El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel

Everything felt fresh and very clean, which matters to me since I’m fussy. Housekeeping did a great job, and the staff were genuinely welcoming. Antonio at breakfast was especially kind, funny, and attentive, along with the others. The pool entertainment was easygoing and fun, with karaoke as a highlight. It brought a relaxed atmosphere without being too much. El Cid Marina Beach Hotel is a great resort and city for retirees and families who want a quiet setting. It’s less suited to younger professionals. I’d absolutely come back.

The beds are ridiculously comfortable, and the food is amazing too. We had so much fun with the activities, especially because Gerardo brings such great energy to them. The whole resort is wonderful, and Mazatlan is the prettiest city. I’m already looking forward to coming back every year for the rest of my life. Thanks so much for everything, please keep doing what you’re doing!

The people working here really made our week. Everyone was helpful and friendly, from housekeeping and the concierge to the Elite Club customer service team. We were four people staying in January 2026 on an all inclusive golf package booked through Sunwing/Westjet, and the arrangements and Sunwing representative were great from beginning to end. The resort has several heated pools, an outdoor hot tub, and lots of restaurants with very good food. Its oceanfront location has a lovely beach where we could swim and walk for miles. Across the road, the golf course has 27 holes, plus a fitness facility with a gym, squash, tennis, and pickle ball. We loved our stay and plan to come back for more fun in the sun.

The staff were the best part of our stay. They were friendly, hardworking, and genuinely helpful, and they added a lot to the trip. Our room also had beautiful views, and the Italian fine dining restaurant was excellent. The other fine dining spots are worth trying too, though the buffet cafeterias were hit or miss. This property is made up of three connected hotels, and restaurant and cafeteria access depends on which section you’re staying in. That wasn’t made clear when we booked or checked in, so it caused confusion. The online photos seem to show the higher-end 4.5-star section, while rooms at El Cid Castilla are noticeably more modest. The resort felt about like what I’d expect from a 3.5-star place. We paid for our all-inclusive package in advance, then were charged another $15 per day as a “hotel fee” at check-in. That felt like an unnecessary extra. Cappuccinos and ice cream also weren’t included, though I would have expected them to be. The hotel’s stretch of beach is fairly narrow, depending on the tide. From around noon to 6 p.m., several roaming bands often gather and play right in front of the resort, sometimes all at once, so it may not suit someone after a quiet beach. Mazatlán is an incredible city, and the seemingly endless Malecón is well worth exploring. The hospitality made the vacation memorable despite the hassles. If I come back, I’ll probably look at other resorts, though I’ll remember the staff fondly.