Cozumel Plan for Critique

[ggunn]

I ruled out San Juan and Barracuda ( strong currents ) because he presented himself as a newbie though I believe he meant new to cozumel. His bride is definitely a new diver. Never been on Villablanca. The better dive sites, imo, start with Tuniche which is just off shore from the old Reef Club. That's way south to me.

Sorry, I didn't mean to get into a nitpicking contest with you. My only point was the "all" part of your statement; if you'd said "all the dive sites fit for a new diver and that I consider to be worth diving" are far south, I'd never said a word. ;^)

 

[Ms. Ann Thrope]

I tend to stay at less expensive places, but if I were looking to drop a bit of a wad, I'd go with el Presidente in a heartbeat, just because I perceive it to be the swankiest joint in town. (My bias is that I don't like AIs, especially in places where the non-resort attractions are so strong and varied. The couple of times I've stayed at AIs, not on Cozumel, I felt disconnected from the local pulse--but on a honeymoon, that might be half the point.)

 

[Mawg]

Sorry, I didn't mean to get into a nitpicking contest with you. My only point was the "all" part of your statement; if you'd said "all the dive sites fit for a new diver and that I consider to be worth diving" are far south, I'd never said a word. ;^)

No problem, I understand. I gotcha. See you next May perhaps.

 

[deborahdelamar]

I don't like AIs, especially in places where the non-resort attractions are so strong and varied. The couple of times I've stayed at AIs, not on Cozumel, I felt disconnected from the local pulse

I agree on that point and have never stayed at an AI. But if I were to want one, the Cozumel Palace is one of the greats because it's such a short walk to the center of town & guests don't feel disconnected. The Presidente is beautiful but isn't walk-to-town. Both hotels have fabulous service. Very tough choice!

 

[Ms. Ann Thrope]

Yes, the location of the Palace is indeed just about perfect, close enough to walk, far enough not to be terribly noisy and congested--when it was Plaza Las Glorias, we'd always look at it and say maybe next time we'd splurge and stay there. The only AI experiences I've had have been a sweepstakes win or on someone else's dime--and still I complain!! (OK, I'll admit I do like an open bar...)

 

[deborahdelamar]

Oh, Miz Ann! It's a shame that you missed the PLG experience. I was in physical pain when that hotel was sold -- such a great place! Who cared that the AC was noisy or that the floors were slick as ice when it rained? The price they charged for a junior suite was very fair. The location:Fantastic. Shore diving right there! Great night snorkeling. Sunsets from the balcony were perfect, complete with zillions of swallows. The handy kitchenette. We divers dripped water from the rinse tanks down the hall and into the elevator and no one cared -- the staff just mopped it right up. And Happy Hour 2x1 -- when served by Manny at quadruple strength to us in the "warm" tub was mind altering. Dem were da days.....

Cozumel Palace is built on those bones and has realized the full potential that PLG couldn't afford to exploit -- granted, no one dares to drip down the hall now and the kitchenettes are history -- that's why I recommend it so highly.

 

[Lucia]

Scott - not to confuse you now that you've gotten lots of great advice but just thought I'd comment on our recent stay at Occ. Grand. We returned on July 3 after one week there. We were part of a group of 13 and we do like AI's (I know, a lot of people don't) so it suited us well. Our 2 kids were with us, including our 14 year old daughter who did her open water referral there.

As for the hotel ... no offense to all the fans of town ... that's just not what we like very much. We spent most of our time diving or relaxing. My daughter loves to shop and one day we drove into town but, frankly, I was ready to leave pretty quickly although I didn't mind sitting and having a beer while she looked around. Rather than going into town, we enjoy more going to the east side of the island and exploring a bit. I guess my point is that the importance of staying in or near town depends on what you like. Also, we had no complaints about the food at Occ. Grand.

As for the on-site dive op, Dive Palancar ... we looked into using a smaller dive op but decided it was more convenient to use DP. We had no significant complaints. Our daughter had very good instruction for her open water referral the first 2 days - we were on the same boat but headed different directions in the water. After that, we dove together which worked out just fine for her even though she was new - of course, I kept a pretty close eye on her! I was worried about being on a cattle boat but mostly it was just fine. Our last day was a bit crowded and we dove in one large group but even then it was OK. Other times if there were several people on the boat we split the groups up. We also enjoy meeting various people on the boats. We dove with several DM's over 6 days of diving but I liked them all. We almost always were asked "where do you want to go?" and then it was discussed among the group. We did repeat some sites because I do think they were reluctant to go too far but I think that is reasonable. Their schedule also worked well for us because you can pick and choose between the 4 daily dives they offer - most of the time we dove the 2nd morning dive then the afternoon which allowed us to spend more morning time with our 4 year old.

Congrats and have fun!

 

[Cozdreamer]

OK, not to make everyone laugh, but if it were my honeymoon again (20 years agao) then I'd prefer the jacuzzi tub to be INSIDE my room not outside on a balcony where everyone on the floors above us could see what we were doing in that jacuzzi... just my 2cents worth.
Now, being the romantic that I am, I'd vote for either the Presidente or Cozumel Palace for your honeymoon. MOST dive ops will pick you up at either. Both are over the top in pampering. The Palace is short walk to town for people watching etc. Presidente is about a $6-$8 or $10 cab ride into town. Palace has grocery store right across the street and restaurants in close walking distance . Presidente is more remote and right beside the marina where most of the dive boats will be fun to watch going and coming all day. The Palace has man-made "beach" area. Presidente has walking beach. The Palace pictures show an awesome IN ROOM jacuzzi by the way....

Have fun planning. Be sure to report back here so we'll know how this saga turns out! Enjoy the engagement and best wishes for your marriage! You've picked the right island for your honeymoon!

note: I have not had the pleasure of enjoying Coz Palace myself since it changed from Plaza Las Glorias. We stayed at that location 4 times before it changed so drastically way out of our budget into the Palace

 

[Noboundaries]

Wait.......hold the phone. You mean that big tub in the center of the room at the Cozumel Palace is a Jacuzzi?!?! Dang, I had it ALL wrong. I'm such a

 

[ggunn]

OK, not to make everyone laugh, but if it were my honeymoon again (20 years agao) then I'd prefer the jacuzzi tub to be INSIDE my room not outside on a balcony where everyone on the floors above us could see what we were doing in that jacuzzi...

<gasp!> ;^)