Just back from Cozumel and Playa
Jan 25th, 2005, 07:19 AM
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Just back from Cozumel and Playa
We stayed in Cozumel for 4 nights, then Playa Del Carmen for 3 and then back to Cozumel for 3 more nights. Cozumel was much quieter than Playa, especially after the Cruise ships leave. The beaches were beautiful and snorkeling was right off the shore. You can use any of the beaches, even those by hotels. We stayed in Hacienda San Miguel (not on the beach but walk into town) and Sol Cabanas Del Caribe at the end...on the beach north of town. Rented a car. Driving is easy as you can't get lost. In Playa we stayed at Quinto Sol at the end of the famous "walking street". Playa wore thin after awhile although the restaurants are great. We took a Mayan ruins tour and cenote (cave) swim while there. Playa is more "hoppin" with bars, loud music, etc. I would stay outside of town if I went again, but then of course you need a car or cabs. Loved Mexico. Cozumel was more laid back than I expected and we had a wonderful time there. Email me direct if you want more detail.
Jan 26th, 2005, 05:20 AM
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Dianne, So happy to hear you liked Hacienda San Miguel. I have often recommended it to friends. Such a beautiful place -- much like a private home setting. I have not stayed there myself, but all seemed to like it. Thank you for sharing a few positive words about my favorite holiday location -- Cozumel.
Jan 31st, 2005, 05:45 AM
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Any downtown restaurant is within walking distance. Its quite easy to walk all over San Miguel. El Museo (the museum terrace) restaurant serves a great breakfast and lunch with a view. Guido's has wonderful Italian in a very pretty garden setting. Both are just a few steps south on the main street from your hotel. Casa Denis, on the main square, is a must. A bit farther is Especias, Johnny Bravo's, Coffelia (great breakfasts), and grilled fish at La Choza.
Don't miss typical Yucatan food at El Turix or seafood at El Moro (a short taxi ride) but worth it . Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive so don't confine yourself to walking.
If you want more "to do" send me an email at [email protected]
Don't miss typical Yucatan food at El Turix or seafood at El Moro (a short taxi ride) but worth it . Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive so don't confine yourself to walking.
If you want more "to do" send me an email at [email protected]
Mar 22nd, 2005, 06:41 AM
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I am headed to Cozumel the 15th of April to the 20th (5nights) and am staying at the Hacienda San Miguel. Dianne, was wondering if you had any more to say about the hotel.
Also, I am a spanish teacher and was wondering if you all would consider Cozumel to be an authentic oportunity to practice? Meaning, does the island cater so much to cruise ships that I will be encouraged to just "say it in English"?
Lastly, I was wondering about the weather in mid-april. Haven't seen any posts regarding this. Anyone able to help a curious traveler?
Muchas gracias a todos!
Also, I am a spanish teacher and was wondering if you all would consider Cozumel to be an authentic oportunity to practice? Meaning, does the island cater so much to cruise ships that I will be encouraged to just "say it in English"?
Lastly, I was wondering about the weather in mid-april. Haven't seen any posts regarding this. Anyone able to help a curious traveler?
Muchas gracias a todos!
Mar 22nd, 2005, 12:35 PM
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"Meaning, does the island cater so much to cruise ships that I will be encouraged to just "say it in English"?
You will be able to speak all the Spanish you want. Yes, many people in Cozumel speak English and they like to practice, but they will be thrilled with your speaking the native language and most gracious in their replies. If you leave the main street along the waterfront and venture even a block or two, or go to the local grocery or bakeries, or any shop outside the ones at the cruiseship pier, you will have plenty of opportunties to converse in Spanish.
Try spending a sunday on any of the beaches to mingle with locals or go into the main square on sunday night for the local paseo (night out).
Try taking a cooking class or visit the local farmers market. Cost is approximately $35-$40 per class which includes ingredients for your lunch.
Email Martin Valdez at
nbsp; [email protected]
Visit the local cemetery. San Miguel's old cemetery is at the south end of Avenida 10. Here you'll find brightly decorated and carefully adorned family mausoleums with shrines decorated in flowers. Similar to the famous New Orleans cemeteries.
Have your beauty treatments done in town. It is so much fun. We do this on rainy days. You'd be surprised at how different the salons are from home, but its good. Manicures are priced around $6.00 and up. These are great places to practice Spanish while "gossiping" with the girls.
Believe it or not, Cozumel has a pro basketball team. And the island is crammed with avid fans. Baseball games there are triple A level and also a lot of fun to watch. Ask for schedules when you get to the island. Practice your cheers in Spanish.
