Heading to Mexico soon and wondering where to stay in Cozumel? In this post, we’ll recommend the best areas to stay in Cozumel as well as the top hotels on the island.
Cozumel is a popular tourist island in Quintana Roo that attracts divers, snorkelers, and beach lovers. Cozumel is incredibly safe and is full of natural beauty and plenty of fun things to do.
Despite being an island, Cozumel has it all. There’s a diverse range of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and even an airport.
There is also a vast array of accommodation options that cater to everyone, from backpackers to honeymooners.
So, regardless of what draws you to this gorgeous Caribbean island, you’ll find the perfect Cozumel hotel for you.
Where To Stay In Cozumel
Cozumel is not a tiny island, at 48 km (30 miles) long and 16 km (9.9 miles) wide. It has over 100,000 inhabitants and is pretty built up, so most first-timers want to know where to stay in Cozumel.
Almost all the resorts and hotels are on the west coast. The east coast is largely untouched, and while it’s a beautiful part of the island to explore during the day, you’ll struggle to find somewhere to stay there.
The west coast is typically broken down into three main areas, which are the most popular places to stay in Cozumel. Let’s explore which each one offers.
Centro Cozumel
Centro is the island’s city center and is where you’ll find the airport and main ferry port. It’s the most built-up part of the island and features multiple squares, small parks, and the most extensive array of restaurants, bars, and shops.
There’s also a planetarium, dolphin park, and museum, so you’ll never get bored here.
It’s not the best place if you’ve come for the beach, although you can find some just south of Centro, like Playa Caletitas. However, this area has the most comprehensive range of accommodation, from low-cost hotels to luxury beachfront resorts.
This results in a diverse mix of travelers, and as the island’s primary hub, many locals live here too.
South West Coast
Most tourists coming here for snorkeling, diving, or a beach holiday will stay on the South West Coast anywhere between Centro and Playa Palancar.
On this side of the island, you’ll find beach after beach and resort after resort, including many of the best resorts in Cozumel.
The marine park and most of the dive spots are located off this part of the coast. Therefore, this is from where all the dive tour companies operate.
What’s more, there are some cool attractions inland from the southwest coast, such as Cenote Chempita and the Butterfly & Botanical Gardens.
The southwest coast is less developed than the city center and quieter too. There’s plenty of restaurants and bars, but they are more catered to tourists, and there are not many local eateries like you would find in Centro.
However, the southwest coast certainly has more of a Caribbean island feel and laid back vibe. The area is stunning, too, with a crystal clear coastline on one side and a jungle backdrop on the other.
North Cozumel
The small stretch of coast from Centro to the island’s northern tip is popular with golfers and hikers. It’s incredibly peaceful here, so it is ideal for anyone who wants to stay away from the crowds.
North Cozumel attracts mainly older travelers and couples, so you won’t find many backpackers here. The area is much more rural than the southern part of the west coast. It is aesthetically beautiful, but there are fewer accommodation options here.
You’ll find a handful of awesome restaurants and beach clubs spread out in the north, such as Barracuda and Buccanos. While there are not many things to do, it’s only a 10-minute drive to the city center.
However, the north of the island isn’t one of the best places to stay in Cozumel for divers as you’ll be far from the reef, and diving trips do not run from here.
The 5 Best Hotels In Cozumel
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best hotels in Cozumel, Mexico.
Hostel Auikyani, Centro
Hostel Auikyani is one of the best places to stay in Cozumel for travelers on a budget. This hostel is a backpackers haven and is centrally located just one block from the ferry port. You’ll be a stone’s throw from cheap eateries and bars as well as plenty of low-cost activities.
Hostel Auikyani has shared dorms with 4 or 6 beds as well as a few private rooms. All rooms have air conditioning, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and a plug socket near each bed. While the rooms are small, there’s a common area and a small kitchenette.
