Cozumel is an island just off the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico sitting in the sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.  A popular cruise port of call, it gives travelers a glimpse of all that this small island has to offer.

Known for great scuba diving and snorkeling, Cozumel is a dive enthusiast’s dream but Cozumel has gone far beyond a destination just for divers. 

With many deluxe hotels, Cozumel can cater to the most discriminating traveler as well.  All Inclusive resorts help keep vacation costs under control and there are many all inclusive resorts on the island for vacationers to enjoy. 

We visited these hotels in November 2008.

This is probably the most upscale hotel in Cozumel.  After being a bit disappointed with the simple, open air lobby, my attitude about the hotel changed after seeing the rooms and the rest of the hotel.  With 220 rooms in 7 room categories, there are lots to choose from.  There is a putting green, spa and fitness center, 2 tennis courts (no fee), kids club, 3 meeting rooms, marina and dock and 4 dining options including 24 hour room service.  This hotel is not all inclusive but they can arrange for meal plans for groups.

All rooms have balconies or terraces, plasma TVs, Ipod stations, refrigerators, and free internet access.  Although the rooms are not in the same buildings, they all have covered walkways with lush landscaping connecting them.

There are 2 small beach coves (not enormous sandy beaches) with beach service for food and bar service.   The property has 1 kilometer of reef and beach front where you can snorkel directly from the property  (equipment can be rented).  There is a main pool with a restaurant (breakfast buffet) close by.  The adult’s only pool is quite nice and has beverage service. 

This property is a probably my favorite in Cozumel.

Pool view room- this is the entry level room category

Main pool and snack bar

Probably the priciest of the all inclusive resorts in Cozumel but you can certainly see why when you step into the beautiful marble lobby which opens to an infinity pool and the ocean beyond.

All 175 rooms are junior suites with double Jacuzzis, 24 hour room service and all have a pool or ocean view.  Wireless internet is included and the rooms have safes big enough to hold a laptop.

Although there is no direct beach access, there is a pier to a snorkeling area with free snorkeling equipment and the sides of the pool have sand to appear like a beach club.  The property does offer its guests a beach club- Playa Mia with non motorized water sports which is a 20 minute shuttle ride from the property.

This resort is by far the most luxurious of the all inclusive resorts in Cozumel with a beautiful spa boasting 4 ocean view rooms and a wonderful wedding gazebo and bridal room.  It is a short walk into town and this makes the Cozumel Palace a great option.

  Junior suite

View of the pool and deck from an ocean view junior suite

With a bright open air lobby, the Occidental Grand Cozumel is very Mexican in appearance.  It appeared to me as the most active of the all inclusive resorts we visited, with lots of activities going on at the main pool and the beach. 

With 3 a la carte restaurants and 1 buffet restaurant, there are enough choices in dining. 

The Royal Club offers its guests a private restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It also offers its guests a private pool, private lounge with check in.  The rooms are a bit more luxurious with a tub and whirlpool.  Having experienced the Royal Club, I do recommend it for the extra amenities. 

Boasting an activity pool and quiet pool, there is enough space for all guests.  The beach is across from main hotel connected by a bridge going over mangroves.  Non motorized water sports and a dive center offer guests more than enough activities to keep busy.  The open air beach restaurant was convenient for those guests at the beach. 

Although no rooms have an ocean view and the beach is a nice walk from the rooms, this resort is a great option for those looking for an all inclusive property in Cozumel.

 Deluxe room

Activities pool

This all inclusive resort is a diver’s dream with a diving dock right on premises.  The beach is located right off a reef which makes snorkeling a breeze and 1 hour of snorkeling and kayaking are included daily. 

Its 300 rooms are standard garden view rooms and lack a tub but most of the guests seemed more interested in the water sports than the room’s amenities. 

With a nice 3 section pool, small spa and fitness center, I would recommend this property for those guests who want to spend most of the week diving but still have the opportunity to enjoy daytime and evening activities.  Three restaurants give enough variety for guests but there is a limit on the number of times you can eat at the a la carte restaurants. 

This is a more moderate property but is a bit hit among divers. 

King bedded room

View of the grounds and buildings