My husband and I planned this vacation six months in advance. We had read several reviews which were not all positive. We made up our minds that we were going to go anyway. because we felt each to his own. We had reservations from Dec. 6 thru Dec. 13th. We arrived on Saturday, Dec. 6 and left on Monday Dec. 8. I want to have something positive to say about the Melia, so here it is. The staff were GREAT, the rooms were clean. That's it! I can't say anything more positive than that.
The food was ALWAYS cold, and horrible tasting. On the second day, I thought ok, I'll have a box of cereal, that should be safe. Yeah right, the cereal was STALE. I realize the chef tries to cater to the American palate, but honestly, give it up. Cook what you know! The stairwell always had a pungent smell. The outside floors were mopped with oil or something slick and shiny ( don't go barefooted). You always had to ask for extra bottled water. Two bottles of water for 24 hrs for even one person isn't adequate let alone two people. The drinks were very weak and we always tipped them at least two to three dollars, go figure. The Jaquzzi was worthless, it wasn't operating. No wonder being the turn on valves were rusted. I don't remember the name of the restaurant that took reservations only, but what's that all about. Your on vacation for God's sake, as far as I'm concerned, I made the reservations six months prior. I know I have very little nice things to say about this resort, but that's what the reviews are for. I just don't want anyone else getting ripped off. You would think a five star would at least have great food, at least good. This is a two star hotel at the most. We will never go back!

Fellow Vacationers,

I have been a time share owner and visitor to the Paradisus (as we have all known it) for over 10 years. We vacation, my wife and I, with 4-6 other couples we have met and continue to share our vacation time with.
We all bought our shares at about the same time and for the same reason: The staff, not the management, the wait staff. The people who work at Paradisus have been there for as many as 30 years, although many were "let go" several years ago (more about that in a second). The bartenders, wait staff, and housekeepers are all people who have a sincere sense of pride in what they do. In the dining area, Estaban (all the gold teeth) has become a friend of ours. We know his family, and he knows ours. We have even located some of the ex-staffers who have moved to other jobs on the island ( go see Jorge at the Havana Cigar Club in town). Some things to keep in mind about this resort: It is operated by a Spanish (as in Spain) company. They operate it for a reason, PROFIT. They have spent a great deal of time with us, the share owners, on working to improve everything from the food, the rooms, the attitude of some staff (we actually had someone fired two years ago because of some insulting remarks), and the understanding that some of us are ugly Americans and will not like anything that is not exactly like home. We have heard people complain about the nacho chips (are they authentic?), the ocean water (I did not know it was salty?), and the water will kill you. Actually the water is reversed osmosis managed by a company from Norway. It is the cleanest water on Cozumel. The beach has its prblems with rocks (actually old coral), the weeds (seagrass), and "pollution", which is not caused by leaky sewage treatment centers. When the wind blows from the Northeast, it moves water in and out of the swamp just to the north of the resort. I may look bad, but it is not unhealthy. The other erossion on the direct beachfront is from hurricanes. They do get some bad storms every once in a while and by law the have to let nature take its course.

When the Spanish took over the resort in 2001, they changed everything, some good, some bad. They did hire chefs from Paris (that's why everyone loves the desserts), but they also let go about 75% of the common staff who had worked there for an average of 22 years. Bad move!
The new was young and inexperienced, but they are maturing. If you do not like something, like the condition of the room, the lack of Coronas (Puleeeese!), the lack of American food (go to Orlando instead and do all of the take out places), or the temperature of the pool (it is not heated, but neither is mine on Cape Cod), tell on of the management people, POLITELY!!! Remember, this is their country, their island, and their job. They want you back, if you have been nice to them. And, tip them!!! They appreciate the extra income. Many of the staff members can now afford to send their children to the college on the island instead of going to the mainland. Talk WITH THEM, not AT THEM!! Ask them about their families (we love to see them in the local parades or at the local beaches on their days off), and BE PATIENT!! This is Mexico.

I love it there, but have only one problem with the resort. It is the obnoxious drunks and partiers who think that throwing up in the elevator, screaming at 2 AM, and being a real embarassment to our country that pisses me off. Go have fun, eat well, and be someone who can leave a great impression on the people of Mexico. If this is not your cup of tea, then please stay away from our favorite resort in Mexico.

I read alot of reviews on this hotel before we left and I was scared. Maybe, I just really easily pleased but I thought it was great. It is a very popular hotel for golfers, so we assumed they went to bed early, as it is quite a quiet resort. We were a group of 16 so we made our own party, but San Miguel is only a 5 min cab ride away if you want some action. The rooms were large and very clean, the air condtioner worked great, the beds were hard though. The staff was so friendly. Made our vacation. Lots of fun. I'm a travel agent and have been to lots of resorts and the drinks here were good. I think we drank them out of Bailey's. The buffett was not large, but what they did serve was good. I'm kind of a fussy eater and I always found something to eat. The lunch buffet was burgers and fries, just like home plus nachos, poppers, onion rings, ets. Good. The nightly entertainment needs some work. They had a pianist and a guest singer, who were both good. The beach was quite large for Cozumel standards. Had lots of palm trees on it and the colors of the water were awesome. On certain days you did have to walk through a couple of feet of stirred up silt and some reeds in the water, but no biggy. Snorkeling was very good about a 10 walk down the beach. The pool bar was in shade alot, but there were always people sitting in it. We sat around the main pool later in the day and had a refreshing swim in it. The water was not ice cold but was refreshing. A quiet hotel, but would definitely go back. Noreen

My favorite place so far in Mexico is Cozumel. What a beautiful area and it has so much to offer. Vacation Dates were Feb 4th - Feb 11th More like Feb 5th, we lost a day of our all inclusive due to mechanical problems with Ryan International Airlines. Which I intend to dispute, 9 hrs we waited at the airport and for our trouble they sent us a feeble $150.00 voucher to use towards a future trip. No Thanks, you will have to do better than that. So needless to day the trip started out ugly, We arrived to the hotel Reception desk around 1130 pm Our greeting was less than enthusiastic, they seemed to be surprised of our arrival and not very prepared. Which at that point I was ready to explode. So, Customer Service at the desk could use some hustle and hey how about a Welcome. Okay I got that off my chest, and did get rid of some of that ugliness the next day by taking a drive around the island, not to mention a few cervesas to boot. Did not take advantage of all that the hotel did have to offer, kind of a would a, should a, could a . The swim up bar pool water was ice cold, maybe it will warm up eventually.
So we tried the family pool, and made the great escape when we saw a Baby Ruth floating near us. Wanted to take a bike ride, but seemed like such a hassle to sign the bikes out. So we gave up. We did upgrade the last day to a honeymoon room which was great for an extra $30.00, But at check out they tried to charge me over $200.00 when it was only one night we stayed in that room which was clearly documented on the paper.
No apology for the mistake, if I had not asked the total calculated by pesos I would have signed and been SOL that money. Made me wonder if there was an ulterior motive, dishonesty? whatever, glad I caught it.
So heads up! Enjoy! The rest was all good!