We just spent two weeks at El Cid Castilla and had a safe, wonderful vacation. We spent our days beside the pool which is heated and has a swim up bar. The water was wonderfully warm, and in the mornings was partly shaded. There were plenty of lounge chairs available at both pools but we found that the Castilla pool was less windy than the Moro pool. The service around the pool was excellent. We found that Francisco and Adrian took our orders just when our current drink was getting low. When we asked for bottled water that was available as well. There were always plenty of large, dry towels available. We would turn in our used towels at the end of the day and take the clean ones up to our room for the next morning.

Some afternoons we would wander down the Golden Zone to shop. There is a small market about three blocks down, but if you cross the street in front of El Cid and go down that street you will hit lots of shops that seems small until you get inside and then you find out that they go way back. Lots of ceramic and glassware at these shops.

In the evening we usually went to one of the Ala Carte restaurants. They have awesome chicken and steak dishes at El Patio which seems to be the busiest of the 4. We went several times and were never disappointed. The best cheese cake and icecream, and chicken in white wine was served at the Italian, while the Mexican had great shrimp and almond tequila. We found that the tempura and fried rice at the Sushi restaurant were very good as was their sushi rolls. We never had trouble reserving as we always went to the 6pm seating so that we could go back to La Pergola to see the shows. The music/dance shows were by far the best, and it was fun to see the children invited on stage at the end of the performance. The activity crew does an awesome job of seeing that special needs children are involved.

Some of the ala cartes are open for breakfast and lunch as well but we found that the breakfast buffet lacked for nothing. We found that we could have anything we would have had back at home and more. We always ate at the beach cafe (even if at times the birds were a bit annoying) where the selection was smaller but always provided a good variety of meats, veggies, fruit, salads and desserts. Their veggie/ shrimp dish was the best and we loved all the shrimp (salad, soup etc. etc.)

Our room was very comfortable and kept very clean (our maid often left the towels in different animal shapes). The beds are very firm but we like them that way. They use duvet covers instead of bedspreads and the toilet/bathtub is separate from the sink area. Since we were high up in the tower and early risers, it did take a bit of time for the hot water to get to our floor but any time during the day hot water was readily available. We had a fantastic view of the ocean from our balcony which had chairs and table as well as a cement bench.

We have been at El Cid many times and notice that improvements are always being made. They are fixing the cement surround of the pool. They have made a bridge over the Moro pool rather than the stepping stones that were there. They have changed the waiters' uniforms so that they are more standard throughout the resort and many of the table linens have been replaced. Menus have been somewhat changed as well. We noticed that there are lots of security people in all the buildings and on the beach (there were far fewer vendors on the beach than in other years, and once we politely said no thanks they left us alone). We were asked several times by captains and other supervisory staff if everything was okay, and we were told that if we needed anything that we should let them know.

When I had trouble checking in for my flight home, the young lady Marsella was so kind and did it for me on her computer.

All said, we couldn't have asked for better service and left wishing that we had another week. The people of Mazatlan are fantastic, and the people at El Cid are the best! Adios!

One hears all of the negative reports of going to Mexico and are leary to go. I dont know where people get these twisted ideas. Just got back from our golf vacation and stayed at ElCid Castilla hotel. The staff are WONDERFUL, pools heated and clean, food Exceptional in all ala carts, rooms spotless and maid service wonderful and friendly. We were in Room 1502 starting Jan 31st 2012. I thank all the staff for there friendly service with special kudos to Alisha and Gisel at the Elite club and Carlos in Customer service desk. And one cannot forget Ramone in the El Cid Marina ala cart dinner. What a gentleman and pleasure it was to dine there. We went back it was so wonderful. Thankyou one and all from the Elite club staff to the gardeners. You people made our vacation a memorable wonderful experience.Walking through town was also a non issue. The towns people were friendly and greeted you with a smile, yes they want you to shop in there stores but what store keeper dosent. I felt safer walking through Mazatlan than I would right here in Toronto any day of the week, day or night. The golf course ( 27 holes) was a treat and great fun with great caddies that sure help your game. My only issue was internet service was on and off, but that happens in my own home with ROGERS . Ide give El cid 4.9 stars with great thanks and an assurance Ill be back but for LONGER next time. The vendors on the beach will try to sell to you of course but a simple no thankyou or no Gracias is all it takes. Be civil to people and you will have No problem. I firmly believe the trouble on trips we read about are from those who do not use there heads and do foolish things or treat the people badly and ask for trouble. Treat them as you wish to be treated.Thank you EL CID and Mazatlan one and all. Youll be missed untill next time . Esta la Vista

