We stayed at the El Moro from March 10-17. We usually stay at the La Marina but they were booked so we settled uneasily for the El Moro. We arrived eary at 10:30am driving in from another part of Mexico. We got our room right away which was really nice. We had room 2119-20 which had a view of south, the golden zone and the rest of Mazatlan, had hoped to watch the sun set from my room but didn't want to bother asking for a different room. The view we had was great so we stayed. The room, a lock off, was nice. Nothing fabulous but no complaints either except for the balconies which are unsafe as everyone says. My husband set the rules down to the girls, 4 and 7, that they weren't allowed even in the doorway and there are locks up high out of the reach of our little ones. They are good girls so they never went near and were happy to sit on a chair looking out the window.

The beds were hard but I've experienced harder beds in Mexico so these were fine, plenty of comfy pillows in the room to cuddle into. We never experienced the water temperature variance as others have mentioned and we took showers all times of day. The girls loved the giant bathtub. Also all the elevators worked and were actually very quick which was one of my worries. Everything in the kitchen worked fine, I only cooked a couple of breakfasts but there was plenty of "equipment" to cook a larger meal if we had wanted too.

The first day we tried the member pool which was cold so we went over to La Marina. We asked if there was a heated pool the next day and we were told no. It wasn't until the 5th day that we went over to the Castilla and found that the pool there is heated. Why we weren't told that is kinda beyond me. But once we knew the girls loved it and we didn't have to go back to La Marina. There was a decent sized crowd of vacationing college students but they weren't loud or disturbing and a few played with my girls in the pool for over an hour which they really liked.

Went to the Fiesta Mexicana and they have made improvements since last year. For one they have enclosed the theatre which was nice since I remember freezing last January. The chicken mole and the pozole were really good. The dancing was beautiful, ll a really great evening.

We did the time share presentation so we could get the tickets to the fiesta and the breakfast buffet was just ok at La Concha. By the way we got out 10 minutes short of 90 minutes and saw the new rooms at the Castilla which are REALLY beautiful. Spent one day at our beloved Marina, had breakfast at the restaurant which was very good. We spent the day at the pool and the food was very tasty and the service was above par, never wanted for anything. The girls painted their annual ceramics and the finished product is always beautiful, the final touches they add when they glaze them are really nice. The girls are alway tickled when they see their work.

All in all a very pleasant stay at the El Moro, no really complaints about anything. Wouldn't hesitate to stay again.

We stayed at El Moro with Interval International Condo Exchange for 2 weeks. When we arrived they let us look at the room and we didn't like the location so they let us change to another room the following day . We had room 2224 which had no balcony but a marvelous view of the waterfront. Karla and her manager at the front desk worked hard to get us a nice room. The room was bright and comfortable except for the bed which was hard. I have learned to take an extra suitcase with a foam pad for the bed in my travels to Mexico. The bathtub was huge but the water temperatures do change quickly so be very careful with small children in the shower. The room was clean and we were comfortable. We ate several times at the ocean front restaurant and it was very good. Martin, served us drinks cheerfully. On the whole the workers were hard working and friendly. The pool area was very nice with lots of activities, but we spent most of the day at the beaches where the vendors try to sell their goods. Yes, I did buy from them. We walked most evenings to nearby restaurants and the food was excellent and very reasonable. We took the bus into town to the Market with no problems. You can also buy fresh shrimp right out front of El Moro on the beach from a shrimp man for not too much more that are cleaned better about 8:20 each morning. The elevators worked properly while we were there. On the whole, I would return to El Moro unless young children were with us due to the unsafe balconies and water temperature changing in the shower.

This all started when we landed in Mazatlan when we were serached in customs (great fun)

2. We were supposed to be met by someone from the hotel and no one was there to met us, so we caught a taxi.

3. At the El Cid Marina (originally booked there) they had no reservation of us being there. I even had the confirmation leter and called a week ahead to make sure everything is on schedule.

4. Tthey put us at the Morro on the 26th floor which smelled like old musty mildew but we had the view of the ocean but it was so windy that night that it created a vacuum and a loud hum in the room. Even the tv couldn't drown out the noise. Downstairs told me sorry you have to say there till Monday. Well I don't think so.

5. So guess where they put us--below lobby level. Yes we spent all kinds of money to be in the basement--so thrilled to be on a vacation at a 5-star hotel basement,

6. Since we paid for the all inclusive package, we decided to eat at one of the resturants at the hotel--I ordered a chicken tamale.. Is this a real verison of a chicken tamale of 1 chicken leg, 1 thigh and a small serving of corn and onions in a white sauce wrapped in a banana leaf.

Now don't get me wrong--we did our own adventure, we had a blast in Mazatlan and the people and the food are great. We really enjoyed ourselves, but we did not have a good time at the hotel. So you see , what the heck is this--a terrible exprience at eh hotel.

I guess everyone experiences some disapointment but why us. this was our 32nd wedding aniversary treat to each other.

We own a timeshare at El Moro and have been going there for 6 years now . we stay high up in a one bedroom on the 23 floor! we sit out on our balcony with a spectcular view. At night, the sunset is a real show of dazzling orange, pink, red. Amazing view. Huge windows in livingroom & bedroom. At night, the city lights sparkle below from the bedroom windows. The rooms are clean & spacious. The maid unlocked the kitchen cabinets for us and there was anything you might need to cook.
I love the huge waves on the beach below. I surf on a little buggie board all day long, it's so much fun! You can rent the boards, or buy one real cheap in town, at Cosgo's or where ever. Just leave it behind for the next person when you check out. The staff is really friendly and feel like family.
Mazatlan is an interesting city. It has a very old part, full of great unusual art shops, and terrific restaurants. Unbelievable open market that can't be missed! Walk the city! eat fresh just caught shrimp! Go to Olas Altas Beach---find it, and walk from there...