We just returned from a wonderful five days at this resort. We had high expectations based on previous reviews and pictures, and we were not disappointed. After arriving at the airport, we took a colectivo ($9 each) to the resort. Check-in was a breeze--our rooms weren't quite ready so the bell boys collected our bags and held them while we had lunch at the resort restaurant, La Cordellaire. Lunch was very tasty, the margaritas were strong, and service was friendly. We signed up to do the timeshare presentation the next morning, which was pleasant (thanks to Martha and Jennifer). We didn't end up purchasing, but we received some great info about the town, as well as free breakfast, free drink coupons, and a $200 credit towards food/drinks at this resort and the Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan.

We stayed in a Junior Suite in the two-story 1500 building overlooking the main pool. The view was AMAZING, and the suite was beautiful and well-kept. The noise from the main pool didn't bother us much, and the sliding glass door completely blocked the noise when shut. The building is made out of solid concrete, so it is quite soundproof. The only downside to our room was that it had a somewhat thin door adjoining the master suite next door and there were some very loud kids/adults staying there, so we could hear a lot of noise from them. Extra soundproofing between the doors would be a huge improvement.

Overall, the staff at this resort were very helpful and polite. We found that the waiters and bellboys were very friendly, while the other staff were more reserved. All the staff we met spoke English, but definitely appreciated it when we spoke Spanish as well.

We really liked the restaurant, La Cordellaire, and ate there several times. The Enchiladas Baja and the Coconut Shrimp were delicious. Sit outside for an amazing view. We also liked the poolside drinks and food (great fish tacos). The resort has 24 hour room service, which is quite affordable and tasty.

Tips for staying at this resort:
1. Attend the timeshare presentation--the food/drink credit is worth it.
2. Stock up on groceries or at least staples before coming to the resort; the deli offers limited groceries. It will be worth it to cook in the room a few times. The room has a coffee maker and filters, but they charge for coffee, so it would be worth it to bring your own ground coffee.
3. Order a pillow or two from the "pillow menu" located in the nightstand; the pillows on the bed are not comfortable.
4. If you want to sit by the main pool, go around 8:30am to get a good chair. Sit on the west side of the main pool (on the ocean side)and you will be lucky to be served by Victor, who is always smiling.
5. Take the shuttle to the other Pueblo Bonito in town. You can eat at their great restaurant on the beach (Cilantro's). You can also catch a bus from there (the "Sabalo Centro" bus) to go downtown to the historic district. The market is worth a look, as is the cathedral and the Plazuela Machada.

My wife and two children, ages 12 and 8, recently stayed at the Pueblo Bonito, Emerald Bay for about 8 days in February of 2008. This was the second time we stayed at Emerald Bay, and we were as delighted with our vacation and the Emerald Bay as we were the last time.

We booked our stay through Expedia and rented a studio. We attempted to rent a larger suite in the substantial internet aftermarket for time shares, and had two different people willing to rent us their 1 bedroom suites for the same price as we ended up spending for the studio (about $1600) through expedia. In both cases, however, the timeshare owners were unable to book the week we wanted in February 2008 (even though we were booking this in the summer of 2007), (This internet aftermarket for the renting and sales of timeshares should serve as a warning for those thinking of buying directly from the resort. Before you buy from the resort, check out the prices in the aftermarket and I think you will probably be able to do substantially better.)

But if you are looking for a great deal on a spectacular resort, keep your eyes peeled on the internet for people willing to rent their timeshares. If you are not looking ,as we were, for one of the of most sought after times of the year, you might be able to get an incredible deal for a spacious, and luxurious suite.

In any event, upon arrival, we were given a choice of rooms, and chose a room on the second floor at the furthest end of the resort , facing the ocean and on the second floor. The clerk warned us that we were not close to the lobby, but we chose this room anyway, because we liked the idea of the placement and were not terribly worried about the distance. Typically, for Emerald Bay, check-in was a breeze. One of the most remarkable things about this resort is that, even when you know it is extremely busy and probably full, it never, ever, feels overly crowded. I am not exactly sure why or how that is, but it is a phenomenon that my wife and I both independently noticed.

