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Less Expensive
Hotel Posada Freeman: This was opened in 1944 and it was beautifully ren-
ovated in 2002. The hotel is located at Olas Altas #79, in the Centro Historico
section and overlooks the water. From the rooftop you have a breathtaking
360-degree view of Mazatlán. Javier Sada is the manager and you can contact
him by telephone at 981-2114 or at their web page, www.posadadelrio.com.
Daily rates are about $100 U.S. for a double. The price includes a buffet break-
fast and use of hotel facilities, including Internet terminals and rooftop pool.
The breakfast buffet is open to the public daily from 7-11 a.m., and costs $7.50
U.S. for adults and $4.50 U.S. for children.
Hotel Aquamarina: Is a very nice, older hotel facing the beach at Del Mar
#110. A double costs $88 U.S. and $110 U.S. for a suite, and all rooms have AC,
phone, and cable TV. They have a pool, excellent restaurant and bar, parking,
and travel agency on site. Call 981-7080.
La Casa Contenta: Some of the apartments are rented long term, but the
real value is in the brick, Spanish-style cottages on the beach. They are great for
family getaways. Furnishings are far from spectacular, but, hey, how much time
does one spend in the room while on vacation? Parasailing and sailboat rentals
are close by. It is located in the heart of the Golden Zone and is sometimes
noisy, especially during Easter week. Rates are $89 U.S. for one-bedroom units,
to $217 U.S. for three bedrooms. They have special rates for monthly rentals.
Reach them by calling 913-4976.
Cheap
El Azteca Inn: Located across the street from the Playa Mazatlán in the
heart of the Golden Zone. The Azteca is an inexpensive way to be close to
where the action is. I stayed there two nights and found the rooms to be clean,
and surprising, not very noisy despite the location. All of the rooms open into
a courtyard, parking, and swimming pool area. There is an excellent restaurant
on the grounds. Rates are about $55-$75 U.S. per double. Telephone them at
913-4477.
Las Flores: A twin towers, 12-story hotel located north of Playa Mazatlán on
the beach. There are 119 studios, suites, and standard rooms. Studios have a
kitchenette area, with a table and chairs and an additional table and chairs on
the deck, and two double beds. The one-bedroom suites have all of the above,
and more, with a separate bedroom that can be closed off for privacy. In addi-
tion to the studios and suites, there are 15 standard rooms, most without an
ocean view or deck. There is a large, open-air lobby with a view through to the
ocean. The swimming pool overlooks the ocean. All rooms have air condition-
ing, shower only, phones, and satellite TV. Double occupancy rates range from
101
Char les A. Hall