DINING & NIGHT LIFE

It’s no surprise that Mazatlan’s dining scene centers around seafood, particularly shrimp. Restaurants tend to be casual , serving bountiful and reasonably priced meads. Fiesta Nights are popular at many hotels , particularly the ones held at the Pueblo Bonito, Playa Mazatán (one of Mexico’s best), Camino Real, El Cid and Royal Villas hotels. For good dining reviews, check out: www.maz-travel.com

Los Angulo Campestre: Long time Mazatlánsea food restaurant with excellent atmosphere, service and good music. Try the exquisite "Tres Rios" fish filet.
Los Arcos: Family seafood restaurant . Specialties of the house: Culichi style shrimp and Dona Reina fish filet.
Las Canoas: "Cooking with the heart, not with the hands " their slogan. One of the best seafood and Mexican restaurants in Mazatlán. On the beach. Live afternoon mariachi music. Next to the Fiesta Inn.
La Casa Country: country/western Mexican style. Featuring steaks, chicken, charro beans, and more TV systems for your favorite sport.
Casa Loma: a secluded dining spot with impeccable international cuisine and fine service. Elegant indoor dining around the fountain.
Cilantro’s:good Mexican food in a fun palapa setting at the Pueblo Bonito Hotel.
Cocina de Ana Economica: home cooked meals set up buffet style, daily specials are wonderful. Eat in or take out, you’re charged by the weight. Tues-Sun. 12-4. Near the Arts and Crafts center on a side street.
Costa Marinera: located on the beach this is one of Mazatlan’s premier seafood restaurants, try the shrimp paté or the Seafood platter for two. Between Océano Palace and Pueblo Bonito.
Cow Town: Western-style steakhouse with saddle bar stools.
Doney: home-style Mexican cooing in downtown colonial setting; lots of historic photos and charm. Downtown.
La Fragata: Seafood restaurant with the biggest palapa in town . Located in Old Mazatlán.
Guadalajara Grill: famous for grilled meat and Mexican specialties. Live Mariachi music. Av. Camarón Sábalo.
Miyiko: Japanese dining with fresh, sushi.
Paraiso Tres Islas: chic super club serving prime rib and seafood ; live music.
El Parral: top Mexican food in a colonial-style setting.
Pastereria Panama: good food and great pastries , cakes and cookies. A favorite breakfast spot. Av. Camarón Sábal
El Patio: excellent seafood ; a favorite with locals for over 25 years. Av. Del Mar.
Señor Frog’s: noisy, crazy… and a must.
Señor Pepper: candlelit dining; grilled steaks barbecued over a mesquite fire, seafood, generous servings. Av. Camarón Sábalo.
El Shrimp Bucket: fun patio atmosphere; live Marimba music; where the famous Carlos Anderson chain began.
The Shrimp Factory: shrimp in every size served by the kilo with a choice of sauces and lime juice. Av. R. Loaiza.
Tequila Sports Bar: multi-screen sports viewing and casual dining. Best ribs in town.
Terraza Playa: good food and excellent service in an open-air restaurant overlooking the beach at the Playa Mazatlán Hotel. Try the Creole Soup or the fish Veracruz while watching the sunset.
Vittorios: gourmet pizza from brick ovens.

Forty days befores Holy Week, the people of Mazatlán celebrate Carnival. It is four days of continous celebration, where the residents "throw the house out of the window," and happiness is the tone. In a seven-mile range there will be aover 300,000 people between visitors and residents alike, all participating in the event.
On Saturday there is a simulated naval combat, firecrackers and large figurine calle "bad humor" is burned as a way of purification. Families go out in the streets and dance for days, following the parade where musicians play percussion music. "It is very important to keep your mouth shut, "recommends Julio Birrueta, a long time resident of Mazatlán, "otherwise you are likely to swallow flying confetti." Only one things is not allowed: To be unhappy. After four days of intense activity and very little sleep, the populous finally settles down and attends church on Ash Wednesday.
- Narrated by Julio Birrueta Written by Patricia Wydler

NIGHT LIFE

The nightlife scene in Mazatlán is first rate. Dancing, live music and festive watering holes are plentiful. Señor Frog’s is an extravaganza of music, zany waiters, and exotic drinks. Valentino’s is a posh disco and nightclub (with two separate dance floors) perched high overlooking the Pacific. El Caracol is three stories of lights, laser beams, music and video screens – Mazatlán’s most extravagant disco. Head to the Bora Bora Bar and Joe’s Oyster Bar for on-the-beach disco dancing. Or try an evening under a beach side palapa on North Beach across from Hotel De Cima, and wait for the strolling mariachis to come to you.

