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Cozumel Island
Island Guides
Mayan Ruins
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Cozumel Trip Report Vacation Dates in Cozumel:May 24-May 27th. Our family just returned from a vacation to Mexico. We started our trip in the Riviera Maya and then went on to Cozumel. We took a small charter, Aerocaribe to Cozumel from Cancun; please be warned if your travel agent doesn't tell you that you are only allowed one suitcase and one carry-on per person. We found out the hard way, and with a little negotiating and carrying most of our own luggage on, not to mention a $19.00 charge, we were able to bring our 2 bags per person, plus our backpacks on. The weather turned drastically from warm sunny skies to a terrific downpour with a couple hours of sunshine during our stay. The airline was cordial enough though to give all of the passengers umbrellas as we disembarked the plane. We stayed at the Paradisus Hotel and the Concierge was exceptionally helpful. I have to say I have some mixed emotions about the hotel and hopefully my review will help any of you "Mom's" with smaller children going to this resort. My husband and I took our 6 and 8 year old kids with us and they were terrific travelers who enjoyed swimming in the pool in the rain (it was still approx. 85 degrees outside) and even battling all of the mosquitoes. Our room was large enough for all of us, we had requested and been given a Jr. Ste on the 11th floor so the view was wonderful. (Just request a lower room if you are "iffy" about having your kids up on a balcony that high.) The good points to the hotel: The rooms are clean and have recently been remodeled. You can find snacks and food and drinks almost all of the time, and the lobby keeps complimentary cold champagne on hand. You no longer have to ask for remotes for your room, they are already there by your T.V., but there was absolutely no reception so forget about watching any television! Most of the staff was exceptionally kind, helpful and willing to answer any questions..we'll get to the unfriendly ones later. The hotel is pretty close to town so the taxi fare is now $6.00 U.S. dollars one way. Not bad, considering that the one-way fare from the Iberostar Resort is about $15.00 - $20.00 into town, so travelers booking that hotel, take warning if you have plans to make excursions into town. The restaurants have a fairly decent menu and most of the food is edible. The most outstanding mention of the hotel is the evening shows which the Activities Staff performs and the Mini Kids Disco in the evening. Parents you are expected to stay with your kids during Disco time which actually only lasts about 25 minutes. We caught 3 shows and they were all very well rehearsed and performed. Now for the bad points: The hotel was pretty flooded from the rains so even with tread on your shoes be prepared to slip and slide; even in the hotel room. The humidity was so high that unless you keep you A/C around 65 degrees which is a little chilly for me, your hotel room floor will accumulate a lot of water and the marble hurts when you fall! My kids took some nice spills in and out of the room. We saw many folks sliding to, instead of walking to dinner. The bugs and mosquitoes at the buffet and dinner tables drove us batty and I don't prefer to have someone spraying around my ankles and dinner during my meal! We did make reservations for the "fancy cafe" one night, but our kids took a nap and we were 25 minutes late. The host refused us a table even though there were only two tables occupied at the time and earlier we were told that there were availabilities for the next seating. So we ate at the buffet and I got very ill from their lasagna. So as far as their food goes, use your own discretion. Their bartenders are not very nice and I felt as though I was inconveniencing them when I ordered my pre-paid beverages. The kids Club says that they are operational during specific hours and the lady who runs it is wonderful with the kids when she is there. She is given breaks, of course, but we noticed during these times our kids were left alone...in the pool!!! Not once but twice! So unless your children are very good swimmers and you don't worry about other children possible dunking them, I guess don't worry! But we worried! We saw a group of three children in the kids club daily, all siblings, and I don't think their parents ever even know that their kids were left unattended..or maybe they just didn't care. My suggestion is the resort next door. The El Coz has been completely remodeled and is beautiful. They have a cute Mini Golf area and their televisions actually work. My husband sat in their lobby to watch his Sports. Their pool area is similar to a 6 star hotel and their staff is also very nice. Their was no flooding around their pool areas and their beach is beautiful with water sports activities very close by. So if you don't have kids who need to be monitored on occasion and you don't mind mediocre food, and really hard beds don't bother you, then I guess the Paradisus will work for you, otherwise stay at the El Cozumueleno or the Presidente. Two wonderful activities to enjoy while in Cozumel though are the Aventuras Naturales Jeep Tour though they offer other excursions too. They gave us one very memorable day in the jungle and beach which my children and my husband and I loved! Lots of fun and true adventure. We saw ruins, toured a very old lighthouse, toured a live Soldier Base, and did some great FourWheel Mud Whomping! The other is the Mini Golf in town. Great owners and caretakers, with super Sangria's and cute but large Iguana's. I know this review is lengthy but I wanted to cover all of the details. Truthfully we had better snorkeling in Akumal, near Playa del Carmen. You can take a ferry there from Cozumel for a day. Have Fun and don't forget to visit Carlos and Charlie's..in town. It was fun for the whole family! By Linda, Bret, and C&C Lodging Reviews
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