Pros

  • A secluded all-inclusive resort away from downtown Mazatlan
  • Long, clean private beach plus three zero-entry pools and swim-up bars
  • Spacious suites feature flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes, and private, ocean-view balconies
  • Three full restaurants, snack bars, and an upscale cocktail lounge
  • Massive, 16,500-square-foot spa complex with hydrotherapy and massage treatments
  • Large, proper gym with an array of cardio and weight equipment
  • Wi-Fi is free in the lobby and most common areas
  • Purified water throughout the property
  • Free valet parking is provided in a staffed lot
  • Regular shuttle service to amenities at nearby Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan
See More Pros

Cons

  • No seating or facilities on the beach; no kids' club
  • 20-minute drive to Golden Zone restaurants, shops, and attractions
  • Wi-Fi is unreliable and only available via paid plans
  • Large property can be confusing to navigate
  • Gratuities not included in all-inclusive rates
See More Cons

Bottom Line

Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay is one of Mazatlan's most upscale resorts, with a ton of features that keep all-inclusive travelers happy. The extensive list of amenities includes three large pools, swim-up bars, three open-air restaurants, a cocktail lounge, and a huge, beautiful spa complex. All 378 suites have spacious layouts with private, ocean-view balconies, flat-screen TVs, and kitchenettes. However, the scale of the property makes it difficult to navigate, only paid Wi-Fi is available throughout, and the beach is heavily eroded (as of mid-2016) with no permanent seating or facilities. Although it’s less polished, the sister property, Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan, offers many of the same amenities and a more central location for less money.

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

Scene

Sprawling resort with a more polished, reserved atmosphere than Mazatlan's rowdier all-inclusives

The huge property appears to stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction. Indeed, it’s so large that it can feel difficult to navigate at times, though that grand feeling is part of what helps separate this from Mazatlan's other, underwhelming all-inclusive resorts. The architecture draws on Mexican design details and classically elegant motifs -- expect ornate fountains, marble tiling, and lots of wrought iron accents. Every interior and exterior design element (pools, decorative pillars, even the spa) is purposefully oversized to create a sense of awe. While the resort isn't exactly cutting edge from a style perspective, the public areas are well-kept and attractive. The three large pools and three restaurants with alfresco dining serve as the main gathering areas, providing more than enough space for the nearly 400 rooms worth of guests to relax. With so much room to spread out, it’s difficult to imagine anyone feeling overcrowded. The hotel targets a broad audience -- in short, anyone seeking Mazatlan’s top-shelf lodging while sparing no expense. No matter the season, the resulting atmosphere is quiet and reserved, never rising above a lively tenor.

See More Scene

Location

On a secluded beach, a 25-minute drive from the Golden Zone

The property’s location away from the hustle and nightlife of downtown Mazatlan ensures a quiet, secluded atmosphere. However, that seclusion also means venturing off-property requires at least a 20-minute taxi ride to the center of the Golden Zone. Guests looking to experience the area’s historical district can reach the lovely cathedrals and original town squares of Old Mazatlan, a 30-minute drive south.

The nearest airport -- Mazatlan International (MZT) -- is less than 40 minutes away by car. While the hotel does offer paid shuttle service, guests can find taxis or private buses cheaper and just as easy to arrange. Rental car service is likewise available in the airport terminal and several downtown locations. However, the area of Sinaloa outside the city has been wrought with drug violence in recent years, and tourists are strongly encouraged not to venture away from the city center.

See More Location

Rooms

Spacious, all-suite rooms with flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes, and private, ocean-view balconies

Room decor is a tasteful blend of traditional French country and Mexican colonial styles. Coastal colors like white, blue, and yellow keep things bright, while antique silhouettes in the furniture contribute to the overall classic appeal. Patterned tile in-lay floors add just a touch of authenticity, and louvered panels in cabinets and closets are a charming -- if slightly out of place -- detail. We also like the way bolder patterns and colors complement details like sharp black-and-white photography on the walls.

The hotel’s two room categories -- Junior Suites and Master Suites -- are both oversized. The former has 425 square feet (39 square meters) of floor space that includes separate sleeping, dining, and living areas. Master Suites are more than twice as large, with 973-square-foot floor plans (90 square meters) that include a private bedroom with a second bathroom. Every room also includes a well-equipped kitchenette with a mini-fridge, sink, microwave, and electric cooktop. Private, furnished balconies with lovely water views are also nice additions. Flat-screen TVs with satellite service are standard, however, Wi-Fi comes with fees and can be spotty.

The bathrooms are relatively small with every feature -- the bathtub, sink, and toilet -- located in a separate “nook.” Fit and finish is excellent, however, and includes colorful tiling, marble, and crown molding. The hotel’s own Armonia Spa bath products are standard.

