|

Best Hotels and Resorts to Stay in Cozumel, Mexico [2023]

Best resorts in Cozumel

Looking for the best resorts in Cozumel, Mexico? If so, you’re at the right place!

Cozumel is a world-famous tourist destination, and for good reason! This beautiful island off the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea has everything you could want in a vacation spot: white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, gorgeous scenery, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. But with so many choices for hotels and resorts in Cozumel, how do you know which one is the right place for you to stay?

That’s why I created this post with detailed reviews to help you decide where to stay in Cozumel. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious five-star resort or a more budget-friendly option, I’ve got you covered. Read on to find out which hotel or resort is best for your trip to Cozumel!

Luxury under Budget aims at helping you get the best deals by maximizing the value of your time and money. My recommendations are based on first-hand experiences and a full analysis of costs vs. benefits. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may get a small commission when you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and enables me to provide more free and helpful content. Now, let’s go get you that luxury travel while staying under the budget!


Have You Got These Items For Your Trip Yet?

Travel Tips to ask for a Free Hotel Room Upgrade

Where to Stay in Cozumel: Top-Rated Hotels and Resorts

When planning a trip to Cozumel, one of the first things you’ll need to decide is where to stay. There are a wide variety of accommodations available on the island, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Cozumel, no matter what your budget is. Some of these resorts cost as low as $120 during low season!

1. Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa – Best for Luxury

The new Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa (opened in 2022) will be the most luxurious spot on the island and undoubtedly one of the best resorts in Cozumel! The suites are beautifully decorated with modern details, making this an attractive place for travelers looking to feel pampered while on vacation!

Big families will be happy to learn that the family suites can accommodate up to six individuals with the use of connecting rooms.

Guests staying in Preferred Club suites will have exclusive perks such as access to an upgraded mini-bar and room service, concierge services, private check-in/checkout, and a VIP lounge.

Looking for some extra entertainment? Guests staying at Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa will also have access to the nearby Sunscape Sabor Cozumel and the Secrets Aura Cozumel resorts!

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious and relaxing experience on your Cozumel vacation, it’s worth checking out Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa!

✔️Check Price for Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa

2. Fiesta Americana Cozumel All-Inclusive Resort

Fiesta Americana Cozumel All-Inclusive Resort offers many amenities and activities to keep you busy, including two pools and a private beach club offering on-site snorkeling and diving excursions. You will also have access to its sister resort, The Explorean Cozumel.

Best Hotels and Resorts to Stay in Cozumel, Mexico [2023]

The best part about Fiesta Americana Cozumel? The food! This resort has some of the best restaurants on the island, including an amazing seafood restaurant with fresh catches of the day. The buffet here is also excellent, with a wide variety of international cuisine to choose from.

The all-inclusive rates cover meals and drinks in addition to daily entertainment such as karaoke sessions and movie nights, so there’s no excuse not to enjoy yourself!

✔️Check Price for Fiesta Americana Cozumel Resort

3. The Explorean Cozumel

The Explorean Cozumel is a luxury resort located on the western coast of Cozumel, sharing its grounds with sister property Fiesta Americana Cozumel. It is also very close to Chankanaab Park and the Museo de la Isla.

Best Hotels and Resorts to Stay in Cozumel, Mexico [2023]

This all-inclusive resort is perfect for families and couples alike. You’ll have a blast at this resort without breaking the bank thanks to its all-inclusive feature. There are plenty of activities for everyone. You can enjoy guided activities on the island, as well as bike tours and snorkeling!

When you’re ready to relax, the Explorean has everything you need, from a spa and fitness center to several restaurants and bars. Better yet? You can wander next door to access the Fiesta Americana Cozumel’s beach club, spa, specialty restaurants as well.

Each room at The Explorean Cozumel features neutral colors and wooden furniture with a modern feel. You’ll have plenty of space to relax with a king-size bed and a sofa. From your room, you can enjoy views of the swimming pool or lush gardens.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly resort or a romantic getaway, the Explorean Cozumel would be a perfect place!

✔️Check Price for The Explorean Cozumel

4. Secrets Aura Cozumel Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort – Best for Couples

There is no shortage of sun, sand, and surf on Cozumel’s southwestern coast. Here, you will find the luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort Secrets Aura Cozumel, featuring all-suite accommodation with a king-sized bed, whirlpool tub, and private terrace/balcony.

Best Hotels and Resorts to Stay in Cozumel, Mexico [2023]

The cost of Secrets Aura Cozumel can seem daunting, but remember that its all-inclusive nightly rate does include meals at all six on-site restaurants, unlimited drinks at four bars, and 24-hour butler services. In addition, there is a long list of activities included that range from kayaking to water aerobics as well as beach and pool volleyball.

