For everyone who is worried about traveling here, I must say that I always felt 100% safe at the hotel and during bus travel throughout the city. Yes as people mentioned, the buffet meals do not change much day to day but they already provide such a wide selection of food each time that there is really not much else they could add. Just eat from a different buffet section each time and voila its almost like its changed. Also people seem to be reviewing very negatively on the presence of locals at the hotel. Personally I found this very entertaining and met quite a few great people to talk to and practice spanish with. Really, if you don't want to see anyone mexican at a MEXICAN resort.... I suggest you just stay home. Why even bother leaving your house if you don't want to see different people and cultures? Also it really was not that busy during the weekends when locals arrived. There was still an abundance of empty beach chairs and private spots around the pool... so not sure what people are getting hyped up about. The workers were delightful and very polite. In fact they were in general more polite than some of my fellow Canadian travellers (which I found very shocking and unfortunate). Please realise that they are there to help you not serve you, they are still people so for goodness sakes say please and thank you. Be polite, throw them a smile, and throw in a tip here and there and you will find that they go out of their way to ensure you have all that you need. Disco music was not that great the night we went but they play some awesome music around the pools.

this resort was great every day for the four weeks I had to live the good life on the beach....easy to catch a bus to centro..gym was clean as a whistle...if you enjoy Mexican food, you're in luck...after a month the staff were like old friends....am I going back?...pronto amigo..p.s....the rooms are heaven,..my memories are all positive and the price was more than fair.

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.