This was the first place we stayed on our 12 day trip to Mexico, and invariably was the hotel to which we compared all others. Jorge, the owner and a true visionary, has created a space that optimizes form and function - beautiful structures that are all well designed for use, for keeping cool, and for relaxation and enjoyment.

We stayed in one of the bungalows, which afforded us with plenty of space, including a little kitchenette with a microwave. The bed was huge and comfortable. There is even a hammock inside the space, and when the window is open natural light is plentiful.

The space is extremely clean and well cared for.

There are two other true treasures to describe:

1) The top floor suite, which is sort of built like a lighthouse and has a panoramic view of the town. I love the loft that's built into the top of the unit, which allows you to peak out of the roof and see even further. When I return to the hotel, I probably will request the suite if it's available (there's also a second suite available, and undoubtedly almost as impressive).

2) Jorge himself is a treasure. I've stayed a lot of places, and been around a lot of hotel owners, most who are interested in being helpful to guests. But Jorge goes well beyond the typical hotelier: it's obvious that he genuinely enjoys socializing with guests, and helping people find things on the island that they wouldn't necessarily find in their guidebooks.

You are located close to everything, including the main market, the dive shops, the downtown area, etc. The tradeoff that you make, and it's a small one, is that there is some noise in the surrounding neighborhood. However I'm pretty sensitive to noise and got used to that pretty quickly (I do recommend bringing earplugs if you are sensitive to that - worked perfectly for me, and I slept really well every night).

One other thing - we stayed during Christmas week, and unlike some hotels in town that we looked at, Jorge did not raise his rates for the week, which are incredibly affordable.

In summary, if you want to take home an experience from staying at Cozumel rather than a generic room designed like an American-style hotel at an incredible price, stay at the Amaranto.

Have just returned from a brilliant two weeks at amaranto - lovely place to stay, such good value and Jorge is a very welcoming and helpful host.
We stayed in one of the palapas and can't fault anything with it - really clean and tidy and beautifully designed with really pretty little features such as the lanterns, coloured cushions, tiling in the bathroom etc
Well located - only 5 mins walk from San Miguel seafront and it was really nice to stay in a mexican residential area as opposed to a boring all inclusive resort in the middle of nowhere!
Would without a doubt recommend both Amaranto and Cozumel as a destination - the diving here is brilliant and everyone is so friendly. Would recommend hiring a car and going round the island - an open top VW beetle is only about £17 a day!
All in all one of our best holidays ever and we were very sad to leave!

I stayed a couple of nights here, interesting place, and a unique experience. I booked one of the palapas, and was quite satisfied with the comfort and cleanliness. The AC was a bit loud, that was pretty much my only negative comment, however I did not need it at night, so it was not a problem. Made coffee in the room in the morning, did not use the microwave!

Dear Jorge - We would like to thank you for a wonderful time in the Amaranto. Of all the places we stayed in Mexico the Amaranto was one of the best. The bungalow was beautiful. We loved your design and your attention to practical details. We also would like to thank you for all your kind and expert advice. As a result the car rental with Isis was smoothless and we had great diving and snorkeling with Scubagamma. You and the Amaranto will always have a special place in our holiday memories. And who knows, maybe one day we will back... Greetings from Amsterdam, Holland - Arian, Zita and Nicole