Mazatlan Mexico
Royal Villas Resort lobby bar.
Showing posts with label royal villas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label royal villas. Show all posts
12 April 2019
27 March 2017
Mexican Resort Hopping
March 2017 - Mazatlan Mexico
This winter we spent January 30 2017 to March 18 2017 in Mazatlan. We didn't rent anywhere, we used up various timeshares we have.
March is a very busy spring break period, lots of families with kids, as well as lots of lots of university kids.
Some timeshare terminology to help understand some of my comments.
Exchange
An exchange is the process of trading an interval owned at one resort for an interval at another resort. The exchange system allows interval owners to travel and vacation worldwide.
Exchange Company:
An exchange company is an organization where interval owners deposit their week in order to “trade” or exchange to another resort of their choice. Exchange companies accumulate a pool of weeks from other interval owners around the world and then evaluate each interval week deposited in order to provide a suitable match based on availability and value. Some aspects of the “trading value” of an interval are determined by the time of year (or season) requested, the resorts rating and the size of the unit being exchanged. Two of the largest and most popular exchange companies are RCI and Interval International.
Unit Size:
Unit size has a various number of definitions: hotel unit, studio, efficiency or by number of bedrooms. Hotel units, studios and efficiencies usually (but not always) are a single room with sleeping accommodations for two to four persons and may or may not include a small kitchen.
This winter we spent January 30 2017 to March 18 2017 in Mazatlan. We didn't rent anywhere, we used up various timeshares we have.
March is a very busy spring break period, lots of families with kids, as well as lots of lots of university kids.
Some timeshare terminology to help understand some of my comments.
Exchange
An exchange is the process of trading an interval owned at one resort for an interval at another resort. The exchange system allows interval owners to travel and vacation worldwide.
Exchange Company:
An exchange company is an organization where interval owners deposit their week in order to “trade” or exchange to another resort of their choice. Exchange companies accumulate a pool of weeks from other interval owners around the world and then evaluate each interval week deposited in order to provide a suitable match based on availability and value. Some aspects of the “trading value” of an interval are determined by the time of year (or season) requested, the resorts rating and the size of the unit being exchanged. Two of the largest and most popular exchange companies are RCI and Interval International.
Lockoff or Lockout Unit:
This is a unit which can be divided to create two separate but complete sections. For example, a two bedroom lockout unit has the option of splitting the unit into a one bedroom unit and a studio unit thereby getting two weeks of vacation.
This is a unit which can be divided to create two separate but complete sections. For example, a two bedroom lockout unit has the option of splitting the unit into a one bedroom unit and a studio unit thereby getting two weeks of vacation.
Insert my comment - they tend to be noisy, and you can hear your neighbours.
Maintenance Fee:
This is a fee paid annually to cover the costs of operating and maintaining the facilities of the resort and the management of the resort. Fees vary from resort to resort and are based on size and type of the unit purchased.
Maintenance Fee:
This is a fee paid annually to cover the costs of operating and maintaining the facilities of the resort and the management of the resort. Fees vary from resort to resort and are based on size and type of the unit purchased.
Unit Size:
Unit size has a various number of definitions: hotel unit, studio, efficiency or by number of bedrooms. Hotel units, studios and efficiencies usually (but not always) are a single room with sleeping accommodations for two to four persons and may or may not include a small kitchen.
Insert my comment - A partial kitchen in "timeshare speak" has a fridge, microwave and partial stove, that is a two ring counter top. No oven, no dishwasher.
One, two and three bedroom timeshare units are usually a condominium type accommodation and feature a full kitchen, separate living and dining area and possibly other special features within the unit, i.e., jet tub in the bathroom or separate shower.
All resorts in Mexico employ a lot of people, they are always sweeping, cleaning, painting, gardening. The maids are wonderful, they work so hard.
Here's a recap, and my reviews on each of these resorts in chronological order. I have italicized my favourite in each category.
Red - pet peeve
Royal Villas 2 weeks click link for photos
Wyndham owners exchange - no exchange fees. BUT RCI mandatory all inclusive
We had booked this for four weeks not having read the fine (not so fine really) print that it was mandatory all inclusive at $700 US per person per week. Now this doesn't sound extraordinary expensive. However, the point of timeshare and booking a one bedroom unit is that you might want to cook some meals, have a light breakfast. We love going out and trying different places. We have friends here in Mazatlan with whom we like to dine as well.
Also remember, we have paid for a timeshare and annual maintenance fees, as well to book into this resort we paid a fee through RCI.
This is also Mexico, we have been here before, and know what it costs to do groceries.
Anyway, we had no choice so we bit the bullet and I spoke to RCI who moved our reservation for the last two weeks to another resort. Hats off for this good service.
I'll review the resorts by the following criteria.
Smoking - allowed everywhere, in lobby bar, at breakfast, in pool.
Timeshare - we were approached for the pitch as we went to our rooms. We made it clear we were not interested, a free breakfast hardly mattered as we were all inclusive. She approached us on our last day to again mention they would provide a free stay of 3 days if we went to a pitch.
General - this is a timeshare resort but it attracts the all inclusive packages deals with air, hotel and meals. These tend to be different from owners. They are more party-oriented and noisy.
It also has a large local feel to it. Mexicans love having special occasions at the week-end buffets adding a very festive feel.
Accommodations - we had a one bedroom with living room and partial kitchen.
KITCHEN Partial
This unit was spotless, Very large but it was dated. The balcony had a view of the ocean as well as the street. The living room and bedroom both have the same view.
Lockouts - It did have paper-thin walls.
Two bathrooms.
Walk in showers with rain forest shower heads.
Maid Service - daily
Internet - free and fantastic, unlimited number of devices.
