Park Royal Cozumel or El Cantil?
 

Friends have time share connections at Park Royal but we've found good deal at El Cantil. Has anyone been to Park Royal recently? (last report here is from '07) We're not really "all-inclusive" types and reviews on trip advisor are mixed. Any other good condo rentals--good snorkeling, not too far (i.e. Residencias Reef) near, but not too close to San Miguel?

This is just my personal opinion, but I've never been keen on the Park Royal because of the location so near the cruise ship pier. There's no great swim location there. El Cantil has a better beach front. It is right in the heart of town so you can walk everywhere.

As for a condo near (but not in) town, you might have a look at Coral Princess on the north end. It is on one of the nicest reefs for snorkeling, great staff, very good in house dive shop, really good food and bar. All one bedrooms are ocean front. If you need a big condo, have a look at the privately owned Nah Ha -- three bedrooms, ocean front on the same reef. No restaurant or dive shop, but you can walk to the Coral Princess for that.

Hope this helps with your decision.

TC--thanks for your insight. While we are good friends--we do enjoy our "separateness" so sharing a villa is out for now. Plus--some folks have commitment issues and no one wants to be stuck for an extra share. Good to know about other options--gracias.

TC, I know this is an old thread but I have a question for you. You say there is no great swim location there but I have read on tripadvisor the snorkeling outside the hotel is very good and that's our biggest priority. Last time we stayed at El Cozumeleno and the snorkeling was fantastic but the food was not. I got terribly sick so we are looking at other hotels this time.

P-M, Are you asking about the Park Royal? It is right in the middle of the cruise ship terminal. It is across the road from the beach. I wouldn't go in the water there. There is no way the snorkeling is "good" at that location. Some people will post that its good because they've never snorkeled before and think seeing a couple of little sargent major fish is wonderful. If you've never seen anything under water, then I guess it's ok.

Look at the travelers photos #4 & #26 on TA. You will see the beach is across the street from the hotel and how close it is to the cruise ship terminal.

Best shore snorkeling on the island is from the Coral Princess or the Hotel B. I would recommend either depending on wether you like a small boutique hotel or a roomier condo style resort. We use the CP. The one bedroom's are ocean front with a living room, bedroom, and small kitchenette. You can either fix your own breakfast and lunch in your room or eat at the hotel restaurant. We go into town every night for dinner. Skip the all-inclusives. Their food is always iffy.

Thanks TC, I will look at CP.