We stayed at El Coz December 26 - 31. We had a few problems checking in - booked an King/pullout, oceanview South tower, were brought to a double in the North tower directly in front of the restaurant with no ocean in site. After words with Guest Services, we got a King on the 4th floor. Also in the North tower, but the room was HUGE, easily twice the size of a standard hotel room. The view was great, and the room clean and comfortable. Seems that they even heard the complaints about hard beds, we ours had a new non-down pillowtop cover. The walls are tissue-paper thin, so we ended up listening to our neighbors' TV, which they left on all night. Not a hotel problem, but be aware of thin walls. Net net, the North side was on a quieter side of the hotel, the south side is above hte pool and outdoor entertainment area, so maybe it evened out.

The complaints about the food are pretty accurate. We ate twice in the Veranda restaurant, which was pretty good. We literally lined up at Guest Services at 7:55 each morning, with dozens of others booking tables for large groups, to make a reservation, but still only got the time we wanted once. We tried two of the outdoor buffet theme nights, mostly for the kids' entertainment. Real mediocre food, but fun for the kids and one could rationalize eating less since we had to put on bathing suits :) Breakfast was probably the most edible. The service was otherwise pretty good. Lots of watersports and activities, a great snorkeling area. We did volleyball, badminton, putt putt, kayaking, table tennis, all of it. We did tip for beverages and some other services, not sure this was noticed, but glad to do it anyway.

We had a car for the whole week, and are glad we got a chance to explore other areas - Punta Sur was so worth every second getting there - the best snorkeling on the island, best beach. Absolutely beautiful. We explored the east side - rough but nice. It's a little bit disturbing to see some of the trash on the beach on the east side beaches. Just not expected. We did a Dolphin excrusion, and were mostly accompanied by cruise people, but our 9-year old thought it was great. The beach and snorkeling there was good also. One of the best lunches and drinks we had was at a little restaurant there.

Compared to other resorts we've stayed at in Aruba, St. John, Cayman, Cancun/Riviera Maya, Puerto Rico, and many more, this was a great value, especially for the week after Christmas. It's shocking that places charge double for that week, it's often hard to justify the expense. This was a good value, with a very comfortable laid back setting, just relaxing.

We have stayed at the El Cozumeleno 3 times and enjoyed it every time. The first time my husband and I went with another couple and decided we wanted to go back and take the kids, so we did-twice!
The rooms and bathrooms are very large and clean. They do tend to stay damp and it can smell that way, things dont ever seem to dry completely. That being said it is a tropical place and very humid.
The grounds are kept very clean and neet. The pools are incredible. Bugs can be a problem so bring the deet, especially in the evening.
Staff is helpful and friendly.
The only complaint is the food is not that great. It is fine but after about 5 days you want something different. That's when you go into town for some Mexican food. Surprisingly you wont find much Mexican food at the resort. The breakfasts were the best with an omlet bar and very good french toast along with tons of other choices. There is sure to be something you like. We ate in the reservation restaraunt and the food was much better than the buffet. It is kind of a hassel to get into it though. You have to make a reservation in the morning for a specific time which is hard to predict when you are vacation.
The activities are endless, with something for everyone. Bingo, kids club, scuba classes, excersice classes, tennis, golf etc.. You can be sure to stay busy. If your looking for a quiet, restfull vacation I would look elsewhere. They keep the music turned up all day and things are bustling. My favorite part is the beach. They keep it very clean and the piers keep the water so clear. Hint- the fish go nuts for hotdogs. The snorkeling is really great right out front, or you can walk up the beach twards town and drift back to the hotel, We did this several times in the early morning.
For us taking the kids an all-inclusive was perfect and we would recommend it. You need to remember that it is not the Hilton and if that's what you are expecting you will be disappointed. It is Mexico and things will be slower, so keep an open mind and relax!

This hotel has a lot of potential, unfortunately they don't live up to that potential. This is a beautiful spot with fantastic views from the balconeys, a staff that is friendly and hardworking, large comfortable rooms that are kept very clean and snorkling right in front of the hotel. Unfortunately the food is SO BAD that I will never go there again. This is my 8th experience with an all inclusive hotel, mostly in Mexico and I have to say, far and away the worst. After a few days of finding NOTHING that was edible we went to town for all of our meals except breakfast. The pool was also so cold that it was rarely used by anyone for our entire stay. I think they were refilling the pool to the absolute top every day with cold water which never gave it a chance to warm.

If they were to fire the chef and get someone in there who could really cook, this could be a very nice hotel. Until then go somewhere else.

I have been meaning to write a review for when my family stayed at the El Coz in December of 2006. I know that may seem like a long time ago but I felt it was worth it for me to write this. My family and I had a blast! The property was very clean and there were absolutely no bugs in the rooms. The beds were a little hard but it really was no big deal. The food was okay as there was always something you could find to eat.
My children were 1 and 6 when we went and they had a blast!! The staff were so friendly to them and they absolutely loved my 1 year old son. There were many occations where they would just come up and start dancing with him. Let me tell you, my children really enjoyed the staff. The shows were fun as they always involved the children in one way or another. One thing I have to add is that the staff at the El Coz are so attentive. My son and I fell walking down to the bathroom out by the pool and eating area and shortly there after they were out there putting strips down to act as a buffer. My daughter still tells the story of everyone running to us as my son and I were on the ground...She adds how even the cook came out with his spatchula!
The water was a little rough when we were there but my husband had fun snorkling. We walked down the beach one day and looked at all the damage that the hurricane had done-it was sad but interesting.
We also went over to Playa de Carmen. It was not a good experience for me as it was very dirty and unsanitary...I was happy to return to the El Cozumeleno.