I generally agree with most of the views. We traded to this resort from our timeshare in Cancun. We loved Mazatlan but had some general concerns about El Cid overall. The balconies are very dangerous and not child-safe. I would not let my kids out on the balconies which is disappointing because the view is beautiful. The windows just open with NO screens so beware. The rooms need updating, for sure, but the maid service is wonderful and the staff is kind.
The pools are warm and fun for the kiddos, lots of fun activities, shopping, food, and the beach is flat/warm and amazing. We swam and never saw sting rays or any other sea creatures...

We were pleased with our room as it was on the 27th floor and had spectacular city and ocean views. I wish I had seen the sting rays from above (as another reviewer mentioned) as my 16 year old son was stung. It was a VERY painful and scary experience. El Cid should post warning signs because if we had known we would not have gone into the water.

We had a good time this week in Mazatlan. The hotel picked us up from the airport, which was great. The check-in process took over an hour, however. This is the risk you run when staying at a hotel which services multiple timeshares, inclusive deals, etc. The checkin process is frustrating, so be prepared. The food is what you'd expect from a resort offering inclusive packages, so try to eat in town when you can. The service is fantastic overall. Our bellman, Ramon remembered us and offered additional help to secure a van back to the airport after the front desk told us they only assist with vans (there were 6 of us) TO the hotel. Ramon rocks. The poolside waiters are fantastic--especially Francisco, who went out of his way to accommodate us, providing us with anything we wanted. Multiple pools, a great beach area, and rooms which, while dated, are always clean.

The worst part of the experience was the timeshare up sell. Be warned that if you go to a presentation, which is presented as part of the deal when you stay here as part of an existing timeshare visit, there are multiple confusing layers, interviews and incentives. We joked that it was Like Hotel California, and feels like you can check in but you can never leave. This aside, the hotel staff is great overall and we enjoyed our week here.

Family of 4 first time to Mexico. We went 12/20-12/26. Mazatlan was amazing. The staff at the El Cid resorts treated us like gold. The food was amazing. We had Elite All Inclusive and it is true, everything is included. Even what wasn't on the menu.
Ramon was a favorite waiter at the pool and he was great. All the waiters and hotel staff was amazing.
Yes, the pool is heated and it was like bathwater. Our two girls (7 and 10 years old) loved the pool and the resort. And the pulminias.
We went everywhere in Mazatlan and never felt unsafe. The locals were friendly, helpful and wanted us there. It was great.
El Cid was better than we expected and we loved it. It is great for families. We travel a lot to resorts in Southern California, Vegas, and Hawaii. El Cid was right up there with those resorts as far as service and food. The staff was the best we have ever dealt with. They were so great and helpful.

I have noticed many people on Trip Advisor leave negative reviews about Mexico. Yes, there are something challenging or different. But isn't that why we go to another country, because things are different? Mazatlan and Mexico was amazing and we will go back for Thanksgiving 201