Best Things Nearby:
There is really nothing nearby the resort, you're best off renting a car or using taxis' if your wanting to go to the Golden Zone or the Downtown area. The resort is locted about 15 min. from the Zona Dorada, which is where most hotels, restaurants, shops and nightclubs are. I did enjoy the tranquility of the area, and since all the beaches in Mazatlan are public property, it less likely you'll find people who are not staying at the resort wandering on the beach, plus less people means more SEA SHELLS!!!!
Best Things About the Resort:
The resort has 2 pools, although the large one is definitely the best, with a nice waterfall at one end. I enjoyed the buffet breakfast in the morning, and as a shop-aholic, the resort boutique had a midnight sale 30, 40 and 50% off, which I couldn't resist!!!! The pool area has a snack area where you can get a light bite to eat or a refreshing drink. Everyone is really nice and attentive, and although some of the sales reps are trying to get you to go to a timeshare presentation, they are not that pushy, so you really don't feel harassed. They have a good activities program which I really took advantage of. I participated in aquaerobics in the morning (11:00 a.m), during the afternoon they had card and dart tournaments for adults, beach volleyball, and games for children. The pool bingo was fun, and the person who called out false bingo got thrown into the pool (with the person's consent of course). Everyday, they'd set up a crafts center where young and old could pick a ceramic figure and paint it as you wished. They provide the paints and brushes for this and everyone can become an artist by making your own creation. The prices for the ceramic figures range based on size, very reasonable, and I found it to be a great way to relax even more, as well as have fun. The mini mart on site is VERY well stocked. You can find from eggs to licor, almost at the same prices as at a supermarket. There is a play center with a large screen T.V, dart boards and pool tables which were fun to have; and also a gym which I never went to see though.
Resort Experience:
The Mayan Sea Garden, formerly Vidafel Mazatlan, is rated as a Gold Crown resort, and although it is nice and comfortable, I personally believe it could use some work to really earn that rating. I saw a few problems, such as only one working elevator during my week long stay as the other was being repaired, better working A/C's, newer furniture, larger TVs, better working kitchen facilities; things that I consider as necessary to feel more than comfortable during my stay, but that at the end of the day, are not a first hand necessity. I saw some minor remodeling being done, which did not affect my stay at all, so it looks like the resort is trying to get its act together to really wear their Gold Crown status well. The Mayan Sea Garden wouldn't probably be my first choice on my next visit, but I wouldn't mind going back.
I had a one-bedroom, one-bath unit on the 12th floor with a great ocean view (Not all units have ocean view, so you might want to request it before travelling directly to the resort). The bedroom was a little small for my taste with a king size bed, the TV’s a little small as well, but the living room/dining room area were very comfortable. The living room has two single pull out sofa beds. You have a partial kitchen with electric burners (you have to give them at least 10 minutes for them to heat up enough to boil water), a mini fridge, a sink and a cupboard, and of course kitchen utensils. Just make sure you don't buy too many perishables, as the mini fridge is truly mini, and it does not cool as well as it should (at least the one in my room didn't). The furniture could maybe use a little updating, although I didn't see anything that was worn out or torn. I had a balcony but no space to go out and sit to watch the ocean or enjoy a nice warm evening. It was a very simply decorated unit, nothing fancy, but comfortable enough to enjoy while being in the unit. I loved it though that every night, they would put little chocolates on our pillows.
- Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
- Activities: Very Good
- Amenities: Good
- Unit Satisfaction: Fair
- Family Friendliness: Good
- Service: Good