We just returned from a 2 week stay at the Allegro in Cozumel. After reading the many reviews, I packed a couple extra things in my luggage: Off bug spray, Febreeze, and Lysol Wipes. It turns out none of those items were necessary! I noticed that people who complained about bugs in their reviews seemed to have been in Cozumel in the summer, in mid-January there wasnt a problem.

Our arrival at Cozumel airport was problem free, with the usual line ups for transportation to the hotel, then the small line up to check in. We got a renovated room on the 2nd floor. At first I wasnt sure about the thatched roof after reading reviews about it rustling and guests crawling in, but again that never happened. Being on the second floor allowed us to keep the windows open without having to use the AC all the time. The renovated rooms have central air, and they kept the room ice cold when we wanted it. My only complaint about the rooms were that they looked like they were remodelled by the crew of 'Design on a Dime'. Thats one of those shows where they get $1000 to redo a room, complete with faux finishes on the walls, furniture etc! I can best describe the rooms as 'Mexican Rustic'. The main problem with the rooms are that they are not sound proof. You can see at night the gap between the wall and the thatched roof, and that means you can hear whatever the people in the next room are doing. And I mean whatever they are doing!

The beach was outstanding! Level and flat, lots of pallapas and lounge chairs. The water is a gorgeous colour, and as warm as a bath most days! Nice and clear too, you could see right to the bottom. The pools were nice, also with lots of lounge chairs. The quite pool was our favorite during the afternoons after spending several hours on the beach.

I was not satisified with the food. And trust me, I am not a picky eater. Yes there was always lots to eat of various odd combinations such as Turkey with Peaches, Pork Tenderloin with Clam Sauce etc. I find that on the various theme nights, they just change the sauces to the same dishes to match there theme. I found that there just wasnt anything extra at the buffet to indulge in. Rarely any seafood, not one steak etc. The food is very cost effective cuts prepared in cost effective ways. Want to know whats for lunch the next day, just take a good look at dinner: your getting the leftovers! Truly though, the first week the food was okay, just by the second week we were getting really tired of it. The pasta bar everyone is referring to was okay, the problem was the toppings that you had to pick from: Chopped zuchini, peas, corn, and onions. Then you picked one of 3 pastas, and one of 3 sauces. We ate at both a la carte restaurants. The Mexican was the best, with excellent food and presentation. Other resorts have a quick line up for making reservations, or you can just phone them in. Something about the Allegro has got me baffled. Even with only 8 people ahead of me, the line-up took 45 minutes! You have to wait your turn, then go into the Guest Services office and have a seat. Once you are in that seat, you while discover why the reservation process takes so long! (We have 7PM, 8PM, or 9PM.... I'll take 7PM please..... We dont have 7PM, only 630 or 830)

A minor complaint was not once during my entire stay did I have even one decent cup of coffee! In fact, good luck even getting any! In the morning, they have coffee by the pool. 3 times I went to get some before 8AM, and the carafe was empty each time. In the restaurant at breakfast you can get coffee, but it almost isnt drinkable. Although there was a coffee maker in the room, after using it once it took several days before the coffee packet was replaced, and then no powder creamers accompanied the replacement. Not a big deal, but I remember from other resorts always having great coffee in the morning and was looking forward to it. I would recomend to anyone going to bring some of their favorite coffee grounds, and some coffee mate and then making your own coffee with bottled water in the morning! Thats what I am bringing next time instead of all the Febreeze!
We rented a Jeep from Executive Car Rental right across from the hotel. $99 US including the insurance (we took the full coverage insurance, Mexico has a law that requires renters to pay for any damage before leaving the country... our Visa has coverage, but not worth the hassel if something happened)

The drinks are best in the upstairs lobby by the buffet restaurant in the 'Piano' bar. It was a nice place to congregate in the evenings and chat. The whole main building, which houses the buffet, Italian restaurant, Piano Bar, and lobby was clean, yet straight out of the 80s! You'll see what I mean if you go there!

