I know this gets asked many times per month, but I'm going to give you the specifics of what I'm looking for. Have stayed (and dove) in Cozumel many times but was with my dive buddies so our needs were a little different. I will be with my non-diving wife and 12 year old son. Wants in order of preference:
Sandy beach with easy access for swimming.
Dock for me to get picked up by my Dive Op of choice
Not located North of or near downtown (close to reefs)
Reasonable distance from town (probably <10 miles)
Either AI or good restaurant(s) close by
Nice rooms
Some activities onsite
Right now I'm leaning towards the Allegro but am open to suggestions.
Thanks all,
My vote for Park Royal and why...
Sandy Beach/swimming: Yes a rather nice man made beach, not very large but not small. 2 nice swimming pools. The one close to the hotel is busy with activities all of the time. The one at the waterfront (access via underground/under street tunnel) is quieter.
Pier: Yes, check with your dive op for confirmed pick up and if there is a pick up fee. Access via underground/under street tunnel)
Location/Distance: In the El Cid area, reasonable cab fare to town.
AI/Restaurant I have stayed at 2 AI's on Cozumel. Wyndham-VERY poor food, but OK if you can eat the SAME thing EVERY DAY, EVERY MEAL, Literally. However, Park Royal was Good...Not Great, but actually Good. Husband and I did not try the restaurants on site as we did not pack for the dress code, but the buffet was satisfactory. Equal to a cruise ship buffet. The restaurants on site did look nice. Men need to wear trousers. Women-Resort casual-dress. Reservations, I think so...not sure.
Rooms Standard hotel room, had a balcony, Satisfactory
Activities Yes, there were some shows, pool activities, music.
The only negative I have is the Time Share presence. However, all of that mess can be avoided easily if you choose to do so. Just said no, keep walking.
Overall, DH and I enjoyed our 5 day weekend. We normally do not stay at AI's as we do enjoy visiting our special restaurants in town. However, for this particular trip going the AI route was actually perfect. We literally dropped everything and ran away from home to mend our weary souls two days after our sons wedding. We were numb and just wanted to escape and rest. Sat on the beach, casual meals at the buffet on site, no taxi's anywhere, a few days of diving....then home. It was exactly what we needed.
Regardless of where you stay, have a wonderful time ! Sue