City Express Mazatlan

There isn't much to set this hotel apart from other budget hotels, and that's generally fine with the many guests who pass through here. At its core, this is a simple and clean place to crash for the night before moving on elsewhere, or spending the following day exploring the city. From the outside, the nearly featureless tan-and-yellow building is plain, and the interiors don't depart much from that aesthetic. Decor is pleasantly modern, but minimal. Melamine accent tables, white tile flooring, and generic orange couches all call to mind an airport waiting area, which makes sense as this hotel works best as a quick budget-friendly stopover. Although it lacks any kid-friendly amenities (save for the pool), the hotel is targeted at families seeking something reliable near the beach for lower than the prices of the area's beachfront resorts. Without a proper restaurant or bar, the vibe is quiet, and the hotel sees a mix of business travelers and those on vacation, many of whom are domestic travelers.

The immediate area around the hotel won't win any charm awards, but it's a familiar topography for plenty of budget hotels around the world. The road outside is busy and lined with banks, pharmacies, gas stations, and a Mega supermarket, all of which are within a few minutes in either direction. Playa Gaviotas -- the closest beach -- and the restaurants and happening bars of Mazatlan’s Golden Zone are a 10-minute walk from the hotel, which helps make this spot a decent value. The hotel is also a 10-minute drive from Acuario Mazatlan, the Fisherman’s Memorial, and Mazatlan's popular seaside Malecon -- a promenade lined with bars, shops, and restaurants. For a little taste of old Mazatlan, Plaza Machado is a 20-minute drive away in downtown. General Rafael Buelna International Airport is 35 minutes away by car. The hotel does not offer shuttle service, but taxis are affordable and readily available to and from the airport. Rental car counters are also situated in the airport terminal. However, the region surrounding Mazatlan continues to experience ongoing crime issues and tourists are strongly discouraged from driving themselves.

Rooms are clean and modern, but entirely basic. Expect to see IKEA-esque flat-box furnishings in light wood veneer finishes plus white walls hung with unremarkable abstract art and brightly patterned bedding. Otherwise, there's nothing much to look at and the rooms are best used as a place to crash at night. Entry-level Single and Double Rooms feature one-room layouts that differ only in bed configuration (either one queen bed or two double beds). Higher category Superior Rooms upgrade to a separate living area with a pullout sofa, plus a kitchenette. Standard amenities are limited to the basics -- flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, irons, and free Wi-Fi. We found the latter to be fast and reliable during our visit. Limited free bottled water is also provided. Bathrooms are only as large as they need to be, with little extra space. Generic bathing amenities, a decent amount of counter space, and walk-in showers are standard in every category. 

Like most of the hotel, the outdoor pool area is simple and functional, but nice to have nonetheless. Tall surrounding hedges add a degree of privacy that makes the space feel more secluded than it actually is. A dozen plastic lounge chairs and patio sets offer a decent amount of seating. The free breakfast buffet is predictably basic with staples like fresh fruit, juice, baked goods, and a few hot items. However, the dining area overcrowds quickly, especially when the hotel is at capacity. The on-site fitness center is clean, but tiny, with only a treadmill, stationary bike, and elliptical machine. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and there's a business center with a couple of computers as well. Free self-parking is available in a sizable off-street lot with 24-hour security.