If you want to make your stay feel like it was straight out of a movie, book one of the swim-up rooms. These private retreats offer direct access to the pool and stunning views. You can swim up to a private terrace with a hammock or slide down some slides to the splash pool below. These rooms are absolutely worth the upgrade!

This adults-only all-inclusive resort is definitely one of the best resorts in Cozumel for couples or friends looking for a luxurious and fun getaway.

✔️Check Price for Secrets Aura Cozumel

5. Cozumel Palace All-Inclusive Resort

The first thing you’ll notice when arriving at Cozumel Palace All-Inclusive Resort is its colonial-era charm. With over 150 guest rooms and suites inspired by colonial-era architecture, most having their own jacuzzi hot tub and balcony view of the ocean, it’s no wonder why the hotel is so popular,

Best Hotels and Resorts to Stay in Cozumel, Mexico [2023]

You can party like a rock star at this hotel and not worry about breaking the bank! The all-inclusive nightly room rate already includes meals at all four on-site restaurants, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, access to three swimming pools (one of which is an infinity pool), various daytime activities, and nightly entertainment options.

Cozumel Palace is also a great place to stay if you want to go scuba diving. Located on a beach in central San Miguel de Cozumel, Cozumel Palace All-Inclusive Resort offers prime diving opportunities thanks to its close proximity to Palancar Reef.

Service-wise, most guests agree that the staff here are incredibly friendly and accommodating. So if you’re looking for a place to stay in Cozumel that has it all – great food, beautiful rooms, awesome amenities, and amazing service – then look no further than Cozumel Palace All-Inclusive Resort!

✔️Check Price for Cozumel Palace All-Inclusive Resort

6. Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort – 5* Star Beachfront Resort

This five-star resort is located on a beautiful seaweed-free private beach, about 15 minutes from Cozumel International Airport (CZM) and 10 minutes from downtown Cozumel.

Best Hotels and Resorts to Stay in Cozumel, Mexico [2023]

Even though Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort is not an all-inclusive resort, it includes breakfast and offers everything you could want in a luxury vacation. From spacious rooms with private balconies to an on-site spa and multiple restaurants, you’ll be spoiled for choice here.

And if you’re looking to do scuba diving in one of the largest reef barriers of the world, the resort offers scuba diving packages that the concierge can help you with.

Never been diving before but don’t want to miss out on the experience? You can absolutely get certified during your stay at Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort.

They have a PADI Dive Center that can you get certified within three days! The course includes 4 open-water dives and you will have a guide accompanying you on each dive. Once you get certified, you’re a diver for life, woohoo!

✔️Check Price for Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort

7. Grand Park Royal Cozumel All-Inclusive Resort – Best Value for Money – Perfect for Snorkeling

I was very hesitant about staying at Grand Park Royal Cozumel All-Inclusive Resort because I could tell from the pictures that the rooms are quite dated. I booked this hotel for one night because of its location, but ended up loving it so much that I decided to extend my stay for a week!

It is an all-inclusive hotel, so the nightly room rate includes meals and drinks at any of the on-site restaurants and bars. For the quality of food and service here, I would say that the price is beyond reasonable and would be a great choice for budget travelers!

The rooms are a little dated but filled with natural sunlight, and the staff does a good job of cleaning, so it is not bad at all. Even though the rooms here may not be as modern and luxurious as other top hotels and resorts in Cozumel, its great location, strong free wi-fi, excellent amenities, and stellar services absolutely make up for it!

The resort is huge, but the best part about Grand Park Royal Cozumel All-Inclusive Resort is its beachfront location. It is situated on one of the best beaches in Cozumel with crystal clear water that is perfect for snorkeling. The beach is a bit rocky, but it is amazing how you can see so many colorful fishes and stingrays just a few steps into the water! Pick up your own snorkel gear at Oxo or Marti’s Sports nearby and you can have unlimited snorkeling at your fingertips!

In addition, Grand Park Royal Cozumel is pretty much right across the street from one of the best attractions in town – the Atlantis Submarine Expedition.  

This is one of the most popular things to do in Cozumel, and for good reason. The Atlantis Submarine takes you 100 feet below the surface to explore the amazing coral reef and marine life in Chankanaab, an environmentally protected marine park. You will see a wide variety of fish, stingrays, turtles, and a shipwreck!

🚢Book the Best Deal for Atlantis Submarine Expedition in Cozumel

Another thing I love at Grand Park Royal Cozumel is the amazing staff! They make an effort to get to know you and ensure you have a great time during your stay.

