I stayed at the Palma Dorada just last weekend.

I echo the previous reviewer's comments about great location and friendly staff, but this hotel just meets my minimum standards.

For someone wanting an inexpensive hotel close to the downtown action, this hotel is just the place. But travelers unused to discount travel may be taken aback when they see how stark the rooms actually are.

Be sure to upgrade to a room with air conditioning. There is a karaoke bar next door to the hotel, and without the white noise from the AC, you may have a sleepless night.

I'm likely to stay at the Palma Doada again.

I must say, my girlfriend and I were pleasantly surprised by the Palma Dorada. Julio Padilla and his staff were great, and I think we lucked out. It just seems like the Palma is on one of the best streets in Cozumel. The rooms are spartan, but clean and comfortable. If you want to sit around your room, watch TV all day and order room service, then this may not be your hotel. But if you want to head to the dive shops, explore the square, or eat at some of the best little taquerias in town, then you've come to the right place. Want to see more? Heck, ask Julio to arrange for a scooter to be delivered to the hotel for a resonable price, (and none of the haggling to bother with!). Or just hit the farmers market a few blocks up, and bring your lunch back to the Palma veranda and munch as you watch the street life go by. But don't get the wrong idea, it was also a very quiet property, and we always felt secure at night. Bonus: It's within easy walking from the Ferry terminal. We stayed 9 nights in Cozumel/Akumal, and slept in some pretty fancy places. The Palma was not fancy, but we had the best time there!

We are Budget Travelers and found Palma Dorada online at a good deal. We actually spent some of our honeymoon at Palma Dorada and have no regrets! The hotel has friendly staff who are accomodating and keep the hotel and rooms spotless. We felt safe staying downtown. Ammenities include air conditioning, travel services, hot water, cable tv (including english channels), balconies, free coffee, distiled water and breakfast pastries. It is convienently located one block from Cozumel's downtown (San Miguel) town sqaure. Palma Dorada is in the heart of shopping, across the street from the best resturant in town (The Mission), near the ferry (We walked) and shore! For a budget hotel it is high in it's class!

My friend and I stayed at the Palma Dorada for a week. We loved it! Of course, its not a resort hotel, but if you're interested in seeing the real Mexico on your trip this is the place to stay. We didn't have a TV, but we had air conditioning, a big closet, a patio and a good sized bathroom.

The hotel is right in the middle of the city, you can walk about anywhere. We spent most of our time walking around, the better shopping deals are farther away from the turist hub. You can also find great places to eat that offer real Mexican cooking and cost about $3 a person, compared to your $15 at the more "americany" restaurants. We went to a local bakery every morning and could walk to the movie theatre, shopping, bars and the hotel is a rock's throw from the main plaza and very close to the ferry.

On the weekends you can hear some commotion from the two neighboring bars but we couldn't hear them in our room. The people are great and very helpful, and the hotel has free water which was helpful since we filled up our bottles several times a day. I loved this hotel and Cozumel is definitely a great place to relax for vacation!