LODGING

Mazatlán is the last of Mexico’s premier beach resorts where you can still find an assortment of moderately priced hotels on the beach. Its hotel zone stretches for over 13 kilometers beginning just north of downtown.

Most properties are clustered between Playa las Gaviotas and Playa Sábalo. Far to the north is Playa Norte, emerging as another center of development.

SPECIAL CATEGORY

Hacienda Las Moras SC
This property is a welcome alternative to the Mazatlán beach scene. Located 30 minutes outside of Mazatlán on a 3,000-acre spread at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountains, Hacienda Las Moras is a newly acquired and completely renovated 150-year-old and formerly abandoned ranchhouse and tequila distillery. The 11 rooms are divide into 6 villas and 5 casitas with lovely tile, carved furnishings and touches reminiscent of old Mexico throughout. Room rates include all meals (breakfast in bed), unlimited domestic drinks, unlimited horseback riding, tennis, mountain biking, and hiking. Packages can be combined with a beach stay at one of several hotels.
Reservations: 1-800-400-3333
Web: www.solsierra.com

GRAN TURISMO

El Cid Mega Resort GT
Mazatlan’s most complete resort sprawls over 900 acres from beach front to golf course and boasts 1, 110 rooms and suites. Guest rooms are in four different areas: Granada (golf course), located across the street and connected by pedestrian bridge; Castilla (beachside 17-story tower); El Moro (a 25-story all-suites beachfront tower); and Marina El Cid (see complete description below). Property introduced an all-inclusive option. for Castilla section guests. All rooms are spacious with marble floors, formica topped built-in furniture, and marble combination baths. Beachside units have pool and ocean views. All rooms in the tower are studios and junior suites with attractive wood furnishings, balconies, kitchens, and ocean view. 18-hole championship golf course (expanded to 27 holes), 14-court racquet club, 8 bars, 6 restaurants, swanky disco, extensive convention facilities, and new spa and fitness center, plus ropes course/orienteering course. This is the liveliest hotel in Mazatlán with the most extensive public areas by far. Mega kids club is great. Convention facilities for up to 2,000.
Reservations: 1-800-525-1925
AAA Rating: ***
Web: www.elcid.com

Marina El Cid GT
This 210-room all-suite Mediterranean-style hotel, part of El Cid Resort complex, is located on one of Mexico’s finest marinas. The atmosphere in this luxury property is classy and tranquil. Rooms are spacious featuring white and blue colors, balconies, kitchenette, in-room safes, phones, living area and marble combination baths. Two pools with artificial beach and underwater galleries, cascades and grottoes, whirpool, water sports center, gift shop, tour desk, car rental. Two restaurants and bars, meeting rooms. Home to Kolonahe, a 60-person trimaran offering daily bay and sunset cruises, and the Aries Fleet, featuring 8 modern deep sea fishing cruisers. Complimentary shuttle service throughout the El Cid Resort complex. B’95
Reservations: 1-800-525-1925
Web: www.elcid.com

FIVE STAR

*****Camino Real
This deluxe four-story hotel is situated on a rocky point overlooking a wide beach and the blue Pacific. 165 rooms have either ocean or lagoon view, marble floors, marble combination baths, attractive pastel fabrics, balconies, satellite TV, mini-bar, and phones. Public areas are light and appealing with extensive marble and stone. Lobby bar, shopping arcade, two ocean view restaurants, two bars. Beach club with seafood and live tropical music in season. Two lighted tennis courts, secluded beach, gardens, pool convention facilities. B’71/R’92
Reservations: 1-800-722-6466
AAA Rating:***
Web: www.caminoreal.com.mx