However, what draws most backpackers to this hostel is the friendly, welcoming staff and the social vibe. The hostel has a sister bar next door with a large terrace where you’ll find the majority of the hostel guests hanging out. The bar puts on regular events, such as Ladies Night on Wednesdays.
Casa Mexicana, Centro
Casa Mexicana in the city center is a fab mid-range accommodation option. It’s situated in the main square 200m from the pier and 5km from the airport.
Aside from being conveniently located, the hotel has a swimming pool, terrace and bar, and a delicious breakfast buffet that is included in the room rate.
There are different sized rooms available that cater for two to four people. However, Casa Mexicana is a popular hotel for solo travelers seeking more comfort than a hostel. The deluxe rooms have a small private balcony, seating area, private bathroom, TV, and air-con.
The rooms also have many useful amenities, such as a hairdryer, iron, and ironing board. What’s more, all guests receive free in-room Wi-Fi and complimentary coffee in the cozy lobby.
Iberostar Cozumel, South West Cozumel
Iberostar is a popular all-inclusive resort in San Rose. It’s one of the best places to stay in Cozumel in the south of the island as it’s not overly expensive, yet everything is included.
There’s so much to do here, including a lagoon-style swimming pool, tennis court, fitness center, and water sports facilities. Plus, there’s an onsite spa with an outdoor jacuzzi for all your pampering needs.
The hotel has bungalow-style rooms spread out throughout the grounds. All rooms have air conditioning, modern bathrooms, and a private balcony.
You can choose rooms near the pool or tucked away in the garden for a more secluded feel.
All food and drink are included in your stay, including buffet-style meals using fresh and healthy ingredients. When you want to leave the hotel, you can head to the popular Playa Palancar, just 1.4km away, or the island’s cenote, just a short drive inland.
Hotel B Unique, North Cozumel
In the north of the island, you’ll find one of the best hotels in Cozumel, Hotel B Unique. The upscale beachfront hotel attracts luxury travelers who come to the island to enjoy the finer things in life.
Hotel B Unique does not disappoint. It features a gorgeous cliff-top infinity pool, a sun terrace, and incredible suites with balconies and jungle or ocean views.
The hotel is stylish and modern, and the rooms have all the amenities you need, including a large walk-in shower. You’ll enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast at the hotel’s onsite restaurant Xulha.
Check out the culinary experience at the Rooftop Sky-Lounge too, which offers carefully crafted tasting menus paired with signature cocktails and local craft beers.
Furthermore, the 5-star hotel offers an array of wellness activities to help you unwind, including yoga classes, spa treatments, a Jacuzzi, and an outdoor wellness area. They also run wellness retreats for travelers who are seeking a week of ultimate pampering.
Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa, South West Coast
The huge 5-star Presidente InterContinental resort is a truly lavish hotel in a pristine spot on the west coast. It has a private beach, 2 outdoor pools, a fitness center, 2 tennis courts, and a spa.
It also has an onsite dive shop that runs certified dive trips to the reef, or for a more relaxed adventure, you can snorkel in the crystal clear water by the beach.
The hotel’s main restaurant, El Caribeño, puts on an incredible breakfast buffet. There are other dining options here, too, such as the Italian restaurant, Alfredo di Roma, and the beachfront Caña Brava Bar & Grill.
There’s a large selection of room types, from standard to a luxury king suite. All of the rooms are spacious, stylish, and modern, and most have a private balcony. The beachfront king room is one of the most popular options as it gives direct beach access from your private terrace.
Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Cozumel
Cozumel is a must-visit island for anyone traveling through Mexico. Even if you’re not a diver, this Caribbean island has something to offer for everyone. In fact, you can start planning your stay in Cozumel with our guide featuring the best things to do in Cozumel.
What’s more, with so many places to stay in Cozumel, you’ll find something that fits your price range. So whether you visit for a weekend or two weeks, let your hair down at one of these top hotels in Cozumel.
Finally, you should know that Cozumel is safe, so you can easily find a hotel and have a nice stay on the island without having to worry about your safety or areas to avoid.
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