My wife and I are planning on going to Cozumel over Thanksgiving. We are going to stay about 5 days and have our own snorkelling gear, but don't do the scuba thing yet. Does anybody have some recommendations for their favorite all-inclusive hotel in Cozumel or their favorite spot on the island?
I had a thread on here a week and a half ago getting opinions on Cancun, Cozumel or Jamicia. Cozumel was by far the most reccommended with Belize being second. After a bunch of research and asking around I deciede on 5 days in Cozumel at the Melia Cozumel. The wife and I are going Oct 21-25. I booked thru travelocity but this website shows off the hotel well. http://www.paradisuscozumel.solmelia.com/ I read reviews on all the hotels on expedia, travelocity and trip advisor (as well as a few others) and the Melia had the fewest bad comments and a bunch of good comments with most of the bad comments being: A. mediocre buffets but the restraunts and beach grill are good B. occasional murky water right out front due to the next door resorts pier The good things I found that swayed my decision were: A Top shelf all inclusive booze B. Nicest beach well maintiained C. Great snorkeling 100 yards down in front of neighboring resort D. Good Service E. Nice swim up bar F. Activities pool (kids allowed) pool with bar (no kids) G. Close to town From the reviews this is probably the nicest all inclusive with the nicest non all inclusive being the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort Let me know what you decide.
We're leaning towards the Allegro at the moment, but I'll definitely check out some more reviews of Melia. Thanks!
http://www.palaceresorts.com/ Stayed here during my honeymoon. Best bang for your buck. Plus, you get to stay at one, and play at them all for no extra charge.
They do not have Top Shelf booze on most drinks including beer. Most of the resorts say that but it is not what we consider "Top Shelf" Not a big deal, just wanted to point that out. You will have a choice between 2 mexican beers and one to two type of Top Shelf drinks, the last time I had lunch there (last winter) they had bacardi which was made in mexico. Like I said not a big deal. Make sure you rent a jeep or scooter and go to the other side of the island and you will find the most secluded beaches. You and your better half can have miles of beach all to yourself and dotted along the beaches are a few bars and restaurants with no electricity so the beer is on tubs of ice and the food is caught and cooked. Have a great time, I will be in Playa Del Carmen 9/18 thru the 25th and we always take a few trips to Cozumel
The Allegro and Iberostar are my favorites in Cozumel. Both are all inclusive. The Allegro has a nicer beach and usually is cheaper than Iberostar. Iberostar has a reef type beach. When you walk out 5 feet into the water, you hit rocks and coral. It's great if you like to snorkel. I like the rooms at Iberostar Cozumel a whole lot more. Make sure to get a room on the second level, so you get the benefit of the thatch roof (higher ceiling). Both have great food, entertainment and pools.
We stayed at the Coral Princess, and we enjoyed it, but I'm sure as long as you stay at one of the nicer hotels you'll love it.
Is it pretty easy to walk or swim over to Iberostar from the Allegro resort? Do they both have pretty much the same non-motorized equipment? (kayak, hobieCat, etc)
I took the wife and kids here. El Cozumeleno We had a great time. The snorkeling was not all that great close to the resort, but if you are going to spend most of your time at the pool, it is excellent.
I stayed at Allegro a few years back...I had one of the best times I hardly remember. ALL INCLUSIVE BABY!!!
We stayed at the El Presidente several years ago, like, the late '80's, and loved it. I don't know what it's like now, but the beach was fantastic, the snorkeling was great, and they brought you drinks while you worked on your tan. The sunsets a couple of times were amazing. We could actually see a tiny bit of the palm trees on the coast across the water. I think it must have been a freaky atmospheric thing, like when the Moon appears extra large. Probably "dated" now but, for us, it was very romantic.
Was the driving scary at all? I know in some parts of Mexico the other drivers are nuts - did you get the extra insurance?
In downtown it is but once you get past town and the cruise ships its smooth sailing. We didnt get any extra insurance and we`ve done it about 6 times and have never had a problem. Make sure you pack a few towels and head to the other side of the island and you will have a great time, it is beautiful and secluded.
Yes, you could walk from Iberostar to the Allegro. They are really close to each other. They both have kayaks, although I dont remember Hobies at Iberostar.
