It is somewhat difficult to give this resort "4" stars since in some ways it's a "5" star and in other ways it's a "3" star. Let me list what I feel gives it a 5 or 4 star rating:
1. Very nice, clean, large, ocean view room with balcony (they are almost all ocean view since this is the way the newer tower building is constructed). Ask for the new tower ! We were on the sixth floor overlooking the pool, the ocean, and azure blue sky.
2. Staff and service are exemplary - five stars ! The entire place is clean and well maintained.
3. Location. Snorkeling and swimming in front of the hotel is better than anywere else we went. Nice beach.
4. The formal restaurant is excellent. You HAVE to book every morning for an evening spot or you will NOT get in.
4. Location. The main (and only) city is a 10 minutes ($5.00) Taxi ride to the South. Almost all the other Resorts are much further to the South and we heard Taxi's cost $40.00 to get to town.

What gives the place a "3" is the food quality and lack of variety over a week's period. Don't get me wrong the food is O.K. and there are some things you can do to get better food:
a. At breakfast get your eggs done fresh at the omelette station.
b. Order room service (it's made to order, not buffett).
c. Order off the menu at lunch (again it's made to order).
d. Eat at the formal restaurant for supper.
e. Go out into town once or twice ("La Choza" was great: home-cooked Mexican food).

IF THERE IS ONLY ONE EXCURSION YOU PLAN TO DO - BOOK THE 6 HOUR SAIL ON-BOARD THE "TUCAN" - UNLIMITED DRINKS, BEAUTIFUL SAILBOAT, EXCELLENT FRIENDLY CREW, TEAL BLUE-GREEN WATERS, DOLFINS, SNORKELING, DESERTED BEACH, SPINNIKER RIDES, EXCELLENT BBQ MEXICAN LUNCH ON-BOARD AND FRESHLY PREPARED APPETIZERS - WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE. ONE OF THE BEST DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

Stayed at the El Coz last week(April4 thru11)When we checked in ,the front desk,gave us room 325,remember that room when you go to book.It is like cell block H.It is a garden view room with a small window that you can only see part of another roof,no balcony and the bathroom very small with the door not opening all the way.When we complained they were not going to give us another room but we stayed on them.The next day got a better room.The buffet was o k,it gets old after eating three meals a day.They have one restaurant which you oder off the menu,very good.They have 3 sitting and you can only make reservation after 8 am that morning.Be there at 8 or you won't get a sitting for the time you want.
Beach area ok,there wasn't much of a beach but there was sand and chairs out
The pools were great,

We organized a spring break trip for 24 people, ages 6-50 and definately selected the wrong resort on cozumel. Upon arrival we were not greeted by any of the staff, it was like checking into a days inn. No sense of welcome or gratitude that we were staying at their resort. As we carried all of our own luggage up the stairs, never were we offered assistance with all of our bags, one of which was filled with toys and gifts for the staff based on previous visits to mexico. We were first reserved room 201, a most horrible room with the balcony overlooking the roof covered with bird poop. After spending one night in that room with no air conditioning and the smell of mildew I requested a room change. We were then assigned room 206, with air conditioning but both rooms along with the whole resort is filthy. A bucket of bleach would go a long way. The stench in all of our bathrooms was horrible, if going please take a bottle of bleach to clean your own bathroom.

As for the food, much of the same, horrible. Attempting to eat in the open air restaurant was a challenge with all of the huge black birds diving in for your food and pooping on you while you are trying to eat. The food lacks variety, spice, and most not cooked completely, raw fish and chicken in the open air is not a good combination. Breakfast is the best meal of the day with made to order omlettes and fresh fruit smoothies. Eat a large breakfast and go to town for the rest of your meals. Room service is hit and miss. Theclub sandwich is better than the lunch buffet, however servied with a nasty attitude as though you are bothering them.

Never once were we made to feel welcome or comfortable by any of the wait staff which made me feel very uncomfortable as it is the people that make your vacation more enjoyable. Carlos was the best part of this vacation, he works in the lobby bar and was wonderful all other were rude and not interested in anyone having a good time.

If going to this resort make sure you do not have teenagers, there is nothing for them to do compared to other resorts. No night time places or things for them to do while the parents go to the lame karaoke bar, would be fun for them to be able to join in with the parents here, but no they will kick them out so they have nothing to do during the evening hours, nor do they create activities during the day for them like water sports etc. The teenagers were extremely bored. Putt Putt only goes so far.

If looking at this resort, stop looking at it and look at the iberostar, allegro or the occidental. All of which are fabulous. we are so disappointed that we chose this resort and wish we could have changed it. We made the best of it with each other and had a wonderful time with friends and family but not the resort. I could not nor would not ever recommend this place to anyone. It needs to go under a major renovation and attitude adjustment.

My husband and I stayed at El Cozumeleno from March 29-Apr 5.
We had a great, relaxing vacation.
Our room (north tower, 3rd floor) was perfect for our needs; enough space to spread our stuff out without being in the way. The bed was hard, but that was fine and we had no trouble sleeping.
The food overall wasn't fabulous, but it wasn't that bad either. Average for an all-inclusive. We always found things to eat. Breakfasts were the best with the omelettes and smoothies. Yum! The fajitas at lunch were great too. The birds flying in and out got a little old as the week went on, even though the waiters and waitresses do their best to keep the birds away from the food.
We ate three times at La Veranda and always had great meals there.
The service was fantastic! The employees work so hard!
We spent most of our time at the North pool, where it wasn't as busy. Thanks to Jose, Miguel and Eduardo for keeping our drinks full!
We did two days of diving with Ocean Tours/Scuba Du. What a great experience. Having never dove in Cozumel, we were awed by the reefs and sea life. Our divemasters were awesome.

All in all-We had a fantastic time. We will definitely return.