We just got from 12 days in Mexico, staying at Ocean View Beach Hotel, right in the heart of Mazatlan. The Hotel ticked all the boxes for us ... location - right on the beach and right in the middle of all the fun along the strip ... we walked a lot along the beach as well as along the roadside - and when we were sick of walking we'd hail a pulmonia (taxi).

The staff at Ocean View were excellent - everyone ... Jose is the food and beverage manager, and Gilberto ... they made our breakfasts so enjoyable (breakfast was included in our stay). Jose loves music of all kinds and his morning music selection was always great. The breakfast buffet was top notch - Gilberto always remembered how we liked our coffee (with real milk). The selection of food catered for everyone - Mexicans like savory food for breaky - swordfish (marlin) was often on the menu.

I enjoyed conversations with Eliseo the waiter for the pool area ... he helped me with spanish and answered any curiosity questions I had. I give him a 10 out of 10!

All the reception and doorman staff were excellent - Gabriela especially.

One day there was a pelican out the front near the road, in need of some help or he'd get hit by a car ... I told the staff inside and they did their best to find someone to help it after lending me a towel and box to catch it. I thought that was pretty special. I hope he is doing well now.

The view from our fifth floor room was amazing - we could see two islands from the balcony. The ocean side is on the west so we saw beautiful sunsets and got to enjoy sleeping in without morning sun blaizing in. The room was very newly fitted out and immaculate - only problem was the balcony door latch wasn't working properly but they did their best to fix it.

We felt extremely safe - they have a 24 hour doorman and there is a large police presence in Mazatlan (police of the good kind). There wasn't a time when we didn't feel relaxed.

Ocean View Hotel is right in the heart of the tourist strip and not far from old Mazatlan - there was such a great vibe all day and all night. Music (big brass bands with Tuba, trumpets, the lot) would busk up and down the beach with waves lapping at their feet ... so much going on right on the beach out the front of the hotel - parasailing, jetskis, boats to the island, hawkers selling everything from sunglasses, to hats, to full dress outfits as well as jewelry, time share, fruit cups, drinks, and the cutest marionette puppets ... they weren't pushy but there was a lot constantly showing their wares ... but only when you were on the beach - but you could stay by the hotel pool and that was out of bounds for the sellers.

Our holiday offered everything we wanted - a change of culture, music, entertainment, FOOD FOOD FOOD, unbelievable sunsets, and forced you to relax.

Mexicans are friendly, relaxed and just let you do your own thing - anything goes and no-one makes judgement on you.

HAD THE BEST TIME!