My husband and I just got back from a week at El Cid La Ceiba and were very impressed with the level of hospitality extended by the wonderful staff at El Cid. The resort is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the beautiful snorkeling or diving right off the beach. The concierge was very helpful in helping us to arrange for a car rental and suggested places to see on the island. We took the all inclusive plan and thought that the food was very, very good. We had a first floor room that gave us great access to the beach. Our only complaint about the room was that the mattress was uncomfortable. Evidently June is fly season and they were certainly pesty. I would try and go a different time of year next time, but I would definitely go back again.

We returned to El cid after just having a vacation with them in March 2009 and as always it was Wonderful!! The dive shop is Excellent, I would say they are the best dive outfit we have dove with after 3 trips to Cozumel since Nov 2008. I have total trust in Louis (their dive master) and don't think I would dive with anyone else. The maid service was excellent and very friendly. We did take the time-share and it was not bad (they understood it was simply bad timing for US residence) not high pressure and everyone was very understanding. Marcella was very helpful with all our trips and dive specials. We did go fishing and the restaurant prepared our catch and it was WONDERFUL. I just can't say enough good stuff about this hotel. I really don't think I will stay anywhere else except El Cids and we don't even own a time-share there. I was just so pleased with the view, the service and especially the hotel staff. As soon as I get another travel deal I will definitely be back. Just remember a little kindness goes a long way in Cozumel. We have not been disappointed yet.

We stay with El Cid resorts for most of our travels and looked forward to the same quality in accomodations that we had become accustomed too. The La Ciba El Cid Resort in Cozumel is very old and just not up to par with the typical El Cid resort. We stayed the last week of Febraury and the first week of March in order to catch Carnival in Cozumel. The pool was very cold and we simpply could not swim in it. The hot tub would be hot one night and then cold the next.
We had freinds in another room (ground floor) and they were flooded out the first night and over run with bugs the next. They departed for the resort across the street on the second day.
While the food in the resort restraunt was delicious, it was the only game in town. The all inclusive here was worth the price but some variety in dining would have made it a better value.
But...the saving grace was the staff. They knew the resort had problems and graciously asked us to bear with the problems. They went out of their way to assist us with our needs or to take care of problems when they arose. Agnes at the concierge desk was amazing. If ever someone should get an award for conflict management it should be her. Some guests were not swayed by the hospitality of the staff and Agnes was amazing at calming them down and keeping them happy as well.
Off resort we went to some amazing eating establishments. Don't miss: La Mission downt town or La Chonchitas. Clean, great service staff, and outstanding food.
Just down from the resort (walking distance) there is a great little place for a good and inexpensive breakfast, Ernesto's and a bit farther down Java Coffee for special breakfast, luch and dinner it's is very good.
You must rent a car and travel the coast. There are small bars all along the way and the water/waves/and people are worth the trip.
My husband and I did take the opportunity to have a massage on the beach. It was amazing. The spa staff were delightful and the massage was well worth the price (discounted for guests). Great snorkeling right off the small beach. The snorkeling tour on the glass bottom boat was amazing.
I would visit Cozumel again for sure, but I am likley to use another resort for my lodging.
DMR

We loved the hotel location, the great snorkeling, great staff, however; we had bedbugs in the small sofa in our suite, which resulted in all of us being covered in bites!! We noticed this on other guests, and inquired with them to find out if they had the same problem...which they did. Very sad!! The place is lovely and despite being 30 yrs old, the decor was great and everybody really very nice. Loved loved loved the snorkeling right off the hotel. And the cruise ships were never a problem, however this trip was soon after the swine flu scare - which Cozumel was 100% free of swine flu.