Melia Cozumel

[Soggy]

I'm planning on going to Cozumel in April and was looking into the Melia Cozumel. What are people's experiences with this hotel? I plan on doing a few dive trips, but my non-diving girlfriend will mostly be interested in sitting by the beach and pool. We will be also interested in doing some snorkeling trips.

We went to Cancun last year and stayed at the Royal Solaris and were very pleased with it, so I'm at least familiar with the Mayan Riveria 'scene.'

 

[kuip]

The Melia is the most northern Hotel in Cozumel I believe. You will not be able to get any dive ops to pick you up there because 99% of the dives are south of town.
Other than being so far north I have only heard good things about The Melia as I haven't stayed there.

 

[bcaderunr]

We stayed at the Hotel (El Cozumeleno) adjacent to Melia on the south side for 4 days in November, 2004. The properties beachfronts are separated by a concrete breakwater which also serves as the dive dock for the on-site operator at El Coz: Scuba-Du. We had a moderate El Norte during our stay, but Scuba-Du picked us up every morning at the dock. They sent us home in a cab after the dives which they paid for. No problem and it was MUCH better than getting beat to pieces by the waves on the trip home. I don't know if it it a chronic problem or not, but the water to the north of the breakwater (Melia beachfront) was the color of chocolate and was filled with debris during our stay. I don't know whether this is just a phenomenon during El Nortes or if their beach is fouled all the time. In any case, most of the Melia folks were welcome to walk over to the El Coz beach and swim there. They were, however, understandably discouraged from using the beach chairs. That's what we saw.

 

[Coachwah]

Stayed there 5 years ago when it was Paradisus. Post about the beach is right on IME. Most of the time the water in fromt of Melia was stirred up. The swimming area in front of El Coz was nice. Plenty of fish to snorkle with and the water was clear. Food was good at Melia. Some of the better AI food I have had. IMO Melia had the best pool bar I have "visited" with a view of the ocean thru the bar's opposite side. Good bartenders and good drinks = good time out of the water. Rooms were nice...try to get an ocean view. Not to far from town so cab rides won't kill you. My wife is a non-diver and she had a great time while I was gone. HTH.

 

[Ron Brandt]

I was "stranded in Cancun" while comming back from Coz at Christmas. The charter company pust us up at a Melia resort.

The room was great ,the view was great, satff was friendly,the bar service was a little slow and I thought the food was too americanized.

Yes , this place is noth and you will be looking at a taxi ride to the Pro Dive Pier at the least.

Ron

 

[whatusea]

Did you stay at Melia and if so, how is it now?
My husband & I will be there for a week starting May 28th. Last time we were there about 2-3 years ago, food was marginal, but cheap (same with the alcohol), but the view was fantastic and it was fairly quiet.
Any info appreciated.
Debbie

 

[Soggy]

I did stay there in April for a week. We had a great time. We were on an all-inclusive plan, so food and alcohol were 'free'. View was great...food was acceptable, but not wonderful or anthing. And, aside from the pool bar, the alcohol was potent enough. I discovered that Mai Thai's are the way to go!

I dived with Blue XT Sea diving...Cristy, the owner, is on this board and she runs a great operation. The boats were small with only a few people diving at a time, which was perfect.

Additionally, I went over to the mainland and did some cavern diving with Pez De Diablo, which I also highly recommend.

 

[whatusea]

Appreciate info
What is the exact name of Christy's operation?
We are not planning to dive the first week because our second week will be almost completely underwater , but might just sneak in one or two.
Dove the caves a few years ago with our daughter when we spent time in Playa. Certainly an interesting experience.
so, Mai Tai is the way to go?
our daughter figured out how to order a Fuzzy Navel & Dirty Martini in Spanish last trip - I guess Mai Tai is pretty universal
Debbie

 

[diveborg]

Appreciate info
What is the exact name of Christy's operation?

As one would expect from a class act that Christi is, she doesn't advertise on the message board. But then again, I don't think she really needs to either.

The name of her operation: Blue XT Sea
Her site: www.bluextseadiving.com

 

[Soggy]

I suppose it depends on your goal...if you want to get a buzz fast and easy at 11am, it works great For the evenings, I stuck with Jack n' Cokes....

so, Mai Tai is the way to go?
our daughter figured out how to order a Fuzzy Navel & Dirty Martini in Spanish last trip - I guess Mai Tai is pretty universal
Debbie