Seemingly a world away from the all-inclusive resort hotels on the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone), the buckets of Corona fests at the Senor Frog-like chains and the all-you-can-eat buffets along the strip, guests will find the calm, elegant oasis of The Jonathon Boutique Hotel.
Opened in September of last year, the property is an 18-room gem in the beautifully restored colonial heart of Old Mazatlan, just five blocks from the beach. Facing the lovely, neoclassic-style Angela Peralta Theater (circa. 1860), the hotel was built by four young Korean-Americans from Los Angeles who were entranced with the colonial city by the beach when they visited in 2005.
The Jonathon, operating on a European meal plan, includes continental breakfast each day. It is sleek and contemporary, elegant and a bit whimsical. Entering the courtyard lobby, guests will notice the winding spiral staircase over the fountain with its colorful changing light show, leading up to the popular rooftop La Corteza Sky Bar — where well-dressed patrons sip on flavored martinis, dance and gaze at the small infinity pool and starry night sky while sitting on overstuffed sofas. Lauren’s international bistro and steakhouse is popular, serving breakfast and dinners. Each evening, management offers a hosted wine hour.
The guestrooms are gorgeous and oh-so-stylish, with queen-size beds backlit and surrounded by a border of illuminated white river rocks. Fine white linens are topped with burnt orange throws, and dark wood accents embellish the tile and marble floors. The oversized bathrooms sport granite counters, glass pedestal sinks, marble flooring, glass-enclosed rain showers and bronze mosaic-tiled oversize tubs. The four deluxe suites offer California kings, kitchenettes, living rooms with wraparound sofas, Jacuzzis and private balconies.
The Hotel Spa features a steam room and sauna, a variety of massages, aromatherapy, reflexology and therapeutic treatments.
Old Mazatlan’s Machado Square is the heart of the Historic Center of Mazatlan. On the north side of the plaza is a strip of romantic, open-air seafood restaurants. One of the most famous is lively Pedro & Lola’s, named after two famous Mazatlan-bred musicians, Pedro Infante Cruz and Lola Beltran. Nearby is the twin-spired cathedral, built in 1875, the ancient Spanish fort, El Puerto Carranza. In recent history, the neighborhood is increasingly home to many art studios, galleries and hip bistros and shops, some owned and operated by U.S. and Canadian expatriates. The area’s Art Walk, held the first Friday of each month from November through May, is a very popular affair, attended by tourists and locals who stroll to and from 24 galleries, sipping wine and chatting with the artists.
With its artistic design, The Jonathan not only fits into the area, but makes a perfect home base for exploring it.
The Details
The Jonathon Boutique Hotelwww.jonathonhotel.com
