's seafront Malecon and Old Mazatlan’s tourist strip; while two blocks inland sits the historic Plazuela Machado (often considered the cultural center of Old Mazatlan). Dozens of local restaurants, boutique shops, and essential services (ATMs, pharmacies, and mini-markets) are within a five-minute walk of the property. However, the nightlife, dining, and entertainment options of the famous Golden Zone are a 20-minute drive away.Mazatlan’s General Rafael Buelna International Airport is 30 minutes away by car. As the hotel does not provide shuttle service, taxis are the cheapest, most reliable way to get to and from the airport. Rental cars are also available in the airport terminal. However, crime -- sometimes violent -- continues to be an issue in the state of Sinaloa and tourists are strongly discouraged from driving themselves around the region.

Every room is done up in a different blend of knickknacks and furniture that give most rooms here more charm than can be found elsewhere. In some cases, modern, Scandinavian-style seating, traditional Mexican tile, and brushed nickel ceiling fans all come together in the same space. The bright Botero prints on the walls only further add to the quirky nature of the rooms. However, the lovely architecture and historical nature of the property elevate each space above the budget feel of its decor in a way that’s eclectic and quaint. All rooms offer apartment-style configurations that include separate living and sleeping quarters. The former offers seating for a handful of guests, plus a dining table and kitchenette (including a microwave, refrigerator, electric cooktop, and other small appliances). Filtered tap water is also provided. Other features include large flat-screen TVs with satellite service, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. However, we found the internet spotty and unreliable during our visit. While the area around the hotel is generally quiet, the architecture readily reflects ambient noise from the restaurants, bars, and streets nearby (particularly on nights and weekends). Bathrooms are spacious, but ultimately just functional. Walk-in shower stalls (with fold-down seats and detachable shower heads) and generic bath amenities are all standard.

The large property centers around a beautiful, historic, two-story courtyard. The open-air layout is adorned with lush landscaping, climbing vines, and tropical flowers and the upper floor provides lounge and patio furniture with views to it all. A small adjacent lounge provides the only additional communal space done in a quirky mix of vintage knickknacks, religious artifacts, and historic wall decor -- it feels like equal parts writer’s den and cigar lounge. Otherwise, there is no restaurant or bar, and guests will have to look elsewhere for entertainment. Wi-Fi is free, but unreliable, and the hotel does not provide lot parking. Street parking (free) is notoriously difficult to find in Old Mazatlan and the available space on the narrow, one-way streets around the hotel is limited.