after 2 great weeks-a few important items. The atm machine is "temporarily off line" around 80 percent of the time so when it is working get enough pesos to last a while. American money cannot be exchanged at the hotel. They will change canadian to pesos but you can get a better rate at any downtown exchage (cambio). Do not try to bring back liquor in your carry on-it will be confiscated by airport security screening. The specialty restaurants serve essentially
the same as the buffets and you must reserve them in advance with only a 5 minute tolerance. They seem to rush you as there is more than 1 sitting and they want you to get in, eat, and get out. Do not pay extra for an ocean view room--they are ALL ocean view. Walk down the beach to the right to a restaurant for a delicious lunch of seafood. there is also a neat little market about 1 block away from the restaurant towards the main road with reasonable prices.

If you are adventurous, take the bus to the golden zone of to downtown, it will cost less than 20 pesos for 2 people per trip. Granted some drivers seem to be suicidal but they are used to the traffic.

if you need anything just go to the front desk (or phone) and it will be taken care of, excellent service. we had a light bulb go out in the bathroom-let them know, and it was replaced in 20 minutes, with a follow up phone call from the front desk to see if everything was OK.

recommend sitting in Pedro's area in the Tesl Islas as he has good command of english, lots of knowledge, and provides top notch service, always with a smile.

My husband and I were there Jan 26 - Feb 2nd. Everything was fantastic...the beach, the pools, meals, staff, our room.... They had an incredible beach party for the guests and they put on an amazing spread and great entertainment. If you're looking to go deep sea fishing, look for Emilio who is around the vendors (behind the ropes) 5 of us went out on his boat (lunch and beer included) for $75 a person. We caught 2 seven foot marlin and a couple of other exotic fish. Experience of a lifetime. (Very safe boat and knowledgeable crew) Tell him Lisa from Canada sent ya!
We are hooked on the RIU experience and plan to go to anoether RIU in 2013.

(My only negative was I found the beach vendors a little tiresome after awhile. Calling out trying to get your attention or asking you to look at their items when you're heading down for a swim. You just need to be polite and say no thanks.
They are very nice and genuine people. Especially "Candyman" - he sells hats and sunglasses and Tito (the wood carver)

I stayed at the Riu Emerald Bay from Nov 1 - Nov 8, 2011. I travelled with my Mother, and friend. I must acknowledge the recent incident which unfolded at the Riu. Despite have travelled prior to this situation, I felt I needed to comment on the security at the hotel. Not once during my 7 day stay did I ever feel as though my security was at risk or being jeopardized. Being one of 3 women travellers, I never felt uncomfortable. I left the resort 3 out of the 7 nights to go out into town in the Golden Zone with other Canadian travellers. The staff was very helpful while on the property, as well as when we went out at night.

I do understand that the situation which happened last week is horrible and very unfortunately, but I do not think that this should be a reason to right off Mexico or Mazatlan as a travel destination. Security measures are in place to protect Canadian travellers. People must remember that tourism is a big part of the economy in destinations such as Mazatlan and other cities in Mexico. As long as you are smart and safe while travelling, you should not have much to worry about. (If you are wondering down dark alleys in the middle of the night, then you are just looking for trouble).

Just to make a few comments about the resort. Food was fantastic. A lot of variety and accommodating to all different types of taste. The property was incredible. Tons of sun chairs, bars and pools. We spent a good amount of time by the beach, even though the swimming conditions are not perfect. The staff was amazing the entire time. Many options of activities to do. Rooms were comfortable. I will agree that the beds were a little hard but not bad enough to ruin my sleep. The most we ever waited for an elevator was not more then 2 minutes. I must also mention, that numerous times during our stay, one of us would go up to the room, or need to grab something and would walk around alone. As mentioned before, even though there were quite a few Mexicans at the resort, I never ever felt unsafe!

I do not want this to take away from the severity of situation with the Canadian women, but I hope this helps give travellers a little comfort and insight of the Riu Emerald Bay. It really is a beautiful place, you must visit one day. (Tons of History and Culture to see and experience in Mazatlan!)

In spite of the recent bad publicity regarding Mexico in general, we loved our vacation. My family of 5 (ages 13 - 51) had a great time, and felt safe all of the time. The resort was excellent - the staff were friendly and helpful and fun, the entertainment was the best I've ever seen in a resort, the food was good, and the rooms, pool, and beach were spotless. For the price, we feel we received an excellent deal. Highly recommend a guided tour of Mazatlan from the taxi-driver (er, golf-cart)/tour guide (his tour-guide license is posted in his taxi window) that sits outside the front of the hotel. His name is Oliver, spoke very good english, and was very enthusiastic about his town. For $50, he spent about 5 hours with the two of us, and took us to many spots that we never would have found on our own. He was extremely knowledgable about Mazatlan culture and history. He found the Scotiabank for us, and he even stopped whenever we wanted to refresh our beer, and waited for us while we shopped in the Golden Zone.
Would we return, given the recent violence? YES...wouldn't hesitate. Signature Vacations took very good care of us, and they were very well organized in terms of check-in, check-out, and transportation to/from the airport. We booked a couple of excursions through Signature (at the orientation meeting on the first morning of our stay), and were very pleased with them. The Stone Island tour was a blast - the food was very good, open bar all day, and the tour guides were funny and personable. The included activities were short, but this is an excellent deal for those with people who all want to to different things (the men did the ATV on the beach, and us girls did the horse-back ride). Cost us less than $50 per person for everything - great deal! Even saw dolphins on the way to Stone Island. They were swimming along with the boat, surfacing in perfect unison - I swear they were putting on a show for us!!
A local on the beach by the name of Susana (sweet, tiny little lady about 35'ish) does an excellent job of corn braids, and she is sweet, hard-working and appreciable for your business. Also, the locals really appreciate any used items you may have to donate to them...we took a small bag of gently used clothing, and they were very happy with that!
I think that as long as a person is careful, and stays in the 'touristy' spots, they are safe - just as in any other country.