Are you wondering about the best places to stay in Mazatlan Mexico? This post has everything you need to know about the best hotels in Mazatlan and a guide to the best areas.

Mazatlan, also called the “Pearl of the Pacific”, is a beautiful coastal resort town in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. It boasts incredible seafood, beautiful beaches, the longest boardwalk in the world, and adrenaline-inducing water sports. It’s a magical place to spend your vacation.

Read on to find your perfect lodging option in Mazatlan.

What is the best area to stay in Mazatlan Mexico?

There are four main hotel areas perfect for your stay in Mazatlan:

The Golden Zone

The Golden Zone is a luxury area with bustling nightlife only four miles north of the city center.

The Broadwalk

The Boardwalk is the best area to stay in Mazatlan for anyone who loves exploring on foot, visiting major sights, and trying the local cuisines.

Mazatlan Marina

Then there is the Marina, a peaceful area near the town center with a secluded vibe and stunning ocean vistas.

Cerritos

Lastly, Cerritos is another tranquil spot near great restaurants and white sand beaches located 20 minutes north of downtown.

Keep reading to find the perfect luxury hotel, mid-range hotel, budget hotel, or vacation rental, in each area.

Where to Stay in Mazatlan Golden Zone

The Golden Zone, or “Zona Dorada” is Mazatlan’s cosmopolitan district. This is the best place to find chain hotels, haute cuisine, bars, clubs, and fabulous beaches.

This zone is four miles from downtown, along Avenida Gaviotas. 

Enjoy Las Gaviotas Beach and Camarón Beach, book parasailing, sport fishing, or banana rides. Check out the rousing nightlife, and shop until you drop.

1. Courtyard by Marriot | luxury hotel

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in the Golden Zone, the Courtyard by Marriott is the best place to stay.

This beautiful resort is a stone’s throw from Camarón Beach. It features a restaurant, bar, fitness center, terrace, complimentary breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, and room service.

Enjoy spectacular sea views from every room and watch the sunset from your balcony.

Choose between the Deluxe King Room, Deluxe Queen Room, a One-Bedroom King Suite, and more. Take your kids to the playroom, and treat yourself to a relaxing couple of hours in the on-site sauna.

👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

2. The Inn at Mazatlan | luxury hotel

Another fabulous luxury option is The Inn at Mazatlan.

This five-star beachfront hotel features an outdoor pool with a waterfall, a hot tub, a spa, a gym, and a restaurant.

The tropical-style rooms and suites are air-conditioned, bright, and spacious with terraces and sea views. Additional amenities include a mini fridge, coffee maker, and cable TV. Some units have living areas and kitchenettes as well. Family rooms and room service are available. 

Enjoy regional dishes at the on-site Papagayo Oceanfront Restaurant and Cantina, or head to Mazatlan Beach for a great time in the surf and sand.

From The Inn at Mazatlánl, you’ll have easy access to the town center as well as any number of area shops, restaurants, and beaches.

👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

3. Quality Inn Mazatlan | mid-range hotel

The Quality Inn at Mazatlan is a bright, clean mid-range hotel in a great location. It is right in the middle of the action, within easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the beach.

Located only 50 meters from Mazatlán Beach, this is perfect for lovers of salt water and sand. 

As an added plus,  the Quality Inn also features a gym, two outdoor pools, free private parking, and wifi.

The rooms are air-conditioned, with tiled floors, private bathrooms, cable TV, and complimentary breakfasts. Some units have balconies.

Guests loved the excellent service, the location, and the pools. The staff ensured a restful night for those in poolside rooms by asking everyone to leave the pool at 10 pm.

The Quality Inn is perfect for couples and families.

This hotel is also pet friendly.

👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

4. Hotel Azteca Inn | budget hotel

Hotel Azteca Inn is a perfect budget option in Mazatlan Sinaloa. It is right in the center of the Golden Zone, placing you within range of fine dining, tours, sport-fishing, shops, golf, and more. 

Historic downtown, the Aquarium, Mazagua Aquatic Park, and the Grand Plaza Mall are only 15 minutes away.

As far as amenities go, the Azteca Inn features a swimming pool, private parking, restaurant, bar, wifi, and room service.

The rooms are air-conditioned and come equipped with a TV, comfortable bed, private bathroom, and safety deposit box.

This hotel is a favorite among couples.

👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

5. DepaDeLUX | vacation rental

If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Mazatlán Mexico’s Zona Dorada, consider the DepaDeLUX. 

