El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel

True to the El Cid brand, the hotel’s common areas are done up in a classy and modern blend of marble and stucco, and flooded with plenty of natural light. The result is a look and feel that’s sophisticated -- even slightly upmarket -- but not stuffy. The vibe at this towering, 27-story property is exactly what most would expect of a large beachfront resort in Mazatlan. From early morning until well after dark, the atmosphere is loud and lively, bordering on frenetic. Summer welcomes mostly local families looking to take advantage of the seasonal school vacation, while winter (December through April) typically sees a flood of Canadian and American couples seeking a cheap tropical getaway without the sky-high prices of the country’s better-known (and pricier) tourist destinations.

The resort’s location just north of the Golden Zone provides a slightly more secluded feel, and most of the hotel's neighbors are other resorts (including other El Cid properties). The brand's country club is across the road and the hotel runs a free shuttle there throughout the day. Otherwise, the property is within a five-minute drive of the area’s most popular shops, restaurants, and bars. Guests looking to escape the tourist hustle will find the charming streets and historical points of interest in Old Mazatlan just a 20-minute cab ride south.Mazatlan’s international airport (MZT) is 40 minutes away by car. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s own shuttle service for a fee, but cabs and private shuttles are typically cheaper. Rental car counters can be found in the airport terminal or at a number of city center providers. However, the state of Sinaloa’s ongoing crime problems should deter most tourists from venturing outside of downtown Mazatlan on their own.

Room decor is a tasteful blend of creamy travertine flooring, stucco walls, and dark wood furniture. Tan, gray, and warm brown tones give everything a homey ambience, and geometric patterns in soft furnishings add a fresh touch, but there’s a lack of local flair and the furnishings could adorn any similar hotel in this class anywhere in the world. They are sharper than many of the hotels we've seen in this category around Mazatlan, though the style is quite simple overall.The two room categories -- Luxury Suites and One Bedroom Suites -- offer similar decor and amenities. The main point of difference is in the size and bed configuration. Luxury Suites offer a spacious, 469-square-foot (44-square-meter) floor plan with room for separate sitting and sleeping areas, plus a kitchenette (with sink, mini-fridge, and electric cooktop). Upgraded One Bedroom Suites offer all of the above, plus a separate bedroom with 1,282 square feet (119 square meters) of total space. Every room features the same list of amenities, including flat-screen TVs with satellite service and private balconies with optional sea views. Wi-Fi is unfortunately only provided via paid daily or weekly plans. Bathrooms are modestly sized but tastefully adorned with marble and stone tile covering almost every square inch. Deep shower/tub combinations are standard, as are organic Yucatan Herb brand bath amenities.

The resort provides an extensive list of common facilities. Since guests have access to most of the shared amenities at nearby El Cid properties, this is one of the most feature-rich resort complexes in Mazatlan.

The hotel’s large pool connects to an equally large pool at the adjacent El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel creating a single combined water complex that’s arguably the biggest in Mazatlan. The freeform layout, integrated waterfalls, and man-made rock formations lining the edges all create an organic, lagoon-style feel. The family-friendly nature of the space, along with a steady stream of guided activities (watersports and water aerobics) all create a lively atmosphere that can feel chaotic times. Ample shaded seating is provided via long rows of plastic lounge chairs and umbrellas. However, the layout is quite crowded, especially with the hotel at capacity. A small, swim-up bar offers a full cocktail menu. Poolside drink service is also provided, and snacks are available via several snack bars nearby.

The hotel’s main restaurant, La Concha, is situated in a towering, three-tier space with indoor and alfresco dining, plus lovely sea views. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus -- all served buffet-style and a la carte -- contain a mix of Western and Mexican fare. Additional buffet stations occasionally offer themed cuisine such as Italian and Asian. La Cascada, a smaller restaurant adjacent the pool, likewise offers casual, all-day dining with a mix of buffet and a la carte services. Food overall receives mixed reviews from previous guests. An extensive room service menu is also available from both restaurants for a fee. All-inclusive packages are available.

The adjacent stretch of Playa Gaviotas is shared with the sister property, El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel, to create a single, wide beach. The soft sand is clean and immaculately well-maintained. However, due to the area’s ongoing erosion issues, the usable stretch of sand disappears considerably at high tide. Dozens of palapas and rows of lounge chairs are available exclusively for guest use in a roped-off area. It is worth noting that the area’s persistent hawkers and tchotchke peddlers rarely respect the space.

Although the hotel advertises an on-site spa and fitness center, both are located off-site at El Cid Resorts & Country Club. Free shuttle bus service is provided to the club on a regular basis.The on-site business center (shared with El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel) is bright and modern with several computer workstations and printers. Valet parking is available free of charge. Wi-Fi is only available via paid plans.