This is no ordinary hotel.  This is a very special get-away - an all-inclusive resort location.  Mazatlan is often referred to as the city known as "The Gateway to the Sea of Cortez."    Years ago, Mazatlan was a major port city on the Pacific coastline.  The MARINA EL CID is a recent development that basically has given rebirth to recreational boating in this area.  I enjoyed a press trip in June 2007 to become acquainted with this special place.

The El Cid Marina draws deep-sea fish enthusiasts, yacht owners, golfers, small boat owners, and a lot more.  But you don't have to have a boat to enjoy the facilities of this terrific resort.

EL CID actually consists of three separate properties on the north side of the city.  There is a "mega resort" that encompasses the golf course.  Across the main road is the El Cid Beach Hotel, which is, as the name implies, right on the beautiful sandy beach.  Then, slightly further up the road is the Marina El Cid which anchors the relatively new marina in a well protected harbor.

If boating is your primary interest, the inlet marina will accommodate 120 vessels, with floating concrete docks.  The marina can handle sizes from 25 feet long to approximately 120 feet.  Standard services such as locker boxes, potable water, fire hoses, dock carts, 24 hour security, laundromat, club access, diesel and gasoline fuel docks and more are all offered.   Marina slip fees range from about 35 cents per foot to over $1, depending upon length of stay and size of boat.   Charter fleets offer ecological tours, fishing, and sailing.  The deep-sea fishing trips are very popular and reasonably affordable.  Prices are approximately $200 to $240 and group trips can be arranged.

There is free shuttle busses between the Marina, the Beach Hotel, and the Club House at the golf course.  The Mega Resort features a 27 hole championship golf course, 17 tennis courts, squash, a spa, and other assorted water sports.  Taxi service is available 24 hours a day and local bus stops are just steps away from the entrances.  The local bus costs only eight pesos -- a great bargain -- which offers air-conditioned busses and fairly comfortable seating.  Other city busses don't all have the AC and are slightly less upgraded, but the ones on the route between Old Town Historic Center and the El Cid resort hotels are great, easy to use, inexpensive, and not crowded.

The Castilla Beach Hotel features about 600 ocean front rooms and suites.  There is also a Kid's Club, an Aqua Sports Center, an oversized swimming pool, and a poolside restaurant and bar.  The El Moro Tower is the tallest building in the city of Mazatlan.  The 25 floors feature suites and breathtaking views, as well as a huge nightclub, shops, 3 restaurants, and more.

The Granada Country Club Hotel overlooks the country club and features a Mexican style hotel with 69 condominium suites. 

The Ed Cid Marina Hotel is really the ultimate option and is truly a five star location that offers romantic waterfront balconies, small to large suites, freshwater swimming pools, a private beach, and a very upscale restaurant.  The room I visited on my press trip was one of the full size, one-bedroom suites.  It featured a large living area with two sofas, a large desk, several tables, large television, lamps, and chairs.  A separate area was a small kitchen area, complete with dishwasher, coffee pot, toaster, microwave, refrigerator, stove, large table and chairs, and all the pots, pans, and place settings you need.  The bedroom also included a large TV, king size bed, and another balcony overlooking the marina.  The television offered cable, including local Mexican choices as well as several US choices.  CNN and Sports channels are clear and viewable just the same as back in your own home.

The El Cid resorts are maintained in excellent condition, the grounds are very well maintained, the staff are polite, helpful, and courteous, and there is an abundance of activities for young and old alike.  It's a great place to bring the grandchildren, a relaxing getaway for young people, a romantic vacation, or a honeymoon for newlyweds.

In addition to the resort rooms and suites, El Cid features town homes, custom houses, excellent real estate investments, and more, whether you are looking for a vacation home or a permanent change of lifestyle.  El Cid resorts are also located in Cozumel, and Cancun.  The El Cid slogan, "Something For Everyone", really is a true statement.   For more information, call em at 01-877-322-5801 or visit them online at www.ElCid.com.