Business Centre - we really only need if we need to print. I inserted a USB key and the print out came to the front desk.
TV - excellent, large choice of stations. Two TVs.
Common areas - spacious. But wide open from ocean view to street, so could be downright chilly when it was windy.
Beach - great, but resort does not provide any palapas or chairs.
Pool - major issue, very limited space. Lots of kids in pool with multiple types of balls, toys etc.
Food and drink service available.
Grounds - none entrance is street level, and pool borders the beach.
Location - excellent walking distance to everything you could need/want.
Shuttle - none
Deli - none on site. But in this case, with the all inclusive it didn't matter. Our fridge was stocked almost daily once I asked why it wasn't being done
Laundry - not sure if they had on-site but there is one across the street. Same day service.
ATM - none and none conveniently close by.
Restaurants/Food - all inclusive. Breakfast was excellent, served by the pool, lots of choices.
Lunch - available either in the restaurant or lobby bar.
Dinner - good choices, however you would tire of it after one week. However, the absolutely redeeming factor, and I'm not sure if management realizes it, is Jose Luis the server. He made our dinner experiences a delight. He would offer suggestions, was fully aware of John's gluten free dietary restrictions, and went out of his way to create imaginative meals for us.
Drinks - since we were on the top tier meal plan we only ordered the best.
The sad part was that the restaurant was practically empty every night.
Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan 2 weeks Click link for photos
RCI exchange fees paid
Smoking - allowed in pool areas
Timeshare - checked in and offered $200 US resort credit and free internet if we toured Emerald Bay. We took it. Good presentation, excellent prices if you were entering the timeshare market. However, Mexican company and only six resorts available within their network.
General - mainly owners
Accommodations - we had a studio
KITCHEN partial kitchen
This unit was clean but didn't feel as clean as others and it was dated. The balcony was fantastic, totally private, large, table and chairs.
Great shower but in a bathtub. Not my favourite.
Built like a railway car so the only light is at the front of the unit. It is a very very small studio.
Lockouts - maybe, not our studio
Maid Service - daily, once tipped she even did our dishes.
Internet - online reviews said it was terrible and expensive $14-$17 a day. At check-in she said it was not worth it. We didn't spend the money.
Ours was fantastic, no issues whatsoever.
Business Centre - didn't use but it was a pay by the hour.
TV - not as big a selection as Royal Villas.
Common areas - spacious. Lovely.
Beach - great with palapas.
Pool - two large pools, one was a quiet pool. Both had pool side food and drinks service.
Grounds - Lovely. large with exotic birds in cages and ducks and flamingos on the grounds.
This would be a tie with Torres Mazatlan.
Location - excellent walking distance to everything you could need/want. Surrounded by good restaurants.
Shuttle available between PBM and Emerald Bay
Deli - on site, reasonable. Basic supplies as well as ready made sandwiches and pastries.
Laundry - not sure if on-site but there is one directly across the street that we used. Great price does dry cleaning as well. Same day.
ATM - machine outside resort gates but doesn't take on cards and often doesn't work.
Restaurants/Food - offers all inclusive but not required. We either cooked and dined on the balcony or else went out with friends.
There is a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch.
Lunch - available either in the restaurant or by the pools. Again we were so sick of restaurant food we prepared our own.
Dinner - 2 restaurants Cilantro for casual beach front dining. Angelo's for more upscale dining.
We went to Angelo's.Click here to read about our dinner.
Drinks - watered down happy hours by the pools
Torres Mazatlan 1 night
Owners no fees to book
We only stayed one night, however, have stayed here many times, including a two month stint in 2014 so feel qualified to comment.
Smoking - no smoking anywhere
Link to their resort amenities.
Timeshare - not approached for a one night stay.
General - mainly fiercely dedicated owners.
Accommodations - we had a one bedroom with full kitchen.
KITCHEN That means a stove and dishwasher. Very important to me and therefore earns my highest rating for kitchens. Especially for longer stays. It is also the most equipped kitchen with plenty of utensils, pots and pans and plastic ware.
BBQs also on site.
Lockouts - none on premises
This unit was spotless. It could use a brightening up.
Walk in shower!
The balcony is great,totally private,large, table and chairs.
Very odd - they don't provide shampoo, conditioner or lotion.
The unit is built like a railway car, the bedroom is on the walkway so you can't really open your curtains. However, there is a lovely Murphy bed in the living room, where you could sleep comfortably and listen to the ocean.
Maid Service - they only provide a mid week clean.
Internet - is good.
Business Centre - no idea but knowing how amenable the staff are I am sure you could get something printed.
TV - not a bad selection but not great. One TV in living room.
Common areas - No lobby. Nice quiet outside seating area.
Beach - great but no palapas.
Pool - one large pool with pool side food and drinks service.
Grounds - Lovely. large tie with Pueblo Bonito
Location - it is away from the Golden Zone and downtown. Bus stop is outside and there are always pulmonias and taxis available.
Shuttle none
Deli - on site, reasonable. great selection, includes fruits and vegetables. Great hours.
Laundry - coin operated on-site
ATM - none near by. Used to be one right outside. Requires a bus or taxi ride to the closest.
Restaurants/Food - one restaurant for all day dining.
Breakfast we dined several times here with friends. Excellent breakfast
Lunch - available either in the restaurant or by the pools. We had one lunch, they make the best California club in town!
Dinner - daily specials with entertainment. Had dinner twice with friends. It was disappointing this time. I had shrimp tacos that were much better at Royal Villas.John had chicken fajitas which were a bit greasy and the tortillas were a little crisp.
Best entertainment. Theme night menus best deal.