There are two seaside infinity pools with swim-up bars overlooking the Caribbean sea–one of which is adults-only. The hotel has daily entertainment by the pool, beach parties, and theme nights in the open-air theatre. If you participate in the activities, you can win small prizes like a t-shirt, beach bag, or tequila bottle. It was so much fun! 

Tips to Make the Most of Your Stay: there can be a long wait time for the Mexican and Italian a la carte restaurants, which have excellent food! Try to go early if you can when the restaurants first open around 6 PM to avoid the wait!  

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Cozumel that won’t break the bank but still want all the bells and whistles of an all-inclusive resort, then I would highly recommend Grand Park Royal Cozumel!

✔️Check Price for Grand Park Royal Cozumel All-Inclusive Resort

8. Iberostar Cozumel All-Inclusive Resort

Iberostar Cozumel All-Inclusive Resort is a beautiful and serene resort with bungalow suites that provide a unique getaway. With its on-site dive center, experienced instructors, and prime location close to the best reefs, this resort is another great choice for those who want to explore the underwater world.

Families will find plenty to keep them entertained at Iberostar Cozumel, with a kids’ pool, Star Camp activities, and facilities that are specially adapted for children. The hotel also offers live entertainment shows in its on-site theater, ranging from comedy to musical productions, for the whole family to enjoy together.

If you stay at an Iberostar all-inclusive resort, you will have exchange privileges to other Iberostar resorts in the area. For example, if you stay at Iberostar Cozumel, you can stop by other Iberostar resorts in Riviera Maya for food, drinks, or beach access. These resorts include Iberostar Tucán, Iberostar Quetzal, Iberostar Paraíso Beach, and Iberostar Paraíso del Mar. However, because it takes a 45-minutes to go by ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, I doubt if many people can take advantage of this all-inclusive pass privilege.

On the other hand, if you are on a day trip to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen and you stay at Iberostar Tucan or Iberostar Quetzal, you could take advantage of the pass and enjoy all-inclusive privileges at Iberostar Cozumel!

✔️Check Price for Iberostar Cozumel All-Inclusive Resort

9. Occidental Grand Cozumel

A tranquil getaway awaits you at Occidental Grand Cozumel on the southern end of Cozumel, a 25-minute drive to San Miguel. With lush jungle as your backdrop, this resort offers privacy and seclusion for those looking to escape with nature preserve beauty all around them.

The resort’s guest rooms could benefit from a renovation, but overall, they are spacious and clean with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. You’ll have plenty to keep you busy at the resort including three outdoor pools, a fitness center, spa, tennis courts, and several restaurants serving international cuisine.

You can upgrade to the Royal Level at the resort which offers exclusive services and amenities such as private check-in/out, a concierge service, access to the Royal Level lounge and bar, and complimentary golf cart rides!

When you’re ready to explore outside of the resort, the concierge can help you arrange snorkeling, diving excursions, and deep-sea fishing courses for an extra charge.

✔️Check Price for Occidental Grand Cozumel

10. El Cozumeleno Beach Resort All Inclusive

El Cozumeleno Beach Resort is a cheap all-inclusive resort in Cozumel, Mexico that offers great value for money. This beachfront resort offers a long list of activities and amenities to keep you busy during your stay, including free snorkeling gear and introductory diving lessons in the pool!

The rooms at El Cozumeleno Beach Resort are spacious, clean, and well-maintained but lack any personality or style to make them stand out from other hotels in their class. Nevertheless, the bland decor of the place is compensated by breathtaking landscapes and stunning ocean views.

The surrounding area is filled with restaurants, bars, and shops, so you won’t get bored!

If you’re looking for an affordable all-inclusive resort in Cozumel with great value, El Cozumeleno Beach Resort is a good choice.

✔️Check Price for El Cozumeleno Beach Resort

11. El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel

El Cid La Ceiba Hotel is a beachfront hotel with both the European plan (room only) and all-inclusive plan. It is within walking distance to Atlantis Submarine Expedition and the cruise ship terminal.

Overall, the rooms are spacious, bright, and clean. The one-bedroom suite is almost three times as big as the regular rooms, with a lounge area and a private balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

There is a swim-up bar located near the hot tub and pool area where you can enjoy your favorite drinks. The hotel also has a buffet restaurant offering a wide variety of international cuisine and an Italian restaurant serving pizza.

With the hotel’s proximity to the cruise port, you’ll likely see many day-pass guests around during your stay.

✔️Check Price for El Cid La Ceiba

12. Melia Cozumel

Melia Cozumel is a relatively small family-friendly all-inclusive resort that makes a fair choice for those looking for a more intimate and low-key vacation.

