The 5 Best Hotels in Mazatlán, Mexico

This spotless, eight-room boutique hotel in a refurbished historic building is the perfect base for visitors who prefer a more tranquil, intimate environment than most resorts in town. The decor throughout is modern, minimalist and elegant in an understated way. It’s a five-minute walk from the historic center and one block away from the beach. Its pool on the third floor faces the ocean and offers a panoramic view of the city. There is a restaurant on-site that serves gourmet meals throughout the day and a spa with moderately priced treatments.

Located in the historic center, this colonial-style hotel is in walking distance of the many bars and restaurants at iconic Plazuela Machado, as well as the beach. Each of the 20 spacious suites is named after a famous writer and has its own unique style. This boutique hotel’s most charming feature is the fountain in its central courtyard, providing a great place to read a book from its small library. While it’s not in the quietest part of town, it’s perfect for those wanting to experience a slice of Mexico away from the main tourist areas like the Golden Zone.

This 71-room beach resort is a world apart from the resorts at the touristy Golden Zone. It’s located within a residential compound that features a golf course, tennis courts and a fitness center. Also, besides golf, its main draw is the miles and miles of empty beach – free of vendors and anyone external to the compound. While the distance makes it hard to pop downtown for a stroll, its large pool and onsite activities, like horseback riding and yoga, can keep guests occupied for hours. As a bonus, there’s a turtle hatchling sanctuary nearby.

“Tropical luxury” comes to mind when describing Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay’s decor and impeccably well-maintained facilities. Guests can opt for all-inclusive plans to take full advantage of everything this large resort has to offer, at prices that are much cheaper than better-known destinations like Cancún and the Riviera Maya. The resort has two large swimming pools and sits in front of an attractive crescent-shaped beach. Its 345 rooms are all suites of varying categories and there are also villas available, which are recommended when traveling in a group.