Skip the "zona dorada" and stay with Candace and Jim Penn in their lovely and comfortable B & B located within walking distance of the historic area. We traveled to Mazatlan years ago and stayed in the zona dorada which was "ok", but this stay was superb and we plan on returning. Candace and Jim share their vast knowledge of Mazatlan, and are delightful hosts just as everyone says. Our room was dreamy with a fridge included, and a patio overlooking the ocean.
We even had access to the kitchen to cook when we didn't want to eat out. We felt safe walking around, even after dark, although we never came back too late.

This B and B is just the best. Hosts are generous wirh their time and information concerning Mazatlan .The breakfasts are better than a resort and much more relaxing. There are lots of little extras A REAL REFRIG IN THE ROOM etc. The Inn is just a wonderful place away from home ,from the spacious terraces to the outstanding sunsets. We keep extending our time here each year. Dagmar and Bill

Just got back from our 2 week "belated" honeymoon. We couldn't have chosen a better place to stay - Jim and Candace made us feel right at home. We loved the location - we walked everywhere and never once feared for our safety. Words can't express what a great time we had so I won't even try but...we will definitely be back!

We have just had a wonderful 4 nights at the Ocean Front Inn. Candace and JIm are fabulous hosts and were helpful with restaurants, places to visit and things to do. We had just recently arrived from NZ for a month long stay in Mexico and we cold not have picked a better place. In fact we stayed an extra night because we enjoyed it so much. Honestly I cannot say enough good things about the Ocean Front Inn.
The B&B is located on the malecon and straight across the road from the beach. It is very central and we were able to walk most places. Taxis are very cheap and drive by on a regular basis so getting anywhere is not a problem. We walked downtown during the day and through the market which is an experience. We felt safe the whole time.
In the evenings we walked along the malecon and there was always something to see - from the vendors to the street performers and the boys diving off the rock. Although from time to time you are approached by people to buy things, it is never intimidating or rude and again we felt very safe even after dark.
Mazatlan was very warm so it is better to get out and about during early in the morning or later at night and enjoy the pool at the b&b in the meantime. Candace and Jim have soda and beer available on an honesty basis (you pay $1 per can) which is very handy. Candace even went to the trouble of finding out when our beloved All Blacks were playing, what channel it was on and letting us watch it on their wide screen telly :)
The rooms are a great size and number 6 has a great view. There are also bikes available to use and we rode up and down the malecon earlier in the morning when alot of people are out exercising.
All in all a fantastic place to stay and Mazatlan is a lovely city to visit.