Spent 31 March to 7 April at the FA. I agree almost word for word with the previous review - We are used to staying at 5-star rated resorts and knew this was a 3-star rated. Even though the resort is lacking in some ways, it is ideal if you like to dive or snorkel.

The snorkeling was incredible just off of the beach. Many snorkel tours were dropping people off in the water right off of the resort. We dove with Dive With Martin as well and were very very happy. We saw Dive House's "cattle boats" loaded with 40 tanks and were glad that we were in groups of 7 or 8 on smaller boats. Dive With Martin is excellent - w------------ and very professional. You will find no better pricing for diving on the island, especially since they include your rental gear in the price. They included a free video of one dive and a night dive with our package. I had several questions that I emailed before our trip and they were quick to answer (within a day). They were on top of things and I would absolutely recommend using them above any other dive shop.

Take bug spray - at night the mosquitos are out in force. We stayed on the 4th floor in the main building and had a great view of the ocean - don't pay an extra price for an ocean view room - just ask at check in for a room on a higher floor.

We did the all-inclusive program and brought $100 in ones for tips - I think the workers have to depend heavily on tips to scrape out a living. We tipped $3 per day to the maid and our room was always cleaned well. Be very careful about what you choose to eat at the buffets - my husband ate some questionable looking chicken and got food poisoning. You can usually find enough food that you like and you never go hungry!

Overall, you need to keep in mind that you are getting what you pay for.

My Son and I just returned from a stay at the Fiesta Americana Dive resort in Cozumel, Mexico. It was fantastic. I've traveled all over the world and stayed in great resorts. This place was great for families or anyone for that matter. It has a lovely lobby, two nice pools, three excellent restaurants: one by reservation, one on the beach and another in a large palapa structure both of which have an enormous buffet and cooked-to-order food. I am a vegetarian and had no trouble getting delicious fish, fruits, salads and vegetables at every meal. The service is excellent throughout the hotel. The beach is lovely though the water's edge is rocky and one should bring "pool shoes." There are lots of activities (though somewhat hokey but fun) throughout the mid-day along with some evening entertainment and the bars and restaurants are open all day and night with snacks and meals.

Though we brought plenty of sunblock and bug spray, we found the sun to be mild, it was quite windy many days, and we never used the bug spray. I am the kind of person who gets welts from mosquitos and I ended up getting about 5 small bites over the course of a week without any protection.

I had stayed in this resort with my husband about 10 years ago and remembered it fondly but was concerned by some mediocre reviews on the internet (expedia, etc.) when I went to look this year. My return trip was even better because this time I went all-inclusive and it just cannot be beat. My son enjoyed virgin pina coladas and strawberry drinks and many different tropical juices while I stuck to the local beer with lime and an occasional marguerita. The fresh fish was the best I've ever had cooked in garlic butter and the salads and fruits were so abundant, not to mention delicious desserts, breads, vegetables, guacamole and I could go on and on.

The snorkeling was excellent and all the equipment is included. The water was warm and clear. My son and I also took out the double kayak twice which of course is also included. There is also a small kids club (room) which has lots of games to borrow and nintendo. Though it's no Club Med for Kids, it was a nice addition as it was the hot spot for kids. My son also enjoys computers and one can rent time on the internet for only $2.00 a half hour.

We rented a car and drove around the island and loved the beach at Palancar because of its natural and uncommerical beauty. (They have swings at the bar there - instead of barstools) The other side of the island has little electricity and is unchanged from 10 years ago. It should not be missed as it is the ocean side and the plants and colors of the ocean and the bluffs are absolutely spectacular. We went to a very fun restaurant up on a bluff with lots of signage called "coconut ..." something.

My son and I also explored the ruins in the center of the island called San Gervasio (sp?) Though I have been to the amazing pyramids outside Mexico City and to those in Tulum as well as Egypt and Rome, I have to say these were extrememely significant and vast and should not be missed by anyone interested in the culture of the island.

As for the main town, San Miguel is basically many, many shops (Cinco Soles is the best with probably the best restaurant in town within - It's like ABC in New York City) with the occasional restaurant along with McDonalds, Hard Rock Cafe, Carlos & Charlies and Senor Frogs. We were there around Spring Break and there were about 5 enormous cruise ships in. I understand that that is fewer than average. I bought some souvenirs for a couple of people and didn't even eat there as the meals in the hotel are so good and included. I was very glad not to be staying in town. The fiesta Americana is a great choice also because it is only a $6.00 cab ride into town. Some of the Southern resorts are quite expensive to go in to town during the day and you really don't need a car for the whole stay, just for exporing.

