Just returned from a great time at Riu Emerald Bay. Extremely clean facilities, friendly staff who respond immediately to any problems, close to the beach (yes beach vendors can be tiresome but just say "no thank you" and go on with your business), and very nice rooms. Would also definitely recommend the whale watching excursion. Don't listen to the nit picky reviewers, had a awesome trip!

Vacationed at the Riu Emerald Bay from Nov 30 to Dec 14, 2012. Fabulous 2 weeks.

Check-In: Fast and efficient. The front desk staff greeted us on the bus with our wrist bands, then we proceeded to the lobby bar to receive our room keys and towel cards.
We were very impressed that our room was ready at noon, as check-in is usually 3pm.

Room: Our room was on the 10th floor, quiet and easy access to the elevator. NO waiting for the elevators. All rooms are ocean view.
Maid service was fantastic. Lots of towel art and chocolate goodies. Never any problems with face cloths and towels.
Bar fridge was always stocked with water, pop and beer.

Resort & Grounds: Staff is constantly cleaning. The resort and the grounds are spotless. The resort is totally wheelchair accessible to the pool area.

Food: The food at this resort was outstanding. Lots of variety. Salmon, shrimp, turkey, roast beef, roast pork and the bbq ribs were the best ever.
Ate twice at the Bamboo restaurant, which is a buffet. Really liked the food.
Ate at the Tabasco restaurant and did not enjoy the food. Service was slow.
One night they had a Beach BBQ which was unbelievable. Lots of bbq ribs, steaks, chicken and salads.

Drinks & Bars: Lobby bar and Theatre bar staff made yummy margaritas. The Diavola red and white wines are horrible. The beach and pool service was wonderful.

Beach: The beach area stretches for miles. Always felt safe walking both north and south along the beach.
Sunsets: The sunsets were incredible, almost every night a different light show.

Entertainment: The Mexican show on the beach was the best. Enjoyed the Michael Jackson and Caribbean shows.

Local Bus: Took the local bus into the Golden Zone twice. Fun, safe and easy to catch.

Spa & Gym: The staff at the spa are registered massage therapists. I asked for a gentle and easy massage. Fantastic massage.
The gym is equipped with 3 treadmills, 2 elliptical trainers, 2 bikes and an assortment of weight machines.
Jacuzzi and sauna rooms were nice.

Fantastic 2 weeks in Mazatlan and can’t wait to return.
Would highly recommend Mazatlan and the Riu Emerald Bay to all our friends and family.

If the name of the game is offering no customer service and making excuses, Riu Emerald Bay would score five stars plus. The resort is beautiful but the experience peaks there. They have three restaurants but you'll never get to eat at them becaus you have to make a reservation between 7am and 11am. If you eat the general international buffet be prepared for epically terrible food. There are a thousand people trying to get food, ten people cleaning tables and next to no customer service. The food is incredibly poor.
The safe in my room malfunctioned and needed to be opened with the key and it took nearly a day for them to get someone to come and open the safe.
I like cream and not milk in my morning coffee and there was only milk. I asked if they could get me cream and it was a straight and definitive no.
There is absolutely nothing to eat past 10pm. Everything closes. There is a sports bar with a fridge that has hot dogs and hamburgers but they are the cheapes processed food that money can buy. If you sit in the sports bar after 10pm you would not get bored watching the hungry guests come into the bar, grab a hamburger, microwave it, take one bite and then throw the hamburger in the garbage.
If the hotel management had the care to watch this for themselves maybe something would change.
Lastly, the resort is way to far from town not to have all necessary amenities like all night food and a store.
The last parting thought is this...
I will never ever stay at Riu Emerald Bay again.

Its going to be pretty hard to top this resort up for our next trip. Staff helpful, friendly. The arrival was very organized, no confusion. Food was great. Staff works long hours and very helpful. Excursions were great, staff again very informative and helpful. I would 100% stay at this resort.