After booking the trip, we decided to come on here and read the reviews by others. Of course, there was a mixed bag, so we got on the plane fearing the worst, but hoping for the best... We arrived at the Oceano Palace during the friday of Bike Week. There were a lot of bikes in Mazatlan, and our hotel was no exception. Of course this was no fault of the hotel. A few of the points I would like to touch on are the rooms, the bar, the restaraunt, the pool, and the beach. The rooms were easily adequate. Certainly not a 5 star by any stretch, but we were there for the beach, and to see Mazatlan. This suited our purpose perfectly. The beds were not as hard as previous reviews led to believe, the shower was smallish, but on the whole, all of the basic ammenities were available. Next is the bar... it was usually open by 10:15 at the latest, and usually closed by 10:15 in the evening. The drinks were great! There was a moderate amount of consistency in the alcohol that was going into them, but... there was definately alchohol in all of them. The service by Humberto was good at times, and others, well... the odd time we had to walk to 20 steps to the bar, and get our own drinks, but this usually coincided with a restroom break anyhow. (I suspect that each employee of the hotel has about 3 jobs at the same time). On to the restaraunt. As previously stated, the breakfasts were great, and after the weekend, they went to an a-la-cart style menu rather than buffet. Lunches were fine, including a pretty good clubhouse sandwich. Dinner was good the one night we ate there. There is a lot of night-life in Mazatlan, and we decided we weren't going to spend morning, noon, and night at the hotel. Within a few minutes walk of the hotel, there are several absolutely fantastic restaraunts. The only downside to the restaraunt, and I'm not sure how many people this will pertain to, is the we were usually downstairs by 6:00 am, and it took quite a while to get coffee. There is however a OXXO (7-11) across the street that was open, with coffee. Next is the pool. It was fine, but usually domineered by children. I read in some of the earlier reviews that people were disapointed by the amount of local families staying at the hotel. I'm Canadian, and can you imagine the disapointment of the Japenese, when they arrive in Banff, or Jasper, and see all of the Canadian families there? - point made. Lastly was the beach. It was very nice, and clean. The vendors were not too pushy, but at the same time they have a job to do. Other than that, the most major complaint that I could come up with is that when they make to Pina Colada's, the odd time the ice wouldn't be ground fine enough, and would plug up my straw. If you want a place to sleep, and relax while exploring Mazatlan, or getting some sun, this is your place. If you are looking for a spa treatment, look elsewhere.

Terry & Bernadette Moosonin Canada
We had just retired and wanted a deal on a trip for a week somewhere hot so we found a last min deal to Mazatlan Mexico with signature Vacations out of Winnipeg Man.($500 each plus tax) all inc. so We booked then We read the reviews. Most where not good. Most reviews are right .There was one Buffet food was bad, the big problems was they set the mixture (food) out 1 hour before opening. Breakfast was just ok. Lunch and snacks ok Dinner was not good the buffet was never full.( no one We talked to said the food was good.) Labour is cheap in Mex and help is available. The elevators, pool area, restaurant, washrooms, bar, and stair exit where dirty could use soap and water. This Hotel does have excellent location, beach, and view. Our room was old 5th floor ocean view with balcony, but clean, hot water , no bugs, no sewer smell, ac worked. We where close to many very good restaurants and entertainment. Would We stay in this hotel again NO. my advise would be if you are looking fo a deal get a deal on flights and stay in hotel with ep plan.do you own breakfast, and go out, as restaurants are good 2 can eat for $30 -$50 with meal and drinks.

I never had problems with the a/c nor bugs. The first time we went to Oceano was with my gf, we booked all inc but when we arrived we were only booked for european, well we upgraded and everything was good,. Since this was my first trip to mexico we really enjoyed our stay. Get the ocean view forsure. I have gone back 2 times since then and stayed at oceano one more time with my son of 12. It is a basic hotel with all right food, just make sure when you go to find out whats going on in Maz at the time. we went in April the first time and the first week was mexican holy week, wow did we feel out of place the second week was bike week ,( kinda a mexican Sturgis) it was alot better, more tourists and non mexicans. The staff was very helpfull. Mazatlan is a great place and if you go on a regular scedule you will get to know the locals and this will increase the joy of your holiday. The fishing can be iffy it depends on the time of year. Stone island tour is pretty good for an afternoon. Make sure you go to Garys Place in old Mazatlan, just 2 blocks down from the shrimp bucket. Gary is a great guy with superb food...

My husband and I finally got to go on our honeymoon. Two kids and 10 years later. This however was not the place to go. We were looking for a relaxing place to rest our head in-between tours. What we got ... Student Central. Not only were we not warned, but our travel agent didnt' realize this either.

When we arrived at the hotel obviously we were tired and excited The next day we exited the Hotel on our way to our first tour. When we arrived back at the hotel there was the banner above the lobby. "Student Central" . Great! We had little to no sleep the next three nights before finally fighting with other couples to transfer to their sister hotel Luna Palace. Thank God we finally got some sleep.

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, warning, go for a higher starred hotel.

The beds were rock hard. The food was disgusting ... they put everything in a sauce. The staff were ok, but were rocked off their feet by all the students.

All in all. Will never return.