El Cid Resorts in Mazatlán

Carnival Cruises offered a shore excursion to el Cid beach resort, which I happily took. It was an all inclusive package that consisted of access to the beach, two pools, a buffet lunch, and all sorts of drinks.
My brother and I first hung around the beach. There were plenty of lounge chairs underneath raffia umbrellas providing excellent shade. Waiters frequently came around to make sure we were well supplied with drinks. A couple of masseuses offered chair massages and the beach vendors were out in full force offering everything from cigars to sunglasses. Two lifeguards were on duty and kept a very watchful eye on the beach.
After we swam in the ocean we decided to take a look at the pools. We waited for a couple minutes at the marina when a water taxi came by and ferried us across the marina. Once there we only made it to the first pool as we were cheerily greeted by a waiter who escorted us to a cabana and served us drinks. I loved that pool. It wasn’t very deep with a swim up bar on one side and a kiddy pool on the other distinctly marked in different shades of blue. As I lounged in the pool the resort members led a Zumba class on the pool side! If I wasn’t being so lazy I would have joined in! Our waiter was fantastic keeping drinks in our hands. It’s all inclusive, so be sure to tip if you want them to keep returning.
We had our lunch in the dining hall near the beach. It was a buffet style lunch offering an assortment of food — wings, meat for the fajitas, these potato wrap things that were delicious, and coconut desserts. Their guacamole was the best I have ever had and their tortilla chips were made in house! Spectacular!
All in all the time at el Cid was marvelous. The staff was super friendly, the beach and pool beautiful, drinks refreshing, and the food was delicious!

Family vacation. Hotel was clean and very nice. Can you believe there are like 8 pools and several restaurants to choose from. The Concha had the best lunch and dinner menu and go to the cascade for breakfast.
Alberto at the Concha ROCKS! He was very nice and always on his toes. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t get prepared by the staff.
Outside the hotel you are right in the middle of the main street in the tourist area. A short walk or taxi ride to the right and you can find everything you are looking for, as far as shopping and small wares.
Room service menu not the best, but if you tell the waiter what you are looking for they are happy to accommodate!
All in all a great place to stay. Staff is wonderful and helpful

Why 5 Stars (Disclaimer: only if you don’t mind staying at the resort the entire time):
1. Resort is beautiful
2. For the cost that we paid off of «Book it» website it was a steal!
3. Four speciality restaurants and options of buffets.
4. Great customer service.
5. 24 hour room service, and good maid service with no missing property.
6. Drinks were good especially «Miami Vice».
Things to keep in mind:
1. Round trip shuttle cost was $ 50 that we brought from «SuperShuttle» at the airport.
2. There is not much to do around the resort and keep in mind that taxis are expensive.
3. The workers work really hard to make and keep you happy, so tips go a long way.
4. When you get there they will offer you a membership presentation in exchange for a major discount on a tour voucher, if you have the time it’s work doing. They will also over this at the airport which we did and the tour was delivered as promised.