Hotel ZAR Los Mochis

There seem to be two Zar hotels in Los Mochis now. I spent a night at the one right on highway 15, as I usually do on my migration to and from Nayarit, Mexico. It is just about exactly half-way to the border in Nogales, about 500 miles. It is very un-Mexican, with lots of original modern art on the walls throughout (hey, who said modern art isn't Mexican!??). The dining room wasn't serving dinner when we got there (late season, mid-May), but there is a restaurant with good food a short walk away...and a Pemex. Everything one needs for a marathon dash to or from the US or Mexico. Breakfast was served, included in the $700 peso cost ($37 USD at this writing)-- pretty traditional over-cooked scrambled eggs with bacon in them, white toast, beans, fruit on request. Terrible "juice." Clearly they are not trying to be known as a foodie retreat. Funny thing is the "modern" shower modules. The water comes straight down on your head from a big round spray, hard to avoid. AND, there is an in-shower radio. Really!? All rooms are the same. I skipped the whole shower thing this time. It appears that the Federal Police are using the hotel as a highway headquarters. The parking lot was full of black vehicles, and heavily armed men were coming and going-- same on my way down in December. Either it is the safest hotel in Mexico, or the most dangerous in case the war breaks out. One of the Federales (who was raised in California, nice young fellow) told me that they were on look out for members of the El Chapo cartel which is headquartered in the state (Sinaloa). Keeping the peace, you know. My attraction to this hotel is the highway location. I don't want to be wandering around in Los Mochis or other towns like it looking for a hotel. Access is tricky. Turn off 100 yards before the hotel when coming from the south going north. Going south you need to see the hotel on the east side of the highway center barrier, turn right onto a frontage road that then goes back north, then east, and then south on the frontage road on that side of the highway to the hotel. Got it!? { : > )

Our ground floor room had sheets on each of the two beds. No covers. After a couple of requests, we each were provided with a blanket. We eventually requested another one, but they were very slow coming and were too small for the bed. The two towels in the bathroom were tattered and worn. The shower handle had gone missing and a wooden work around device had been installed in its place which was very difficult to manage. We spend probably a dozen nights each year in roadside hotels in Mexico, and there are plenty of hotels which are just as reasonable and far better in terms of how they are equipped. Except out of sheer desperation, I will not return to this hotel.

Ecept for Only supper served this was a top notch hotel. The rooms new the bed a queen size and the bathrooms just refinished with highend furnishings. The hotel right off 15 D and the price under 630 peso = about $35 with tax? No English speaking personnel which makes it difficult . Many people from many countries drive thru Mexico this is a need.

We decided to check out this hotel this spring on our way home from Puerto Vallarta. It is on the south end of Los Mochis and we were very impressed with it. They have a small restaurant and very clean through out. There is security in the parking lot. Much better than staying at the no tell motels on the north end.

The property was good location just of the main highway next to a Pemex gas station and truck stop. Once we checked in early afternoon we checked every thing n the room as our friends whom recommend said to make sure the he reading lights worked.We checked all the lights and many were missing the light bulbs ,we went to the front desk and they sent some and they brought bulbs and towels. We had An excellent enchilada dinner and a good breakfast.

We wanted this to be better. Great staff at check in, efficient, all went well. Had a burger in the restaurant which was fine. Lovely lobby, interesting paintings. Where it fell down for us was our bed, one had sheets with stains. I asked for another sheet, didn't mind remaking the bed myself. Got the sheet and was done. But also the bathroom......needed a scrubbing. Door jam, handles needed a good scrubbing. As did the shower basin, a bit 'grotty'. And some mold on the ceiling of the bathroom. So wanted this to be better.......

We have had difficulty finding a satisfactory place to stop over in Los Mochis, but on this trip we hit the mother load. Hotel is very convient to hwy 15 being just off the highway and a bit South of the city. Reception was very helpful in tha there was a English speaking host which is rare in this part of Mexico. The restraint was fantastic though we did have to wait an hour while the lone cook served a party that was ahead of us, the enchiladas were worth the wait though as my wife deemed the best she has ever had. Would definitely recommend this as a great stop over

We stayed only briefly at this hotel, but found it convenient to the train station for an early start the next morning. The receptionist was the only staff member who we dealt with and he was extremely helpful and pleasant. The hotel was better than I expected. A salubrious lobby with some good artwork and a long hallway with a very large room for us. We didn't try breakfast (which was included) because we had to leave early to catch the train. Value for money hotel.

Nice , clean hotel, great service , I found this hotel by accident when I missed the turn off to downtown Los Mochis. I didn't want to drive around at night looking for a hotel . I would stay here again .