See More Rooms

Features

Three pools, alfresco dining, and a huge spa, but an underwhelming beach

The property features almost every amenity imaginable in a massive tropical resort -- three pools, alfresco dining via a handful of restaurants and bars, and a large, modern spa. However, the lack of any usable beach could be a deal-breaker for some. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi is free in the hotel's common areas, but not in rooms, and it can be spotty. There's also no kids' club here, which has surprised some previous guests. While all-inclusive rates are available, it's worth noting that they do not include gratuities. A free shuttle runs to the hotel's sister property.

See More Features

Pools

Three large pools, including an adult-only pool, hot tubs, and swim-up bars

The hotel’s main pool is a sprawling, freeform complex that incorporates dedicated children’s play areas, a series of short, cascading waterfalls, and a swim-up bar. A second adult-only pool is situated in a quiet area of the property that feels far more secluded than it is. It also has a swim-up bar. The aptly named Bistro Pool -- located adjacent The Bistro restaurant -- is a relaxed space that’s a bit livelier than the adult-only pool, but tamer than the main pool. Ample chairs and umbrellas line the edges of all three spaces, providing more than enough shaded seating. Poolside drink service is also available throughout.

See More Pools

All-Inclusive / Food

Three full restaurants, plus snack bars and an upscale cocktail lounge

There are three full restaurants at the resort, plus additional snack bars and a swanky, vintage cocktail lounge. The Bistro -- the main restaurant -- offers an all-day a la carte menu of mixed cuisine in a chic, modern atmosphere. Adjacent the main pool, Sunset Grill serves a midday menu of mostly Mexican fare (enchiladas, ceviche, and tostadas) in a casual, open-air space. La Cordeliere offers casually elegant dining in a mixed indoor and alfresco space. The breakfast and dinner menus focus primarily on French cuisine with additional general and themed fare served buffet-style. Just off the lobby, the intimate Kelly’s Bar serves upscale cocktails and light finger foods amid a dark, classy, Hemingway-inspired atmosphere. 

See More All-Inclusive / Food

Spa

One of Mazatlan’s largest, most modern spa complexes with a long list of services

Armonia Spa is arguably one of the best, largest, and most full-featured in Mazatlan. The 16,500-square-foot (1,533-square-meter) space dwarfs the spas at most nearby properties. In addition to conventional massage treatments, a long list of additional services -- aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, reflexology, cold water plunge pools, ice fountains, and Swiss showers -- are all available. An adjacent salon provides additional beauty treatments, including hair, manicures, and pedicures.

See More Spa

Fitness Center

Bright, spacious gym with a good array of modern equipment

The on-site fitness center is bright, modern, and well-equipped. Several dozen cardio and weight machines, plus stacks of free weights are all scattered below a tall, ornate tray ceiling creating a look and feel that’s a step above the gyms at most area hotels.

See More Fitness Center

Beach

Mostly unusable beach lacks any seating or facilities

The hotel’s wide soft sand beach is beautiful. However, due to severe erosion issues, there’s little usable space. Indeed, the hotel does not offer any permanent seating or facilities of any kind. As of mid-2016, the staff was working to renovate the entire beach.

See More Beach

Services

Free valet parking and shuttle service to neighboring sister property

Valet parking is provided free of charge in a secure, staffed lot. A regular shuttle bus also provides free transportation to the nearby Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan property where guests have access to an additional five restaurants, two bars, and a beautiful, semi-private beach.

See More Services

Oyster Hotel Review

Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

Scene

Sprawling resort with a more polished, reserved atmosphere than Mazatlan's rowdier all-inclusives

The huge property appears to stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction. Indeed, it’s so large that it can feel difficult to navigate at times, though that grand feeling is part of what helps separate this from Mazatlan's other, underwhelming all-inclusive resorts. The architecture draws on Mexican design details and classically elegant motifs -- expect ornate fountains, marble tiling, and lots of wrought iron accents. Every interior and exterior design element (pools, decorative pillars, even the spa) is purposefully oversized to create a sense of awe. While the resort isn't exactly cutting edge from a style perspective, the public areas are well-kept and attractive. The three large pools and three restaurants with alfresco dining serve as the main gathering areas, providing more than enough space for the nearly 400 rooms worth of guests to relax. With so much room to spread out, it’s difficult to imagine anyone feeling overcrowded. The hotel targets a broad audience -- in short, anyone seeking Mazatlan’s top-shelf lodging while sparing no expense. No matter the season, the resulting atmosphere is quiet and reserved, never rising above a lively tenor.

See More Scene

Location

On a secluded beach, a 25-minute drive from the Golden Zone

The property’s location away from the hustle and nightlife of downtown Mazatlan ensures a quiet, secluded atmosphere. However, that seclusion also means venturing off-property requires at least a 20-minute taxi ride to the center of the Golden Zone. Guests looking to experience the area’s historical district can reach the lovely cathedrals and original town squares of Old Mazatlan, a 30-minute drive south.

The nearest airport -- Mazatlan International (MZT) -- is less than 40 minutes away by car. While the hotel does offer paid shuttle service, guests can find taxis or private buses cheaper and just as easy to arrange. Rental car service is likewise available in the airport terminal and several downtown locations. However, the area of Sinaloa outside the city has been wrought with drug violence in recent years, and tourists are strongly encouraged not to venture away from the city center.

