I just got back from this resort on Sunday Feb 1/2004 after a week stay. I will break down the elements simply at first, before detailed tips to make it an easy, informative "ultimate" review. ( I was thinking this up all week while I was there, after reading reviews, and wanting basically more organized info. If anyone needs info on anything about this resort or Cozumel / Playa Del Carmen / Cancun in general, email me) This is a general review from me who had an otherwise great time. I will tell you whats what, you can decide if its what you like or not.check-in - simple, effective rooms - true about the lizards in the upper rooms, some rooms actually have holes in the straw, lower rooms, are musty at first, but a day of air con being cranked, with the ceiling fan full steam ahead, and the problem is solved. Rooms are clean, beds are hard, which I liked, safes work well, use them. bathrooms are nice, everything works, showers are wonderful, and there is always lots of hot water, although it smells musty at times. Towels are clean, but not softened, so watch with burns. Satellite T.V is a joke - 3 English speaking stations with HUGE subtitles, which really become annoying, and maybe 8 other channels all in Spanish, 3 channels which play music only (not videos). Hammocks are great, even for two, watch out for ants in them. If someone has spilled a drink while lying in them, wash them. The ants down there are nasty biting critters that will leave itchy welts on you which last a week. Food - hit and miss, but never bad. Huge selection of fresh fruits, veggies, cheeses, meats, Mexican dishes, "American" dishes, salads, desserts, etc. Basically it was very good I must say. Service is kind and courteous at restaurants, bars, and lobby.A la Carte's - Steak House good, although small portions, Mexican is fair. You'll get better food always in the "Cozumel" restaurant in the main lobby, than in the restaurant by the pool, which doubles at night as the Steak Restaurant. But it is handy for drinks and munchies during the day. Pool Bar - wonderful. Anything you want, no waiting, double sided, so you can move with the sun. Pool(s) - Basically 2 huge pools, with a smaller pool for sunning, both are wonderful, but a little cool. I think they're so big, they are impossible to heat anyway. But refreshing, clean, and never crowded. Jacuzzi - was broken last week :( Beach - forget it. If you want beaches - this isnt the resort for you. It is right on the resort, however, its man made, kind of dumpy, and the water is muddy brown always. Forget snorkeling or swimming there, it simply isnt fun - go to the cottage instead. Best beaches are in Playa Del Carmen, Cancun, or the uninhabited side of Cozumel, where one needs to be careful of the incredibly strong undertow - and with the lack of population, there isnt much help available - I cant stress enough how careful you need to be on this side of the island in the waters. Entertainment - good. Night programs are entertaining, day events are great - water volleyball in the pool, water polo, exercise, practice scuba lessons in the pool etc, all a great way to meet people, or simply laugh your guts out playing together after a few drinks. We would actually send someone during volleyball rotations to the bar with a tray ;) Disco - dont bother. Old disco music, and not even the good stuff that makes you boogie whether you hate disco or not - this is just all the stuff that killed disco. Services - medical, fitness facilities, knick-knack shop, Internet access point, photo shop all on site - all great. If you pay in US, you'll get pesos back whether you like it or not at the resort. Checkout - easy as check in, but make sure you have your taxi slip or you're paying.Now the itty bitties, which everyone should know about Cozumel. 1. Prices are high in town always as this is a Cruise Ship port. We saw a gold ring in a store worth $80CDN tops, that the vendor was asking $700USD!!! Seriously. He was however, prepared to let me have it for $80USD, still not a deal, but an idea of the ridiculous price setting there, and the ability to reason with them. Again, ALWAYS get US dollars back when paying with US dollars. 2. Gas stations - never say fill it up. Watch them reset the pump to "$0.00" and tell THEM how much you want - like 100 pesos ($10USD) this way you're paying what YOU'VE specified. 3. Taxis - all cabs on the island are owned by one family that has a monopoly on cabs. Prices to and from locations are set, and generally non-negotiable. You may get a buck off here and there. 4. Chankanaab Park - great spot - money grab. For instance, swimming with the dolphins will cost you $110USD, which doesnt include the $15 cab ride there, and the $10 entrance fee to the park. I will get to the dolphin thing after. 5. Ok, the dolphin thing - Great fun IF you've never done it before, if youve done it elsewhere, save your money. Trainers are impersonal, dolphins are horribly scarred from trying to escape Im assuming, and the activities, are short, and leave you feeling al little ripped off, which gets worse when you get to buying the pictures later. NOTE - there are signs everywhere that say you cannot bring video equipment into the swim area - IGNORE THIS - YOU CAN - and you will wish you did when they ask you for $50 for your five minute video, and $12 per picture afterwards...bring your own cam, shoot away, and enjoy them for free, and as you want them - trust me. 6. The East coast of Cozumel. I cannot think of a more fitting example of "paradise" - really. Makes me want to quit my job, sell my company and live on the beach. Beautiful sands, waters, jungle right up to the beach...everything missing on the resort side of the island. A few bars scattered up the coast that run on generator, which close at 6pm so be long gone by then, as there is no power, no lights, and no gas, although I am told there is a magic green gas truck that drives around all night looking for suckers who didnt heed my advice...and youre not going to bargain for their prices. Again watch the undertow if swimming here. The bars are great, but the prices are incredibly high. My wife and I had between us: 2 beers, 2 glasses of wine, 1 Cuervo Gold, and 3 small appetizers - the bill? - $55USD...you do the math. Basically somewhere in the last few years someone let the Mexicans in on the fact that we pay large at home for this stuff, and they got wise...so be careful. The exchange rate is 10 to 1 so the math is easy 100 pesos is 10 bucks and so on. 7. The ferries. Efficient, $9USD per person per way, and fast...I had a blast sitting up top flying across on this thing to Playa Del Carmen. Remember schedules in Mexico are always running ten to fifteen minutes behind. 8. Bars and restaurants in town - bars, stick to the ones you know, Snr Frogs, Carlos n Charlie s, TGI Fridays etc. The smaller ones are fine for beers but the big ones are just as cheap. Restaurants, email me. 9. Airport - nice, DONT BUY ANYTHING AT THE FIRST DUTY FREE, after security inspection there is a second one where everything is much cheaper for all the same stuff...isnt that strange? ;-)Thats about it, I figured this was all I wanted to know before going - if you need anything else email me, Id be glad to help.Brendan bmcfarland@cyberguyz.ca