The rooms here are spacious and clean with minimalistic decor. For a private jacuzzi tub on your terrace, be sure to book the suites. For added luxury, you can go for the Level Royal Suite at Melia Cozumel, which includes a private terrace and a whirlpool with an ocean view, private check-in with drinks and canapes, an exclusive restaurant for breakfast, a personal butler, and preferred reservations in a la carte restaurants.

The best part about staying at Melia Cozumel is the staff, who are incredibly friendly and attentive. They go out of their way to make sure you have a pleasant stay, offering daily activities such as cooking classes and dance lessons.

✔️Check Price for Melia Cozumel

13. Cozumel Resort by Wyndham

Cozumel Resort by Wyndham is another all-inclusive resort for families or groups of friends. It has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay, including spacious rooms, several pools, a kids club, and a spa.

The resort’s central location makes it easy to explore the island. You can walk to the nearby shops and restaurants or take a short taxi ride to the ferry terminal and the Museum of Cozumel.

✔️Check Price for Cozumel Resort by Wyndham

14. Sunscape Sabor Cozumel

Sunscape Sabor Cozumel is another choice for families looking for an all-inclusive vacation. The resort offers a kid’s check-in experience with red carpet stairs, welcome treats and resort passports for kids.

Kids and teens will have a blast at the clubs designed for their specific age. Explorer’s Club offers activities for ages 3-12 such as video games, crafts, sand castle competition, theater productions and even a camping adventure on the beach. The Core Zone Teens Club, targeted for guests aged 13 to 17, offers daily activities and a vast array of sports and games for teenagers.

Sunscape Sabor Cozumel also has daily and nightly entertainment, from live musical performances to shows to keep everyone entertained

✔️Check Price for Sunscape Sabor Cozumel

15. The Westin Cozumel – All-Inclusive Vacation Package is Optional

The Westin Cozumel is an optional all-inclusive resort that would be a great choice for those looking to relax and rejuvenate on their vacation. If you have a late arrival to Cozumel, it’s not worth it to pay the all-inclusive price on the first day, since you won’t be able to take advantage of most of the all-inclusive perks.

Instead, book the room only for the first day and all-inclusive packages for the rest of your vacation. Let the receptionists know when you check in so they can put both of your reservations in one room. The nice thing is that you won’t have to wait till the normal check-in time the next day (usually 3-4 PM) to enjoy the all-inclusive perks – stop by the reception desk the next morning to get the wristband and you’re all set!

✔️Check Price for The Westin Cozumel

16. Allegro Cozumel Resort

Allegro Cozumel Resort is an all-inclusive hotel that offers plenty for families as well as couples and friends. It’s located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Cozumel – Playa San Francisco. The hotel is also very close to the Palancar Reef, which was claimed to be a “paradise” by the famous French diver Jacques Couteau.

The resort offers spacious suites with subtle tropical decor and architectural design inspired by tradition. In addition, it has five restaurants where guests can recover after an active day snorkeling or diving in the waters off Cozumel.

The Allegro Cozumel’s kid-friendly entertainment program is designed for children of all ages. There is a pirate-themed water park in one of the children’s pools that will keep the little ones entertained for hours. For an additional fee, parents can use the babysitting service and take some well-deserved time off on their own!

✔️Check Price for Allegro Cozumel Resort

The Wrap Up: Best Places to Stay in Cozumel

I hope you have enjoyed this roundup of the best hotels and resorts in Cozumel, Mexico! No matter what your budget or preferences are, there’s sure to be a perfect match for you on this list.

If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway in Cozumel, Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa as well as Secrets Aura Cozumel is the perfect choices. However, if you want to stretch your dollar a bit further, Grand Park Royal offers great amenities and services at an unbeatable price.

Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa

Secrets Aura Cozumel

Grand Park Royal Cozumel All-Inclusive Resort

No matter where you choose to stay on this stunning island, I know you’ll have a wonderful time!

Mexico Travel Resources

  1. Travel Insurance:
    • No one wants to think about what could go wrong on a vacation, but the truth is that accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance, so you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing that you’re covered if something does go wrong. Don’t take the risk when you can be covered for cheap.
    • Safety Wing is a great option for budget-conscious travelers, as policies start at just $40 USD for an entire month! Basic policies cover travel emergencies, medical costs, and medical expenses while you’re in Mexico as well as transportation back to your home country under circumstances.
  2. Car Rental Scam
    • Don’t fall for car rental scams in Mexico! Make sure you have full coverage when you make the reservation so car rental agencies can’t upsell their insurance.
    • Discover Cars offers the cheapest car rental rates in Mexico and full coverage insurance for as low as $7 per day. 
  3. Popular Travel Guides in Mexico