I just want to say how much I enjoyed the pool exercises instructed by Fidel. He was such a pro with a lot of fun and enthusiasm to boot! I would highly recommend this resort because of him.

We enjoyed our 2 week stay Dec 12-26/05 in a 1 bedroom suite in the Tower. 1st room had ants and they tried for 3 days to kill them with spray, finally we moved. They had not problem doing this for us. Street noise is a reality and to be expected when you want a main drag location combined with beachfront. You should be out and about anyway and at night turn on the bedroom aircon fan to drown it out. Inn at Mazatlan's location is good with walking distance to the Golden Zone, lots of nearby supermarkets, eateries, etc. Found all areas of the hotel (lobby, pool, restaurant, public bathrooms) clean, lawn/garden area kept and facilities adequately maintained. Doormen were pleasant, helpful and friendly, as well as the restaurant staff, and though we didn't find the front desk or other staff unpleasant, they just didn't seem as pleasant. The streets and neighbourhood at night were not intimidating nor did they feel unsafe. Although the Inn at Maxatlan is rated a 4 ½ star by Mexican standards, by the American scale it would rate a 3 star hotel at best. But still an n overall pleasant experience.

Always found Mazatlan vendors and store staff to be friendly. The sheer volume of beach vendors can seem overwhelming, but never did I feel highly pressured, intimidated, etc. Just say no. Most of them have a very good sense of humour and are kinda fun. And say no to all the timeshare offers. Your 90 minute session will turn into 190 minutes and you surely didn't go all the way there to sit and get high pressured into spending a bunch of money you don't have.

We read other reviews before going and provide the following points in echo to some of those reviews and adding our own findings.

Don't take the all inclusive. Lots of great restaurants and eateries with various foods experiences (Western & Mexican) within walking distance. Panamas', Los Arcos, Poncho's and Country Casa are the best foods experiences with affordable prices. Many small eateries (like Chalvas across the street), taco and hot dog stands everywhere. These are good too.

Do take the Country Tour (a whole day tour to Copalla) to see “real” Mexico. Don't take the Stone Island tour. It was filthy, poor food, and a complete waste of ½ day. Asked the doorman to get an English speaking pulmonia driver to take you on a city tour ($20/hr) instead of on the bus. And I would also suggest spending the better part of a day in Old Mazatlan, down around the market. An interesting experience beyond words.

Parasailing was safe and enjoyable.

Exchange your money at American Express – best rates of exchange.

Use pulmonias to get around, always ask how much to your destination before getting in.