Hotel De Cima (Mazatlan, Mexico)

The entire hotel is long overdue for a revamp and rejuvenation programme. Floor surfaces are now uneven and the lift is elderly and unreliable… so, prepare to be shaken and stirred. Pressing the floor buttons is a waste of time as the contraption continually homes in on its basement stop - where you are trapped! There may be significant investment required on floors, lift etc; but general cleanliness is also a real weakness. Dirty to start with, bed linen isn't changed throughout the stay. There are no toiletries, no air extract in the bathroom and for extended periods of time, no hot water. *This is preferable, though, to turning the tap on to release black water into the sink/shower!

Quite a few of the staff, including those on front-desk duty, don't speak English. Check-in and queries can take forever to unravel. Members of staff, in general, are not over-friendly and come across as being resentful and rude.

Outside and from neighbouring buildings, there's incessant loud music and traffic noise. Inside, there are groups of mainly younger guests who come to life at night and whose mission it is to create havoc and disruption for other guests. Members of staff who are on duty may be unable to control these situations … you'll never know because they show no inclination of even trying!