Drinks - good
El Cid Marina Resort 18 days
Wyndham owner no exchange fee for 4 nights in studio
Owner 2 weeks one bedroom.
We stayed here for three weeks last year.
Smoking - allowed in pool areas
One, two and three bedroom timeshare units are usually a condominium type accommodation and feature a full kitchen, separate living and dining area and possibly other special features within the unit, i.e., jet tub in the bathroom or separate shower.
All resorts in Mexico employ a lot of people, they are always sweeping, cleaning, painting, gardening. The maids are wonderful, they work so hard.
Here's a recap, and my reviews on each of these resorts in chronological order. I have italicized my favourite in each category.
Red - pet peeve
Royal Villas 2 weeks click link for photos
Wyndham owners exchange - no exchange fees. BUT RCI mandatory all inclusive
We had booked this for four weeks not having read the fine (not so fine really) print that it was mandatory all inclusive at $700 US per person per week. Now this doesn't sound extraordinary expensive. However, the point of timeshare and booking a one bedroom unit is that you might want to cook some meals, have a light breakfast. We love going out and trying different places. We have friends here in Mazatlan with whom we like to dine as well.
Also remember, we have paid for a timeshare and annual maintenance fees, as well to book into this resort we paid a fee through RCI.
This is also Mexico, we have been here before, and know what it costs to do groceries.
Anyway, we had no choice so we bit the bullet and I spoke to RCI who moved our reservation for the last two weeks to another resort. Hats off for this good service.
I'll review the resorts by the following criteria.
Smoking - allowed everywhere, in lobby bar, at breakfast, in pool.
Timeshare - we were approached for the pitch as we went to our rooms. We made it clear we were not interested, a free breakfast hardly mattered as we were all inclusive. She approached us on our last day to again mention they would provide a free stay of 3 days if we went to a pitch.
General - this is a timeshare resort but it attracts the all inclusive packages deals with air, hotel and meals. These tend to be different from owners. They are more party-oriented and noisy.
It also has a large local feel to it. Mexicans love having special occasions at the week-end buffets adding a very festive feel.
Accommodations - we had a one bedroom with living room and partial kitchen.
KITCHEN Partial
This unit was spotless, Very large but it was dated. The balcony had a view of the ocean as well as the street. The living room and bedroom both have the same view.
Lockouts - It did have paper-thin walls.
Two bathrooms.
Walk in showers with rain forest shower heads.
Maid Service - daily
Internet - free and fantastic, unlimited number of devices.
Business Centre - we really only need if we need to print. I inserted a USB key and the print out came to the front desk.
TV - excellent, large choice of stations. Two TVs.
Common areas - spacious. But wide open from ocean view to street, so could be downright chilly when it was windy.
Beach - great, but resort does not provide any palapas or chairs.
Pool - major issue, very limited space. Lots of kids in pool with multiple types of balls, toys etc.
Food and drink service available.
Grounds - none entrance is street level, and pool borders the beach.
Location - excellent walking distance to everything you could need/want.
Shuttle - none
Deli - none on site. But in this case, with the all inclusive it didn't matter. Our fridge was stocked almost daily once I asked why it wasn't being done
Laundry - not sure if they had on-site but there is one across the street. Same day service.
ATM - none and none conveniently close by.
Restaurants/Food - all inclusive. Breakfast was excellent, served by the pool, lots of choices.
Lunch - available either in the restaurant or lobby bar.
Dinner - good choices, however you would tire of it after one week. However, the absolutely redeeming factor, and I'm not sure if management realizes it, is Jose Luis the server. He made our dinner experiences a delight. He would offer suggestions, was fully aware of John's gluten free dietary restrictions, and went out of his way to create imaginative meals for us.
Drinks - since we were on the top tier meal plan we only ordered the best.
The sad part was that the restaurant was practically empty every night.
Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan 2 weeks Click link for photos
RCI exchange fees paid
Smoking - allowed in pool areas
Timeshare - checked in and offered $200 US resort credit and free internet if we toured Emerald Bay. We took it. Good presentation, excellent prices if you were entering the timeshare market. However, Mexican company and only six resorts available within their network.
General - mainly owners
Accommodations - we had a studio
KITCHEN partial kitchen
This unit was clean but didn't feel as clean as others and it was dated. The balcony was fantastic, totally private, large, table and chairs.
Great shower but in a bathtub. Not my favourite.
Built like a railway car so the only light is at the front of the unit. It is a very very small studio.
Lockouts - maybe, not our studio
Maid Service - daily, once tipped she even did our dishes.
Internet - online reviews said it was terrible and expensive $14-$17 a day. At check-in she said it was not worth it. We didn't spend the money.
Ours was fantastic, no issues whatsoever.
Business Centre - didn't use but it was a pay by the hour.
TV - not as big a selection as Royal Villas.
Common areas - spacious. Lovely.
Beach - great with palapas.
Pool - two large pools, one was a quiet pool. Both had pool side food and drinks service.
Grounds - Lovely. large with exotic birds in cages and ducks and flamingos on the grounds.
This would be a tie with Torres Mazatlan.
Location - excellent walking distance to everything you could need/want. Surrounded by good restaurants.
Shuttle available between PBM and Emerald Bay
Deli - on site, reasonable. Basic supplies as well as ready made sandwiches and pastries.
Laundry - not sure if on-site but there is one directly across the street that we used. Great price does dry cleaning as well. Same day.
ATM - machine outside resort gates but doesn't take on cards and often doesn't work.
Restaurants/Food - offers all inclusive but not required. We either cooked and dined on the balcony or else went out with friends.
There is a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch.
Lunch - available either in the restaurant or by the pools. Again we were so sick of restaurant food we prepared our own.