*****FIESTA INN
This 9-story modern highrise is a newer addition to Mazatlán hotels (1995), and is ideally situated between the Doubletree and Quijote Inn Hotels. Public areas have attractive marble flooring and rattan decor and the grounds are nicely landscaped. 117 guest rooms feature white wall with blue accent wall, light tile floors, contemporary pastel fabrics, light wood furnishings, a small balcony furnished with plastic chairs and table, and shower only bath. Some rooms have ocean views. Pool faces the beach and is dotted with royal blue tents for shade. There is a small wading pool connected to the adult pool. Restaurant, lobby bar and snack bar.
Reservations: 1-800-FIESTA 1
AAA Rating:***
Web: www.fiestamexico.com

*****Holiday Inn Sunspree Mazatlán
Housed in a 6-story brick structure on the beach, the Holiday Inn has recently undergone some extensive, and much needed remodeling. The 183 rooms are standard, plus 12 one bedroom suites (some with kitchenettes). Rooms have marble floors, balconies with ocean or mountain view, marble combination bath, satellite TV, mini-bar, phone. Four restaurants (one open-air), 2 bars, mosaic tiled free-form pool next to the beach. B'76/R’94
Reservations: 1-800-HOLIDAY
AAA Rating:***
Web: www.holiday-inn.com

*****Luna Palace
This L-shaped 8-story beachfront highrise is located next to the Pueblo Bonito on lovely Playa Sábalo. It has 71 suites with bold, modern decor featuring either one king or two double beds, tile floors, combination baths, sofa sleeper, cable TV, kitchenette, and balcony with ocean view. One gourmet restaurant (Eclipse), one bar, two free-form beachfront pools.
Reservations: 1-800-352-7690
AAA Rating:***

*****Plaza Mazatlán
On Playa Las Gaviotas, and home to Mazatlan’s favorite Fiesta Mexicana night, this hotel is both popular and lively. The 425 rooms and suites are scattered about a maze of beachfront 4-story buildings. Units offer tile floors, brick accents, brightly colored Mexican fabrics, shower-only bath, phone, satellite TV, balcony, ocean or pool/garden views. Two restaurants with informal dining, bar, 3 pools and 2 jacuzzis. Service is friendly. Fiesta Mexicana is featured three nights a week in the third-floor nightclub. Shopping arcade at entrance. Convention facilities. B’57/R’99
Reservations: 1-800-762-5816
AAA Rating:***
Web: www.playamaz.com.mx

*****Pueblo Bonito
Built to resemble a color-splashed Mexican village, this luxurious, four-story beachfront property has 247 attractively-decorated junior and one-bedroom suites with full kitchens. All units have apricot and blue tile and walls, archways, some rooms with domed ceilings, medium wood furniture, bright pastel fabrics, tile combination baths, furnished balconies with ocean views, phones and satellite TV. Public areas are Mexican adobe and pastels with wood, tile and stone accents. Original art in rooms and public areas. There are excellent Mexican and Italian restaurants (3 total), 3 bars, a pretty pool area, meeting rooms, and several shops. Timeshare available. B’86/R’96
Reservations: 1-800-937-9567
AAA Rating:***
Web: www.pueblobonito.com

*****El Quijote Inn
67 suites and studio units housed in twin five story buildings on the beach. One-and two bedroom suites have tile floors, rattan furniture, carved headboards framing bright contemporary fabrics, combination baths with hand painted tile, full kitchen, phone, satellite TV. A few units have ocean view. Decor is similar in studio units except beds pull out from wall. Palm-thatched restaurant near the beach, one bar, pool, large jacuzzi, plus snack bar, minimarket and travel agency. B’87
Reservations: 52-69-141134
AAA Rating: ***

*****El Rancho Vacation Club
Located on a lovely stretch of Playa Cerritos next to the Torres Mazatlán, the hotel offers Mexican colonial styling in an intimate setting. Its 26 luxurious suites are housed in several 2-story buildings of peach-colored stucco. All units feature two bedrooms, two baths, cable TV, living/dining room, fully-stocked kitchen, contemporary Mexican styling with tile floors, and small balcony. Choose from either oceanfront, poolside, or garden locations. One restaurant, one bar, rectangular pool with attached kid’s pool, with attached kid’s pool, jacuzzi, mini-market. B’90
Reservations: 1-800-262-4500
Web: www.ual.mx/rancho/rancho.html

