We recently returned from a two week stay at the Pueblo Bonito Resort at Emerald Bay. We had arranged transportation from the airport to the resort through the resort internet site. It was easy to find the organizer for the transportation as we came out of the airport and did not have a long wait until we were on our way. The cost ($42.00/2 person return) was also a steal, compared to what a taxi would have cost.
As you arrive at the resort you realize immediately that this is a resort with high standards. We were greeted upon arrival and quickly shown which desk to check in. The staff were extremely pleasant and accommodating when we requested a room on a top floor. We were in building 18 so we were close to the ocean, pools and restaurants. We had a one bedroom suite with 2 full bathrooms, huge living room area and partial kitchen (everything but an oven - but I wasn't there to cook big meals!). Large covered balcony with 2 cushioned loungers and small table. There was also a rack on the balcony to hang wet bathing suits or clothing. The suites could definitely use some updating, as the furnishings were basic, but in saying that it was very clean and suited us just fine. The housekeepers did a fantastic job and were in and out without even being seen. The beds were comfortable and they offer a pillow menu! The one bedroom suites have the bedroom on the entrance side of the room, not close to the water, so one night we thought we would sleep on the sleeper sofa in the living room so that we could leave the slider door open and listen to the waves. Not a comfortable idea! The sleeper sofa may be OK for kids, but not too comfy for 2 adults.
The grounds are beautiful and constantly being cared for by the gardeners. The resort is large and there is a great deal of walking to get from one place to another, however they do have little golf cart type shuttles that are constantly going around the resort picking up people to take them to wherever they are going.
There is a big gym with new equipment and an instructor on site all the time. They also offer spin classes for a $10.00 charge. The spa is beautiful and they offer many treatments, but they are resort priced.
There are 3 pool areas, which are all kept clean with exceptional service at poolside. There is a "quiet" pool near the Bistro Restaurant, although kids are allowed; a larger pool with hot tub and kiddie pool area for everyone; and an adult's only pool. The larger pool and the adult's only pool both have swim up bars. Food (which is delicious) is available at poolside and drinks of course are always available. There are activities Tuesday - Sunday (no activities on Monday) and the activity staff do try to get you involved, but not in an aggressive manner. Our only complaint, if you can call it that, is that we signed up for Bartender Class and organized our day around being there in the afternoon for the class, only to get there and be told that it was cancelled because there were not enough people signed up. Had we known it was cancelled we would have stayed in town. In all fairness to the activity people there was a message on our phone to say that the class was cancelled, but of course we were not hanging around in our room, so did not get the message. Not sure why the bartender couldn't have just shown the two of us how to make a couple of special drinks. So here is the lesson to be learned: If you sign up for any class (bartender/cooking, etc.) find out what the required number of people are for the class and if that number is not close do not expect the class to take place and do not stop what you are doing to attend. By the way the cooking class is great and you each get a full meal of what has been demonstrated!
There are two restaurants at the resort La Cordeliere and The Bistro. La Cordeliere features a breakfast buffet each morning and each night has a different theme dinner. Sunday there is an exceptional champagne buffet brunch that has everything you could imagine. No lunch service at La Cordeliere.
The Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had meals for all sittings and were never disappointed. Having lunch outside at the poolside is nice. Staff in both restaurants are very attentive to your every need.
There is also a snack grill set up near the main pool which serves fabulous salads, light snacks, burgers, sandwiches, etc. Not a complaint from us regarding the food from there - it was always hot, fast and the pool servers were wonderful.
Room Service is available 24 hours a day. We used the service a couple of times when we just felt like staying in and relaxing in our own surroundings. The service was great and the food was hot and delicious each time.
There are two Deli Stores on site and they both are well stocked with everything you can imagine from food and booze to clothing and toys. They also offer a daily special for $105 pesos (less than $10US) that includes a sandwich, salad, cake and soft drink. It was always delicious, a great deal, and was a great picnic pack for taking down to the beach.. They also make a very good ceasar salad with prosciutto ham.
I would like to add that although our intention was not to do the all inclusive plan we changed our mind when we were offered a deal if we went on the timeshare tour. It worked out to approximately $40.00/day each for all we could eat and drink (7 days for the price of 6). We did the all inclusive for one week and definitely got our money's worth. Aside from all the food and drink you can ingest with the all inclusive package you also get at no additional cost the classes offered (i.e. bartender/cooking); as well you can go to the sister resort Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan and indulge yourselves at the restaurants and bars there. We only did the AI for the week because we really wanted to get out of the resort and explore Mazatlan and we have found in the past that if you are on the AI Plan that you tend to stick around the resort because you have paid to eat and drink there. One week was also enough to gorge ourselves on the delicious food and drink that is offered at both sites! We also needed to detox our livers and still be able to fit into the clothes that we had brought with us!
Restaurants at the Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan include Angelo's; Las Palomas; and Cilantros. We ate at Angelo's and had a five course wine tasting meal which was wonderful. We had dinner a couple of times at Cilantro's and again had really good meals. Cilantro's is right on the beach so try and get a window table to enjoy the waves lapping right close to you. If you get there early enough you can also enjoy the absolutely most beautiful sunset.
