Best Value Hotels in Mazatlan, Sinaloa

Situated on the northern tip of downtown Mazatlan, Luna Palace Hotel / Suites provides mid-range, beachfront lodging with a little more personality than its three-pearl competition. The 71 simple rooms all have modern touches like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, sea-view balconies, and kitchenettes. While it lacks a full spa or fitness center, the hotel offers the essential must-haves -- a quiet and lovely beach, a sparkling freeform pool, and an alfresco water-view restaurant. However, it's at least an eight-minute drive to the touristy Zona Dorada. Travelers seeking a more lively atmosphere plus additional dining opportunities can find them at Oceano Palace -- the neighboring sister property -- for less.

Ramada Resort Mazatlan is a nice step above many of the area resorts in Mazatlan's touristy Golden Zone. The three-pearl hotel features a solid list of resort amenities, including a large freeform pool, a wide stretch of Playa Camaron beach, and two restaurant/bars, including one of Mazatlan’s most popular late-night dive bars. Each of the 200 rooms is plain, but features modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, plus optional balconies and kitchenettes. However, the on-site dive bar and central location amid the Golden Zone’s bustling traffic and noisy beach may provide too much of a party-hard atmosphere for some. For the same money, neighboring Emporio Mazatlan offers similar amenities with more polished rooms and a quieter atmosphere.

Oceano Palace offers all the must-have amenities -- a wide beachfront, a large pool with a swim-up bar, spacious fitness center, and two restaurants with room service -- that most travelers will need to make for a pleasant beach vacation. The 260 rooms are done up in bright, IKEA-like decor and feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and (optional) tiny balconies. This is a solid mid-range option that's in better shape than its competitors, but the constant raucous atmosphere may prove too lively for some and Wi-Fi isn't free. Travelers seeking a quieter, more relaxed getaway should look to Luna Palace Hotel/Suites -- the neighboring sister property -- which has similar amenities with a little polish for a bit more money.

City Express Mazatlan is a simple budget hotel that's a 10-minute walk from the restaurants, shops, and beach in Mazatlan's Golden Zone. Each of the 110 rooms is modern enough, but utterly simple, with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and limited bottled water; Superior Rooms feature kitchenettes and separate living areas. Aside from a small pool and free continental breakfast, guests will need to look off-property for any real social or dining opportunities. For a similar nightly rate, Quality Inn Mazatlan offers more amenities, including a rooftop pool deck and a full-service, alfresco restaurant.

The 215-room The Inn at Mazatlan is a popular three-pearl option near Mazatlan's tourist-friendly Golden Zone, with a nice spot right on a small beach. Features include a modern restaurant with alfresco dining, a full-service spa, and two sea-view pools with hot tubs and a waterfall. Studios feature flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, while Suites upgrade to spacious, apartment-like floor plans with kitchenettes, multiple bathrooms, and beautiful sea views. While things are mostly well kept, the style is homey and a bit dated. Additionally, the tiny beach, minor charges for things like parking and decent Wi-Fi, and timeshare pitches may deter some visitors. For a bit more money, Hotel Playa Mazatlan offers almost every possible amenity with a lively, resort-style atmosphere.

Hotel la Siesta is a down-to-earth two-pearl hotel in the heart of Old Mazatlan's beachfront tourist district. Each of the 58 rooms is utilitarian and has dated details, and all include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. The alfresco restaurant, small outdoor pool, and charming garden courtyard all add a good bit of value here, helping to make this a reasonably solid budget option just across from the beach. While it lacks the same historic charm, the pricier City Express Mazatlan offers similar amenities plus a convenient location in the heart of the touristy Golden Zone.

BEST WESTERN Posada Freeman is a budget chain hotel in the heart of Old Mazatlan with a bit more style than many of the properties in the brand's portfolio. The beach is across the street, and the sights throughout the famous historical district are within an easy walk. The 72 rooms are bright and homey, with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs; upgraded rooms add kitchenettes and tiny balconies. The rooftop pool and Sky Lounge restaurant and bar offer some of the best views in the area, and a free breakfast is included in rates. However, the touristy haunts of the Golden Zone are 20 minutes away by car. The three-pearl Olas Altas Inn offers the same amenities, plus a rooftop spa and a central Golden Zone location for less money.

Everything about Quality Inn Mazatlan -- including dated details and cookie-cutter architecture -- feels decidedly budget, but on par for this wallet-friendly brand. However, the two pools (including a rooftop option), the alfresco restaurant, and the ideal location near Playa Gaviotas and Mazatlan's famous Golden Zone help make this a decent value, especially for families seeking a budget vacation near the beach. The 89 pleasant rooms all feature essentials like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and (optional) balconies. For a bit more money, Olas Altas Inn offers the same amenities, plus a rooftop spa and a prime location across the street from the beach.

Olas Altas Inn packs a nice array of amenities into a relatively modest mid-range package just across from Mazatlan's beach The contemporary, all-day restaurant, outdoor pool with swim-up bar, and rooftop spa and fitness center all feel like a step above most neighboring hotels. Most of the 80 rooms are bright, pleasant, and modestly sized, and include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and private balconies, some with ocean views. However, the easily crowded pool and heavily-trafficked street separating the property from the beach may discourage guests seeking a quieter getaway. The similarly priced The Palms Resort of Mazatlan offers the same amenities plus a beautiful infinity pool right on the beach.