We would like to know about the beach area of the Playa Azul Resort in Cozumel. We're planning a trip in February and love to take long walks along the beach. Their website doesn't say much about their beach frontage. If there is anyone out there who has stayed at this resort, and can give some insight on this before we make reservations, it would be appreciated!

We went to Cozumel 1 1/2 years ago. We stayed at an awesome condo complex called El Cantil. We specifically visted Playa Azul because I had considered staying there and wanted to check it out. It is a 3 star property and is neat and clean looking but not spectacular. The beach area is very small and rocky in places. If you walk towards town there are some older kind of creepy looking hotels/condos. I was very glad we decided not to stay here. One of the old hotels was one that I had stayed at 20 years previous as a college student. A lot of years and hurricanes later has not done that area much good! I advise you to consider either El Cantil which is across the street from a major supermarket and within walking distance of great restaurants (El Coqui) or spend some extra money and stay at the Intercontinental Presidente`, which has the best beach area in all of Cozumel!

Actually, with the partial exception of the prison-compuund style AI complex on the far southwest end of Cozumel, there are NO really sandy hotel beaches on the island's calm side (and only small niche market hotels on the Atlantic side). All of the beachfront hotels have ironshore (read sharp petrified coral) shorelines, often with a few feet of dynamited or natural small coves with some sand, or steps leading into the water.

The best swimming beaches are along the island's southwestern quadrant, and largely occupied by "beach clubs" with a few amenities and bars.

The best walking but don't go swimming beaches are along the much rougher eastern (Atlantic) side and you can often get a long stretch all to your lonesome.

Not to be disagreeable, but there are many lovely, long beaches on the inhabited side of Cozumel. They are at the south end of the island, not the north end. Playa Azul is a very nice resort that was completely rebuilt after hurricane Wilma. It is on the North end of the island. They do not have a great beach. They DO have very good snorkeling on their reef.

If you want beaches with your resort, try one on the south end such as Allegro or Occidental Grand. Have a look at photo #4 of 22 on the Occidental Grand "gallery" section to get an idea of the beaches on the south end.

Personally, I love staying on the north end. Its a fantastic reef and very close to town, so one can easily partake of all the wonderful restaurants rather than being stuck at an AL buffet. We spend a month each February at the Coral Princess, which is just a mile or so from Playa Azul. When we want a beach day, we take our little VW and drive the the "wild side" for long beach walks and good food at Coconuts.

http://www.occidentalhotels.com/grand/Cozumel.asp

Thanks for all comments! They're really helpful and give a good understanding of the island. One other question - has anyone played at the golf course that is associated with the Playa Azul Resort? Comments?

I don't play golf, but I've been to the course. Its the only one on the island. Its not too spectacular as golf courses go, but its not bad. What would you like to know about it?