Dinner - 2 restaurants Cilantro for casual beach front dining. Angelo's for more upscale dining.
We went to Angelo's.Click here to read about our dinner.
Drinks - watered down happy hours by the pools
Torres Mazatlan 1 night
Owners no fees to book
We only stayed one night, however, have stayed here many times, including a two month stint in 2014 so feel qualified to comment.
Smoking - no smoking anywhere
Link to their resort amenities.
Timeshare - not approached for a one night stay.
General - mainly fiercely dedicated owners.
Accommodations - we had a one bedroom with full kitchen.
KITCHEN That means a stove and dishwasher. Very important to me and therefore earns my highest rating for kitchens. Especially for longer stays. It is also the most equipped kitchen with plenty of utensils, pots and pans and plastic ware.
BBQs also on site.
Lockouts - none on premises
This unit was spotless. It could use a brightening up.
Walk in shower!
The balcony is great,totally private,large, table and chairs.
Very odd - they don't provide shampoo, conditioner or lotion.
The unit is built like a railway car, the bedroom is on the walkway so you can't really open your curtains. However, there is a lovely Murphy bed in the living room, where you could sleep comfortably and listen to the ocean.
Maid Service - they only provide a mid week clean.
Internet - is good.
Business Centre - no idea but knowing how amenable the staff are I am sure you could get something printed.
TV - not a bad selection but not great. One TV in living room.
Common areas - No lobby. Nice quiet outside seating area.
Beach - great but no palapas.
Pool - one large pool with pool side food and drinks service.
Grounds - Lovely. large tie with Pueblo Bonito
Location - it is away from the Golden Zone and downtown. Bus stop is outside and there are always pulmonias and taxis available.
Shuttle none
Deli - on site, reasonable. great selection, includes fruits and vegetables. Great hours.
Laundry - coin operated on-site
ATM - none near by. Used to be one right outside. Requires a bus or taxi ride to the closest.
Restaurants/Food - one restaurant for all day dining.
Breakfast we dined several times here with friends. Excellent breakfast
Lunch - available either in the restaurant or by the pools. We had one lunch, they make the best California club in town!
Dinner - daily specials with entertainment. Had dinner twice with friends. It was disappointing this time. I had shrimp tacos that were much better at Royal Villas.John had chicken fajitas which were a bit greasy and the tortillas were a little crisp.
Best entertainment. Theme night menus best deal.
Drinks - good
El Cid Marina Resort 18 days
Wyndham owner no exchange fee for 4 nights in studio
Owner 2 weeks one bedroom.
We stayed here for three weeks last year.
Smoking - allowed in pool areas
Timeshare - approached after check-in. Offered $100 US coupons for meals and drink coupons. I prefer getting funds I can apply to my bill.
Good presentation, however, the pricing is astronomical for timeshare. Enough said.
Drink coupons, we were testily told we should have told our server we had coupons before we ordered. Why? Likely watered down drinks.
General - mainly timeshare owners or RCI exchanges and boat owners. They do have packages for tour companies such as Westjet, Sunwing and Signature from Canada.
Accommodations - we had booked four nights in a studio with partial kitchen.
KITCHEN partial Same as Royal Villas and Pueblo Bonito even in one bedroom.
We then had a one bedroom with partial kitchen for two weeks.
This unit was spotless.
Units are not built like a railway car so they are brightly painted floor to ceiling windows. This was my favourite as a unit. Bright and airy lots of light.
The balcony was good, it really depends on what unit you get.
Lockouts - yes and makes for noisy neighbours.
Note to self - do not take a unit in building H and always ask for 3rd or 4th floor.
Maid Service - daily
Internet - $55 a week per device. Thumbs down worst based on policy. However the Internet access was excellent.
Business Centre - free, printer provided.
TV - not a bad selection but not great. Two TVs. But the satellite constantly goes on and off with snowy pictures.
Common areas -nice
Beach - you have to take a quick boat ride to a small beach due to the marina. Not a large walking beach.
Pool - two large with pool side food and drinks service. Both great, quite rowdy at times. Water is COLD in both.
Grounds - Lovely. large
Location - it is a little away from the Golden Zone and downtown. Easy walk to Golden Zone.
Bus stop is outside and there are always pulmonias and taxis available.
Shuttle available between their other resorts. Therefore ideal for getting into the middle of the Golden Zone.
Deli - on site, reasonable. Very limited resources. I had commented last year and will again that the hours are inconsistent, you never know when they will be open. They have ridiculous hours 9-6 and Sunday is 9-5. It is supposed to be a "convenience", all the others are 7-10.
Laundry - coin operated on-site and hotel laundry service. Pricier than taking your stuff to a local place but convenient and excellent.
ATM - 2 located in lobby, one distributes US the other pesos, however it is the most expensive ATM fees in town, 90 pesos per transaction compared to 30 pesos at a bank.
Restaurants/Food - one restaurant on site for all day dining. However, you can use any of their other resorts around town.
Breakfast we dined several times.Excellent egg service, great omelets but rest of buffet is mediocre.
Lunch - available either in the restaurant or by the pools. We had lunch several times, not bad not great. Depends on your selection.
Dinner - buffet.
Drinks - average
Good presentation, however, the pricing is astronomical for timeshare. Enough said.
Drink coupons, we were testily told we should have told our server we had coupons before we ordered. Why? Likely watered down drinks.
General - mainly timeshare owners or RCI exchanges and boat owners. They do have packages for tour companies such as Westjet, Sunwing and Signature from Canada.
Accommodations - we had booked four nights in a studio with partial kitchen.
KITCHEN partial Same as Royal Villas and Pueblo Bonito even in one bedroom.