This two-bedroom two-bath apartment features a balcony with sea views, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a flat-screen TV, wifi, and free parking.

Additional amenities include a washing machine and clothes dryer, comfortable sofas, and tasteful decor.

DepaDeLUX can sleep up to 5 people in an extra-large double bed, standard double bed, and futon. It’s a great option for families or groups of friends.

This apartment is spotlessly clean and has amazing views of both the city and the ocean. Camarón Beach is right in front of the facility, only a two-minute walk away.

Guests loved this luxurious home-away-from-home.

👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com

Where to Stay in Mazatlan | Mazatlan Boardwalk

Mazatlan is famous for its “Malecón” or boardwalk. It is the largest boardwalk in the world, with nine different sections. Each section passes by different monuments, restaurants, and beaches. Enjoy meandering this scenic walkway, stopping for a swim, a meal, or a visit to one of the historic sites.

Some of the attractions you can see on the Mazatlan Malecón include Dolphin Fountain, the lighthouse, the pier, Centennial Promenade, and Avenida del Mar.

This is a great area for sightseeing on foot or in small “pneumonias.” (Cars that resemble golf carts and are great fun to bomb around in).

As far as accommodations go, there are many hotel options for every taste and budget.

Discover our top picks below.

6. Hotel Boutique Casa Lulu | a Mazatlan luxury hotel

Hotel Boutique Casa Lulu is a beautiful 5-star hotel in the boardwalk district.

This gorgeous hotel feels like an art gallery with beautiful boho chic decor that is modern and warm. 

The overall effect is effortlessly relaxing. 

Glass-sided balconies, white hammocks, and a pool ringed by cacti add to the splendor.

Hotel Boutique Casa Lulu has you covered with all the amenities you could desire including a concierge service, luggage storage space, and a 24-hour front desk. You’ll also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, wifi, and terrace.

Every room is air-conditioned with snacks and a minibar, a flat-screen TV, a private ensuite bathroom, a wardrobe, and a double bed. Some units have balconies.

Choose between double rooms, double rooms with sea views, double rooms with pool views, and a deluxe suite.

The Malecón and Olas Atlas Beach are within walking distance.

👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

7. Gamma Mazatlan Inn | a mid-range hotel

The Gamma Mazatlan Inn is a mid-range hotel close to the Malecon, Machado Plazuela, and the market. This lodging is ideally located for easy walking access to attractions in the historic center and local restaurants.

Gamma Mazatlan features a gym, restaurant, off-site parking, wifi, and room service. The units are air-conditioned and come equipped with a flat-screen TV, ensuite bathroom, and safety deposit box. Some rooms also feature a fireplace.

Guests loved the location, the nearby restaurants, and the uber comfortable rooms.

👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com I Expedia | Hotels.com

8. La Lola Hotel & Suites | budget hotel

If you’re looking for a budget hotel in the Mazatlan boardwalk district, La Lola Hotel and Suites could be perfect for you. It is only 100 meters from North Beach and a couple of kilometers from Olas Atlas and Camarón Beaches.

This hotel features great amenities including a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, free wifi, and family rooms.

Units are air-conditioned and include a comfy bed, wardrobe, safety deposit box, TV, and private bathroom. Some rooms come equipped with a kitchenette, fridge, microwave, and stovetop. Choose between double rooms, deluxe king suites, and a presidential suite.

Guests loved the secure parking, the cleanliness and spaciousness of the rooms, and the great service.

👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

9. Torre Central 102 | luxury vacation rental

Torre Central 102 is an excellent vacation rental option only a few minutes walk from North Beach.

This two-bedroom apartment also features two bathrooms, a dining area, an equipped kitchen, a balcony, and a living room area with a flat-screen TV.

During your stay in this beachfront apartment, you can enjoy the private pool, garden, fitness center, terrace, and private parking. 

Guests loved the location, cleanliness, and comfort at Torre 102.

👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com

Zona Marina, Where to Stay in Mazatlan 2022

Another area you can stay in Mazatlan is the Zona Marina. This area is more tranquil than the Zona Dorada and features lots of restaurants, bars, and golf courses. Enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific coast. 

Alternatively, head into the city center or down to the boardwalk… a mere 20-minute drive away. 

10. Isla Mazatlan Residence Club | luxury vacation rental

Isla Mazatlan Residence Club is a luxurious complex on an island in the Mazatlan Marina.

