As a frequent visitor to Mexico, I understand the relaxed pace. We understand things are different. We find this a “good thing” and is the reason why we enjoy this part of the World. We especially enjoy staying in hotels with real Mexican warmth and flavor. If we want five star resorts that look and feel “American” we’ll book a Marriott.
After doing some research on our recent trip to Cozumel we found “Hotel Cozumel” looked like a good fit for our vacation. A Resort close to town, a free buffet breakfast, snorkeling at their beach club - what more could you want?
It seems with every review you read on the internet relative to travel you can get more and more confused. One person says its “great” while the other warns “stay away!”
I don’t usually write “reviews”, however due to this situation I felt it was my obligation to pass this information along.
We created a package through Expedia as they were having a special in conjunction with this resort. Free Buffet Breakfast with every room along with a $50. Resort Credit.
Before departing on the trip I called Expedia to ensure there would be no trouble upon arrival relative to the Breakfast or the Credit. “Tracey” assured me there was “no problem”. “I called the Resort direct”, she said. Then she told me how to print out the amenities on my reservation so I would have it writing. And so I did.
We arrived at the Resort Saturday, February 9th under an umbrella of sunshine. Feeling like kids we just wanted to slip into our swimsuits and hit the beach. And that is when things went down hill.
I know that the most undesirable rooms are the ones facing the highway on the first floor. There is nothing to look at and you feel sort of “detached” from the Resort. We have heard that when you book through sites like Expedia however, you are given one of the “least desirable rooms”. Wouldn’t you know it, that is just the room we were assigned.
We are people who look for the good in everything so we smiled and went to our room. The next morning we stopped by the Desk to inquire how the breakfast worked as it was to be included in our package. To our surprise the Desk crew said, “You don’t get breakfast you must be confused”. I assured them I wasn’t confused and walked back to our room to obtain a copy of the printed reservation. They in return assured me the printed Expedia reservation stating we had breakfast meant absolutely nothing. This was a little upsetting as we had planned on breakfast. We grew a little angrier when we found there was no Resort Credit either.
Countless calls to Expedia were “disconnected” once the computers realized we were “on vacation”. We even asked Verizon to help to ensure it wasn’t a dropped call or something else.
After several days of arguing, the Hotel finally gave in and gave us breakfast but would not give us the Resort credit. I can assure you after days of arguing it really soured the start of what could have been a really nice vacation.
We were more than surprised when we walked by the Front Desk a few days later and overheard the same thing happening to another guest who booked through Travelocity. He assured them he did everything correct and he was entitled to a breakfast. They said, “no”.
Looking back, it was evident; the Hotel was simply trying to screw guests out of what they were promised. There was no confusion or gray area. They were and are cheating customers. They made guests sick on the start of their vacation for a lousy $5. Breakfast. It was sad.
What about the rest of the Hotel? There are some serious issues that should be considered which may or may not affect you.
After staying our first night in a ground floor room facing the street we asked to switch rooms as the traffic noise on Saturday night was unbelievable. Thankfully they did, however since they were a little annoyed with us they placed us at the opposite end on the third floor. Thankfully we are young, don’t mind the stairs, and quite honestly enjoyed the view of the pool.
We have heard about “noise” during the day at the pool. Everything we heard, and read, was true. Shortly after lunch a Hotel Employee uses a speaker that must have once belonged to Mick Jagger and announces everything from “Bingo” to “Pottery Painting”. What is also true is very, very, very few people attend this. A few people who have had too much tequila drift up to play these games. Unfortunately the hotel is shaped like the “Letter C” and the speakers face the entire hotel making the noise ridiculous for everyone whether by the pool, on the balcony, or in the room.
We found that guests who arrived earlier in the week got into a routine of simply getting up and moving to the beach when the noise started. If the Resort wants to offer Bingo for a few guests, they should do so without using loud speakers and play in an area that doesn’t bother guests who are trying to have a restful vacation.
Another problem during our stay was the automatic door card readers. (You know – the ones you slide your card in to open the door). It may sound like a little issue, but on several occasions I had to walk all the way down the Front Desk for them to “reactivate” my card. One of the times they had to find a Maintenance Person to completely replace the unit. It was a waste of my valuable vacation time.
Yet another issue that would only be a problem for guests using the pool is the pool hours and pool Jacuzzi. First, yes they have the largest pool in Cozumel. It’s really very nice. There are two Jacuzzis, one at the beach and one in the pool area. Unfortunately only one has the jets working and neither one is heated. Another issue is the pool closes at 9 PM! Are you kidding me? There is no reason to close this early. I can’t tell you how many countless families and couples were heading to the pool at night with their towels only to be told it was “closed”. Keep it open at least to 11 PM or Midnight.
Looking back, we can deal with the most of the issues. The Staff was very nice, just like other posts have stated. The location was great. There was a very large Market/Dept. Store around the corner. Our second room was very clean. What we can’t deal with is how we were cheated out of something we paid for.
If you are booking this Resort with something included, such as meals, GET IT IN WRITING FROM THE HOTEL. Have them fax it to you on their letterhead.






