Grand Cozumel by Occidental
 

We will be staying at the Grand Cozumel by Occidental over Thanksgiving week. I've ready very mixed reviews but would like some info for once we get there - and we're going with our eyes open.

What activities should we do once we get to the resort? What should we avoid? Any recommendations for dive/snorkel cruises to use or avoid?

I've also read with many all-inclusives that there are ways to get what you want (special reservations at restaurants, priority for watersport equipment, etc.) - any ideas?

Thanks!

I have visited on a day pass. It is a very nice resort. The key to getting the reservations for dinner that you want is to make them as soon as you decide what you want to do. At the last minute, choices may be scarce.
There is a quiet pool and an active pool. When I was there, he active pool was relaxing. For about a half hour, there were dance excercises in the pool. They were lots of fun. The service was outstanding.
I must say that the buffet lunch by the beach and dive area was ok but not great.
The beach in that area is somewhat small but the pool is large and very nice.

We are also going to be visiting this hotel in the fall. Which restaurants are the best? What drinks do you recommend (I read somewhere about a dirty monkey??)

Are there any activities for kids? My 10-month old grandson will be on the trip with us.

Thanks.

It's me again, just checking in on Cozumel. Have any Fodorites actually stayed at the Grand Cozumel? (I know a lot of you like to avoid all-inclusives, but I just thought I'd check...)

We're thinking of renting a car - will we want one the whole week or will just a couple of days do? Any recommendations for companies?

Thanks...

My wife and I just got back from Cozumel, Mexico. Flew out on 03/21/09 and came back to the states on 03/26/09. We stayed at the Occidental Grand Cozumel which is approximately 8 to 9 miles south of the port where the cruise ships arrive. This resort was the best I have ever stayed in. The water is treated so you can drink the water if you want to but they still give you bottled water for your convenience. This is an all-inclusive so you can eat all you want, drink all you want including mix drinks, beer, etc. If you want to dine at one of the specialty restaurants, you will have to make reservations a couple of days in advance. These are the steak restaurant and a Mediterranean restaurant. There is a breakfast buffet from 06:30 to 09:30 in the front restaurant, a lunch buffet from 12:00 to 4:00 in the restaurant /bar by the family pool and ocean front and then a dinner buffet from 06:30 to 09:30 again in the front restaurant. You can snorkel from the beach in a roped off area. You can have scube lessons in the family pool area from free and if you want to continue, there is a charge for the beach scuba dive lesson. You can use their snorkel equipment, hobie cat, windsurfing and kayaks free of charge. These person will help you any way they can. Everyone was super. I did not even feel threaten in town or felt comfortable about no-one stealing money from my room or my beach bag or trying to rob me even in town.