Costa Bonita is not for everyone. It is safe, clean, well maintained, lush, and hosts a beautiful beach. It really is best for a couple (or couples) who want a quieter vacation. The reason is it is off the beat-and-path north of the new Marina on New Mazatlan. Just a couple of restaurants close by.

The complex has many seasonal retired owners that are not exactly tolerant of children. I've witnessed a child being scolded by an owner (who was reading a book) for splashing in the pool!. Psst; thats what Kid's do in the pool! My 13 year old was yelled at by someone because he was in the whirlpool without an adult. A crime I guess. Don't expect to see many small children. As adults, we like to find a couple with other children to "hang with" so the kids can play. That simply may not happen unless you are there during peak time. If you choose this location and you have small children, your Kid's will be bored.

It is true that I got the feeling (initially) that I didn't "belong" as I was a renter. There is some animosity. After talking with some of the seasonal people I blended in. They explained that the problem is the complex owns some rooms of there own and rents by the weekend and some owners rent well below what they should ($50 per night) and don't always attract the finest renters. So there is a constant change of people and I understand that they don't treat things like they own it. If you show up with small Kid's, you will feel the cold shoulder from some of the owners.

On the other hand if you are 40+ and are staying for a few weeks, expect to have a wonderful vacation so long as you are searching for a quiet spot.

The restaurant is fairly priced with $6 breakfasts and $8 lunches but the bar is way over priced with $3.50 beers and $5.50 mixed drinks. I was told it is a policy that you cannot bring your own drinks to the pool area (but you can to the public beach).

Others who have commented about the massages are correct in that it is WELL worth it. I had a massage from a women on staff (yea, a little phobic I guess) and she did a great job for $25. In fact, I got three!

The workout area is a pretty long walk and they charge a daily fee (free for the owners) and the hot tub area and grilling area is off limits to "renters" (again included for the owners).

So to break it down in letter grade format. A+ beach, A- facility, A- grounds, B staff, B quality food, C- cost of drinks, A security, C- location (proximity to restaurants etc), A location (because it is in an upscale area), C- owner friendliness, A- to a C range of rooms (depending on who you rent from), and D+ Kid Friendly.

So the bottom line is don't bring the Kid's (even teens) and don't expect to be partying. This is PERFECT for a 2 week + renter who is 40+ and whats to unwind in a nice resort. All others need not apply!

Dan from MI

Rented Unit 105A from owner David Delgado. Was to be there for 5 weeks, 2 adults, 2 kids, 1 small dog. Staff was very rude from the get go and a lot of the owners don't like renters/ guests so they try and make your life miserable. Rules are only enforced when they want to bust your @$$. One owner in particular spends her time trying to run out non owners.

After about 3 weeks she convinced management that we should be booted because of the dog (cleared in advance), NOW only owners can have pets under 30lbs..

Owner of Unit 105A, David Delgad was of no help but said he would refund remaining balance. Complete lie, he just hangs up when I contact him.

This place used to be good but is now run down, staff is lazy and rude, and many owners do not want non-owners on the proiperty. Many other choices in Mazatlan. STAY AWAY!

I read the reviews prior to coming, but didn't believe they could be true....boy was I wrong ..read this before you book.
The hotel staff must really hate their jobs, they were the rudest "hospitality" staff I have ever encountered. We had four people, but were only given 2 towels ( no wash cloth's, hand towels, just two ratty towels ) because " it isn't the season for towels.
The room was very cramped, and the furniture was made out of some kind of weird plastic and very uncomfortable, don't ask about the beds, they were worse.
I can't comment enough on how rude the front desk staff and the small store staff were.
If you are from North America, this place seems to have a big chip on their shoulder. I would never stay here again, and I would encourage you to find other lodging in Mazatlan if you are planning a stay.
I was traveling with my three children, ages 21,16 and 14...we would have been much more comfortable in other lodging.

This is a great beach, very secluded and quite. Uncrowded and fun. I give it a 5 star for the beach.
Pool was ok, grounds were nice. 4 star.
A cab ride into town runs around $6 one way. This is a great place if you want to soak up sun and play in the surf. The beach made up for the older and sort of dirty rooms. The maid came everyday and we got clean but ragged towels, clean bedding and houskeeping for 70 cents a day. The rooms had one front bedroom w/ an ocean view and balcony the other bedroom was in the back and faced the outside hallway. Not a good condo for two couples, good for a family where you can put kids in the back non oceanfront bedroom. Rooms get a 3 star. The service is a 3 star, take some patience, it's not the US, thank God. It helps you slow down. You may want to bring your own towels and do wash, they have laundry rooms. The beach towels were very nice they provided.
The price for two couples in a 2 brm was a very good value. I would have paid more though for a better room.
We went with 10 adults(5 couples ) so the back to back bedroom was a problem. I would go back again and get the one bedroom/oceanfront rental from a private party not an Interval getaway.
Or even better,rent the penthouses.

The condo has a good outdoor restaurant for breakfast and drinks at night.
Down the beach to the right you can walk to one of two places for lunch/ dinner. Great food at the one on the beach that is about a 15-20 min stroll.( by the big rock).Very good food in this town.

The outdoor pool bar is ok. very slow.

We hired a van to take us to town everynight. It cost 5 couples very little. He took us on tours, to the lighthouse, dinner/ lunch, and to the boat to go to Stone Island. He was always ontime to pick up and to take us back. We used him to take us back to the airport too. If travling in a large group he would be great:
Special Van Services
Jose Garza
call 669-450283 He speaks great English

Antonio at the condo can set up most activites.
Try:
Stone Island. The sea kyaking even if you never have it 's fun and easy.
The Shiek for dinner(adults, men need long pants, business causal) at Valentino's. Very beautiful setting.
Hike up the lighthouse hill for the best view.
Dinner: Lola and Pedros; The Shrimp Factory; The Shrimp Bucket