I stayed at the Villablanca the week of July 5, 2008 for a one week scuba diving vacation. My goal was a budget scuba diving vacation and I believed I achieved my goal!
I flew into Cancun from St. Louis, Missouri, took the bus to Play Del Carma ($8.00) and the Ferry to Cozumel ($12.00).
Overall the resort is a good value, clean and quite place to stay.
This was my 6th diving trip to Cozumel, Mexico in 9-10 years. I've stayed at Hotel Cozumel (twice), Allegro (to many toddlers and kids), Occidental, and Fiesta American before, all were good or better quality level places to stay on the island.
The Villablanca was a good basic hotel / resort for the budget traveler!!
Not much night life which was fine for me on this particular trip. Normally I stay at all-inclusive resorts and enjoy more night life and/or activities.
Check in was easy, I was given a different room than I requested and a staff member told me they would switch the next day. Since I was traveling alone, I was fine with the issue and checked into room S-10 (needed painting). Within an hour or two after check-in the manager Jorge, became aware of the error and had it corrected immediately! I was impressed that Jorge was on top of things!
I stayed in a Superior Pool Side Room (S-4) and the space was very nice. Air conditioner was good (remote controls a little tricky for low setting) I like it cold at night and the unit froze up a few times. King bed was okay (basic 6-inch mattress), big bath room, refrigerator in room was a mid size unit, cable TV w/ 30 plus stations and ceiling fan in the room. I would recommend a superior room over a standard room for the added $10-15 per night.
A previous review mentioned a break in. The double doors onto the patio had 3 locking mechanisms (top, bottom and at the doors) and I can see how someone could get into your room rather easily. Top slider kept coming loose and did not stay engaged. Also some rooms have inter connecting doors and the locks were adequate. Front door lock was secure.
Photos of previous reviews appear to be very accurate.
No hot water problems, let water run for 30 seconds before using the shower/tub and all is well. A few ants but nothing major, its Mexico!
Pool was fine but not many people using the pool???
Resort was maybe half-full; pool maintenance and grounds were okay.
I did not eat at the resort but did at Pappa Hogs, very good food and prices! Morning Omelets w/ coffee or orange juice around $4.50, Lunch: chicken fajitas (huge plate) were $11.00, Sol beer was $1.50.
I went into town for snacks and drinks my second day ($4.00 cab ride) the main grocery store closes at 10:00 PM. You cannot buy liquor or beer after 9:00 PM! A fifth of Bacardi Rum was $9.00 +/-. Sol beer 6-pack was $5.00 +/- and 2 liter coke $2.00 +/-.
No microwave's in room.
No clock radios in rooms, wake up calls are on Mexico time +/- 20 minutes...........
Pappa Hogs diving was very good, fast boats but rough rides. You can store your scuba gear at the shop next to the dock. I did the 5-day two tank dive package and ended up adding a combined dive/fishing day trip to the package with two other couples I meet during the week. Diving was great!
Beach and bar next to Pappa Hogs was a good place to hang out after diving and Leo the bartender is a hoot. Nice shade and sun combination for relaxing.
Several scuba diving classes were occurring this week, plenty of room for all.
A nice clean place to stay and scuba dive. More of a basic middle of the road resort with limited night life and activities. Mostly couples and family's. Think Ramada Inn in lieu of Marriott!
I would recommend this resort for budget travelers and groups of divers. If you are looking for an all inclusive resort, up-scale resort, lots of active people and activities then this is not the place to stay.
Happy diving!





