Cozumel Hotels (around 4,150 total
units) has been significantly upgraded in
the last five years. While there is still a wide
assortment of budget 3-star properties and
rustic bungalow-style hotels, the entrance
of Allegro Resorts, Melia, Plaza Las Glorias
and others has put a new gleam on
the island's once bohemian veneer. Several
resorts have recently converted to the
all-inclusive theme, and a $10 million
convention center will debut in 2000.
Cozumel Hotels and resorts are scattered along
CozumelŤs long western coastline with San
Miguel near the midpoint. In the town
there are a few two- and three-star properties,
catering mostly to budget travelers
and divers. Fortunately, massive resort
development is limited by a lack of potable
water and a desire to protect the
island's delicate ecosystem. This helps
keep island life simple, while somewhat
limiting the island's land-based activities.
Note: An 18-hole golf course/residencial
development is underway near the Paradisus
Resort.
While Cozumel Hotels pre-dated Cancun's as the
Yucatan Peninsula's first resort area, and
rests a mere 56 km from its big sister resort,
it can't hold a candle to Cancun in terms of
grandiose development. However, the
island has nothing to apologize for, and is
the hands-down favorite for vacationers
seeking a serene Caribbean island
vacation.
