The decades-old property retains its original, three-story, motel-style architecture centered around an open-air courtyard that feels more secluded than it actually is. The old-growth trees, original stone fountain, and intimate atmosphere all create a relaxed space for guests to socialize and enjoy a meal from the adjacent El Shrimp Bucket restaurant. The adjoining pool terrace has comfortable seating for a couple of dozen guests and is surprisingly quiet and relaxing given its proximity to the bustling Paseo Olas Altas tourist strip. Every room features two beds meaning guests are likely to be families seeking a budget place to get away that's on the water and in the heart of Old Mazatlan.

The hotel is situated on the main beachfront strip in Old Mazatlan, only a two-minute walk from Olas Altas Beach. It's also easily walkable to dozens of restaurants, shops, banks, and mini-markets just blocks away. The district's famous Plaza Machado, Pino Suarez Market, and Angela Peralta Theater are all less than eight minutes away on foot, while Zona Dorada -- the touristy Golden Zone -- is reachable in 20 minutes by taxi or pulmonia (Mazatlan’s golf-cart-style transportation).

Mazatlan International Airport (MZT) is 35 minutes away by car. While the area's public transportation options are thin, taxi service is cheap and readily available. Inexpensive rental car service is also available in the airport terminal from several brand name providers. However, the area of Sinaloa outside downtown Mazatlan continues to be unsafe due to ongoing drug-related crime. Tourists are strongly advised against driving the region’s roads.

Rooms are functional and mostly clean, however, little of the charm that we found in the hotel's common areas is on offer in rooms. Flat-box furniture and minimal decorative accents all create a feel that's utilitarian.

The two advertised room categories -- Interior and Sea View -- are identical except for the view.  Both offer two double beds and basic furniture in a one-room floor plan with slightly more square footage than a typical budget chain hotel room. Interior Rooms overlook the courtyard, while Sea View Rooms upgrade to a small, unfurnished balcony with views to Paseo Olas Atlas and the sea. Two unadvertised Studios are also available on a first-come-first-served basis. These are typically offered for an additional fee at check-in to families or larger groups. Floor plans are 50 percent larger than the hotel's lower-category rooms and include a sitting area and an unfurnished, extra-wide corner balcony.

All categories feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. We found the latter to be reliable during our stay. Bathrooms in every category are modestly sized and functional, with generic bath amenities and walk-in shower stalls.

Despite its fairly gloomy rooms, the common areas and features at this hotel are enough to make it worth considering for most budget travelers. The hotel's restaurant, El Shrimp Bucket, is a casual dining spot with a mix of indoor and open-air seating that's a popular pick in the Old Mazatlan area. The covered outdoor terrace has excellent views to the Sea of Cortez and is a great space to people-watch along the beachfront Malecon. All-day dining includes an extensive a la carte menu that features mostly traditional Mexican entrees (molcajetes, fajitas, and aguachiles) plus a bit of Western fare.

The central two-story courtyard provides great outdoor space for guests to relax with free Wi-Fi or take-out food from the adjacent restaurant. The adjoining pool terrace is compact, but immaculately clean and well-maintained. A dozen standard patio lounge chairs are provided, and the architecture of the surrounding space affords ample shade throughout the day. The pool itself is shallow and small. Unfortunately, the hotel's central location means a lack of off-street parking. Free on-street parking is available, though spaces are extremely limited.