Navigating Palace Hotels in Mazatlán

When you're planning a vacation to Mazatlán, the "Palace Hotels" might pop up during your search. Not to be confused with the far more luxurious “Palace Resorts”, this chain includes Oceano Palace, Luna Palace, Star Palace, and Pacific Palace. On the surface, these beachfront properties sound like the perfect escape, but a closer look might have you reconsidering. Let’s dig into why some guests are less than thrilled—and why you might want to keep a timeshare exit company on speed dial if you’ve already signed on the dotted line.

The "Star" (or rather, Moon) of the Show: Luna Palace (Or Is It?)

First, let’s talk about Luna Palace. Among its sibling properties, it’s considered the standout, as it stands on TripAdvisor as the No.1 best hotel for Mazatlan above all. But don’t let the title of "No. 1" fool you into thinking it’s flawless. Sure, it’s the best of the bunch—but when the bar is low, "best" doesn’t necessarily mean "great."

Guests have described their experiences at Luna Palace as a mixed bag. On the one hand, you get a beachfront location with some decent amenities. On the other hand, reviews mention lackluster suites, unhelpful staff and even noise complaints that can turn what should be a relaxing stay into an exercise in patience. One can’t help but wonder: is it the best by design, or just the least disappointing option?

The Timeshares

If you’ve ever been annoyed at the thought of a pushy salesperson, imagine enduring that—times ten—with a beachfront view as bait. That’s what you’re signing up for at Palace Hotels.

Take Oceano Palace, for example. One guest described the timeshare sales pitch there as nothing short of a "scam." From relentless pressure to attend presentations to staff borderline badgering guests, the tactics are anything but subtle. Luna Palace isn’t exempt from criticism either; reports of aggressive sales methods abound.

Even if you go in with a firm "no thanks," don’t expect the staff to take the hint. Guests who explicitly declined timeshare offers still reported being hounded—a persistence that’s impressive for all the wrong reasons.

Now, let’s move on to service quality, or the lack thereof. Rude and inattentive staff seem to be a recurring theme. Guests have shared stories of unresolved issues even after escalating them to management.

When it comes to accommodations, the reviews don’t paint a pretty picture. Outdated rooms, uncomfortable beds, and noise disturbances are common complaints. One guest summed up their stay in one word: "horrible." From maintenance woes to a general vibe of neglect, it seems these properties could use more than a superficial facelift.

To their credit, the hotels do boast prime beachfront locations and some amenities that travelers might appreciate. If you’re the kind of person who’s willing to overlook a lot for a good ocean view, these properties might suffice. But is "suffice" really the goal?

Timeshare Regret

For those who’ve already been roped into a timeshare agreement with Palace Hotels, you’re not alone in feeling trapped. These contracts often come with more strings attached, and many regret signing up once the initial shine wears off.

The good news? Timeshare exit companies specialize in helping people escape these contracts. It’s worth researching a reputable company if you’re looking to cut ties with any of the Palace Hotels—or any other timeshare provider linked to these properties. But be careful: much like timeshare salespeople, not all exit companies are the same. Do your research committing to one.

Final Thoughts

Mazatlán is a stunning destination with plenty to offer, from vibrant culture to picturesque beaches. But when it comes to Palace Hotels, take the time to read recent reviews, weigh the pros and cons, and keep your guard up against the timeshare gauntlet.

And if you’ve already made the choice and regret it? There’s hope for an exit strategy. Just remember: your vacation should be a time to unwind, not to dodge high-pressure sales tactics or deal with subpar accommodations. Choose wisely, and make sure the place you pick adds to the magic of Mazatlán, not the stress.