I have been coming to Mazatlan 10 years. I alway stay in Zona Dorado but take a 2-3 day break to stay downtown. I have always stayed on the beach at Olas Altas usually at the Belmar or La Siesta, Both are dirt cheap (around $30-40 a night with ocean view), but are very old (I think built in the 30's or 40's) and really show it. Staff is nice, rooms are OK. This year a friend and I splurged and spent $85 a night with tax per room for a beautiful oceanview room with free very good wi-fi and free delicious breakfast. The Posada Freeman is also old (first elevator in Mazatlan circa 1944) but very well maintained. Super clean, comfy beds, big bathroom. Slow draining showers that can flood if you aren't watching but great temp and pressure. You can work around the slow drain. The roof pool has the best view in Mazatlan. By the way EVERY HOTEL AND RESTAURANT IN MAZATLAN HAS TAP WATER THAT IS NOT POTABLE. Perhaps the new Riu installed a hotel wide purification system but it is pretty much a given that you use bottled water for brushing your teeth and drinking everywhere. Posada Freeman gives you a free liter in your room. Other places have big bottles in hallways and pitchers. Whoever seemed so shocked the water was non-potable must have noticed the big sign in the bathroom and not realized it is just a given everywhere else or not traveled much in Mexico. The location 5 blocks from Plazuela Machado is the reason we come here. The best shopping, the best food, draft beer at Puerto Viejo, music and arts all at about 1/4 speed of the Golden Zone. Everything from T-shirts to jewelry is at least half the cost of the tourist zone. Shop at the 2 story city block sized central market or any of the numerous shops. Don't forget Aroma Spas for the $20 massages.

Also for those concerned about government warnings, I have never felt unsafe in Mazatlan. Especially downtown where couples and groups of all ages and nationality are out on the street and dining and enjoying live music.