The best thing this hotel has going for it are definatly the staff! From the buffet employees, to the room maids, to the bar tenders they are very personable and fun. Never did you feel like you had to tip, or that tipping would make any difference at all even. I know this because we waited until near the end of our stay, then tipped all the people who made such a difference!

All things considered, we would not go back to the Allegro. Although advertised as a 4 star resort, I would classify it more as a 3 star. The food, the rooms, and the public areas simply arent nice enough. We have been to other 4 star resorts before, and comparitively speaking they were far superior. Then again, had we paid less for our vacation, we may have been more satisfied.

We stayed at the Allegro Cozumel from 1/22/05 to 1/29/05. It's an excellent deal for the price. The rooms, though small, were very clean and comfortable. The maid service was excellent. The towel sculptures are an art! The food is plentiful and good. The grounds and the pool are outstanding. There are activites going on all the time. There is also a kiddie pool and a quiet pool if you prefer. Pool was spotless. The 3 reef snorkel trip through the hotel dive shop was excellent. There is a craft market within walking distance at a place called Mr. Sanchos. Also, pretty good deals at the shop across from Allegro. We did not like San Miguel. It is nothing but a huge cruise ship port. You would be better off renting a car and touring the other side of the island. The mopeds are not safe. Lots of accidents. Bring lots of singles for tipping if you wish. We tipped the maid and the taxi drivers. Bring a go-cup from home for your drinks because the glasses are small. Beach is very nice too. Ladies...do not bring heels because the pavers and walkways are older and uneven. Hard to walk. I would definately recommend this hotel to my friends.

Just got back from Cozumel!!
After booking the trip, I read the reviews for the Allegro and really had mixed feelings. But we went anyway and it was wonderful!!
I've been to the Iberostar Quetzal in Playa and to the Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, both excellent properties and worthy of their 5 Star designations. But if you're looking for an excellent property that wont break the bank and not give you the feeling of living in squaller, THIS IS IT!!!!

Food - Buffets were great, good variety and definitely filling!

Bar Service - Even better!

Rooms - Always clean, no bugs, critters or lizards!

Pools - Never went in them, that's why you're in a beach property!

Beach - Absolutely amazing!! That's why you take a vacation here in the first place, the view is amazing!

In summary, if you're looking for a very clean place to stay, with all the extras that an all-inclusive resort can offer, come here!

We'll definitely be back!!!!

After reading the either outstanding or horrific reviews on this resort before our January 8th departure, we were most certainly leaving Canada with some apprehension. I would like to make a couple points to dispel any myths and to confirm some things (please keep in mind that we had a renovated room and stayed for 2 weeks.) On the positive side, the beach @ this resort truly is the best beach on the island (if not one of the nicest I've ever seen in any country,) and I know because we rented a car and drove around the entire island. Also the grounds truly are kept immaculately, and all the hotel staff from Janitors to restaurant waiters are all very friendly and accommodating and in that sense this is a well managed facility. On the down side, the buffet restaurant was more like a "feeding trough" than a true buffet, no matter what was being served each evening it certainly had a "Mexican flair" to it. The food presentation @ the al la carte restaurants was excellent, although again the taste left something to be desired, somewhat bland like hospital food tasteless. Our rooms we're clean and small with actually little or no mold or mildew smell, this resort is definitely not for people uncomfortable with close quarters. Also yes very much true that the rooms are in major need of soundproofing, especially on the second floor. The thatched roof allowed you to hear everything, and I mean everything next door. One last awful point, the resort is plagued with sewage or septic tank problems, I know this because our room on the first floor flooded with drain water one night. The staff was quick to find us a room on the second floor even as they were fully booked that night, they did a fantastic job. Further to the drain problem, as you would walk across the grounds @ night time you could smell septic being treated or something, I think its b/c Cozumel is low-lying but it all seemed to stick around the property. Overall I would go back to Cozumel, but not to this hotel, I guess my tastes are a little better than this. Its very true in life though, you really do get what you pay for.