I repeat, Mexico is NOT the U.S.! So if you are expecting US style accomodations across the board, I recommend vacationing IN the U.S.! I laugh as I read reviews, people complaining about bugs, rain, etc. Cozumel is a TROPIC location--there are bugs and rain in the tropics~hello?!?!?
This was the second time I have been to Cozumel, and this hotel was a good middle of the road place to stay. They were doing construction after the hurricane, but it was not particularly noticeable, as it was on the far roof, and pretty quiet. I thought actually that Expedia should have mentioned this since we booked through them!
The food was pretty good, as long as you understand that Mexican foods/ingredients taste a bit different than at home. Pan Dulce doesn't taste like Krispy Kremes! And, there is enough variety at the buffet that you can skip the stuff you don't know/care for and stick to the familiars. Breakfast has an omelette bar, and eggs, beans, etc. It is a buffet, which is always a culinary compromise I think...The portions at dinner off the menu were rather small, but the teeny seafood kabob was tasty. I steered clear of the Chinese themed night (when in Rome, eat spaghetti!). The servers were charming and very attentive, no dirty plate sat for more than a minute! Since it was rainy season, the restaurant was never even close to full.
Our room was fine, the beds are a bit hard, and (as I just now read in another post,) the AC does leak if you turn it off...we thought it was from the rain and requested another room, which they transferred us to promptly.
The pool is awesome and large...the desk people were nice...the maid I met spoke no English, but hey, we are in Mexico, right? There are always taxis waiting outside. The concierge was very friendly too.
This is a good hotel if you:
-are not someone who holes up in your room all day. It is serviceable but not luxurious.
-don't mind a short walk into town
-aren't looking for pearly white wade in beaches. There is a dive dock, a pretty gazebo right over the water, and a sandy area with chairs but it is not a pearly white spread.
-are here to scubadive or just party or are on a bit of a budget.
-love to crank the AC in your room-they've got it!
-can appreciate a lot of spanish tile, palms and plants, and a great big pool!
-forgot to bring a travel candle (I did forget but there was no funky smell, to my relief).
This is not a good hotel (or island to visit) if you:
-freak out about a few bug bites (got a couple on my ankles when sitting at the computer by an open window)
-demand piping hot food with loads of variety (Mexicans aren't as in love with fusion cusine, microwaves and heating lamps as we are)
-blame your hotel for weather, humidity, heat, or acts of God
-can't walk across the street to get to the beach
-get upset when you go to another country and not everyone speaks the language you do
-you are put out by thin walls (you can hear people talking in the hallway).
-need fast computer service--it is dial up.
I am getting married in Cozumel next year and will be staying in a more luxurious hotel because it is a special occasion. But, if I were coming here to dive with some pals and kick back--this place would be just fine!