I almost hate to ask, because it has all been said before, but I would sure appreciate some help. It looks like my wife and I may be able to get to Cozumel for a few days in June. Haven't been to Coz in a few years.
We have in the past stayed at the big places south of town for no particular reason, but were thinking of staying in/close to town so we could walk around in the evenings, minimize taxi rides to our favorite restaurants, etc.
I was thinking that either Casa del Mar or Casa Mexicana sound nice and would like input from those who know. Other suggestions welcome as well.
We want to be close to a pier for pickups, with nice rooms with a sea view, and preferably a good onsite or really close restaurant for breakfast before dives.
It would be nice to have a pleasant place for lounging when not diving. This is not a huge priority, though, and a pool itself isn't important
Shore diving not important this trip.
Could also go back to Fiesta Americana...rooms were nice, breakfast was fine, shorter boat ride, but a taxi every night...
Sadly, we need wifi, at least in the lobby.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts.
Looking forward to going back to Coz...it will be fun.
Hi jd950; Thanks for listing what you are looking for. Having an idea of your interests surely does help with recommendations. Considering your needs, as others have mentioned, Casa Mexicana as well as Vista del Mar comes to mind.
Vista del Mar has oceanview rooms as well as non-ocean view rooms. No elevators and wi fi on each floors lobby area. The easiest and best connection at the time was actually linked to Casa Mexicana next door. DH said it worked well enough for him to check in with work. With only 4 floors the hike up is not too bad, plus there have always been porters to help with the heavy stuff. VDM serves very nice breakfast tray of fruit, juice, pastries and coffee are brought to your room every morning. We arranged the service for around 7 AM and enjoyed it while we prepared for the diving day. The non ocean view room overlook a quaint alcove/alley of various shops. It also overlooks the pool which is about 3 feet deep. It is not necessarily a swimming pool, but it is a fun place to cool off on a hot day and also people watch as the tourists come and go from the market area. Michael and I stayed on the 4th floor, center ocean view room . The room was clean and had all the necessary items including a small fridge. The balcony was nice to have to sit out there and watch the boat and street activity. There was some street noise, however, honestly not overwhelming. Once the traffic stopped in the evening it actually got rather quiet until the morning as everyone was on their way to work or going out to dive. Our dive op, Blue XT SEA diving picks up at the pier located about 2 blocks north. It is a very easy walk. Other dive ops pick up there as well.
Casa Mexicana has the same access to diving as Vista del Mar. I have not stayed at CM, however did tour the facility and rooms. The ocean view rooms are nice and have more light. I do know many people who have stayed there and like it very much. There is elevator service. I also seem to recall that the escalator from the street is working again..however, hopefully someone can confirm. CM does offer a fantastic breakfast buffet. It has all the standards, plus other awesome selections. The pool is shallow and on a covered deck which is set in the front of the building overlooking the street. It is also a wading type pool and somewhat less appealing than the VDM pool.
The third place I have in mind is Villa Escondida, Bed and Breakfast. Although, this property does not meet your ocean view request, it is however unique, in town, and walking distance to everywhere. It is on Avenida 10 between 3rd and Rosado Salas. It is located across the street from La Choza. It is very private, only 4 rooms, adult only and quiet. An amazing full breakfast is prepared every morning by the hostess Magda. Crepes, omelets, fruit, pastries, yogurt, juice, coffee. The presentation is so beautiful you don't want to eat it ! The property also has a meticulously well maintained pool., a shared full size fridge to keep your own refreshments and snacks. There are no telephones or TV in the rooms, however, the hosts are happy to give access to the house phone if needed. To get to the town pier it is a very easy walk. Make a left out the front door, a right at the corner and then 2 blocks to Melgar. It is a perfect walk to get the day started. Check out Tripadvisor for travel reviews.
Oh, and BTW, keep in mind that Orbitz has their 200ENTERTAIN code for a 7 day package stay as well as a 50ENTERTAIN code for a 3-7 day package deal available for booking until March 31 for travel through DEC 31 2011
Regardless of where you end up at, please do have a fantastic time and happy diving ! Sue
