We just got back from staying a week at El Rancho. We would definately go back and we will start to plan our vacation for next year. Coming from the US, we don't see the type of service and hospitality we received while at El Rancho. A truly pleasant experience.

The biggest plus of this hotel is the staff. I would give the staff 10 stars. The staff was friendly and accomodated us so far beyond our expectations. There was nothing we asked that they would not do. I had always boasted about the service I received on cruise ships, but the service here exceeded even that.The security staff, the front desk person, the waiters, the bartenders, the housekeeper, the cook, and especially the PR director did everything they could, and much more than any other place I have been at to make our stay relaxing and enjoyable.

The rooms were large with a kitchen unit, 2 bedrooms, 2 restrooms, a dining room, and a living room. Well enough room for our group of 8. The kitchen unit was adequate and we were able to go to Walmart (a $6-$7 taxi ride) and purchase groceries and cook some meals in our Villa. The rooms had a rustic theme. The housekeeper made beds each day, cleaned the kichen and washed dishes, cleaned the restrooms, and swept and mopped each day. There are no telphones in rooms but there is a TV with both english and spanish stations. There is internet service and telephone service in the hotel lobby/store.

We had a Villa that led to the beach. It was great. We could eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the beach while watching the sunset. It was truly remarkable. The family enjoyed going into the ocean and swimming. Much of the time was spent in the ocean.

There is a pool on the premises, not overly big but not small either. There are 2 jacuzzis on the premises, 1 which overlooks the ocean. The kids enjoyed the pool.

There is a restaurant. It's not huge and very quaint but its food was more than adequate for us and provided a great view of the ocean and sunset.

El Rancho is very private and is great for families, older people, and for people who are looking for a relaxing time to unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I have a very demanding job and the week of relaxation was just what the doctor ordered. There are only 29 units which is a plus if you like privacy or if you have children. I would say if you are going to go bar hopping every night, than this place may not be for you (it's about a $10 ride to to the bars and discos). But then again it is a great place to unwind after a night on the town.

There are pleanty of things to do in Mazatlan. Many tours and sporting activities. Some people in our group went fishing and caught fish for dinner. You can go shopping in either the golden zone or downtown (prices are cheaper). You can take a bus for $.80USD. We found the catherdral downtown to be pretty amazing for its age.

El Rancho is not as extravagantly looking on the outside as the new high rise condos being built, but they are going some renovation ( The noise level was noxexistant) and the villas are not that bad in the first place. I am really looking forward to seeing the place next year.