Paralyzed by choice

[Skittl1321]

I guess I could ask, but neither Hotel Cozumel or Barracuda were on her pick up list she sent me last year. I don't think she goes north of the Caleta at all. That awesome boat of hers probably uses too much fuel to offer that.

Looking at the hotel map, Barracuda looked further than 4 blocks- but that is manageable. Google maps makes it look like it is actually pretty close to Suites Bahia. So definitely an option.

 

[Ron Lee]

Cozumel, Mexico map with hotel locations

 

[Skittl1321]

Cozumel, Mexico map with hotel locations

Yeah, that map made Barracuda look like a much longer walk than what google maps tells me it actually is.

 

[cvchief]

No disrespect to Allison, but just as there are "10,000 hotels" there are also "10,000 dive ops", many that will pick up in town and provide the same "bed and bathroom", .

True but none of them are Alison or on the Maximus.

Yes- I pretty much did nothing but nap when not diving I've thought about getting nitrox certified, to see if that helps; but my husband is a scientist and he thinks it is a waste of money since there is no actual data that says it helps with that- just a lot of anecdotes...we don't need the extended time yet.


From reading the posts, if we don't go with a B&B, it sounds like Suites Bahia might be the way to go.

I like Bahia. We try to get it for Carnival, but have failed the last two years. We got a room at the Barracuda to watch. It is a bit of a dump, but it works to watch the Parade. No offense to 'Cuda fans, it is a good cheap place to sleep.

Get the Nitrox. The missus, who you know, is WAY less tired on Nitrox. Now she has long BT so maybe the difference in N loading is greater that average, but she swears by it.

I guess I could ask, but neither Hotel Cozumel or Barracuda were on her pick up list she sent me last year. I don't think she goes north of the Caleta at all. That awesome boat of hers probably uses too much fuel to offer that.

Looking at the hotel map, Barracuda looked further than 4 blocks- but that is manageable. Google maps makes it look like it is actually pretty close to Suites Bahia. So definitely an option.

I think Alison only goes north as far as Casa Del Mar, just north of the south cruise ship dock which is like 2.5 miles south of Bahia. I wouldn't walk it. Or you could rent a car. I know a guy who knows a guy.


When are you coming? You know you should always check in we anyone you might know who has a place and might make you a deal.... just saying....

 

[kmurray719]

Yeah, that map made Barracuda look like a much longer walk than what google maps tells me it actually is.

The Barracuda is fine if you just want somewhere to sleep but I personally wouldn't stay there again unless I got the same $40/night deal I had the first time. The location and view are excellent, but the hotel is run down, the sheets are threadbare, the towels all had holes in them and the balconies are covered in rust from the air conditioners. The pool and water front are nice, and I was usually able to find a spot in a corner somewhere quiet when it was rowdy from the cruise ship crews, but the food and drinks are ridiculously expensive and I always found the service lacking. I eventually just brought my own drink down with me from my room. Back when it was a divers hotel and cheap, it was a great deal. But now I see room rates over $100/night and it's really not worth that. For that price you could get AI at Hotel Coz and choose when you want to walk to town and when you're too tired to. If you're going to take a cab to the caleta anyway, I think there's much better options than the Cuda.

 

[cvchief]

and the balconies are covered in rust from the air conditioners..

That is the one b%^&* I have at carnival is the AC unit from the neighbor blows hot air on our balcony.

 

[PARADISE HUNTER]

I guess I could ask, but neither Hotel Cozumel or Barracuda were on her pick up list she sent me last year. I don't think she goes north of the Caleta at all. That awesome boat of hers probably uses too much fuel to offer that.

Looking at the hotel map, Barracuda looked further than 4 blocks- but that is manageable. Google maps makes it look like it is actually pretty close to Suites Bahia. So definitely an option.

I know I've watched a lot of different dive ops pick up there, but can't recall if she was one of them. It's next door to El Cantil and the Palace and those are usually regular pick ups for most ops. I would still ask, nothing is set in stone.

The walk to the square may be more than four blocks, but whatever it is, it's an easy one along the ocean front with numerous dining options and shops along the way.

If you are on a budget, want to be on the water and still be in town, we think it's a good option. I want to caution you again though, the rooms are very basic. But the view is terrific!

PH

 

[Sue Sue]

Skittl...I have another idea for you... What about El Cid La Ceiba..... Now, this hotel is NOT in town, however, it is only a $7 - $8.00 one way taxi fare into town. Is Does have a restaurant on the premises if need be. If Allison picks up there, your taxi costs in and out of town may be less than taxi rates to and from the Caleta from town...... The hotel has a nice pool and beach area. However, do be aware that they do cater to the Cruisers who purchase day passes while in port. At times, the "Bingo, Bingo, Bingo", music and crowd does get a bit obnoxious, but, for the most part the chaos happens while you are out diving. On off days, if you want a beach spot, just make sure to get out early to grab your Real Estate.The other negative, for some people, is that the Cruise Ships do port in front of the hotel. For me...this really was not a deal breaker. In fact, I enjoyed getting up in time to watch them pull in. The 1 bedroom suites are nice as they have a kitchenette, but the non suite rooms are also nice and I believe have a fridge..(not sure) When I stayed there, I requested a TOWER room and all but twice was granted my wish. 6th floor or up has a nice view. The other rooms are located in the LOW Rise side. Do ask for a non ground floor room to avoid people traffic in front of the patio. You also can rent tanks at the on site dive op and shore dive in front of the hotel. Lots of Seahorses and sand type critters to be found there. Also, if ordering drinks, remember to remind the waiters/bartenders that you are a GUEST and not a cruiser. And just decline the low key Time Share offers if you are not interested..

Just another thought for you.... Double S

 

[kerrycorcoran]

I realize you mentioned cost, however you can stay at places like the Cozumel Palace at very reasonable prices. Often you can find Palace Elite members selling their weeks (at a discounted price) on eBay. The plus with this (as you know) is it's an AI - you add up a week of food and drink and all of a sudden the Palace isn't that bad of a deal. Not to mention the excellent customer service.

Our last trip there we used the 'resort credits' and the in-house DS (Aqua Safari) and diving cost us $13.75pp a day (that was for 2 tanks dives). UNREAL pricing. Stored our gear in the lockers onsite and picked up at our dock. Couldn't beat it.

 

[Skittl1321]

Ooh- Sue Sue: I think El Cid was on her list. Forgot about that. Will need to check it out.

---------- Post added June 6th, 2014 at 02:12 PM ----------

I realize you mentioned cost, however you can stay at places like the Cozumel Palace at very reasonable prices. Often you can find Palace Elite members selling their weeks (at a discounted price) on eBay. The plus with this (as you know) is it's an AI - you add up a week of food and drink and all of a sudden the Palace isn't that bad of a deal. Not to mention the excellent customer service.

Our last trip there we used the 'resort credits' and the in-house DS (Aqua Safari) and diving cost us $13.75pp a day (that was for 2 tanks dives). UNREAL pricing. Stored our gear in the lockers onsite and picked up at our dock. Couldn't beat it.

I'm not looking to do AI because I'd like to experience more food in town. I'm also pretty tied to "my" dive op. But thanks for mentioning everything that goes into Coz Palace's price. Adding in diving really helps. I don't drink, so otherwise AI has to be really cheap (like Sabor was).

---------- Post added June 6th, 2014 at 02:15 PM ----------

When are you coming? You know you should always check in we anyone you might know who has a place and might make you a deal.... just saying....

Not sure yet- probably January again.
We have a big vacation in the fall though, so Kevin isn't too sure on this.

I'll make sure to check my "connections" and their vacation homes if we settle on dates though