Cozumel in November

[Beej1123]

Planning on going to cozumel end of November and would like to know some opinions on the Reef Resort or the Fiesta Americana. Also, anyone ever heard of Aqua Safari? If yes were you happy with them?

Thanks
Bernadette
Newtown, PA

 

[michaelp68]

Hi Bernadette. Here's a link to a trip report I wrote after staying at Fiesta Americana.

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=86797

I hope it helps. Enjoy your trip.

Michael

 

[diveski01]

Planning on going to cozumel end of November and would like to know some opinions on the Reef Resort or the Fiesta Americana. Also, anyone ever heard of Aqua Safari? If yes were you happy with them?

Thanks
Bernadette
Newtown, PA

I stayed at Reef Club a few years ago and we're going again in about 4 weeks. No input on FA.

Likes:
+ Rooms were clean and comfortable.
+ Pools were nice and clean.
+ Beach is nice and spacious.
+ Sand Dollar Sports - good dive op nearby (not exactly onsite, but close enough).
+ Very close to best dive sites: 5-10 min boat rides.
+ Local artists on site during week performing their craft.

Neutrals:
~ Food wasn't terrific, but it wasn't horrific either. Food was better at Allegro.
~ Staff disinterested in guests. Other AI's have their staff eat with guests during b'fast and lunch so they "get to know you". More of a campy and more personable feel for the week.

Dislikes:
- Resort sells day passes to cruise ships so about every other day the beaches, pools AND dining hall were over run until late afternoon. The day-pass visitors looked at those with all week arm bands as if we were in their way!
- You have to buy your own bottled drinking water. First bottle provided free. After that, you're on your own.
- Can't make reservations at on-site "restaurant" if you're diving am's. Sign-up list doesn't go up until after 9:00am. By 10:00 it's filled.

 

[Dave Zimmerly]

Not be negative, but have heard first hand from divers who stayed at the "Grief Club" that it is not worth the money. Average dive shop, cattle boat dives, bad food, cheap booze, far from town, and they are still under construction.

Fiesta America is still under construction. Better accomodations but they have a tendency to overbook rooms. Hit or miss. Above average food, dive shop and room.

Check out the reviews at tripadvisor.com. You have been warned.

Was in Coz first week in September, stayed at the Cozumel Palace...alittle more expensive, but worth it. Recommend Dive Paradise, across the street from Cozumel Hotel.

If your trip is going to center around diving, I also would recommend Scuba Club Cozumel. They have an all-inclusive, minus the booze, close to town and they are set up for diving. Rooms are simple, no frills, but meant for divers.

Hope this helps.

 

[spyder]

We've been going to Coz since '87 (even got married down there in front of Casa del Mar) and the last 3 years we've been at the Reef Club with our departure this Saturday making 4. We like it and even went ahead and bought in to the time share last December. Not sure why everyone is so against it, we've had very good times there. They're constantly improving the grounds and every time gets better. It is far from town but with all the cruise ships these days an afternoon downtown is about all we can take. As to the cattle boats at Sand Dollar, request the small boats or have another dive operator pick you up. VERY nice beach for lounging on in the afternoons. I've written more regarding the Reef Club, search for my ID or PM me.

 

[loudives]

Reef Club not bad for the money. Clean nice beach and pool, kid friendly, new matresses last Nov. and upgraded the old wood post holding up the balconies to concrete this past spring. New bottom in the main pool and lots of upgrades this past year everywhere on the resort. Food OK but not great. New snack bar opened last Dec. and is GREAT! They changed the burgers so now they don't taste gamie! The ribs are fall off the bone and excellent.
If you going at the end of Nov. better make res. now it's a holiday gobble gobble. Sand dollar sports on site but they cater to cruise ships so can be a cattle boat, and again alot of 6 pack boats may already be booked. Try www.bottomtimedivers.net Raul is a good guy and you will be glad you booked with him.
Lou

 

[geebee]

Though I have not been there in three years, I've stayed at FA three times and been very happy with the place. I did not do AI, so I don't know about their food.

I recommend the casita 'jungle' rooms. Bigger and better than the regular rooms with a mini fridge.

GB