Where to stay in Cozumel?

[cjames]

We're taking my son to Cozumel over Christmas. We've stayed at Iberostar, Fiesta Americana, El Presidente, and Diamond. We've seen lots of bad reviews on the web of resorts taking reservations before they were ready such as at the Reef Club Cozumel (talking about no AC, bad food, dirty water). My son is getting certified so we need someplace with a diveshop and instructors (PADI). Suggestions?

 

[Christi]

We're taking my son to Cozumel over Christmas. We've stayed at Iberostar, Fiesta Americana, El Presidente, and Diamond. We've seen lots of bad reviews on the web of resorts taking reservations before they were ready such as at the Reef Club Cozumel (talking about no AC, bad food, dirty water). My son is getting certified so we need someplace with a diveshop and instructors (PADI). Suggestions?

Iberostar is closed until Dec. 15 (I think it will be longer) and I don't recommend the dive shop (Dressel) there anyway.

Reef Club is open and has Sand Dollar Dive Shop onsite. They actually have some VERY good instructors. Request Diego or Sandra.

Occidental Grand - Open and Dive Palancar is onsite. Also some excellent instructors, request Laura Manjarrez...she's really, realy good and has been an instructor in Cancun and Coz for over 10 years.

Allegro is still closed and I've heard conflicting reports bwtween an October 15 reopening and a November 15 reopening...but should still be open by Christmas.

ANother great option is Cozumel Palace and Aqua Safari...excellent instructors there as well.

Have fun and congrats and good luck to your son.

 

[cjames]

Thanks Christi,

I saw a really bad review on the Reef Club on travel-center.com. Basically it sounded like a nightmare trip. Any read on Fiesta Americana?

 

[smokey braden]

cjames,
last month my family and i stayed at casa del mar and dove with blue xtsea.
everything was perfect.
the resort had very nice rooms and cabanas.
they offer many options for food and drink.
one can go ai or somewhere in between.
one can order from a menu and/or indulge in the ocational buffet.
the food was good.
the staff was very attentive.
you are 2 mi. from town.

the diving was perfect.
they picked you up at dock.
my son had just gotten certified and the dive op was very accommodating.

the resort is offering some good deals right now.
http://www.casadelmarcozumel.com/Eng/default.asp

do some research and i know you will have a fantastic holiday>
regards,

 

[Cozoholic]

Thanks Christi,

I saw a really bad review on the Reef Club on travel-center.com. Basically it sounded like a nightmare trip. Any read on Fiesta Americana?

We loved FA - check out our pics....

 

[nancy4388]

We have been to Cozumel two times and stayed at Scuba Club Cozumel. They have an onsite dive shop with instructors, boats meet you at the dock, meals included (except drinks). Check out their web site www.scubaclubcozumel.com


Have a great time.

 

[cjames]

Thanks for all the info. We'll definitely go for one of these spots. I'm also checking on Caribe Blu because I like the house reef there. Easy diving and lots to see for a new diver.

 

[exr]

For the last 5 years we have stayed at the Reef Club with no problems.

L

 

[diveborg]

Thanks for all the info. We'll definitely go for one of these spots. I'm also checking on Caribe Blu because I like the house reef there. Easy diving and lots to see for a new diver.

Lots of good reviews about Caribe Blue. They also have an onsite dive operator, Blue Angel. The best deal for staying there is thru Travelnotes. Not only do you get a slightly reduced rate, you can pay with a credit card with no added fee.

 

[Dave Zimmerly]

Just returned from Coz for the third time in two years. Previosly stayed at the Iberostar, but they were closed till December. Stayed at the Cozumel Palace and dove with Dive Paradise. If you're looking for great accomodations, soft beds, great food and service 24/7, stay at the Palace. Also, the two-person in-room jacuzzi was great to rinse our dive gear.

Dive Paradise is one of the best operators we found in Cozumel. They pick you up at the dock, use fast boats, small numbers (4-6 divers) and know the reefs.

Be warned of the Reef Club, or "Grief Club" as it is referred to. If you enjoy the smell of raw sewage, disgusting food, no water in your room after midnight, and drinks that taste like gasoline, then check it out.

Read the reviews at tripadvisor.com for yourself.