*****Royal Villas Resort
The second newest Mazatlán resort is a 12-story pyramid-inspired beachfront highrise. It features 125 deluxe 1-2-3-bedroom suites, all with living rooms, kitchenettes, cable TV, ocean view balconies, tiled combination bath, and cable TV. Grounds include a lavish free-form oceanfront pool, game room, full-service health club, meeting space for up to 500, two restaurants, bar. R’95
Reservations: 1-800-898-3564
Web: www.royalvillas.com.mx

*****Los Sábalos
This striking white 8-story tower sits on the area’s best beach. Guest rooms are divided into 74 small standard rooms with tile floors, wood furnishings, quilted bedspreads, and marble combination baths. 111 suites/junior suites are spacious view, small balconies, phones, and cable TV. Four restaurants, including the ever popular Joe’s Oyster Bar on the beach. Three bars, night club, conference center/meeting rooms, 2 lighted tennis courts, volleyball court, health club with massage, beauty salon, sauna. U-shaped pool, 2 jacuzzis, gift shop. B’82/R’95
Reservations: 1-800-528-8760
Web: www.lossabalos.com

*****Sea Garden Resort
Located north of the resort zone on Playa Cerritos, the Sea Garden is a 5-acre resort with a 12-story tower housing 300 one-bedroom suites. Units have either ocean or mountain view from small furnished balconies, small combination living/dining areas, kitchenettes, and contemporary decor. Well maintained grounds feature tropical gardens, an enormous figure 8-shaped pool with cascading waterfall. Game room, video arcade, 3 lighted tennis courts, 3 restaurants, bar, disco. Resort caters to families. R’ 98
Reservations: 1-800-99-MAYAN

FOUR STAR

****Best Western Aguamarina
Housed in a blue and white, two-story structure, the Aguamarina is less than 2 km from downtown, across the street from the beach. 135 standard rooms and junior suites, 80% with a view of the nearby ocean. Rooms are simple and feature beige tile floors, simulated white wood furnishings, pale modern bedspreads, and shower-only baths. Some rooms have balconies; all have satellite TV and phones. Lobby bar, one restaurant, simple rectangular pool and cement terrace, tobacco shop. B’56/R’94
Reservation: 1-800-528-1234
AAA Rating: **

****Best Western Océano Palace
On the beach housed in a modern six-story hotel, the Océano Palace features 135 standard rooms and suites (with kitchenettes) with light marble floors, bright tropical fabrics in blues and pinks, wood furniture, built-in headboards, satellite TV, mini-bar, tile combination baths. Most have balconies and half have an ocean view (worth the extra price). Beachside, open air restaurant and a more formal indoor restaurant, beach side pool, shopping, lobby bar. Meeting facilities for 250. All water sports, nearby tennis. All inclusive option avail. B’80/R’95
Reservations: 1-800-528-1234
AAA Rating:**
Web: www.oceanopalace.com

****Hotel de Cima
Across from the beach with a walkway to the beach underneath the street, 5 minutes from downtown. 3-story building houses 140 rooms all with air conditioner, balcony, two double beds, direct dial telephone, purified water, plush carpets, satellite TV. One swimming pool, meeting facilities for 200.R’97
Tel: 52-69-827300 Fax: 52-69-827311
Web: www.go2mexico.com

****Costa de Oro
Now boasting a new 11-story tower and grotto style pool, the beach-front hotel has 300 rooms and spacious suites. An oversized glass and wood entryway and marble public areas welcome you to this recently upgraded hotel. Suites have tile floors, wood furniture, combination baths, one or two bedrooms, equipped kitchens, satellite TV, phones, and ocean views. Standard rooms are located across the street in a low-rise building. All have tile floors, wood furnishings, shower-only baths, satellite TV, bright floral fabrics. Two restaurants (one offers informal alfresco dining), 2 bars, pool, and 3 tennis courts. R’95
Reservations: 1-800-342-2431
AAA Rating:***
Web: www.costaoro.com

