I first stayed at Hotel Belmar in November 2007, and returned 10 times over the course of three years.

The Belmar is not for everybody - but if you want a unique location, with a funky vibe and amazing prices - you should check it out. It is NOT the Marriott, and maybe not even a three-star place... but the combination of excellent location, remarkable history, friendly staff, and unique atmosphere make it a great choice for an extended stay in Mazatlan.

I stayed here frequently during the purchase and construction of my house in Mazatlan, and would not trade the experience for anything in the world.

LOCATION -
The location is PERFECT for relaxation. From the front desk to the water's edge is less than 100 steps. My first stop on most mornings was right out the front door and into the waves of Olas Altas beach.

Because Belmar is located along the Malecon, there are a variety of places to eat that are reasonably priced... Cuerva de Leones, Puerto Viejo, Copa de Leche, the Shrimp Bucket, and a sushi restaurant are all just a few steps away from the front door; and all of them have great sunset views of the Pacific.

HISTORY -
During its heydey in the 1940s and 1950s, Hotel Belmar was home to John Wayne, Tyrone Power, Yul Bryner, and Errol Flynn among other show business luminaries. In 1944, the grand ballroom was the site of the unfortunate assassination of Sinaloa's Governor. When walking the halls, you can literally feel the history of this once-luxurious hotel calling to you from the walls.

ROOMS -
My first time at the Belmar, I stayed in a single ocean-front room on the third floor. It had two queen size beds... and it was far from luxurious. I can't even compare it to the Motel 6... but it was funky in a cool way that reminded me of the Chelsea Hotel in NYC, before the restoration. The bathroom had cracked tile, but the water pressure was adequate... and I didn't come to Mazatlan to stay in my hotel room, anyway. t night, I kept the window open, and have never had such a clear sound of the ocean as I drifted off to sleep.

APARTMENTS -
My subsequent trips to Mazatlan, I usually rented a small apartment on the roof of the hotel, where many long-time residents call home.

Unlike the rest of the hotel, these apartments have a large bedroom, living room, and kitchenettes. I've stayed in four different apartments, and each one of them had their own unique charms, along with their own unique quirks.

I got to know and become friends with many of my neighbors, but privacy was always respected; and for an amazing view of the city and ocean - the rooftop of the Belmar cannot be beat. Well, I suppose the Hotel Freeman down the block has a phenomenal view, as well... but it would cost thousands of dollars to stay there long-term.

ATMOSPHERE -
The atmosphere of the Belmar is unlike anything I've experienced before. It is a behemoth of a building that covers an entire city block, and has tens-of-thousands of square feet... much of it currently not in use. I spent countless hours strolling the hallways and corridors at all hours of the day and night, and I swear - Hotel Belmar will actually SPEAK to you if you listen.

The manager and staff are very accomodating, and even let me borrow the hotel's surfboard every day so I could learn to surf.

AMENITIES -
Free internet in the lobby and many rooms. The largest swimming pool I've seen in the city of Mazatlan. Rooms are cleaned daily. The front desk can arrange for the staff to have your laundry done at a very reasonable cost.

PRICE -
Cannot be beat. Anywhere. I was paying about $300 a month for my apartment on the roof of the Belmar. I don't recall how much the rooms were, but I do remember that it was VERY inexpensive; and certainly a bargain.

CONCLUSION -
Now that my house has been completed, I no longer live at the Belmar... but I walk by almost daily when I am in town. I spend many evenings having dinner along the Malecon, and drop into the Belmar often to visit my old friends there.

Hotel Belmar is not for everybody - but if you do stay there, and absorb the energy that fills the place, it will always be a part of your life.