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.

I went to Cozumel over springbreak on VERY short notice. While trying to book a room I came across the Hotel El Marques. They had space, it was walking distance to the ferry, and it was cheap ($44 a night including tax).
Although this was not what I would typically want when travelling on an ocean based vacation, it worked out fine.

The hotel was clean, the mattresses were of typical Mexican ultra firm. The staff was excellent with great service, helpfull attitude, and cheery smile everytime you walk by the front desk.

Be aware that this is a 4 story hotel with a walk up to all floors. It is downtown and can be noisy if you want your windows open, however the AC and closed windows meant I slept fine. Doors don't feel real secure but they have a night watchman in the lobby every night.

My son and I chanced upon this hotel on a spur-of-the-moment trip to Cozumel. We wanted to stay downtown, rather than in the outlying beach areas, and were on a very tight budget. This family owned, small hotel was just what we were looking for. 1/2 block from the main plaza in San Miguel on a little sidestreet that was pedestrian only - almost part of the plaza. The rooms were clean, fairly large, offered air-conditioning, a nice tile shower, a balcony, daily maid service, and a small refrigerator for less than $30 a night (in 2001). THey gave a 10% discount for a seven day stay. The people running the place were very nice.