We then had a one bedroom with partial kitchen for two weeks.
This unit was spotless.
Units are not built like a railway car so they are brightly painted floor to ceiling windows. This was my favourite as a unit. Bright and airy lots of light.
The balcony was good, it really depends on what unit you get.
Lockouts - yes and makes for noisy neighbours.
Note to self - do not take a unit in building H and always ask for 3rd or 4th floor.
Maid Service - daily
Internet - $55 a week per device. Thumbs down worst based on policy. However the Internet access was excellent.
Business Centre - free, printer provided.
TV - not a bad selection but not great. Two TVs. But the satellite constantly goes on and off with snowy pictures.
Common areas -nice
Beach - you have to take a quick boat ride to a small beach due to the marina. Not a large walking beach.
Pool - two large with pool side food and drinks service. Both great, quite rowdy at times. Water is COLD in both.
Grounds - Lovely. large
Location - it is a little away from the Golden Zone and downtown. Easy walk to Golden Zone.
Bus stop is outside and there are always pulmonias and taxis available.
Shuttle available between their other resorts. Therefore ideal for getting into the middle of the Golden Zone.
Deli - on site, reasonable. Very limited resources. I had commented last year and will again that the hours are inconsistent, you never know when they will be open. They have ridiculous hours 9-6 and Sunday is 9-5. It is supposed to be a "convenience", all the others are 7-10.
Laundry - coin operated on-site and hotel laundry service. Pricier than taking your stuff to a local place but convenient and excellent.
ATM - 2 located in lobby, one distributes US the other pesos, however it is the most expensive ATM fees in town, 90 pesos per transaction compared to 30 pesos at a bank.
Restaurants/Food - one restaurant on site for all day dining. However, you can use any of their other resorts around town.
Breakfast we dined several times.Excellent egg service, great omelets but rest of buffet is mediocre.
Lunch - available either in the restaurant or by the pools. We had lunch several times, not bad not great. Depends on your selection.
Dinner - buffet.
Drinks - average
18 March 2017
Food Fun Fiesta Friends
March 2017 - Mazatlan Mexico
I cannot believe this was our last of 7 weeks already! The time flew.
The title says it all! Good weather, good food and great friends.
Last night's sunset.
I posted another photo like this last week, looking back at the resort.
We are in the building with the white roof on the far right of this photo.
the building on the left before the water houses the laundry, harbour master, coffee shop, convenience store, doctor office and clothing store. The rocking chairs are out front looking over the marina.
You also catch the boat shuttle to the beach from here.
The building in the middle with the wide expanse of green is the lobby,bar and restaurant.
Saturday our last Saturday! Started a little overcast and the sun slowly worked its way out. Lots of people coming and going this morning. We had a late breakfast of bacon,eggs and tomatoes.
We needed one more grocery run today that should carry us through the week. We can always pick up anything we need at the market. So we went to Mega, I love grocery shopping here, always an experience whether you are hunting for something, picking out your baked goods on a tray, asking for something, getting a vocabulary lesson as you study signs and tipping the person who packs your groceries. Found a pot roast!
While reading on the balcony, I saw a wedding party coming down the steps. They were heading away from me to the marina to get the boat shuttle.
Bell boy with her flowers.
You can see the tables set up. You could easily hear the music. When we returned home after dinner the fireworks went off.
We took a cab to have dinner back at Royal Villas to see Jose and devour his fantastic Caesar salad once more.
John's burritos.
Sunday the clocks sprung forward at home but they don't here until April 2. But my laptop decided it was daylight savings too! Good thing I checked, thinking it was odd that I had slept that late.
As usual, John cooked breakfast, bacon, eggs and sausages, actually English bangers according to the sausage guy. Well, I can't say the bangers were a big success, too much garlic for breakfast.
This guy was out sunning himself. Some days have been too cool for these guys to show themselves, by cool I mean mid 20s or mid 70s.
We took the bus to the Fisherman's Monument. We then walked the beach north to Valentino's. It is 52 minutes by the sidewalk, without any drink breaks! It is a harder walk on the beach.
Fisherman's Monument is located at Avenida del Mar, it is also known as "Los Monos Bichis" naked human figures in perfect harmony with marine elements such as fish and a dolphin besides the silhouette of a lying down woman, all of this under a lighthouse.
It's Sunday so the beach is busy with Mexican families enjoying a day off. Most people work six days a week.
Getting down and dirty!
Some mothers had dug shallow holes and sat their babies in them to keep cool.
John and I were about the only gringos on this beach.
We make a stop for beers, has to be Modelo Especial as it is made with corn. Lady says, sorry no we don't have. We start to leave as someone else will have it, there are many palapa bars along here. She calls us back, Senor!!! We have. She has sent someone to get it at the store. Typical Mexican service, always wanting to please, Well, that meant we felt we had to order some food so we shared an order of shrimp diablo, which doesn't look photo worthy, but was delicious. The fries were good in the sauce too.
This was just the bottles of sauce on our table, something for everyone's taste!
Cute!
Lots of vendors on the beach, hawking just about everything.
Music? That too.
A new hotel and the back of the statue of the baseball players. Mazatlan has its own Triple A baseball team. Venados, Venados is Spanish for “deer” and Mazatlán is a Nahuatl word meaning "place of deer."
Ah, the merits of riding the bus in Mazatlan. We crossed the street to get a bus and watched as one sailed passed us with no intentions of stopping. This is a sport to the drivers, there are some designated bus stops in the Golden Zone but you can hail one at any time, but that doesn't mean he'll stop for you, local or not, they don't discriminate. We have been amused by this several times.
