We had a wonderful stay at the Azteca. This is a Hotel in the Golden Zone but not on the beach and across the street from the Playa hotel on the south end of the golden zone. The price reflects this. It was extremely clean and the bar next to the pool is considered one of the best pool bars in Mazartlan. Try the ‘Milk Shake’..
It is very close to the beach, restaurants and shopping. Next to the hotel is a small “tienda’ market that sells, ice, beer, snacks etc. As most hotels in Mexico do not have ice machines, this is real advantage and a cost saver. It is also a few blocks from the new ‘walking’ area, the ‘Mazatlan Malecon’. We walked here ever morning , both on the beach and the walking area and because of the views of the islands, the miles long beach. This is one thing you should not miss.