Resort Report: Hotel Cozumel & Resort

From the street, the Hotel Cozumel & Resort looks a bit like an ordinary roadside hotel. The property sits on the inland side of Melgar Avenue, with a circular drive leading to the verandah entrance. But as you enter the vaulted-ceiling lobby, you are transported into a personal oasis of calming vibes set right in the middle of the island's downtown waterfront district. Within this space, the hotel's 180 rooms open to a landscaped inner courtyard filled with umbrella-shaded tables and sun lounges that spread under palm trees and surround the island's largest swimming pool. This area is a focal point of resort activity, as it also includes a hot tub, the hotel's primary restaurant, an open-air bar and a separate snack bar.

The resort offers four room categories and several accommodation plans that including a bed-and-breakfast option and an all-inclusive package. All guests can take part in daily scheduled activities, enjoy nightly entertainment, and have access to an open-air gym, pool tables, bikes, and non-motorized water sports. There is also property-wide WiFi and a Kid's Club for parents seeking personal time.

Though guest rooms are not located right on the waterfront, Hotel Cozumel & Resort is able to provide the full oceanfront vacation experience. From the hotel lobby, stairs lead to a tunnel that crosses under the street and resurfaces at the hotel's private beach club. On the club's 300-foot section of private coastline, lounges sit in the sand, and hammocks are strung between palm trees.

The shoreline also includes a largely shaded palapa, beach bar and the Los Girasoles restaurant, which puts out a daily lunch buffet. The club's bar remains open until six, and it is a popular gathering spot to watch sunsets over the water. To cool off, bathers can take a dip in a sheltered circular cove that is accessed by steps and handrails, or venture out into the buoy-enclosed swimming and snorkeling area. A natural reef formation begins close to shore, presenting opportunities for both snorkeling and shore diving. To support diving activities, the club provides rinse tanks, hangers for dive gear, fresh water showers, 150 personal lockers and a private pier.

The Beach Club at Hotel Cozumel & Resort is also home to a full-service shop operated by Dive Paradise. This highly-respected PADI full-service facility has been in operation since 1984 under the ownership of local diving icon Renee “Apple” Applegate. In the wake of her passing, her nephew Michael Penwarden is now managing the business and has plans for new programs and perks for guests. Dive Paradise operates the island's largest fleet of dive boats, and all are configured for comfort and space. Though built to carry 24 divers, the operation's five largest boats never carry more than 16.

To create similar levels of personal space while in the water, Dive Paradise will we split divers into separate groups of no more than eight. Three mid-sized boats also limit the total number of divers to ensure ample personal space. For smaller groups, Dive Paradise also operates a squadron of five fast express boats that can whisk up to six divers to sites at speeds of 25 mph.

The boats can be scheduled for morning or afternoon two-tank dives, and there is also the option for a later afternoon one or two-tank dives designed to arrive at prime sites after most dive traffic has finished for the day. Night dives into Paradise, Chankanaab, or Yucab Reefs are available, and there is a special Experienced Diver Program that gives qualified participants a chance to visit Cozumel’s most exciting and challenging sites.

We work with Hotel Cozumel & Resort and Dive Paradise to create special rates and packages. To learn more, give us a call at 800-330-6611or send a note to sales@caradonna.com.