Just returned Feb. 1 from a 5 day stay at the Iberostar Cozumel. We have traveled around to quite a few all-inclusives in the Carribean and would rate this at the top of the list. The beach was rocky entering the water, but if you like white sand and a beautiful view then you will enjoy the beach. The grounds were beautiful as were the pools. But the best part of this resort is the food, drinks and service. From the maid to management everyone was super friendly and was willing to do anything to make your stay a pleasant one. We made friends with a lot of the bartenders and wait staff and were treated great. We did tip them because of their awesome service. Their was tons of food and it was all great. Lots of variety. We did eat at the steakhouse once but thought the buffet was better. This resort is not a grand, luxury resort so if thats what you are looking for stay in Riviera Maya. If you are looking for a fun, relaxed atmosphere with incredible service, food and drinks then this is the place for you.

My wife and I went to Iberostar Cozamel for a Scuba outing in October 2003 from Iberostar Quetzel (Playa Del Carmen). It did not live up to what we have experienced at Iberostar Quetzel or Iberostar Para disio.
We have been to Quetzel eight time and Paradisio once in the last 8 years. The one thing it had going for it was snorkeling from the beach, but the footing was extremely uneven so walking out was not pleasant.
The scuba adventure was great; wonderful reef. If you want a place to scuba and to just hang your hat when not under the water you might like it. It you want an all around good stay with entertainment, several specialty restaurants, nearby shopping and water activities; ocean canoes, sailboards, parasailing etc on site go to Quetzel or Paradisio.
We plan two trips there this year Spring & Fall.

Iread so many complaints about little things before my husband and two friends visited the Iberostar.I can say it was one of the best vacations ever! It felt like home away from home.The friendly atmosphere and the unbelievable grounds were top notch!The beds are not hard at all,we loved our king size and slept great every night.The rooms are so cool especially the top floor.The rooms by the pool have a great view if you can get one. the sand is beautiful but if your wanting to spend alot of time in the ocean,its rocky because of the coral,it is more suited for divers and snorkelers.We don't do either,we sat by that beautiful pool everyday and our friend Julio served us with a smile eveyday.the shows were great,we laughed so hard! We are party people and we got our moneys worth.The disco was awesome at night and the tequila poppers were smooth.The food was great,a good selection of everthing.If you want to spoil yourself walk down past the dock to El Paso Cedral restaurant on the beach.Alberto will be there,he will make you the best meal you,ve ever had.Huge lobster tails,shrimp,red snapper and the best homemade guacamole.Tell him in the afternoon that you are coming and he will take care of you.Go around 5:30 and you will see a spectacular sunset!My husband nailed his business card to the beam there(Rimas)we are getting Alberto to start this tradition.The spanish coffee in the lobby is to die for,unbelievable.A dirty monkey is a great pool bar drink,you will love it!We were so sad to leave,we made great friends with the staff especially,Ramon,he is a riot.They do whatever they can to make your stay a happy one,unless you have a bad experience with something or get sick there is absolutely nothing to complain about.i will definetly find my way back to the Iberostar,

llISA AND rIMAS