3-Star Hotels Near Old Mazatlan

Hotel La Casona de la Ciudad is a top choice, housed in a century-old colonial building with authentic Mexican architectural details and modern amenities. Located steps from the Plaza de Armas and the Boulevard del Pescador, it offers easy access to historic sites like the Iglesia de la Asunción.

For ocean views, Casa del Mar features sea-facing rooms overlooking the Bay of California, with an open-air restaurant serving fresh seafood and local tequila cocktails. The hotel is just 15 minutes from Mazatlán International Airport via taxi, and city buses connect directly to Old Town.

Must-try experiences include a morning stroll through the cobbled streets for traditional Tacos al Pastor, or joining a guided evening tour to explore Mazatlán’s rich maritime trade history and vibrant folk art heritage.

The most convenient option is taking a taxi, which takes about 15 minutes and costs between $200–$300 MXN ($10–$15 USD), with direct drop-off at your hotel. For budget travelers, city buses (Lines 7 & 9) run from the airport to Old Town every 20–30 minutes, costing only $15 MXN, though a short walk is required to reach your destination.

Many hotels, including Hotel La Casona de la Ciudad, offer complimentary shuttle service—check during HopeGoo. Additionally, ride-hailing apps like Didi México are increasingly available, ideal for small groups with transparent pricing and reliable drivers.

Avoid late-night travel due to limited street lighting in parts of Old Town. Use apps like Google Maps to track real-time vehicle location and ensure a smooth journey.

Old Mazatlan is a cultural gem on Mexico’s Pacific coast, offering immersive experiences rooted in history and tradition. Don’t miss the weekend artisan markets in the Plaza de Armas, where local craftsmen sell handmade pottery, embroidery, and wooden masks—many visitors even join workshops to create their own traditional Mexican masks.

Every October, the Fiesta de Mazatlán transforms the city: expect torchlight processions, folk music performances, and a spectacular beach fireworks display celebrating the region’s deep connection to the sea.

Also highly recommended is a sunset walking tour led by local guides, exploring hidden alleys and sharing stories of 19th-century merchant families who shaped the city’s prosperity. End the experience at a century-old café, sipping authentic Mexican black coffee and enjoying Pan Dulce.

These activities provide genuine insight into Old Mazatlan’s cultural soul and historical depth.

For families, Hotel Casa de los Delfines is an excellent choice, featuring a swimming pool, kids’ playroom, and family-themed rooms with cribs and child-sized tableware. Located steps from Mazatlán Beach, children can safely splash in shallow waters while parents relax nearby.

Another great option is Hotel El Mirador, offering city and ocean views from spacious, well-equipped rooms with kitchenettes—ideal for longer stays. The hotel hosts family-friendly activities such as treasure hunts and beach ecology lessons, blending fun with learning.

Both properties offer free parking, 24-hour concierge services, and are within a 5-minute walk of Old Town Plaza and the Historic Museum. Nearby restaurants like La Terraza del Mar welcome families with healthy kids’ meals and non-alcoholic drinks.

Hotel Casa de los Abuelos is a top choice nestled in the heart of Old Mazatlan, housed in a restored colonial-era building. Its rooms feature handmade ceramic tiles, original wooden furnishings, and some offer direct views of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption's spire. Located just a 5-minute walk from the waterfront promenade, guests enjoy morning fishing boat arrivals and evening traditional Mexican music performances in the streets.

Another standout is Casa del Mar Hotel, situated steps from the old port dock, offering private sea-view balconies and exclusive local seafood cooking workshops where visitors can learn to prepare the iconic "Pescado a la Talla" (grilled fish). All accommodations are within the pedestrian-friendly historic district, making it easy to explore colorful colonial facades, century-old markets, and art galleries without needing a car.

Both properties excel in cultural immersion, providing authentic experiences of Mazatlan’s rich heritage and coastal charm.

Old Mazatlan is highly walkable, with all major attractions within a 15-minute stroll. For longer distances, electric tuk-tuks or shared e-scooters cost only $10–20 MXN per trip—ideal for reaching San Ignacio Beach (15 min), the Old Port Dock (5 min), or the Alvaro Castillo Museum (8 min).

For a scenic experience, rent a bicycle and ride along the seawall boulevard, passing by vintage car exhibitions and outdoor cafés. The city also offers free shuttle buses daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, connecting the historic district with key hotels, Santiago Plaza, and the Central Market.

Guided tours often include coastal hikes, fishing village visits, and local cooking classes or sunset sailboat excursions, which can be booked in advance for a more immersive experience.

Old Mazatlan is a vibrant cultural hub offering distinctive experiences. Attend the annual Día de Muertos festival in November, when streets are adorned with marigolds and candles, and locals host altars and night parades, allowing visitors to participate and understand symbolic traditions.

Every Saturday, visit the Santiago Plaza artisan market, featuring handmade silver jewelry, woven baskets, and ceramics, with artisans demonstrating techniques live. Another unique option: join a fishermen’s storytelling session at the Old Port, where veteran seafarers share ancient fishing methods and marine ecology knowledge.

A hidden gem is the Night Light Theater held in an abandoned warehouse near the dock, using projection mapping and local legends to dramatize Mazatlan’s maritime past. These immersive activities provide deep insight into the community’s values, heritage, and emotional connection to the sea.

Hotel Casa de los Abuelos is ideal for families, offering courtyard-style rooms with private gardens and dedicated play areas, plus free cribs and children’s bathrobes. The property features a family-friendly guide map leading to the beach sandbox and a mini zoo housing lizards and turkeys.

The restaurant serves a kids’ menu with staples like cheese-filled tortillas and fruit skewers, and hosts monthly parent-child cooking workshops teaching how to make tamales. Additionally, the hotel runs family storytelling nights in both Spanish and English, sharing local folktales.

Its prime location—just a 5-minute walk from Santiago Plaza and the Central Market—ensures safe exploration for children while parents enjoy a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. The design emphasizes family comfort and cultural inclusivity, making it a top choice for multi-generational stays.