mediumone
Contributor
How is safety like in such cheap places?
Infinitely safer than Houston.
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How is safety like in such cheap places?
I used VRBO for our trip coming up in May. We are staying in a one bedroom condo in residencies reef for 6 nights for only $649.00. Not too shabby, and they are very nice units, owned by individuals, not corporations.
Don't forget the biggest crooks on the island, the guys pumping gas at the Pemex stations. They'll rob you blind if you're not careful and they have the gall to do it in broad daylight.Crimes do happen on Coz of course, mainland drug gangs shoot each other up there at times, but generally - as long as your home by midnight in preparation for diving the next morning, you're pretty much immune. Thefts in rooms are extremely rare, so much that you have to leave a note with the maid tip or she won't take the cash left for her. The taxis will overcharge you but most are nice about it, sticking with union rates usually, and the time share crooks are easy to avoid.
Carry what, your wetsuit?Well, in Houston I carry that is a no-no in Cozumel.
I stayed in an ocean view room at Vista del Mar the first time I visited Cozumel, and loved the rooms there. They're not very big but very charming, with little touches such as shell decorations, little stone mosaic in the shower, etc. Staff was really sweet and helpful, balcony great for ocean/people watching. There's a refrigerator as well as a safe in the room. Also a tiny pool on a little terrace outback. Breakfast included and served in your room. Was nothing to rave about but that may have changed.I like a little charm and/or character when possible. Glad to hear Vista del Mar has refrigerators--water views and cold beverages are a good combo.
One of the advantages of staying in a local hotel is that you won't cross path with a time share crook. Except maybe at the airport.The time share crooks are easy to avoid.