See More Location

Rooms

Spacious, all-suite rooms with flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes, and private, ocean-view balconies

Room decor is a tasteful blend of traditional French country and Mexican colonial styles. Coastal colors like white, blue, and yellow keep things bright, while antique silhouettes in the furniture contribute to the overall classic appeal. Patterned tile in-lay floors add just a touch of authenticity, and louvered panels in cabinets and closets are a charming -- if slightly out of place -- detail. We also like the way bolder patterns and colors complement details like sharp black-and-white photography on the walls.

The hotel’s two room categories -- Junior Suites and Master Suites -- are both oversized. The former has 425 square feet (39 square meters) of floor space that includes separate sleeping, dining, and living areas. Master Suites are more than twice as large, with 973-square-foot floor plans (90 square meters) that include a private bedroom with a second bathroom. Every room also includes a well-equipped kitchenette with a mini-fridge, sink, microwave, and electric cooktop. Private, furnished balconies with lovely water views are also nice additions. Flat-screen TVs with satellite service are standard, however, Wi-Fi comes with fees and can be spotty.

The bathrooms are relatively small with every feature -- the bathtub, sink, and toilet -- located in a separate “nook.” Fit and finish is excellent, however, and includes colorful tiling, marble, and crown molding. The hotel’s own Armonia Spa bath products are standard.

See More Rooms

Features

Three pools, alfresco dining, and a huge spa, but an underwhelming beach

The property features almost every amenity imaginable in a massive tropical resort -- three pools, alfresco dining via a handful of restaurants and bars, and a large, modern spa. However, the lack of any usable beach could be a deal-breaker for some. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi is free in the hotel's common areas, but not in rooms, and it can be spotty. There's also no kids' club here, which has surprised some previous guests. While all-inclusive rates are available, it's worth noting that they do not include gratuities. A free shuttle runs to the hotel's sister property.

See More Features

Pools

Three large pools, including an adult-only pool, hot tubs, and swim-up bars

The hotel’s main pool is a sprawling, freeform complex that incorporates dedicated children’s play areas, a series of short, cascading waterfalls, and a swim-up bar. A second adult-only pool is situated in a quiet area of the property that feels far more secluded than it is. It also has a swim-up bar. The aptly named Bistro Pool -- located adjacent The Bistro restaurant -- is a relaxed space that’s a bit livelier than the adult-only pool, but tamer than the main pool. Ample chairs and umbrellas line the edges of all three spaces, providing more than enough shaded seating. Poolside drink service is also available throughout.

See More Pools

All-Inclusive / Food

Three full restaurants, plus snack bars and an upscale cocktail lounge

There are three full restaurants at the resort, plus additional snack bars and a swanky, vintage cocktail lounge. The Bistro -- the main restaurant -- offers an all-day a la carte menu of mixed cuisine in a chic, modern atmosphere. Adjacent the main pool, Sunset Grill serves a midday menu of mostly Mexican fare (enchiladas, ceviche, and tostadas) in a casual, open-air space. La Cordeliere offers casually elegant dining in a mixed indoor and alfresco space. The breakfast and dinner menus focus primarily on French cuisine with additional general and themed fare served buffet-style. Just off the lobby, the intimate Kelly’s Bar serves upscale cocktails and light finger foods amid a dark, classy, Hemingway-inspired atmosphere. 

See More All-Inclusive / Food

Spa

One of Mazatlan’s largest, most modern spa complexes with a long list of services

Armonia Spa is arguably one of the best, largest, and most full-featured in Mazatlan. The 16,500-square-foot (1,533-square-meter) space dwarfs the spas at most nearby properties. In addition to conventional massage treatments, a long list of additional services -- aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, reflexology, cold water plunge pools, ice fountains, and Swiss showers -- are all available. An adjacent salon provides additional beauty treatments, including hair, manicures, and pedicures.

See More Spa

Fitness Center

Bright, spacious gym with a good array of modern equipment

The on-site fitness center is bright, modern, and well-equipped. Several dozen cardio and weight machines, plus stacks of free weights are all scattered below a tall, ornate tray ceiling creating a look and feel that’s a step above the gyms at most area hotels.

See More Fitness Center

Beach

Mostly unusable beach lacks any seating or facilities

The hotel’s wide soft sand beach is beautiful. However, due to severe erosion issues, there’s little usable space. Indeed, the hotel does not offer any permanent seating or facilities of any kind. As of mid-2016, the staff was working to renovate the entire beach.

See More Beach

Services

Free valet parking and shuttle service to neighboring sister property

Valet parking is provided free of charge in a secure, staffed lot. A regular shuttle bus also provides free transportation to the nearby Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan property where guests have access to an additional five restaurants, two bars, and a beautiful, semi-private beach.

See More Services

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Beach

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Free Breakfast

  • Full Kitchen

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.