If you live in a certain climate it’s that time of year when winter sets in. The skies are gray a little too often and you start to get a little tired of the cold, ice and snow.
Your mind starts to wander. Dreaming of the warm sun on your skin, soft ocean breezes and a fruity drink in your hand.
Mexico has been a quick, affordable getaway destination for many years. One area we hadn’t explored in Mexico was Mazatlán. Located on the Pacific Ocean this Mexican city supplies more than 30 percent of the food to Mexico. It’s also know as the “shrimp capital” of Mexico.
El Cid Resorts
One of the most affordable ways to travel is to choose an all-inclusive resort package. As you might suspect, they are not all created equal. Those of us who want to experience authentic local food may even avoid these type of places.
We certainly found that this was not the case while staying at the El Cid Resorts in Mazatlán. From the tropical cocktail handed to you on arrival to the fresh handmade tortillas at breakfast, beautiful dessert pastries and everything in between the was food local, authentic, plentiful, and varied enough to satisfy every palate. What if we told you that prices at this all-inclusive resort start at just $100 per night? Got your attention? Read on.
Many Choices
What’s really interesting is that there are three resort properties to choose from here: El Cid Castilla Beach, El Cid El Moro Beach, El Cid Granada, and El Cid Marina Beach. Each resort has its own unique features and amenities. They are located near one another and conveniently reached by a shuttle bus.
If you choose the Club Elite inclusive package you can dine at any of the restaurants at all the El Cid properties. Even if you don’t want to dine on authentic Mexican cuisine with over 15 restaurants to choose from you will find many delicious options to your taste.
For an indulgent treat, stay in your bathing suit all day and enjoy the snack bars and cocktails from the pool. If you like fine dining in a casual setting reserve a table at one of the restaurants at the resort. Your choice of Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Argentinian cuisines and more await.
Activities For Everyone
While food and drinks may be how we choose a destination we certainly like to find other ways to entertain ourselves once we’re there.
El Cid Resorts have plenty of beaches with water sports galore. Banana boat rides, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boards, jet skiing and more can all be easily arranged.
If it’s a family vacation you want the resort has a Kids and Teens Club full of activities to keep the young ones busy while you do some grownup relaxing on your own.
Golfing, tennis, and spa facilities are all available at the El Cid Country Club.
Of course, the resort can also accommodate wedding parties, conferences, family reunions, and other gatherings for just about any size party. While we were visiting, a gorgeous wedding took place right on the beach. Revelers were dancing under the stars enjoying a perfect Mazatlán evening.
More About the Food
One of the things that we enjoyed about Mazatlán and the El Cid Resorts was the abundance of fresh seafood. We dined at the La Marina restaurant and feasted on fresh shrimp, octopus, and tuna prepared in many different ways. It was wonderful!
Breakfasts were delicious buffets and ala carte menu items for every size appetite. Fresh juice smoothies were the highlight of many of our mornings. A favorite was a trio of Mazatlan Machacas made with beef, shrimp, and pork served with sides of refried beans, sweet corn tamale, and au gratin peppers.
The only problem you might have is deciding what to eat and where during your stay at one of the El Cid Resorts in Mazatlán.
Abundant fresh fruit and Mexican pastries baked daily make it difficult to decide where to start.
No meal is complete without a delectable dessert to finish it off. You better leave room to try them. With so many to choose from our waiter insisted we try them all! Not a problem if you A) are on the inclusive meal plan and B) bring your stretchy shorts, pants, or skirt.
Relax And Unwind
After all this feasting you will be able to relax in your comfortable spacious room for a great night’s sleep.
Check the El Cid website for the latest promotions. There’s a Mazatlán Deal going on right now! Save up to 60% off and 2 kids under 12 stay, play, and eat free! Those deals include inclusive Elite Accommodations plus a $1,200 USD Resort Credit Coupon Book. Rates start as low as $205 USD per night. Hurry and see their website for all the details.
More On Mazatlán
While staying at the El Cid Resorts you’ll want to make time to explore Mazatlán as well. There’s plenty more to do, see and eat.
Freshly caught oysters on the beach, cruising the Malecon, one of the largest seaside walkways in the world in an open-air pulmonía blasting your favorite songs, shopping at bustling local markets, and taking an excursion to nearby Deer Island are just a few of the fun experiences that await you.
