For budget-conscious vacationers who are already spending a hefty chunk for their scuba diving, El Marques offers great value that keeps a world-class dive vacation within range. You get a big, clean, well air-conditioned room with a fridge, and good bathroom with hot shower. There are cheaper places downtown, but El Marques offers a level of comfort many others don't. I had paid $20/nite for a Christmas week single in 1995, and my girlfriend and I paid $28/nite for 3 nites New Years 2004. If you are just off the plane, get pesos from one of several ATMs in the same block, so you can pay in cash pesos to get the lowest rate. They do take all credit cards, but you pay more, ditto paying in dollars. Fridge makes it handy to stock up on beverages at supermarket prices. Fine location just off the main plaza downtown close to all the good reasonable dining, drinking, shopping and exploring, and close to seawall - just two blocks from the main dive boat pier and two blocks from the ferry pier. I think all the rooms have at least 2 double beds. Quiet, respectful of privacy, secure. They will gladly store your credit cards, travel documents, etc. in the hotel safe and tell you exactly what hours you have access to your goods. Scrupulously honest family-run operation. Always very courteous and helpful front desk and great housekeeping.

You do have to go up 2 short flights of stairs to get to the reception, and there is no elevator from there, so definitely try to get a room on the reception floor if you're hauling a couple heavy dive bags, and going to be carrying gear out and back from your day's dives. This last trip we got a room just a couple doors down the hall from reception, so it was fine. Phones, but no in-room TV, so bring a good book. There is a comfortable little lobby with a balcony overlooking the pedestrian mall, and a satellite TV with US channels to keep up with news and weather. In fact, my first trip I watched parts of some bowl and NFL playoff games there. I've made probably 30 trips to Cozumel in the past 16 years, stayed lots of places downtown and in the south hotel zone. El Marques is the best value, hands down.