The room was spectacularly placed, with a gorgeous view of the ocean and beach. On the way, the person who helped us with our bags told us that if we thought it was too far we could always call for a golf cart and someone would come get us. Frankly, I thought this was ridiculous, because it wasn't really that far, but it was nice that he pointed out the option and I imagine some people might want to take advantage of the thoughtfully provided service.

The level of service at the Emerald Bay is beyond imagining and practically embarrassing. I have read reviews on this site in which people have complained from time to time about service. Either they have had individual, isolated experiences, or they have insane, outlandish expectations for "service". Good service does not mean that the world quails before you and your immediate unreasonable needs. Good service requires that you have the grace not to seek extraordinarily absurd advantage.

As a resort goes, the Emerald Bay is unmatched in terms of service, quality, and, believe it or not, value. Go to a supposedly outstanding quality resort anywhere in the United States and try to eat and drink "on campus" for anywhere even close to the prices at the Emerald Bay. We stayed at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas last year and experienced the "spit in your face outlandishness" of $10 bottles of water at the pool. Forget about the cost of food there. At the Emerald Bay, you can actually eat and drink at the resort. During happy hour you can get alcohol at the pool for a price that you couldn't buy an insult from a sullen server at an American resort. Forget it.

This is simply a spectacular place for a spectacular value.

As far as things to do in Mazatlan, we succumbed to many reviews that recommended the Mexican Fiesta at the "Playa Mazatlan" hotel. We do NOT recommend this. I can't imagine what possesses people to recommend it. The food is uninspiring, and the "comedy" consists of watching an older "comedian" gyrate his pelvis. That joke got real old real fast. And it was repeated again, and again, and again.

In contrast, the Mexican Fiesta that was sponsored by the Emerald Bay was wonderful. Instead of being trapped in what feels like a dungeon at the Playa Mazatlan, the one at the Emerald Bay is done in the open air on a rooftop space over one of the restaurants. In our case it happened the night of the total eclipse of the moon. It was a beautiful evening. The food is better, the entertainment is more interesting (the dancers and the rope trick guy I think were the same). They also have at the Emerald Bay Fiesta a mammoth pinata for the kids. Our 8 year old came back to the table with a giant piece of the pinata and a huge smile on her face. If you want to go to a "Mexican Fiesta" got to the Emerald Bay one. You'll have a much better time. It was amusing.

If you are considering a stay at the Emerald Bay have no fear. The place is spectacular. The crowd is certainly an older crowd and the resort is a distance from the city but it is well worth it.

26 of our close friends and family joined together to witness my sister and brother-in-law exchange wedding vows at this gorgeous resort. Enjoying Mazatlan and staying at Emerald Bay has been our best experience so far. The resort and service is fantastic. The free shuttle service every 30 mins into the sister resort in town is really handy. The food and beverage prices were better than what we had experienced in Cabo by far. We really enjoyed the whole atmosphere. We are not fans of humid heat, rather like the dry heat however given they were getting married Aug 4, we had humid Hawaii type weather. Not our favorite but we know we just need to go back in Winter & Spring to get the dry heat we like so much. We can't wait to go back & enjoy this cities offerings again.

We arranged transportation from the airport to Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay which was economical and efficient. When we arrived at PBEB we thougt we were on Fantasy Island; we kept expecting Mr. Roark and Tattoo any moment. The rooms were magnificent, clean and decorated with flair. A similar room in the U.S. would be 2 or 3 times more the cost. The outdoor pools were heated and the food at the main restaurant was very good. On Wednesday nights the hotel has a Mexican Fiesta gala which is well worth the price: traditional and reginal singing, dancing, and a buffet that is endless; also, an open bar. You can also buy goods and snacks in two of the delis on the premises. This resort is like a giant stationary cruise ship. I will be back again next year.