After spending the last ten days here, Casa Mexicana can best be described as an upscale diver's hotel or a clean but safe answer for those trying out Cozumel on a moderate budget. The added value is the breakfast buffet included in their $106 nightly rate. (Currently, no other meals are served....just breakfast.)

Spend another $25 a night and you can get the oceanfront premium view. Only twelve premium rooms offer the "front of hotel view" (501-504, 401-404 and 301-304). Smaller oceanfronts are available on the 2nd level but don't really measure up. Other rooms, (like #318) have partial oceanviews but also capture parts of the city you'd just prefer not to see.) Our Room #504 gets you the kingsized comfy bed and their best "Ocean-Front-Of Hotel-View".

Another added value is the hotel's central location to San Miguel's square located six blocks to the right as you exit the escalator. Experience over 100 restaurants thats within walking distance.

BEACH / BEACHFRONT (West Side)
There's no beach at Casa Mexicana. Directly across the main street lies the oceanfront where boats and ships dock. This immediate area is not roped off for swiming or snorkeling. Beach Swimming and Snorkeling requires a Taxi or rental car.

TAXIS, RENTAL CARS, MOPEDS
Taxis have a unique and strong union here. Their rates for a 24x14 mile island seems outrageous to me. Expect $15 taxi ride each way for a decent swimming beach (w/ pool) at Playa Mr. Sancho's. About $12 taxi each way to a great shell / swimming beach (no pool) at Playa Paradise. Both of these beaches are without admission and fairly close.

Rental Cars are available through, Budget, Executive, Isis, Thrifty and others. A compact (Matiz) stick shift daily rate with insurance runs about $30 through Budget. These tiny little cars are limited and generally require advanced reservations. A much larger Jeep through Executive will run you about $100. Free Parking of your rental car is within 1 1/2 blocks of Casa Mexicana Hotel at the shopping center lot.

Mopeds are abundant and easily rented by fools who have a Cozumel death wish. One Moped death occured during our visit involving an American on vacation. Serious injury and death by Moped are weekly occurences on the island. Think this one through.

POOL
Casa Mexicana does not offer a pool. At best they have a glorified fountain that some use to "cool off". Its located next to the bar area and adjacent to the escalator as you arrive. Very few children at Casa Mexicana because it lacks a decent pool area.

BAR
This is a clear failure at Casa Mexicana. It is poorly staffed and seemingly seldom open for business. Humberto, although a nice fellow is rarely found behind the bar and usually has to be hunted down since he has additional hotel duties. Mixed drinks like Margaritas, Pina Colidas, Tequila Sunrise, etc., are $5.50 each if you can get one.

OUR LIST NEARBY RESTAURANTS
Lunch: LaChoza, Palmeras, Ponchos Back Yard, Costa Brava
Dinner: El Capi Navigante, La Mission, La Veranda, La Cocay, Tony Rome's, Lobster House.

Would we stay at Casa Mexicana again? Sure...its a good value and a good choice. Does ten days of "free breakfast for two" make up for missing a beach, bar and pool? My next choice might be a place like Playa Azul Hotel that offers beach, pool, bar, Non-AI "breakfast" restaurant and parking for my itty-bitty rental car.

ENJOY COZUMEL!
"Bahias"
Prescott, WI
(Wisconsin's Westernmost City)

we were on a tour and they put us here. the hotel is modern, clean and very upscale. service and the concierge were terrific

Stayed at the Casa Mexicana Jan 12th-19th. We wanted something downtown without the frills of an All-Inclusive. Booked through Funjet Vacations with out travel agent who was somewhat negative that we would choose this "unknown small hotel" over the Iberostar at the far end of the Island. However, she was mistaken as this place was exactly what we hoped for and it could not have been any better.

We arrived around noon and were promptly escorted to our oceanfront room. This was unexpected as often you are required to wait until 3 pm for the other guests to check out. The room was spotless and appeared to be virtually new. Many people complain about how hard the beds are in Mexico, although we personally have never found this to be a problem. You will certainly not find anything to complain about the beds at Mexicana. They were extremely comfortable having the extra thick mattresses with the pillow tops. Our chambermaid, Flor, always had the most wonderful and innovative towel sculptures awaiting us each day. It was a treat just to see what she would come up with!!! The view from the patio deck off our bedroom was great. We loved watching the cruiseships arrive and even got to see Bill Gates' personal yacht, the "Meduse". Unfortunately Bill was not there so we did not get an invitation to go on board!! Oh well....maybe next time.......we wish!!

Casa Mexicana seems to have a passion for cleanliness. It is evidenced in the lobby, room and the dining room where we had excellent breakfasts. You must try the omelettes which are specially prepared for you. Jamie does a wonderful job in seeing that everything is "just right". Stop in and say Hi to him....

Our concierge, Mayte, was gracious, charming, and a joy to be around. She is always available and greets you daily at Breakfast. Any info you require will be made available to you...

The desk clerks are informative as well and do not seem to have any problem in communicating with you. They too, are extremely helpful which appears to be the standard here!!

The pool while small, is clean and somewhat cool but is fine for a quick dip!! The area around the pool is a balcony again with a wonderful view of the harbour.

I cannot say enough good things about Casa Mexicana!! Perhaps the only downsize was the immediate availabilty of jewellery shops so close by. Can't remember ever buying so many necklaces, etc!! We will be returning, as soon as possible!

Rick and Judy
Tecumseh, Ontario Canada

We just returned from a 7 night stay at the Casa Mexicana and we couldn't have been more pleased with our stay. The hotel was spotless with employees cleaning all day long. We had the ocean front view of the harbor and enjoyed watching the cruise ships/cruisers come into town. The hotel staff were by far the best that we have ever experienced. We enjoyed the local restaurants and shopping right out the front door. We took a cab down to Paradise Beach 3 times. Also took the ferry over to Playa del Carmen. We were getting bored with All-inclusives and remote places to stay. This was a great change of pace.
Bill in Duluth Minnesota