We have stayed at the El Cid Granada many times over the last 20 years. It was the first El Cid facility built so it is older than the other El Cid facilities across the street (the Castilla and the El Morro). However the Granada's rooms and facility itself are well maintained and we believe it is a good value. And very relaxing.

We usually stay in what is called a Jr. Suite. This has a bedroom with a king sized bed, two baths, a kitchenette/living room with two pull out beds and provides complete priivacy for two couples via a lockable door that joins the two halves.

The staff at the front desk is knowlegeable, friendly and willing to please. If you have a problem, give them an immediate call so they can fix it and make your stay more enjoyable.

The Granada's strong point is its pool and its quiet, relaxed, pretty atmosphere. It is a great place to read a book, catch some sun and visit with new friends. This is unlike the pools at the El Cid Castilla and El Moro across the street which are large and pretty but at times quite noisy and bustling with children. The water temperature is also quite comfortable (some would even say a touch warm) and not as cold as that in the pools across the street. On cool windy days in February this pool is still enjoyable as it is protected on all sides. Those across the street are not so enjoyable unless you are hot blooded. (Note: Guests at the Granada can use all the El Cid facilities across the street as well the Granada's. If you want to sun by the ocean or go to the beach, you can easily get there by using the skywalk on the second floor which will take you over the busy street.)

Security is good. We have never had a problem. The facility is patrolled but it is still a good idea to make sure your room's front doors are always closed even if you are in the room. The front doors lock automatically so make sure you always have your room key when going out. The back doors to the veranda or balcony, as the case may be, have to be physically locked from the inside and it is best that you do so. Better safe than sorry. Good safety deposit boxes are located in each half of the Jr suite which is a real convenience. This prevents you from having to go down to the front desk like you do in many other hotels in Mazatlan to access a safety deposit box.

The Granada is also conveniently located. As mentioned above you have easy access to the other El Cid facilities across the street. You also are just a short block away from the tennis courts and 27 hole golf course operated by El Cid. There are a number of good restaurants in the area besides those of El Cid as well as small convenience stores and souvenier shops. And it is about 6 (albeit long) blocks to the Gold Zone where more restaruants and shopping await.

Water is drinkable in all rooms but for those that aren't sure there is also bottled water in the room for a fee. You shouldn't have much concern with food or water contamination in El Cid restaurants and for the nicer restaurants in the area either. Ice for the rooms is a different matter. See below.

Negatives: The birds that roost in the trees behind the rooms at the Granada can be very early alarm clocks. Especially the doves. They will start singing when it is still dark out. If you are a light sleeper, ear plugs are recommended.

Ice service for the guests needs to be improved. There are large ice chests in the hallways to which bags of purified ice cubes are delivered on a daily basis. However there is no convenient way to get the ice out of the chests. No scoop is provided to dip ice out so guests usually dip their ice bucket through a hole torn in the plastic bag. This is not the most sanitary way of dispensing ice.