Mike Pantalleresco

We only stayed 1 week, next time will be longer. Excellent service, extremely friendly staff in all areas of the hotel. They really know how to spoil a person. From the moment we woke up till bed time we were made to feel very special. We especially appreciated "Angel" the waiter at "La Conchita snack bar". He is extremely friendly and courteous. We could not have had better service from anyone. His smile is always on high beam and we made it a point to always sit where he was working. Once his english improves, he will make a great manager in any department. He is smart and a quick learner. We will recommend this hotel to our friends.

My husband and I just returned from Mazatlan (Feb 2-9), where we stayed at El Cid Castilla. Although we had 3 cloudy days, we still had a great vacation. From the check in to the check out, we have no complaints about the hotel or the area. The room was super clean, a safe is included, the beds were comfortable and the view from our room was beautiful! We have been to a number of other all inclusive hotels in Mexico, so we have a good sense on quality of service, cleanliness and food. We would recommend this hotel to our family and friends and would return ourselves.

There is buffet for all meals, as well, there are al a carte's for all meals at a couple of restaurants. The buffet service for breakfast and supper, at the Pergala, was excellent, very attentive and friendly staff. There was lots of selection and the food in the serving trays were always plentiful and hot. Lunch is served poolside, over looking the ocean. It, too, was really good with lots of selection and great service.
We never waited in lines for meals or drinks, which was an added bonus. We also ate at La Cascada Restaurant (Mexican) for breakfast and supper. This restaurant is al la carte for all meals. It was super, we really enjoyed it! Lastly, we also had dinner at El Patio (Argentinian). The ambiance and setting was so beautiful and the dinner and service was good as well.

The pool was heated, which was a big bonus because 3 of our 7 days was cloudy and a little cool if the wind picked up. We bought a couple of air mattresses for the pool at Mega (large grocery/dept store), which was a 20-30 minute walk or a 10 minute bus ride from the hotel. We also took the city bus to the Market in Old Town (bus name: Sabalo Centro for 9 peso, 50 cents). It was super easy from the hotel and a great way to see the different parts of the old town.

We hired a cab for a city tour one morning. The tour was quoted for $20 USD and the tour lasted approx 1 hour and 30 minutes. We paid $35.00 because it was interesting and he took the time so we could ask questions and take photos! Call Jorge (pronounced Hor-Hey) at [--]. Originally from Mazatlan, he has just relocated back to the area after living in Los Angeles for 20+ years. He knows the area and speaks perfect english, so he's able to give you a great tour.

On recommendation, we also went to Pancho's restaurant (15 minute walk), were they serve complimentary marlin stuffed jalapeno's and torilla chips with fresh salsa. We shared the coconut shrimp, delicious, and rounded our the meal with complimentary kahlua and milk. We highly recommend this beach front restaurant.
Both of us enjoyed 2 one hour massages for 25 USD each at MYO Massage, just 1/2 block down and across the street from the hotel. Very clean and professional!

It is evident the economy is struggling, as a result, the taxi's are reasonable, the tours are less expansive than other Mexican resort areas and the shop prices are moderate, as well. We walked at least an hour each day, both on the street and the beach, no problems at all. Yes, there are vendors selling their products and others wanting you to attend a time share presentation, however, as soon as we politely declined, we were left alone, so it wasn't a problem at all.

Pack your bags ~ you won't regret it!