We exchanged our timeshare to stay at the Marina. We were in a 3 bedroom presidential suite. We had a view of the marina and the ocean. Jose from the bell hop and Raul were outstanding. We went inclusive for 4 of the days we were there the food was ok. Other than that all the staff were great the rooms were clean and nice and way exceeded my expectations. It was a little far from town but there was great transportation and everyone at the resor was so helpful. You could ask the staff for anything and they were more than happy to help you. Thank you all so much for such a wonderful time. My only recommendation would be to make it a little more festive in the evenings.

The three of us checked in on Sat. We had a beautiful room with 3 bathrooms on the first floor overlooking the ocean and entrance to the harbor. Internet problem but Armondo worked on it tell he got it to work. If internet is really important, make sure it works before you unpack. They offered to move us but the room was so great.
Spent time at the pool which is very quiet. And the waiters, Like Fidel are great.
We went to Stone Island on Sudnay. Took the bus and water taxi. That was great. The ocean is very warm. We went to Deer Island on Wednesday and that was fun. My husband played golf twice at Estrella. Afternoon was $49. WWe come here at least once a year. We drive down from AZ. There are many great places to stay and eat down here.

We stayed four nights, using the basic all inclusive package. We had a one-bedroom suite, with a nice view of the boats and the marina. The resort provided a lock for the in-room safe for free, so we used it, but I felt the facility was very safe. Good location, took about 20-25 minutes to get there from the airport, about 10-15 minutes to get to the Golden Zone or old downtown. Someone approached us about attending a time share presentation when we first checked in but was polite when we declined and never bothered us again (a BIG difference from the daily harassment we received at a Westin in Puerta Vallarta). We booked a day trip to Deer Island through the Prontatours desk in the hotel, which was great (I’ll review that separately). Miguel at the tour desk was very nice, introduced himself and offered his services to us when we checked in, they left us alone until we approached him to make a tour reservation.

The room included a small, well-stocked kitchenette, counter for dining, living room area, separate bedroom, two vanities/sinks, big walk-in shower, and small balcony. Very nice and clean, but the air conditioning in the living room area seemed to run much cooler than in the bedroom, which got a little warm while we were sleeping.

I've stayed at all inclusives that feature a lot more options (multiple restaurants and bars) and, initially, I was disappointed that there is only one main restaurant and bar open all day, and the poolside bars/dining available in the afternoon. In addition, there is no beverage service in the room, which has been included at every other all inclusive I’ve stayed at in Mexico. Water bottles are in the room for a charge, but there is a little market where beer and snacks are very reasonable. Nonetheless, we had a great time and we could also go to the El Cid Castilla, which seems a lot larger, for many more restaurant/bar options. We went one night for the dinner show at the theater – food and show were not good, so we stuck to the Marina Beach the rest of the time.

The breakfast buffet each morning is good - they will make omelets and smoothies to order, there is fresh fruit, pastries, and Mexican and American breakfast foods. At lunch, you can go to the same restaurant, or dine pool side. There are two nice pools - we only stayed at the smaller one (without the kids area). The great staff and service really put our experience over the top. The resort was mostly empty our first 2 nights, but even when it was busier, the service was great. The waiters come around pool side to bring drinks and food constantly. There are a bunch of fun cocktail options, and the servers really noticed what we ordered and kept drinks coming without us even having to ask. My husband ordered a few tequila shots, and the server made a point of coming over with a shot of a different tequila, explaining what it was, and suggesting he try it. There is a limited menu in the bar, but they brought us items from the regular restaurant menu upon request. The servers are friendly, eager to help, very polite. I am taking Spanish lessons and they were very patient with my efforts to practice, and very encouraging.

Unlike some resorts (especially all inclusives), there are pretty limited entertainment options. There are a few shops, and you can go to the El Cid Castilla for their evening show. This is just a friendly, simple, mellow place. Perfect for quiet, relaxing, romance, and doing nothing.

There is also a very limited business center - basically two computers and a printer. If you are planning a working vacation, I would not recommend this hotel.

One strange note – I read a review where someone complained that, even with the all-inclusive plan, she had to sign a check for all drinks and meals (your wristband designates that you have the all inclusive option). This is correct, but the checks always show a zero total (because all food and drinks are included). Interestingly, we were actually glad the resort provided the checks (showing what the bill would have been), because we were able to see what a great deal we received with the all inclusive option. It did not bother me, it was not a hassle, and our checks were always brought promptly (although, as in Europe, you do generally have to ask for the check when you are ready).

I am very remiss in not writing this review sooner. I spent 3 delightful weeks at EL Cid Marina last year. I had previously stayed 3 times at the El Moro tower and was pleased but this was so much better. The resort is smaller and less harried than El Moro but there is a very convenient shuttle that is free and it takes you right to the other El Cid resorts.The staff here were very helpful and pleasant. My bell boy, Andres, always greeted me whenever he saw me. I felt like he was a friend. The only drawback I had was that my room was close to the main pool area and was very noisy with all the pool activities. I did request a move but the hotel was fully booked and it was not possible. I stayed in a studio and it was spacious and very comfortable. I looked at the 1 and 2 bedroom units and they are absolutely gorgeous and very spacious. If I was travelling with a family there would have been lots of room to spread out.
Time share presentation was offered but when I declined, I was not hounded over and over as I have been at the Mayan Palace resorts.
I had an unfortunate incident and my camera was 'lost'. I felt that the investigation by Rogelio was very thorough. I felt that my complaint was taken seriously. He got back to me a number of times to report on the state of his investigations. On other vacations I have taken, any incident such as this had been just brushed off. I was very impressed with the concern the resort showed for a guest's welfare.
I was able to log on to the wireless internet from my room but the reception was off and on. This is a problem that the resort is trying to update I am sure.
The beach area is reached by way of a little people mover boat, which unfortunately kept breaking down the 3 weeks I was there. But alternate transportation was provided by a small boat. The beach area itself was wonderful and very quiet. Because it is tucked in to a corner by the marina, there are very few beach vendors, if you consider them a drawback.
I am very much looking forward to my vacation in January next year and I am staying for 6 weeks at the Marina. I am a solo traveller and feel very safe in Mazatlan by myself so I go back every year. This resort did not have an obvious security presence around but I felt very secure there.
I would highly recommend this resort to all travellers.