I am almost afraid to write this as I fear my secret hideaway will be discovered, but I felt it necessary to counter balance the review entititled "I'm so Itchy". While that may have been that traveller's experience, it most definately was not ours. My sister and I live on opposite ends of the country (I'm in Boston, she's in Portland, Or) so this is our one trip a year where we get that total sister bond experience. At first we were a bit leary about the incredibly cheap rate, but figured as long as it was safe and clean, we'd brave it. Besides we knew that we only had to last 5 nights and then we were off to a 5-star resort in Cancun. This was our first time in Cozumel so we did not know what to expect, though we were fully aware of Wilma's wrath. When our taxi pulled up to Villablanca, we were both quite pleasantly surprised by it's outward charm. As we checked in we met "Ben" who promised us a lovely room. a promise which he kept. We were helped up to our suite and again quite pleased when Ben opened the door t reveal the large bed & bath area, dining room, full fridge, coffee and microwave station. Our veranda overlooking the pool was also very nice. What impressed us the most was how quiet and peaceful the property was. Definately no spring-breakers, yet there were several young families enjoying their time together. In fairness to "itchy" there were little gnat like bugs, but we found they only came around to enjoy unattended food or drinks. As an aside we had the same thing happen at our 5-star property later in the week.

Just a $4.00 ride in to the shopping area and grocery store so while we felt we were in our own little world we were very close to the action if we wanted it. Do say hello to "Ricardo" the bartender if you go he's delightful, as was all the staff. We definately look forward to returning next year.

After staying in a brand new incredible home for seven nights, our group of 5 couples stayed here last Saturday night. We checked in early and were given "suites". We put our luggage in the rooms and then went into town for the day. We had to fly out early the next morning, so by the time we discovered how gross things were, it was too late to move elsewhere for a few hours of sleep. I cannot describe the things that were behind the bed in room 7. I itched all night, thinking it was mosquitos. Half of us woke up welted. It is now three nights later, and new welts are still popping up. My pajamas are literally speckeled with rust stains from the disgusting mattress that apparently remained after Wilma. I didn't see any filters on the pool. The doors don't lock. The A/C doesn't work. Thank God for the bar there. Do not stay here! And, always check the mattress as soon as you check in to any of the hurricane belt hotels.

We were originally booked at another hotel, but when they pushed back their reopening, I had to make other arrangements.

There were so many mixed opinions about Villablanca that I didn't expect much. Of the few places I’ve stayed in Cozumel in the past 2 years, Villablanca was the best value for the money and someplace that I would stay again. The hotel is friendly, our room was spacious, clean, adequately appointed, the view was great and it is very relaxing and quiet in the late afternoon and evening. There is none of the annoying pool activities and loud music that you get at the larger hotels. They could use a few more lounge chairs at the pool.

I booked a great pre-paid rate online for an "Ocean view Superior" room. Our room was on the 2nd floor with a perfect view of the ocean across the street. The room had a king bed, dining table, full size new fridge, microwave, coffee maker, sink, dishes and drinking water. The bathroom was large and we always had hot water and good pressure. They could use new bathroom mirrors and light fixtures in the room are a bit dated. But, I have paid more to stay in much older and worn places in Mexico.

We went to Chedraui and bought breakfast food so we didn’t have to rush out to eat on dive mornings. We only had one breakfast on our last day at the small on-site restaurant and I was very glad we didn’t do that on a dive day. It was very slow (40 min) and food was ice cold when it did arrive. The restaurant is also open for dinner from 6-10p with a limited menu that changes nightly. We didn’t try it.

It’s a 40 pesos taxi into town and also 40 pesos to the Caleta. It can take awhile to get a taxi to the Caleta if cruise ships are in at Puerto Maya. The taxis are already lined up waiting for fares at the port.

I have never seen a friendlier staff and the most quaint and unique hotel on this island! I have lived on Cozumel for almost a year and a half and I'm speaking from the point of view of tourist and local.

Jorge, attorney-turned-architect, has traveled the world and you would not know this until you see the hotel but his rooms, villas, and penthouse are all mini-museums which house treasures from around the world. You will think that you are in China and then Africa and then the Mediterranean. The resort is Mediterranean-inspired and the gardens are English. It is definitely nothing of this hemisphere!

I have watched Memo and his manager Jorge spend hours on deciding how high the new canopies should be placed. Should they go up three more inches or night? Should they be placed a little more to the right or to the left? THAT is how much they focus on detail.

The hotel has a very exclusive, private feel to it. You will not be bombarded by the rii-iii-iiikikki party crowd. It is more similar to something you would experience in Palm Springs or most likely in Europe. The staff is there when you need them and not when you don't. Now if you want someone to cater to your every whim and be by your side and provide every single thing possible, then give up your luxury, privacy, and pace then go to an all-inclusive and face the cookie-cutter style and the noise of all that is going on all at once or go to something you are familiar with like a Days Inn or stay at a local hostel and provide your own water and pray to find refrigeration. Or allow yourself to experience what has been the inspiration, creation, and reality of one very well-traveled and experienced traveler who has stayed in many places in many countries.

The Villablanca was one of the few that was up and ready after Hurricanes Emily and Wilma. I asked them how they are going to be ready and Memo said, "We will just have to do it" and do it, they did! The resort just kept getting more and more refined. Now they have the Nemo restaurant with fusion cuisine and a wonderful chef and staff that ranks right up there with anything I have experienced internationally!

Now if you want to bring the United States down to Mexico and want an all-inclusive or the "same ole same old" then don't stay here and come home and complain about it. My suggestion is to leave your close minds home and open up to a different world and place. Then you can truly experience the surprise that awaits you. This hotel and its new restaurant is like opening a small package only to find a HUGE surprise!!!