****Day’s Inn Don Pelayo
One of Mazatlan’s original budget properties, the Don Pelayo is across from the beach at the northern end of the malecón. Two 5-story buildings with 162 standard rooms flank a 10-story wing of junior suites. Recently upgraded standard rooms have tile floors, brightly colored spreads, tiled combination bath, and ocean view balconies. Junior suites have tiled sitting area, rattan furniture, combination baths, but no balconies. 18 units with kitchenettes. Meeting facilities, pool and sundeck. B’72/R’98
Reservations: 1-800-325-2525
Web: www.daysinn.com

****Doubletree Club Resort
(Formerly Caravelle Beach Club) This popular 7-story hotel faces a fine beach on Playa Sábalo. The 118 units feature white tile floors, white washed walls, carved wood headboard and wood furnishings, bright tropical fabrics, furnished balconies, shower-only baths, phones. Most have ocean views. Lobby is done in tile, apricot and rust walls and Mexican furnishings. Landscaped pool area; restaurant/bar. Optional meal plan. B’76/R’92
Reservations: 1-800-222-TREE
AAA Rating: **
Web: www.promus.com

****Hotel Hacienda Mazatlán
This older but well maintained rectangular highrise sits across the street from the beach on the city’s malecón. 95 standard rooms all have ocean view, small balcony, cable TV, shower only baths and small kitchenettes. One restaurant, bar, small pool. Beach accessed by tunnel under the Avenida del Mar. Rooms can be noisy due to location on busy avenue.
TEL: 52-69-827132 Fax:52-69-851579

****The Inn at Mazatlán
This stucco building on the beach has a lovely entrance and nicely maintained grounds. Rooms have tile floors with dark Mexican colonial furnishings, wrought iron accents, brick arches on bedside wall and bright orange, pink and yellow Mexican-style bedspreads. Shower-only baths, satellite TV, mini-bar, phones. 142 beachfront rooms including 75 one-and two bedroom suites with kitchens and 53 studio rooms. Most rooms have ocean view. U-shaped pool is on a terrace overlooking the beach. Meeting facilities. B’69/R’94
Reservations: 1-800-262-0526
AAA Rating:***

****Plaza Marina
The newest hotel in town, on the beach with 2 buildings, 7 and 10 stories offer 43 luxury suites and 57 double bed rooms and all amenities. Located block from the Fishermen’s Monument, very close to downtown.
Reservations: 52-69-823622

****Riviera Mazatlán
Housed in a four-story rectangular 50’s-style building, this older Mazatlán hotel is particularly popular with French Canadians and budget travelers. The grounds have an expansive landscaped lawn area; two pools face the ocean. 170 standard rooms with 26 suites. Recently remodeled kitchenettes are large and have a 50’s feel with tile floors, simulated wood furnishings, tile art, phones, satellite TV, tile shower-baths. Most have furnished balconies with ocean view. The restaurant, Monaco, is very good and reasonably priced. B’63/R’98
Reservations: 1-800-782-4298
AAA Rating: **
Web: www.riviera.com.mx

****Suites Las Flores
A white and tan-colored 12-story tower facing the beach, Suites Las Flores has 119 units, 64 with kitchenettes. Units have tile floors, beams, domed brick ceilings in kitchen area, Mexican style wood furniture and hand-painted tile accents. Most have shower-baths, but some combination baths. All have furnished balconies, most with ocean view, satellite TV and phones. Standard rooms are similar with brick walls and Mexican art. Restaurant, bar. Travel agency. B’70/R’87
Reservations: 1-800-452-0627
AAA Rating:**
Web: www.lasflores.com.mx

****Tropicana Hotel Torre
Located in a 9-story modern tower, Torre Tropicana features 160 rooms and 10 suites with furnished balconies and ocean view of Las Gaviotas beach. Features include linoleum floors, shower baths, tropical decor with wood furnishings, air conditioning, restaurant, bar, pool. Fitness center. Meeting facilities for 400. B’85/R’93
Reservations: 1-800-537-8483
Web: www.torretropicana.com.mx