By the way, I rented a car from Hertz at the Inter Continental Presidente up the road which is considered to be the best hotel on the Island. The lobby was quite tasteful and somewhat understated as expected - It reminds me of the Hana Hotel in Maui (casual chic) crossed with a Holiday Inn as far as the architecture. While waiting over an hour for the Hertz guy to show up I found my way down to the bar at the beach which had a palapa structure quite similar to the one back at the Fiesta Americana but it was much jazzier inside. I ordered a Corona and had to pony up $4.00 plus a tip. I also noticed signs around the pool instructing children under the age of 14 to be accompanied by parents and to keep the noise down for the enjoyment of the other guests. It was, well, too stuffy for Mexico. They sort of didn't get it right. I can tell you I was pleased to return to the Fiesta Americana which has a way more fun atmosphere and is just more relaxed and smarter($).

With all the money I saved, I just might take the whole family back next year...

If you want a casual vacation with great food, very good service, very clean rooms (I'd bring my own all-cotton sheets next time, I always travel with my own goose down pillow) great location and a great deal, this is your place. I booked through Apple Vacations and traveled on US Air Frequent flier miles from Philadelphia, non-stop to Cozumel. I was greeted at the airport (transfers were included in my really inexpensive land-only, all-inclusive package) and was in my room in no time... Adios!

Returned on April 3th from a 7 day vacation at FA. Booked through Apple Vacations. Will have to admit that I am used to 5-Apple type of resorts, so I knew I had to lower my expectations since this was a 4-Apple resort. In reality, I think this is more of a 3-Apple. The Iberostar is rated a 4-Apple and is much nicer.

This resort is best suited for divers/snorkelers. Great location for a short boat ride to many reefs and good snorkeling off the shore. Not much else to do at this resort. The entertainment is sparse and lame. No non-motorized beach activites. Most people are in bed by 10pm in order to be ready to dive by 7:30 or 8:00 the next morning.

Like any resort, you have to get up early to stake out your lounge chairs at the beach or pool. 6am ensures the best spots. We liked the palapas at the beach. Bar service at the beach was really good. We tipped and the waiter was always making drink runs for us.

Service was spotty at best. I actually think most of the employees at this resort enjoyed saying "No". Beach service and service at the one reservation-only restaurant was good. Food was good at this restaurant too. The waiters were very attentive to the people not on the all-inclusive plan but tended to ignore or at least relectantly wait on those of us with the all-inclusive wrist bands. Funny though, when they wanted you to fill out a satisfaction survey, they were very friendly and attentive.

Food: at the buffets, whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, was OK. Could always find something decent to eat, but nothing to rave about. I echo everyone's sentiment about ordering off the menu during lunch. The waiters hate it (because they have to work a little harder) but it is worth it to get something fresh and hot fries. Bottled water flowed freely which is nice. While this resort calls itself all-inclusive, they don't quite know the definition. For instance, if you order off the menu you can't also go to the buffet and pick a few items. Champagne isn't an included drink as it is at other resorts. At the reservation restaraunt, the Miramar, you can only order one item from the left side of the menu (appetizer, soup, or salad) and one from the right (entree). Have to line up at 7am to make reservations at the Miramar and can only make reservations for same day. Silly procedure.

Rooms: we have a casita suite in the back. Occasionally smelled musty but not bad. Did appreciate that these rooms were bigger than the hotel rooms. Everything in the room worked, but it was a bit old and dated. Showers were always warm, but not much pressure. They tried to charge us for the safety deposit box, which is funny since we didn't have on in the room. People that complained about the resort being spread out or having to walk across the street to the beach are nuts! This resort is small by most standards; a 5 minute walk from casita to beach. Traffic, which is light, stops for pedestrians to cross the road.

Swim shoes or fins are a must if going in the water off the beach. Very rocky and saw some sea urchins.

If taking a cab into town, $6, confirm the fare with the cab driver prior to getting in. Some will try to charge you more.

A coffee pot was provided in the room, but buying a 4 cup coffee-pack costs almost $4. Bring your own from home! Mini-bar was a big rip-off. Room service was not included inthe all-inclusive package. I believe a frozen drink costs $7 at the bar. The all-inclusive option is worth it, if you plan on eating at the resort.

We did not dive with the hotel comnpany, Dive House. They boats were big and just to many people. We dove with Dive with Martin, who we have used before. They pick you up right at the pier on time...no waiting in long lines to pick up your equipment and then wait for the boat to come. They have your equipment all ready hooked up and ready to go. They will put it on you and make sure you are all belted in. No hassle which I love! I am a 2x year fair weather diver so I appreciate being taken care of. They are about 1/2 the cost of the hotel shop as well which is an extra benefit.

We were there 3/12/04 and can't wait to go back !! Honestly, we work very hard and look forward to relaxing and enjoying solitude. The meals were great, the staff more than willing to make you happy, the beach is just enough for us- private- no walk throughs. We aren't in to the wild/ drunken crowd and found this place for more mature quiet visitors. It was just right for us, we will return in a few weeks and can't wait !!!
We especially look forward to Juan bringing us cold beer and guacamole on the beach !!