Of course, he might be distracted by his cell phone or listening to his boom box. Or maybe he really didn't see you as you were hidden by the huge holy picture or crucifix on the dash. Or perhaps the large crack in the glass, getting larger all the time. Or maybe by all the writing on the glass showing the direction the bus is going in.
This is the green bus going into centro, air-conditioned and only 10 pesos.
It doesn't have as much writing on it.
Here's a concept, how about using numbers?
I digress...so we caught a pulmonia instead.
Monday we head to the Gran Plaza for my haircut. $50 pesos or $3.43 CDN. A packet of hair colouring L'Oreal is $43 pesos or $2.95 CDN. Six cans of Modelo Especial beer is $76 pesos or 5.22 CDN. A beer on the beach is $20 pesos or $1.37 CDN.
A pastry at the grocery store is $10 pesos or 69 ¢ CDN. A large cappuccino at the resort coffee shop is $44 pesos or $3 CDN.
Some photos of this shopping mall. Beside having several department stores, Sanborn's, C and A, Suburbia plus many small stores, salons, movie theatres there is an ice rink, bowling alley, billiards, arcade and small rides.
Carol tells me some of the guys from the RV park play pick up hockey here on the weekends.
We walked over to Mega for a couple of things, got a pulmonia back and made tuna sandwiches for lunch. It is so good to just have a plain ole sandwich for lunch!
It clouded over so we read and watched movies. But sunset looked promising so John headed towards the marina and i went to the other end looking over the ocean and both got different results.
Tuesday when John went to make coffee he said the milk was off. He walked over to the deli, but it down't open until 9 so he picked up two large cappuccinos from the coffee shop and brought them back. On the way a woman said "what a good husband"!
Gorgeous morning, no fog here but that changes in town.
We headed downtown me for a manicure and John to pick up his new sunglasses.
John snapped a few photos around the market.
A cake in the window at Panama's.
These girls were getting photos done in Machado Plaza.
Stopped into Bohemia to see the inside. No problema, server said "photograph?", "si" and waved us in.
I went to Tippy Toes to get a manicure. Clara did my feet and I am going to request her in future. While sitting there, listening to all the conversations around me. Noah, the owner, has his mother working as the hairdresser and I listen to her and another woman talking about being writers and the difficulties with agents.
In the middle of the salon, there is a table with books by Deborah Rodriguez. I had read one of them several years ago, The Kabul Beauty School and enjoyed it. But the penny then dropped, that Debbie, the hairdresser, was in fact the author and Noah's mother.
You can read more about her here.
The fog kept moving in and out downtown. John sat and had a cappuccino by the ocean. He declared it to be the best cappuccino in town, from Looney Bean.
He comes back and meets me and we head to lunch.
Another branch of Panama's.
The Indian restaurant was on our list to try. Morena's was excellent!
We sat outside on the sidewalk. We asked if the sauces were gluten free and our server checked with the cook and said yes, except for the roti. The roti was really a flour tortilla but it was good with the meal.
I had the lamb curry with roti and John had the rogan josh with rice. We both had a side order of aloo gobi as well.
My roti was really a flour tortilla but it was great for dipping in the sauce.
This guy rides around town delivering tortillas.
Another street dug up, right outside where Bill and Carol usually park.
We stop to get John's new sunglasses but they won't be in until after 3 PM so we said we'd pick them up tomorrow.
There is a concert in the plaza and some people are up dancing.
It is really foggy as we ride the bus back.
We arrange a large pile of dirty laundry for pick-up.
Wednesday was a gorgeous morning and we were at the pool by 9:30. We went to the warm water pool, what a difference to the other pool.
The fog rolled in around noon giving a really eerie view.
After lunch we went downtown to get John's sunglasses.
Thursday we did something we rarely do, headed to the pool and stayed there until early afternoon. Even more rare, as in not done once this year, we swam up to the bar and had a couple of drinks while chatting with a couple from Medicine Hat, Alberta.
We had lunch by the pool. Then we came back and relaxed, reading and watching TV. With DST in the US and Canada, we are now three hours behind so we are watching 8 PM TV shows at 5 PM!
Friday while having our coffee this was our view.
We headed out for breakfast at The Culinary Market.
They are now putting palm trees down the middle of Camaron Sabalo in the Golden Zone, so traffic is being diverted to the other side of the road for a couple of blocks at a time.
You can just see the crane used for raising the trees into the holes. This was taken from the bus.
Then we had a detour as the street along the Malecon was closed. It took us an hour to get to breakfast but it was a fun diversion.
Our lattes.
Full English for both of us.
New restaurant opened on the corner.
These are the cinnamon buns that Carol raves over!
$15 pesos is $1 CDN
Pretty table set in Machado.
A final stop into Nidart.
Heading back to the bus and the Malecon was still closed but we could see they were setting up some stands, looks like there might be a parade on the weekend.
We got back and decided to pack and then read before going to dinner.
Senor Frog dropped by the pool.
Our last dinner is at Casa Country, we first ate here in 2002 when we came with family.
We usually go back at least once a visit.
They make your guacamole right in front of you!
Happy hour margaritas.
As always the salsa and guacamole made at the table are excellent. Sadly, our rib eyes were not, so salty, the amount of seasoning was overwhelming. We advised our server who was so apologetic and offered another meal. We said no, it's fine, not your fault. Received our bill and we were not charged for our steaks, needless to say, he got a great tip. Not a lot of places will do this.
The entertainment is great.
BOOKS
26 Finished to date
Children of the Revolution another Inspector Banks crime procedural. I thought I had read all of them but hadn't read this one. I really enjoyed it especially the history of the 60s and 70s along with the music. How could i not love an inspector why plays Jesse Winchester and Leonard Cohen. It also makes me research some other musicians I hadn't heard of.