Sue was a guest of El Cid resort in Mazatlán. She was not financially compensated for this review. As always, all opinions are her own and reflect her experiences.
We’ll be bringing you more tasty tips on some of the Mazatlán, shops, and attractions you won’t want to miss very soon.
Read more about my visit in Culinary Roots in Mazatlán, Mexico
THE QUICK BITE: Check out the El Cid Resorts in Mazatlán for a fantastic easy, affordable getaway this winter. Sun, surf, and sand await at this all-inclusive resort where delicious food and options abound.
25 Comments
We just got back from three months in Italy and agreed that our next vacation would be a beach vacation with relaxation as our only goal. El Cid Resorts looks like the perfect spot.
Wonderful post, Sue! You started wit the thing I remember most about Mazatlan. The best tasting shrimp in the world! We stayed just down the road from El Cid and I remember passing it. LOVE Mexico!
I would love to visit this resort! I love fresh seafoods and ready for next vacation
I’ve never been to Mexico, but it looks gorgeous! We have stayed in an all-inclusive resort hotel before and that was awesome!
Mazatlan is known for its shrimp…but the ones you photographed look colossal size yummy! Looks like you had a wonderful time at El Cid.
Omg now this looks like one fabulous resort!!! Nothing better than staying somewhere with beyond delicious food!! Always a plus!
oh my those shrimp really caught my attention. loo. they are hugeeee and look super fresh. el cid resorts look amazing. wow
Aaah, I am in need of a beach getaway. I’d love to go there. The sights are definitely beautiful and I’m sure I’d enjoy all the food they have. It sure is going to be a gastro-adventure for me.
Mazatian Mexico sounds like a great place to vacation with great deals on resorts. El Cid Resorts sounds like something we will have to look into for sure this year. Thanks for sharing the information.
Oh my sweet Lord of mercy, I would love to have that shrimp dish right now lol. All of the food looks mouth watering.
Oh wow!! This resort has everything!! And those shrimp are HUGE!!!
Well that trip sounds like heaven. Seriously. The food, the beautiful scenery, the excellent service….I really need to look into taking a trip at El Cid Resorts in Mazatlan.
All of this food looks so delicious. I am hoping to go to Mexico next winter. It looks so beautiful there.
I have been totally trying to squeeze in a family vacation to Mexico this spring. I so want to visit the beach and soak up some sun, but my kids have different spring breaks and I just can’t seem to make it work.
Sounds like an awesome place to stay for a wonderful vacation! I like that the prices start so low.
Wow! What a lovely place to stay! That food just looks A+! I love Mazatlan, but haven’t been for 6+ years!
OMG! You pictures are to die for and I am loving all the food pics. As a foodie, I am really tempted to eat a shrimp that big.
This food and that setting are both amazing! We are thinking of going somewhere for spring break, and I am really rooting for a beach vacation. This looks like an amazing place to visit. If I show my husband the food he might agree with me!
Oh my gosh I’m going to pack myself in your bag. You seem to go to the most beautiful and warm places. This place looks absolutely beautiful and I hope one day I can check it out.
Really your killing me here. Winter has arrived and just plain cold. Wishing for some warm place but will have to be happy with looking at your pictures.
This resort looks amazing. And I love food, so all of these foods look so amazing. I would love to go to Mexico.
That sounds like such an amazing place to stay! All of the food there looks SOOOO good.
Wow langoustines are yuuuuge down there, I want! Actually all the food looks amazing, it must have been quite the eating event especially in such a beautiful resort
I don’t remember the name of the hotel where we stayed, too long ago, but I do remember the beautiful beach and having dinner (steak and lobster) at an open air restaurant right on the beach. Mazatlan is a fun destination, but watch out for the jelly fish! Yes, I got stung and it was NOT fun, so painful! But, lesson learned, ask the big question before entering the water!
I don’t know how you don’t gain weight. And when I saw the first picture, I looked first at the (ENORMOUS) shrimp, then at your hand, then back at the (ENORMOUS) shrimp. Yes, it looked ENORMOUS! Mexico is certainly a favourite of Canadians and the price for this stay is great (as is the food). I like how the poolside snacks are a little different from the usual.