For several weeks--maybe even months--after returning home from the Iberostar, I was determined to return to Cozumel and become a scuba instructor, or a StarFriend, or maybe even a receptionist, just so I could stay there forever. Unfortunately I didn't follow through, but I still consider it every once in a while.

I visited over Christmas 2003 with my family. All of us kids are in our twenties, so we were happy to relax during the day, but looking to have fun at night. After two nights at the disco, I thought wouldn't want to hang out there the rest of the week. But then we made lots of friends with other guests and the entertainers and bartenders and just about anyone else, and it was a lot of fun. A couple times we went into town after the disco closed at 2 and either hung out with some iberostar guys or went to the bars. So there actually is a lot of fun to be had if you want...but the overall effect was deep, total relaxation and bliss.

I'm not a picky person; neither am I unobservant, but I didn't notice most of the things people complain about until I read these reviews after returning. In retrospect, yeah I guess the bed was hard and the beach was rocky, but neither of these things detracted from the experience at all.

Something I expected to have a problem with was the food, since I'm a vegetarian. But that was only a problem in the two a la carte restaurants at dinner. Otherwise, I ate better than I do normally, since there were so many fruits and vegetables (and the desserts were awesome too). My meat-eating family was in heaven, especially on lobster night.

I could go on and on about all the great aspects of this place, but you really have to go there to appreciate it. and you should!

We just arrived back from a 10 day trip to Cozumel and The Riviera Maya...we stayed 4 nights at Iberostar Cozumel...we were welcomed by Swarms of hungry mosquitos...yes after that terrible storm two weeks before... the after effect was a massive explosion of flying blood suckers! We knew this was not typical...at least not to this extent, so we made the best of it! Yes this resort is very JUNGLE...we found it exciting...we have 4 boys ages 8 to 16 years they had an amazing time. The rooms are slighty dark but interesting...there is a slight smell...damp, but with the air condition on it was ok. Beds were very firm but we woke up feeling good. We liked the fact that this resort was not so big and built up that you loose the real feel of Cozumel. It was very family friendly but yet it seemed quiet enough for anyone wanting a couples get away. Our boys took the scuba lessons and went on two dives (highly recommended) they were great instructors.They even made a DVD of their dive so we could have the memory forever. (it was filmed with excellence) The Star Friends were so much fun...they put their hearts into everything they did...and they did it well! Great Job Guys...my boys had a blast! The food was Ok...but we had a hard time eating...yup, all those darn mosquitos! We did enjoy the lunch buffet by the pool. Well all this to say...we left after 4 nights because we had reservations at another all inclusive in Playa de Carmen.( Occidental Flamenco Xcaret) although we were relieved that we did not need bug spray anymore...we all said that we missed The Iberostar in Cozumel and we would definately return. We know the "bug" thing was an unfortunate circumstance...because of all the rain weeks before...it is all in how you look at lifes experiences...we choose to look at this one and smile! Thanks Iberostar...we will also go to the other Iberostars on Playa de Carmen they looked beautiful.

Well I used these comments to assist me in my decision to visit the Iberostar, so, I feel obligated to make a review.

My family (wife and two boys age 7 & 11) were at the resort from June 11 - June 18. Yes we were there during the "Big Flood". To all the complainers....don't go back to Mexico. It is a better place without you! I would like to address some of the comments made by others:

The FLOOD - First of all....I have been around flooding and I don't think I have ever seen any business re-group and be back serving the public the day after a major flood. Sat nite it flooded BAD and Sunday morning at 9:30 when we went to eat breakfast everything was back to 100%. The food was great and service was too. You wouldn't have known there was a significant flood. That night our room did flood about one inch. We were smart enough to put the bed spreads on the floor to keep from slipping. The staff moved us to a new dry room on Sunday. Sat nite during the HEAVY RAINS, the staff did everything they could to keep the entertainment going.....the show must go on. The children loved it. As far as falling down.....stay seated, the bartenders delivered my drinks in the lobby with a smile.

The FOOD - Remember you not in a 5 star US hotel. The food was great. Lots of seafood, Plenty of shrimp, meat, cheese, fruit, vegies,....you name it, they had it. I do admit that having such a great selection of food to choose from every day can get old. (How spoiled we Americans can be!!!) To those of you complaining about your children only eating french fries....sounds like a parenting problem to me!

The ENTERTAINMENT - The children loved it (parents too). My sons had a great time with Memo. He and Daphnie really left them with some good memories. The shows went on every nite. Good for all ages. The games at the pool were great too. Lots of things to do.....sailing, scuba, boats, games, pool games, volley ball, etc, etc, etc,.....

DRINKS - The bartenders were great. The drinks were great too. Anything you wanted.....literally.

Staff SERVICE - Service was great. Nothing but the best to say. They did all anyone could do.

FACILITY - The facility did seem a bit rough around the edges for a newer facility. But remember, this is not the good ol' USA. I imagine the Island does not have building codes and a site plan review process that we are protected by here in the states. REMEMBER YOU ARE IN MEXICO.

ALL IN ALL.....IT WAS GREAT IN THE FACE OF DISASTER.

Would I go back to Iberostar Cozumel ?.....NO, only because I have already been there. I would go to a different Iberostar resort in another location. They are great.

My family and I went to the Iberostar for fourth of July weekend last year. The food was wonderful. After staying in many AI resorts the Iberostar's food was well above-average. The rooms are another story. The top floor palapas are in dis-repair and most smell of mildew. My mom found lizards in her closet and bird poop on her bed. The mosquitos were so bad you couldn't enjoy your hammock on the porch or the local ruins. If you want "cabana style" Mexico this is your place but bring bug spray. Iberostar is good with food and drinks, but the rooms leave something to be desired. The walk from check-in to your room is very pretty, with birds and lizards, but is very long. If you want to enjoy Cozumel better stay at the Cozamuleno on the other end of the island, the beach is better and no mosquitos.