I tried a few other books but couldn't get into them, perhaps they just weren't vacation type reading. All My Puny Sorrows and The Love of a Good Woman, both by Canadian writers but just couldn't grab my attention.
The Crow Girl is shaping up to be a good read.
DINNER
Our last week and we tried to use up as much as possible. The condiments will be left for the maid.
We did well, just some mustard, mayo, ketchup, soya sauce, hot sauce etc
We did leave the frozen English bangers as we didn't enjoy them.
I threw out the remains of a lettuce, onion and tomato along with the leftover tomato sauce aand soup stock.
Saturday - Royal Villas coconut shrimp for me and John had beef burritos
Sunday - beef stew (was going to be a pot roast) but I decided to cut up the meat and make a marinade.
Monday - leftover beef stew
Tuesday - anise sausages and salad
Wednesday - spaghetti and homemade meatballs
Thursday - leftover spaghetti
Friday - Casa Country
SHARING WITH:
Friday Photo Journal
I cannot believe this was our last of 7 weeks already! The time flew.
The title says it all! Good weather, good food and great friends.
Last night's sunset.
I posted another photo like this last week, looking back at the resort.
We are in the building with the white roof on the far right of this photo.
the building on the left before the water houses the laundry, harbour master, coffee shop, convenience store, doctor office and clothing store. The rocking chairs are out front looking over the marina.
You also catch the boat shuttle to the beach from here.
The building in the middle with the wide expanse of green is the lobby,bar and restaurant.
Saturday our last Saturday! Started a little overcast and the sun slowly worked its way out. Lots of people coming and going this morning. We had a late breakfast of bacon,eggs and tomatoes.
We needed one more grocery run today that should carry us through the week. We can always pick up anything we need at the market. So we went to Mega, I love grocery shopping here, always an experience whether you are hunting for something, picking out your baked goods on a tray, asking for something, getting a vocabulary lesson as you study signs and tipping the person who packs your groceries. Found a pot roast!
While reading on the balcony, I saw a wedding party coming down the steps. They were heading away from me to the marina to get the boat shuttle.
Bell boy with her flowers.
You can see the tables set up. You could easily hear the music. When we returned home after dinner the fireworks went off.
We took a cab to have dinner back at Royal Villas to see Jose and devour his fantastic Caesar salad once more.
John's burritos.
Sunday the clocks sprung forward at home but they don't here until April 2. But my laptop decided it was daylight savings too! Good thing I checked, thinking it was odd that I had slept that late.
As usual, John cooked breakfast, bacon, eggs and sausages, actually English bangers according to the sausage guy. Well, I can't say the bangers were a big success, too much garlic for breakfast.
This guy was out sunning himself. Some days have been too cool for these guys to show themselves, by cool I mean mid 20s or mid 70s.
We took the bus to the Fisherman's Monument. We then walked the beach north to Valentino's. It is 52 minutes by the sidewalk, without any drink breaks! It is a harder walk on the beach.
Fisherman's Monument is located at Avenida del Mar, it is also known as "Los Monos Bichis" naked human figures in perfect harmony with marine elements such as fish and a dolphin besides the silhouette of a lying down woman, all of this under a lighthouse.
It's Sunday so the beach is busy with Mexican families enjoying a day off. Most people work six days a week.
Getting down and dirty!
Some mothers had dug shallow holes and sat their babies in them to keep cool.
John and I were about the only gringos on this beach.
We make a stop for beers, has to be Modelo Especial as it is made with corn. Lady says, sorry no we don't have. We start to leave as someone else will have it, there are many palapa bars along here. She calls us back, Senor!!! We have. She has sent someone to get it at the store. Typical Mexican service, always wanting to please, Well, that meant we felt we had to order some food so we shared an order of shrimp diablo, which doesn't look photo worthy, but was delicious. The fries were good in the sauce too.
This was just the bottles of sauce on our table, something for everyone's taste!
Cute!
Lots of vendors on the beach, hawking just about everything.
Music? That too.
A new hotel and the back of the statue of the baseball players. Mazatlan has its own Triple A baseball team. Venados, Venados is Spanish for “deer” and Mazatlán is a Nahuatl word meaning "place of deer."
Ah, the merits of riding the bus in Mazatlan. We crossed the street to get a bus and watched as one sailed passed us with no intentions of stopping. This is a sport to the drivers, there are some designated bus stops in the Golden Zone but you can hail one at any time, but that doesn't mean he'll stop for you, local or not, they don't discriminate. We have been amused by this several times.
Of course, he might be distracted by his cell phone or listening to his boom box. Or maybe he really didn't see you as you were hidden by the huge holy picture or crucifix on the dash. Or perhaps the large crack in the glass, getting larger all the time. Or maybe by all the writing on the glass showing the direction the bus is going in.
This is the green bus going into centro, air-conditioned and only 10 pesos.
It doesn't have as much writing on it.
Here's a concept, how about using numbers?
Here's an example of the speakers the drivers sometimes have, on this day he was blaring Johnny Come Lately.
And here's one with the writing, please note the large hole in left top corner.
I digress...so we caught a pulmonia instead.
Monday we head to the Gran Plaza for my haircut. $50 pesos or $3.43 CDN. A packet of hair colouring L'Oreal is $43 pesos or $2.95 CDN. Six cans of Modelo Especial beer is $76 pesos or 5.22 CDN. A beer on the beach is $20 pesos or $1.37 CDN.
A pastry at the grocery store is $10 pesos or 69 ¢ CDN. A large cappuccino at the resort coffee shop is $44 pesos or $3 CDN.
