Where to Stay

Divers searching for a place to flop after exploring the renowned coral reefs, families seeking all-inclusive sun and fun, and business travelers on the prowl for conference facilities will all find a wide range of accommodation in Cozumel. Visitors can choose from 3,600 rooms in a diverse mix of hotels, resorts, condos and bed-and-breakfasts on the island.

Diving

One third of Cozumel's annual million visitors come to dive among the vast coral reefs, underwater caves and ancient wrecks, so there is no lack of scuba-friendly hotels. Resorts close to the famous Palancar Reef just off the southwestern shore offer some excellent dive packages that cater to divers. Both the mid-priced Fiesta Americana Cozumel Reef and the affordable, all-inclusive Allegro provide easy access to Cozumel's spectacular reefs.

Families looking for a resort suited to all ages will enjoy the most southern hotel, the Iberostar Cozumel. Rooms are compact but have private terraces with hammocks. The beach here is wide and a bit rocky, but has an excellent dock and well-equipped water sports center with sailboats, kayaks, windsurfers and a dive club. Divers with family in tow will adore the kid's club, as the staff works hard to entertain the little ones.

The perennial favorite for most divers is the budget Casa Del Mar. This hotel, 10 minutes south of San Miguel, has been set up for divers with equipment rinse rooms, large storage lockers and on-site dive operation alongside a water sports center. Another popular hotel for diving is the Hotel Lorena.

Luxury

La Ceiba, fifteen minutes from San Miguel in the southern hotel zone, is a small complex set up for dive clubs and corporate groups alike. A small plaza with shops is located under a verdant ceiba tree (the legendary Mayan "tree of the gods"). Inside, the hotel has a laid-back atmosphere, a pool and great snorkeling just off its large pier. The reefs start right in front of the hotel and the closest dive site is the Plane Wreck, a 40-passenger airliner blown up and sunk for a 1977 Mexican disaster movie.

The chic Playa Azul Hotel entices discerning travelers to the north end of the island. This small hotel offers sophisticated service amidst lush gardens and Jacuzzi suites with ocean views. Close by is the exquisitely decorated Coral Princess Hotel & Resort. The lobby with its wrought-iron sculptures and fountains resembles a small art gallery. Villas come equipped with full kitchens and living rooms that open up onto oceanfront terraces with a view of the deck.

For Business

The stylish Presidente Inter-Continental Cozumel attracts business clientele with its business center that includes three meeting rooms for up to 200 people and banquet facilities serving superb food. Plants, shrubs and trees fill the lobby, giving the hotel a jungle-like atmosphere, and its close proximity to Chankanaab National Park means you can swim with dolphins on your lunch breaks.

In the North Hotel Zone, the largest all-inclusive resort on the island, El Cozumeleño Beach Resort, lures business travelers with facilities that include a convention center, large meeting rooms for up to 700, and a state-of-the art media center. The resort's family-friendly ambiance encourages the business traveler to bring the spouse and kids along.

Meeting attendees with a taste for true Mexican hospitality enjoy staying at the Casa Mexicana Cozumel for its relaxing atmosphere, wind-swept ocean views and sleek decor. The hotel's downtown location, steps away from the best restaurants and clubs, is also a bonus.

Value

One budget hotel that is charming and has great views of the ocean is Bahia Suites, situated along the malecón (boardwalk) that runs along the water. A great hotel along the boardwalk and popular with divers and families is Ocean View Hotel. Both attract travelers who prefer to spend their money at restaurants famous for their fresh seafood, or at markets renowned for their jewelry, art and handcrafted textiles.

Hacienda San Miguel, a cozy accommodation choice with a European air, offers quaint townhouses and suites with some of the island's best rates. It is a few blocks from the waterfront, very convenient for going downtown or to the Museo de la Isla Cozumel, a delightful cultural museum harbored in a former hotel.

Those who prefer to save their dollars without scrimping on comfort can check into the one of the many bed-and-breakfasts located throughout San Miguel. The family-friendly Tamarindo Bed & Breakfast is located just steps away from the central plaza, while the stately Baldwin's Guest House is about ten blocks away in a quiet residential neighborhood.