THREE STAR

***Azteca Inn
Located across from the beach in the heart of the zona dorada, the Azteca Inn is a 3-story green and white structure. 74 rooms with two double beds, terrazzo floors, simple wood furnishings, orange bedspreads, shower-only baths, phones, TV. Rooms face small land scaped pool area. Restaurant & bar. B’71/R’95
Tel: 52-69-134477 Fax: 52-69-137476
AAA Rating:**
Web: www.axtecainn.com.mx

***Olas Altas Inn
Located close to Teodoro Mariscal Baseball Stadium and Aquarium. 50 rooms with air conditioning, cable TV, ceiling fan, telephone. Offering restaurant/bar, snack bar, room service, swimming pool, tobacco shop, security box, fax, laundry room.
Reservations: 52-69-813192

***Sands Hotel Arenas
91 rooms and 14 suites across from the beach between downtown and the zona dorada. Units have two double beds, mini-fridge, satellite TV. Pool, bar and restaurant. B’59/R’89
Reservations: 1-800-421-0767
Web: www.sandsarena.com

TWO STAR

**La Siesta
Located across the street from the beach in historic downtown Mazatlán, the La Siesta is attached to El Shrimp Bucket restaurant. La Siesta features 56 comfortable rooms, most with ocean view and balcony. Linoleum floors, shower only baths, air-conditioning and Mexican wood decor.
Tel: 52-69-812640 Fax: 52-69-137476

**Balboa Club
Right on the beach in the great of the resort zone. 22 suites and 18 rooms with ocean view. The facilities are: swimming pool, library, bar, restaurant, tennis court, ping pong room, croquet.
Tel: 52-69-135211 Fax: 52-69-144389

LODGING: El Fuerte

**** Hotel Posada del Hidalgo
The charming Posada del Hidalgo Hotel gets the lion’s share of El Fuerte’s overnight business. Its owners (the Balderrama family- owners of two properties at Posada Barrancas, and in Los Mochis) have converted the former Almada Mansion into a lovely 40-unit property. Tranquil setting is enhanced by lovely architecture, fountains, tropical birds and courtyard gardens on three levels. Unique regional folk art, colorful murals, and plenty of colonial-era antiques lends festive and historic atmosphere. Simple rooms feature tiled floors, shower-only bath, and comfortable furnishings. Restaurant/bar, and serves regional specialties (bass and langostino are recommended). Hotel operates several tours of the city and nearby river. Its guides operate hunting and fishing excursions as well.

****Hotel Posada del Hidalgo continues cab fare to rall station is 75 pesos.
Reservations: 1-800-896-8196
AAA Rating:
Web: www.tsi.com.mx/coppercanyon/index2.htm

**** Hacienda El Fuerte
Located behind the Hotel Posada, and adjacent to the ruins of the city’s fort, this is arguably one of Mexico’s most charming colonial-style inns. Owners Silvia and Robert Brand (longtime area residents and sports outfitters) have converted and expanded this former mansion into a 25 unit property filled with antiques, oil paintings, comfortable furnishings and lush vegetation. Color-splashed colonial style architecture with lovely tile work surrounds a central courtyard, with rooms on two floors. New bar with pool table and stuffed game trophies.
Tel/Fax: 52-689-30226

**** Hacienda San Francisco
Set in a colonial era home with rooms surrounding a lovely garden courtyard with exotic tropical birds, the San Francisco features 18 spacious rooms, each fully-refurbished with tiled shower only bath, carpeted floors, colorful decor and comfortable furnishings. Rooms face flowering courtyard with large bird cages, a bubbling fountain and arched porticoes. Very good, economical restaurant (Las Casuelas) next door. Rates include continental breakfast.
Reservations: 52-689-30055

LODGING Los Mochis

***** Hotel Plaza Inn
Reservations: 1-800-862-9026
AAA Rating:

**** Colinas Resort Hotel
Reservations: 52-68-118111
AAA Rating:

**** Hotel El Dorado
Reservations: 52-68-151111

**** Hotel Santa Anita
Reservations: 1-800-896-8196
AAA Rating: