We are arriving in Mazatlan around noon and have until noon next day. As our time is very limited before we continue south we would like to find a place to stay somwhere near or on the beach that will let us check out whether a beach there is worthy coming back for a longer visit. Any suggestions what is the best way to get there from the airport? Thanks

Anyone willing to HELP? Please

Check a tour book, but for just one night you might want to get one of the places in the old downtown. There are also some less fancy hotels in that area that might fit the bill. I would imagine for one night you don't want to stay in one of th ebig resorts?

Mazatlan is worthy of much longer than one night,IMHO..and not just because of the beach..I would suggest staying the one night at Costa de Oro, it is centrally located, mid beach...That night, take a cab into town for dinner at the Shrimp Bucket, a Mazatlan institution.The beach zone is appx 15 miles form the airport,so cab ride will be about $15...cab into town, 5 miles, maybe $5......

Thank you BeachBoi. I'll be checking out Costa de Oro and we like your suggestion for dinner at the Shrimp Bucket. Do we need to exchange US$ or US currency accepted by all taxi drivers? Is Shrimp Bucket cash only place or credit card? Are there any working ATM machines at the airport or do you have any other suggestions where to exchange money. Please don't laugh I asked all these silly qestions but this is going to be our first visit to Mexico. The reason why we are arriving one day earlier is to check out the beach. It sounds like it is a place we will enjoy as long as is not too crowded.

Dude, I already checked a few guidebooks but nothing like BeachBoi's personal experience. Don't you think? And thanks for your suggestion.

I LOVE Mazatlan!! As a California BB,we have been there for numerous SpringBreaks and basically for no excuse at all...LOL! It is probably the single most tourist friendly town in Mexico,as there is a huge NorthAmerican(US and Candaian) retirement community...don;t know about ATM's...when my cash is gone,and they won't take a cc,then the party is over...As I remember Shrimp Bucket takes credit cards.....I always carry a fairly large wad of $1 bills....accepted by everyone...Just remember, before you get into a taxi,ALWAYS, be sure of the cost...There is a Transportation Desk right outside the customs area at Mazatlan Airport...You can purchase your ride to the hotel...When you want to take a cab from the hotel, just check with a desk clerk to see about how much it will be to where you are going....Then before you get into the taxi, ask the driver...if he wants more,well "Juan at the desk said it would be...."...At any restaurant where you pay by credit card....The waiter will take the card and you will think he is gone for good...just takes a while...BTW, your questions are well founded....wish I had thought of some the first few times I went!! HastaLaVista,Babeee!!

You can use U.S. currency or credit cards. If you get a good exchange rate you will save a little bit on your transactions. ATM's are probably the best way to get your pesos. Accepting u.s currency is common in Mexican reosort areas. If you get off the beaten path it may become harder to use u.s. currency. Anyway- overall you will come out ahead with pesos. Next to the Zocalo in old Mazatlan there is a restaurant called "Doney" that serves typical Mexican food as opposed to seafood if you are interested in that. Have a good trip.

Thank you BeachBoi and Dude for your immense help.
Beach Boi I cannot find much information on Costa de Oro. Does this place has its own website?
I want you to know that our first visit to Mexico will be much easier because of your help.

Dude, you too provided me with a terrific help. I am adding Doney to my list.

WF......Their website is in Spanish!!
www.costaoro.com
When you look at it,don't go into sticker shock.....The "$" sign is used in Mexico for the peso amount...so when you see an amount like $25000.00 that means 2500Pesos, not dolares!!Here is another link
http://www.netbooker.com/booker/AppL...483&iid=LM
Here's what I would do....check in..check out the beach...For dinner,taxi down to the ShrimpBucket....stroll back along the seawall to SeniorFrogs,the most rockin club in town...even tho it will be early..then about 10pm,FiestaLand comes to life....it is unbelievable...must check out Valentino's,disco on the bluff...Then Coliseo, huge newish bar/disco/club..Finally,BoraBora on the beach..the action is incredible till the wee hours....hope this helps...S

This is wonderful, BeachBoi. How about being our guide?
Thanks again

WF...... I'm there!!!! Arriba!Arriba!! Just plz report back.......which Speedo should I take,maroon or navy!! ...S