Rent your own modern villa on the property, complete with bedrooms, an equipped kitchen, a living room with cable TV and a DVD player, and a washing machine and dryer. The units are air-conditioned and have wifi.

During your stay, you can opt for maid service, on-site sport-fishing tours, and eco-tours. Or go all out and rent a yacht.

Isla Mazatlan Residence Club features a large lush garden, hot tub, and swimming pool. There is also free parking, a bar, and an airport shuttle.

Guests loved the tranquil spacious atmosphere, the tasty food, and the great jogging on the island.

👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

11. Ibis Mazatlan Marina | mid-range hotel

If you’d like to stay in a mid-range hotel in the Marina district, Ibis Mazatlan Marina is a perfect combination of modern facilities and quality service.

This hotel is two kilometers from Cerritos. It features free parking, a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge, a business center, a terrace, and a 24-hour front desk.

All of the rooms are air-conditioned with city views and include amenities such as a desk, TV, private bathroom, wifi, and soundproofing.

Guests loved the friendly staff, modern and clean installations, buffet breakfasts, and quiet atmosphere.

Pets are welcome at Ibis Mazatlan Marina.

👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

Where to Stay in Mazatlan | Cerritos

Another great area to stay in Mazatlán is Cerritos.

This area is north of downtown and features beautiful less-crowded beaches. It’s also an epicenter for gastronomy, with over 130 restaurants offering cuisine from around the globe.

If you’d like to be away from the hustle and bustle of the Golden Zone, this could be the perfect place to find tranquil lodging.

12. Park Inn by Radisson | mid-range hotel

The Park Inn by Radisson is a beautiful 4-star hotel just a short walk from Cerritos Beach.

Enjoy all the amenities you could ask for at the Park Inn, including an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar, fitness center, private parking, hot tub, and terrace.

You’ll also have access to a 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, and room service. The wifi is fast and reliable and the staff is professional and helpful.

Room options include a double queen room, king room, and studio suite.

Guests adored the ocean views, the service, and the delicious restaurant fare. They also loved the convenience of public bus transport right outside the hotel.

👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

13. Palmilla Beach Apartment | luxury vacation rental

If you’re looking for something upscale in the Cerritos area of Mazatlan, Palmilla Beach Apartment is a lovely choice.

This two-bedroom two-bathroom apartment features clean and spacious facilities including a kitchen, dining area, washer and dryer, wifi, and TV.

You’ll also have access to a shared lounge, garden, ping-pong table, squash court, children’s playground, terrace, and outdoor swimming pool. There are hammocks and a grill in the common area in case you want to have a relaxing snooze or a barbecue.

Guests loved how clean, spacious, and well-equipped this apartment is. It has everything you need for your stay. The additional facilities on the property bump it to the next level.

👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com 

Mazatlan Travel Guide

Where is Mazatlan Located?

Mazatlan is located in the Mexican State of Sinaloa on the Pacific Coast of Mexico

What’s the closest airport to Mazatlan?

Mazatlán International Airport (MZT) is one of the main international airports in the state of Sinaloa. The second one is Culiacan International Airport (CUL), which is also a popular destination for people traveling to the western region of Mexico.

What’s Mazatlan Known for?

Mazatlan has been an important port in Mexico but it’s mainly renowned for being a great off-the-beaten-path beach destination both for Mexicans and Expat, less fancy than Puerto Vallarta or Cabo, and yet with spectacular beaches and a charming historical center.

Also from Mazatlan, you can find Ferries to La Paz Baja California Sur, one of the top Surfing spots in Mexico

What to do in Mazatlan?

There are so many things to do in Mazatlan, besides surfing and hiking the surrounding hills, you will enjoy walking around the colorful historical center or strolling along the Malecon in Mazatlan.

Is Mazatlan Safe to travel?

If you stick to the touristy area, Mazatlan is indeed a safe place to travel for tourists. There is a lot of police around and despite the usual petty crime that you find everywhere you are relatively safe. Just keep your eye open and don’t be naive. You can check out some safety tips in my thorough post on safety in Mexico.

If you check the US travel advisory site, you will see that they suggest not to travel to Sinaloa, but i you listen to their recommendation you wouldn’t even set foot in Mexico at all.

I have lived in Mexico for the past 12 years and I intend to stay here as long as possible and check out all the amazing places that I haven’t been to yet. Just be aware of your environment and don’t flaunt your wealth.

Follow the usual common sense travel tips and you should be fine. Then things happen, unfortunately, just like anywhere else in the world.