Eat in some of the little out of the way places like El Turix for authentic Yucatan food, Johnny Bravo's for arrancheros and horchata (spell?). Or Coffelia's for amazing breakfasts (hardly any English spoken here). Or
La Parroquia (upstairs behind the Central Plaza church on Ave. 10. Walk to the little church on the back of the main square. Take a right, go half a block and then up the green staircase) for outstanding grilled shrimp dinners - very local, no cruise ship passengers here. Try El Moro or Casa Denis or have breakfast at El Museo. All Spanish speakers here.
Attend a church service - all in Spanish. You could even set up a school visit while there.
If you want more info on local color, send me an email at [email protected] I'll be happy to share my experiences.
You will be able to speak all the Spanish you want. Yes, many people in Cozumel speak English and they like to practice, but they will be thrilled with your speaking the native language and most gracious in their replies. If you leave the main street along the waterfront and venture even a block or two, or go to the local grocery or bakeries, or any shop outside the ones at the cruiseship pier, you will have plenty of opportunties to converse in Spanish.
Try spending a sunday on any of the beaches to mingle with locals or go into the main square on sunday night for the local paseo (night out).
Try taking a cooking class or visit the local farmers market. Cost is approximately $35-$40 per class which includes ingredients for your lunch.
Email Martin Valdez at
nbsp; [email protected]Visit the local cemetery. San Miguel's old cemetery is at the south end of Avenida 10. Here you'll find brightly decorated and carefully adorned family mausoleums with shrines decorated in flowers. Similar to the famous New Orleans cemeteries.
Have your beauty treatments done in town. It is so much fun. We do this on rainy days. You'd be surprised at how different the salons are from home, but its good. Manicures are priced around $6.00 and up. These are great places to practice Spanish while "gossiping" with the girls.
Believe it or not, Cozumel has a pro basketball team. And the island is crammed with avid fans. Baseball games there are triple A level and also a lot of fun to watch. Ask for schedules when you get to the island. Practice your cheers in Spanish.
Eat in some of the little out of the way places like El Turix for authentic Yucatan food, Johnny Bravo's for arrancheros and horchata (spell?). Or Coffelia's for amazing breakfasts (hardly any English spoken here). Or
La Parroquia (upstairs behind the Central Plaza church on Ave. 10. Walk to the little church on the back of the main square. Take a right, go half a block and then up the green staircase) for outstanding grilled shrimp dinners - very local, no cruise ship passengers here. Try El Moro or Casa Denis or have breakfast at El Museo. All Spanish speakers here.
Attend a church service - all in Spanish. You could even set up a school visit while there.
If you want more info on local color, send me an email at [email protected] I'll be happy to share my experiences.
Mar 24th, 2005, 06:00 PM
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Thank you very much for such an in-depth reply. Truly tahnkful for you answering my question so completely. I will be responding before my departure date on the 15th of April.
One thing that was not responded to yet was the weather in mid-april. The weather channel has GENERIC average temps but was wondering if anyone had some real life experience. Thanks so much from an excited soon to be traveler.
One thing that was not responded to yet was the weather in mid-april. The weather channel has GENERIC average temps but was wondering if anyone had some real life experience. Thanks so much from an excited soon to be traveler.
Mar 25th, 2005, 05:51 AM
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I am usually in Cozumel once a month--it is one of my favorite places. Of course, English (or Spanglish as my Mexican friends call it) is widely spoken but your spanish will be useful and appreciated. If you visit the good beach restaurants such as Chen Rio on the east side, it will be even more helpful!
Mar 25th, 2005, 10:29 AM
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A friend of mine who lives in Cozumel writes:
"this year the weather has become hot fairly early in the year... right now we are already seeing upper 80's to lower 90's... It's georgous!!! I would guess in April it could be in the 90's with lot's and lot's of sun shine..."
"this year the weather has become hot fairly early in the year... right now we are already seeing upper 80's to lower 90's... It's georgous!!! I would guess in April it could be in the 90's with lot's and lot's of sun shine..."
Aug 13th, 2005, 12:38 PM
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Hi Dianne - we are going to cancun and cozumel in May. I am looking for a hotel on cozumel for 3 nights and considering casita de mayo, vista del mar, hotel cozumel or hacienda san miquel. I just want cleanliness and hosts that can help us get the most out of our 3 days there. we snorkel, but don't dive. I would appreciate your input since you have been there. also restaurants you recommend. thanks!!
