hours of hotel research for isla mujeres, cozumel and cancun
 

My first trip to the mayan riveria was Dec 2001. We booked the all inclusive Barcello Maya. Let's just say I am not an all inclusive gal! I couldn't believe I was eating roasted turkey in Mexico. The food was terrible. The rooms were nice but the resort made me feel like I was on a cruise ship. And the disco...yuck! So we left to Akumal, then to Isla mujeres where we could not seem to leave the Villa Rolandi for three nights! Now that was heaven. If you want to get away and be pampered this is the place. Then to Cozumel and stayed at the Playa Azul. Charming small hotel where the staff will go out of their way to acommodate the guests. Request the new section only. The beach is also shared by the locals who are very friendly. Great time even if we paid for two hotels for the rest of the trip!<BR>A return trip booked for thanksgiving of this year. Isla Mujeres for four nights at the Hotel Secreto opened in April 2002 only 9 rooms and very boutique. What a great deal at 100 per night. I had to pass up Rolandi($250 + 15% service fee+12%taxes+ maid fee $3.00 yikes!)www.hotelsecreto.com see for yourself. Then off to Cozumel for four nights. I decided to go with the new (opening Oct 2002) Occidental Grand All Inclusive. It seems like it will be the best place for snorkeling and the rooms look great. I have seen almost all the properties on Cozumel and except for the Presidente and Playa Azul the rest are on the 2* range. The problem with the Iberostar is that it smells from their own water tx plant! Finally to Cancun (never been). The choice between the Fiesta Americana Coral: not a great beach or laocation and the Ritz: drinks @ $15 a pop!<BR>I chose the JW Marriott next door to the Ritz but amenities seem better. The spa is supposed to be the best. The pools look pretty as well. I read many reviews on these properties and feel happy with my choices. I love luxury but have a budget so these seem to fit the bill! Cheers-

Abby- Why didn't you choose Playa Del Carmen over Cancun?-- just curious.

Also curious why you would choose an all inclusive resort again (for the Cozumel portion).

Did you know that if you stay at the Marriott Casa Magna, you can use the pool at the JW Marriott. The Casa Magna actually has better and cheaper food and drinks. The Casa Magna is a great value!

abby,<BR>I think you've made a superb choice. We stayed there in August and couldn't have been happier with the JW...the beach there is just perfect...have a great time and when you go let us know how you liked it...<BR>Also please try LaHabichuela downtown. What a great restaurant...<BR>I cannot speak for others, but I was worried about staying in Cancun with all the negatives i'd read, and I turned out to love it, especially the location of the JW on the hotel zone!<BR>Enjoy!! (And give us a review of the new hotels you will be staying at!)

I chose Cancun because it is my birthday night-I'm single- and my flight leaves at 7 a.m. the next morning. I do love playa del carmen espec. that Euro boutique hotel w/ pool on the roof (name?) The reason I went with the all inclusive on Cozumel is that I am going with my Mother (65) who will need some entertainment at night while myself and best friend go out! Also the property is gorgeous. Why I chose the JW over the casa Magna...Expedia rate of $166 seemed good enough for me!

Hey Abby, you mentioned you have seen most hotels on Cozumel. How is the Allegro, we got sucked into a time share trial and have to choose by Dec 19, 02. Playa del Carmen, Caribbean Village, or Allegro. Any suggestions? Thanks

I have to disagree with you that Fiesta American Grand Coral Beach is a bad location. My opinion based on much research is that it is an excellent location - calm water, incredible (!) pool area, close to Maria Bonita, Bogart's, clubs, Mall and Iguana Wana for an inexpensive breakfast. High priced food and drinks at this resort I absolutely agree! But, at a rate of $101 per night in the beginning of December, I am SO excited!!!!!!!!!!!! No doubt you will totally enjoy the JW Marriott too. I just have to disagree that FAGCB is a bad location. Have a great vacation!

Laurie, <BR>When I was there in August, I didn't like the location of the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach because I didn't want to feel like I was in the middle of all the action -- wanted a more laid back, relaxing place to stay, and therefore, liked staying farther down the hotel zone at the JW. It all depends on what you're looking for...<BR>ann

Ann- I understand. If/When I take my two boys, my choice for that will be Playa Del Carmen away from the Cancun. For this trip with my husband, I am pumped for an awesome stay at the FAGCB. Travel channel this year placed it as #7 for Best Resorts in Mexico!

laurie,<BR>don't forget to give us a trip report!<BR>thanks<BR>anne

ABBY:<BR>I would like to talk with you regarding Hotel Secreto for me and my sister for Xmas. Please email me at [email protected]. I specifically want to know: how to get there, nice beach and water for swimming?, restaurants, how far a walk to other restaurants, etc. Also is there a bar by the pool for some drinks? Will two sisters--mid 30's be ok there alone?? Thanks!<BR>Jamie

i think you should check IKAL DEL MAR is a great small hotel. ikaldelmar.com

Jamie,<BR>I've got reservations at Hotel Secreto early November. The hotel does have a pool, but I don't think they have a pool bar. No problem, the hotel next door does, and you can get drinks there. It's literally a few steps away. The ocean off the Secreto is not good for swimming, but Playa Norte is only a five minute walk away. There are several places to eat and drink all within walking distance as well. You two girls will be very safe and have a great time. To get there, you take a ferry from Puerto Juarez.

Abby,<BR><BR>Could you please tell me more about the<BR>Villa Rolandi, such as the room, beach area with clear water or not. What about the food at the the Rolandi, do they serve seafood? Any info would be greatly appreciated. How do you get to Villa Rolandi from Cancun airport?

Abby,<BR><BR>My husband & I can not decide between Ritz in Cancun or Villa Rolandi. <BR>Could you please tell us what you think of the above two resorts? Do you think Rolandi room, bathroom, service & ambience is same class at Ritz or please tell us your opinion. Would you rate Rolandi is luxious resort? Thank you.

If you have questions about Isla Mujeres, you might want to check www.isla-mujeres.net. There is a very active forum on that site and I know there's info about Villa Rolandi.

to the person who inquired about Villa Rolandi -- I have a feeling it may be even nicer than the Ritz...but just remember, the atmosphere in Cancun and Isla is very different. There is much more to do in Cancun, but if you just want to relax and do nothing Isla will be great. I spent a day in Isla, and I did feel, after getting off the island that I was glad we were staying in the hotel zone, but that was my individual opinion. There is charm in Isla, but I found it fairly limited. the beach in hotel zone (Ritz) may be better than beach at Villa Rolandi...

Jamie here again...my sister refuses to stay anywhere with a bar or restaurant in case she doesn't "feel" like getting dressed, etc. Whatever....so now I am looking at Villa Rolandi..are meals included? Wasn't quite sure from the website. Also, do they have a good swimming beach? It all looks so fab on the website, but I'd rather hear it all from people who've actually spent their hard-earned money there. Thanks!!

Abby, what is the hotel next door to The Secreto? Thanks!<BR>