Hi, <BR>We want to go to Cozumel for 2 weeks during high season. We do not want to book a hotel for the whole 2 weeks (maybe only the first 2 or 3 nights) and the rest of the time we want to stay at a cheaper hotel in town, then spent a few days to a week over in the Playa del Carmen area. We hesitate at booking into a cheaper hotel because we would like to see it first before committing. Has anyone ever done this? Will we run into problems finding a place and/or have problems getting a good rate? Especially since we are not fluent in Spanish? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance.

SJ, went to Cozumel in June, a scuba trip. We stayed at The Fiesta in and the accomadations were very nice and it was $69/night US. It's about 15 minute walk to the square in San Miguel or a $2 taxi ride. Things are so reasonable in Cozumel. I don't know what roon availability is in high season but there are lots of hotels. <BR>I have traveled to many islands in the Caribbean and Coz is real nice-for scuba and cost. <BR>Not sure I helped but e-mail me if not.

Shelly, What is your definition of "high season"? Exact dates will make a big difference. Are you planning on going during holidays - Christmas, New Years? Or is there a chance that you'll be on the island during Carnival - Spring Break - Easter? Jan and March are much differenct in terms of hotel availability than February. One week this way or that can make a big difference depending on what is happening on the island. How cheap is cheap on your vacation budget? I think you'll be surprised at how inexpensive Cozumel can be. Take a look at www.cozumel-villas.com or www.casacozumel.com for pictures of houses (some quite inexpensive) for rent. You can also email to both of these sources for hotel advice. Good Luck. <BR> <BR>

Hi - just returned from a trip to Cozumel and Playa del Carmen (beginning of August). <BR> <BR>We went for 6 nights, and booked only the first one ahead of time, so that we had a place when we got there. That was in Cozumel and we stayed at the Hotel Flamingo, which is down town and very inexpensive ($44. inlc taxes/night). It was clean, nice staff, and had air conditioning. I don't think we would have had any problem finding a place, but it nice to have that taken care of, especially if you're not comfortable with Spanish. <BR> <BR>Since it was downtown, we had to take a cab to the beach - which I think was ok because they're reasonable. We only spent two days in Cozumel, and then went to Playa del Carmen. We liked Playa more because even though it is developed, it didn't have the hard rock cafe and planet hollywood type of places that Cozumel has. Also, it had great beaches, and it was very easy to do day trips from here (i.e. to tulum and chitzen itza). So, for those reasons, we decided to stay there for the rest of the time. <BR> <BR>Hotels are very easy to find and you should have no problem. We asked at the bus station and the owner of a hotel actually came and picked us up. The hotel is called Hotel Suites Maya-Ha. We loved this hotel: it was family run by a couple and their son who are extemely friendly, it was built only 6 months ago, so it's clean, new, beautifully decorated - it cost $25 USD/night. It didn't have a/c, which is bearable with the fans they have, but there was a night when we would have wanted it. Also, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the town. I would highly recommend this place; the owner's name is Mirna Minaburo Ponce and the phone is 01-987-30292 and it's located at 45 Av. Norte Por Calle 4 Norte. <BR> <BR>Regarding the language - do you speak any spanish at all? the owners were not too fluent in English, and I'm not too great with Spanish, but between the two of us, we were able to figure it out. But here, we didn't even bargain because the rate was soo good, so language shouldn't get in the way of that. Have fun! <BR>

SJ: Are you sure you want to spend all this time in Cozumel? I LOOOOVE Cozumel but 2 weeks is too long unless you are a diver and plan to dive all day and will be exausted at night... If you are a diver I hope you take your equipment because one day rental is about US$50 and snorkeling is cheaper ( US$ 7 ) but also boring... Why don't you stay 4/5 days in Cozumel and then go to Cancun/Playa del Carmen? About the language although I speak spanish almost everybody in the city speaks english and you won't have any problem... Why don't you look for a tourism agency in your country? They usually have great rates. I know the city quite well and I can assure you that the best thing to do here in Cancun/Cozumel is to buy a tour package. To give you an idea: I bought a package for 7 nights at the Oasis Cancun hotel for US$370/ couple and there the rate was US$120 for the same room!!! Another good option and a cheaper one is the CALINDA BEACH. Well, e-mail me if you have more questions... Have a nice trip... <BR>

Hi, I am the original poster-thanks so much for the responses! Well, we have reconsidered everything and have booked 2 weeks in Akumal-at Club Oasis Akumal. We will definitely visit Cozumel a few times when we are there. I am now looking for feedback on this resort and the general area-we have never been there before. Any info on seeing the Sia'an Kaan Bioreserve-do you have to go on a tour? How's the road? Any info will be appreciated! Thanks.

Hi! My husband and I are planning a 5 day trip to Cozumel November 16. We are thinking about staying at the Paradisus Cozumel since it's all-inclusive. Has anyone stayed there, and what was your experience with it? Exactly what ISN'T included in the rate? What's the weather like in November and how was the food at the hotel? Thanks for any help....Mrb

Hi Marsha, The Paradisus has'nt gotten favorable reviews on this board in the past. It is a hotel converted to timeshare and several people have posted that they moved out of the Paradisus in the middle of their pre-paid stay. Think twice. There are much better choices. Good luck.

Hi Shelley: We stayed at Club Oasis Akumal in May for a week. It has very pleasant, low-rise buildings, good food and good staff. The hotel doesn't like to book beach front rooms, so on your arrival if you haven't been allocated one ask for one, it makes a difference. We asked and moved at breakfast on our first day. The beach at the hotel is white and the water turquoise. You can snorkel right across from your room - though you can also simply stand in the water and watch the fish! There <BR>are a number of hammocks by the ocean if you want to relax, or if you’re feeling energetic you can a cab to Tulum, Xel Ha and Yal Ku all of which are very close by (the hotel has cycles you can borrow to cycle to Yal Ku). We are already planning to go back. We didn't go to the bioreserve, next time, I hope. <BR>

Shelley--I know several good inexpensive hotels in Cozumel and Playa. We just returned from there and had a great time for little money. Don't feel <BR>as if you have to stay in resorts. <BR>We didn't. e-mail if you would <BR>like full details. <BR>