Asking for experiences at the Hotel Barracuda

[Sharkygill]

After booking airfare for July 12th-19th, I learned that my favorite accommodation Blue Angel has been booked out by a dive club for the week. As the Mrs and I are bringing down our newly certified three teen aged children + a brother in law, we are considering Hotel Barracuda as a "plan B". I'd appreciate any pros and cons from those who have stayed there before.

Our priorities are 1. Oceanfront, without the road between the hotel and the ocean. 2. Shore diving, so we can get the kids used to diving in the big pond prior to jumping off the boats. 3. Non AI. Can't stand them for the most part (prob. because we don't drink alcohol, main selling point from what I can tell), ponied up and took taxies into town to eat for the most part when I stayed at the FA last summer.

I'd also appreciate any suggestions for alternatives to the Hotel Barracuda which could meet the above requirements. I can entertain out of town, but I like the eats closer to town. Thx...

 

[judydivescoz]

Think about El Cantil. It's a condo on the water next to the Palace. Low season rates should be reasonable and it's a beautiful property. Shore diving will be disappointing at El Cantil but it will be equal to Barracuda. Just north, out town suggestions would be Cantamar or Mirramar, both very nice condos with views and the possibility of shore diving. The boat traffic should be less north of town.
Did your dive OP agree to rent tank for shore diving?

 

[Sue Sue]

I will also recommend El Cantil condos for you and your family. A 3 or 4 bedroom unit would work out well. Full units have a full Gourmet Kitchen and balcony with ocean view. On the grounds you will find a wonderful pool as well as a beach area . The Condos and grounds are quiet and set North, adjacent to Cozumel Palace. You can easily choose between Chedraui and Mega for your grocery needs. This location is a very easy walk into town or at least an affordable taxi fare to in town points of interest. El Cantil also has a dedicated pier for Dive Op pick up and many of the dive ops pick up at El Cantil. The only answer I have for you for which I have no personal experience with is regarding your shore diving need. Perhaps this question is best answered by a Dive Op. Or, perhaps, you could go down to Blue Angel and rent tanks there for a shore dive. El Cantil does have easy entry ocean access off of the beach area with good snorkeling. We have seen small critters, Lobster and Octopus.

Regardless of where you choose, Best Wishes for a wonderful Vacation.


PS: Does anyone have experience with Hotel B in the North ?

 

[Zman96]

Hotel B is nice, I have shore dove in that area and it is ok. The renovation at Hotel B from Fontan is fantastic. We were going to stay there in October until I found a good deal at El Cantil.
To the OP, I haven't stayed at Barracuda but I have been to the hotel a bunch. It can be quite crowded during the day with cruise ship crew members. The rooms from what I saw were very basic, but the location in proximity to town is great. My wife vetoed staying there though because of the combo of old rooms a noisy days. If I was solo traveling I might consider it if the price is right. I know you said no road between the resort and the ocean, but Hotel Cozumel has a tunnel that leads to their beach club. You can still walk to town and the shore diving isn't half bad.

 

[John Larsen]

We really like the Coral Princess you can get 1,2,3 bedroom rooms or even the penthouse most have a kitchenette for cooking, and the onsite dive operator is Top notch also shore diving without having to cross the road.

 

[kixy1]

Sharky- Other than the requirements for oceanfront, what else? I see you have teens with you, as I have a couple myself I've found I need to go places with a bit more 'going on' to ensure a good time. They just don't seem to enjoy laying on the beach doing nothing as much as myself

When I have the full family with me, *I* don't prefer a condo. We usually try to keep a busy schedule with diving and adventures and I just don't enjoy having to go shopping and prepare meals in between. Burns into my beach time (see above)

Cantamar are great condos with a nice, small beach. Very quiet. We also enjoy Coral Princess, bigger pool, restaurant, beach-bar... kids like this one a lot. I would suggest a car with either. We prefer taxis, but they've just gotten too expensive. Especially if you need to get to town for dive pick-up.

Although I've never stayed, I've heard great things about El Cantil. Gorgeous property and you can't beat the location. Close to everything, kids could walk to the square. What OP are you using? That may play into your plans to accommodate easy pick-up. You might also ask them for suggestions, they might even be able to work out a package deal for you.

If you don't mind the drive, there are some really GREAT deals on VRBO down south. The beaches there are very nice! As far as Barracuda, it's a pretty busy place during the day with cruise ship people. I haven't stayed there in a few years, but it was a bit too much partying for me. Might have changed though.

 

[crosshairs]

As far as Barracuda, it's a pretty busy place during the day with cruise ship people. I haven't stayed there in a few years, but it was a bit too much partying for me. Might have changed though.

It hasn't.....while I have never stayed there, Ive been around it enough to know I never will....

 

[kmurray719]

I've stayed at the Barracuda. It's okay, but the rooms are REALLY outdated and in need of upgrades, the sheets and towels are just worn out (and some were worn through), and it does get really loud on the "beach" in the afternoons. The room I had was also pretty small, and the bathroom was not super clean. The location is great, and I paid about $40/night for the room so I wasn't unhappy. But I wouldn't recommend it to others.

 

[ReefHound]

Obviously, El Cantil condos will be much nicer but at a cost difference. YMMV as to whether you want budget or comfort. I've never paid more than $70/nt at Hotel Barracuda. If you want luxury it's not for you, if you want cheap it's a good deal.

The shore dive is as good as any shore dive, tons of collapsed pier rubble, remains of a sunken plane, and artificial structures. Easy entry/exit, a dive shop kiosk at the beach where you can rent tanks and weights for about $6. Most dive ops can pick you up at the pier. The rooms are small and spartan but everything has always worked including wifi. The pool/beach is crowded in the day, quiet in the evening. Close to town, across street from Mega.

 

[marcus8]

I stayed at the Barracuda the first 4 times I visited Coz. It is quite bare bones with a rough bathroom situation, but that didn't bother me too too much since it was ocean front, until their staff stole money from us out of the house safe. Major hassle and a long story, but bottom line, no, I can't recommend this place. They are complete thieves in my view running an incredibly run down facility. Since that time, it has become a cruise ship staff hangout and gotten quite loud on top of all it's other issues.