Now I am going to mention the tipping policy at the resorts which was new to us when on an all inclusive plan. We have always tipped extra, even when on an AI Plan, but at these resorts they take it one step further and actually give you a little note after you have had anything from a waiter (even one drink at the swim up bar) stating "Your All-Inclusive Package includes a fair tip. Should you wish to reward extraordinary service with something more you may use this convenient form, or cash. Thank you for your kindness towards your server." Possibly extra tips were becoming scarce so this is a helpful reminder to leave more, or maybe no one was carrying around any extra cash, so this little form helped people to just have it added to their tab to be paid at the end of their stay. Either way we always just gave cash to our servers and did not use the signed form. Everyone seemed happy either way.
There is a free shuttle service between the two resorts that runs from 10:00am until 11:30pm. This service was great, as the resort is not really close to anything. There is no stopping enroute between resorts and you are not allowed to transport your groceries on the shuttle. I guess they just don't want everyone getting on the bus to return to the resort with loads of groceries, or maybe they would rather you buy your groceries at the deli/store at each site. Our first visit to Mego to buy groceries we took a Pulmonia (open taxi) which was fun. They will also wait for you while you shop and then will drive you back to the Resort with your groceries. After that we when we just needed a small amount of groceries from the Mega we would just take our back packs with us and there did not seem to be an issue with having them on the shuttle.
The beach at PB at Emerald Bay is not that great for swimming due to the rocks and surf. However it is nice for long walks and there is virtually no one on the beach (including no vendors!). The beach at PB Mazatlan is better for swimming, but there are vendors there constantly. However, if you say no thank you they just walk away. A beach we would highly recommend you go to is Playa Bruja. It is a $5.00 taxi ride away from the resort and is a good surfing beach; bougey board beach; walking beach. There is a restaurant right on the beach and also a small shopping area with more restaurants. It is fun watching the surfers catch the waves.
PB at Emerald Bay is located about 15-20 minutes from the golden zone and the other PB resort. Once we got to the sister resort by way of the resort shuttle we would catch the City Bus (the Green Bus marked "Sabalo Centro"). It was only 95 pesos and took us right into town to the market area. This took about another 15-20 minutes, depending on how many stops the bus has to made. To catch the city bus you just need to wave your arm and it will stop for you. No need to be at a specified bus stop.
We loved the town of Mazatlan. The Market is fun and interesting, but get outside the market area and explore all of the wonderful artisan shops that Mazatlan has to offer. From November to May they have the Art Walk. There are maps showing all of the artisan shops located through the town. There are some very talented individuals living in Mazatlan. We ate at little sidewalk cafes throughout the city and never had any tummy problems. The meals were very reasonably priced and the beer was always cheap! Fat Fish is a restaurant we highly recommend for the delicious food at a low price. We had 2 rib dinners (and the ribs were hanging over our plates) with baked potato, green salad and coleslaw for $160 pesos (for the two meals!). Beer was only 15 pesos! The waiters were funny and there is a guitar player there every night, except Friday, who plays great music while you eat. It is not far from the Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan just down a bit from Chile's Pepper and across the street . It is usually very busy for early dinner as they offer 2 for 1 drinks. Chile's Pepper and Loco Loco restaurants are located right on the beach and have delicious shrimp dinners with a free drink included with your meal. El Fish Market is really good seafood and has a large mug of beer (and it is LARGE) for 30 pesos. We live on the west coast of BC and can get shrimp easily, but the shrimp in Mazatlan is out of this world. Large, tasty and they know how to cook their shrimp. You have to try it to believe it. Speaking of shrimp - you have got to try the coconut shrimp at the PB at Emerald Bay - again Deeeeelicious!
The crowd at PB at Emerald Bay the first week we were there seemed to be either nearly dead or newly bred. Meaning there were many oldies and many young children. The second week the crowd seemed to be a little more lively. BUT if you are planning to go to the PB at Emerald Bay to have a party till the wee hours it will not be happening. Almost seemed like a ghost town after 9pm. We would come back from town 10:30-11:00pm and not see a soul while walking to our room. Even Kelly's Bar was quiet at night, but that could be because the drink prices are a little steep if you are not on the AI plan. Only saw it busy one night when there was a football game on, but as soon as the game was over the bar cleared out. Important to know is that Happy Hour at the pool is from 3:00-4:00 and Happy Hour at Kelly's Bar is from 7:30-8:30pm.
Regarding the timeshare pitch, we did it only for the reduced AI rate and we were upfront with them right from the start. We did our part and listened for the full 1.5 hours (actually more like 2+ hours) and they did their part and did not pressure us when we finally said "No Thanks". For that we were totally appreciative.
Free internet is only available at both of the deli locations. We found the connection to be hit and miss, which was somewhat frustrating. You can also purchase internet service for $12.00/24 hours which we did a couple of times when we wanted to skype home and then service in our room was excellent.
The Pueblo Bonito at Emerald Bay is beautiful and we highly recommend it. The flamingos and swans in the ponds are a delight to watch. The birds swooping in the ocean for fish and the iguanas sunning on the ledges are great for picture taking. We felt safe throughout our stay at this resort and also while exploring around Mazatlan. The security around the resort is visible and abundant. For something a little different take a walk out in the fields by the villas in the early evening and see the giant mexican rabbits that hop around. I swear that they jump six feet high!
The people of Mazatlan are the friendliest of all the Mexican places that we have visited. Unfortunately tourism is down so please be generous with your tips and purchase merchandise that you really don't need. Every little bit helps them out.