Some photos of this shopping mall. Beside having several department stores, Sanborn's, C and A, Suburbia plus many small stores, salons, movie theatres there is an ice rink, bowling alley, billiards, arcade and small rides.
Carol tells me some of the guys from the RV park play pick up hockey here on the weekends.
We walked over to Mega for a couple of things, got a pulmonia back and made tuna sandwiches for lunch. It is so good to just have a plain ole sandwich for lunch!
It clouded over so we read and watched movies. But sunset looked promising so John headed towards the marina and i went to the other end looking over the ocean and both got different results.
Tuesday when John went to make coffee he said the milk was off. He walked over to the deli, but it down't open until 9 so he picked up two large cappuccinos from the coffee shop and brought them back. On the way a woman said "what a good husband"!
Gorgeous morning, no fog here but that changes in town.
We headed downtown me for a manicure and John to pick up his new sunglasses.
John snapped a few photos around the market.
A cake in the window at Panama's.
Shoeshine men are busy today.
These girls were getting photos done in Machado Plaza.
Stopped into Bohemia to see the inside. No problema, server said "photograph?", "si" and waved us in.
I went to Tippy Toes to get a manicure. Clara did my feet and I am going to request her in future. While sitting there, listening to all the conversations around me. Noah, the owner, has his mother working as the hairdresser and I listen to her and another woman talking about being writers and the difficulties with agents.
In the middle of the salon, there is a table with books by Deborah Rodriguez. I had read one of them several years ago, The Kabul Beauty School and enjoyed it. But the penny then dropped, that Debbie, the hairdresser, was in fact the author and Noah's mother.
You can read more about her here.
The fog kept moving in and out downtown. John sat and had a cappuccino by the ocean. He declared it to be the best cappuccino in town, from Looney Bean.
He comes back and meets me and we head to lunch.
Another branch of Panama's.
The Indian restaurant was on our list to try. Morena's was excellent!
I had the lamb curry with roti and John had the rogan josh with rice. We both had a side order of aloo gobi as well.
My roti was really a flour tortilla but it was great for dipping in the sauce.
This guy rides around town delivering tortillas.
Another street dug up, right outside where Bill and Carol usually park.
We stop to get John's new sunglasses but they won't be in until after 3 PM so we said we'd pick them up tomorrow.
There is a concert in the plaza and some people are up dancing.
It is really foggy as we ride the bus back.
We arrange a large pile of dirty laundry for pick-up.
Wednesday was a gorgeous morning and we were at the pool by 9:30. We went to the warm water pool, what a difference to the other pool.
The fog rolled in around noon giving a really eerie view.
After lunch we went downtown to get John's sunglasses.
Thursday we did something we rarely do, headed to the pool and stayed there until early afternoon. Even more rare, as in not done once this year, we swam up to the bar and had a couple of drinks while chatting with a couple from Medicine Hat, Alberta.
We had lunch by the pool. Then we came back and relaxed, reading and watching TV. With DST in the US and Canada, we are now three hours behind so we are watching 8 PM TV shows at 5 PM!
Friday while having our coffee this was our view.
We headed out for breakfast at The Culinary Market.
They are now putting palm trees down the middle of Camaron Sabalo in the Golden Zone, so traffic is being diverted to the other side of the road for a couple of blocks at a time.
You can just see the crane used for raising the trees into the holes. This was taken from the bus.
Then we had a detour as the street along the Malecon was closed. It took us an hour to get to breakfast but it was a fun diversion.
Our lattes.
Full English for both of us.
New restaurant opened on the corner.
These are the cinnamon buns that Carol raves over!
$15 pesos is $1 CDN
Pretty table set in Machado.
A final stop into Nidart.
Heading back to the bus and the Malecon was still closed but we could see they were setting up some stands, looks like there might be a parade on the weekend.
We got back and decided to pack and then read before going to dinner.
Senor Frog dropped by the pool.
Our last dinner is at Casa Country, we first ate here in 2002 when we came with family.
We usually go back at least once a visit.
They make your guacamole right in front of you!
Happy hour margaritas.
As always the salsa and guacamole made at the table are excellent. Sadly, our rib eyes were not, so salty, the amount of seasoning was overwhelming. We advised our server who was so apologetic and offered another meal. We said no, it's fine, not your fault. Received our bill and we were not charged for our steaks, needless to say, he got a great tip. Not a lot of places will do this.
The entertainment is great.
BOOKS
26 Finished to date
Children of the Revolution another Inspector Banks crime procedural. I thought I had read all of them but hadn't read this one. I really enjoyed it especially the history of the 60s and 70s along with the music. How could i not love an inspector why plays Jesse Winchester and Leonard Cohen. It also makes me research some other musicians I hadn't heard of.
I tried a few other books but couldn't get into them, perhaps they just weren't vacation type reading. All My Puny Sorrows and The Love of a Good Woman, both by Canadian writers but just couldn't grab my attention.
The Crow Girl is shaping up to be a good read.
DINNER
Our last week and we tried to use up as much as possible. The condiments will be left for the maid.
We did well, just some mustard, mayo, ketchup, soya sauce, hot sauce etc
We did leave the frozen English bangers as we didn't enjoy them.
I threw out the remains of a lettuce, onion and tomato along with the leftover tomato sauce aand soup stock.
Saturday - Royal Villas coconut shrimp for me and John had beef burritos
Sunday - beef stew (was going to be a pot roast) but I decided to cut up the meat and make a marinade.
Monday - leftover beef stew
Tuesday - anise sausages and salad
Wednesday - spaghetti and homemade meatballs
Thursday - leftover spaghetti
Friday - Casa Country
SHARING WITH:
Friday Photo Journal
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