We had a bad experience here that ruined our vacation. Theives entered our room and stole all our cash. We had just arrived and didn't have a chance to convert our money into pesos. The front desk people seemed to not be able to communicate in English very well either. Heads up travelers. avoid this Howard Johnson hotel.

My friend and I both had reservations to stay at the Don Playo and they were lost when we got their. Also DO NOT EXCHANGE YOUR MONEY HERE!! They work on a 9 to 1 ratio. Small shacks across the golden zone have a much better ratio. The best we found was a 9.90 ratio. Also do not stay on the 10th or the 3rd floors wich are the sweets in the regular rooms. Both floors have small walk out ledges that make it easier to climb from room to room out side just look at a picture. With the 3rd floor not only does it have ledges but a building next door is right at the same level for easy acces. I recomend staying anywhere between the 10th and 3rd floor. The rest of the trip was very pleasant. The staff was very nice to us. They were all very helpful they also gave us a better rate and a better room then what we originaly had.

Man, the Howard Johnson Don Pelayo Mazatlan is the best hotel ever. I think that anyone considering staying there should just shut up and sign. Don't be nervous, everyone knows that thieves in Mazatlan are afraid of roaches and possums. They also have great accomodations for lovers of the new "Handsy-Handsy" craze.

The first night we arrived at the Howard Johnson Don Pelayo in Mazatlan our room was burgarized... while we were in the room sleeping!! We lost $480 cash American, 2 pair of tennis shoes, a watch, sun glasses and an electric razor. The hotel's 2nd floor looks out over a shed roof that the thieves use to just walk right up to room windows. The hotel desk relocated us up to the 4th floor...but then continued to rent the 2nd floor out even though there were other rooms available. They continued to put there new guests in harms way. We made it a point to call each new check-in on the 2nd floor to watch out. I feel the whole thing is a set-up. They never called the police either!! We didn't either because they kept saying they would make it right for us with their insurance company. On the last day there, their offer was...if we filed a false police report and claim the TV, microwave, coffee pot were stolen too then they'd give us our cash loses back. This hotel should be avoided. They're crooks. I contacted the Howard Johnson franchise headquarters and they seemed truely upset and told me they'd be getting back with me in 15 days. Stay tuned.......