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Best known as a scuba-diver’s paradise, the island of Cozumel is ringed with Technicolor coral reefs. On land, it’s a dream Caribbean destination too, with a lively small town (San Miguel), long, palm-shaded beaches, lush jungle, and ancient Mayan ruins.
For a relaxing sand and surf getaway.
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$68/nt+: Hacienda San Miguel Expedia
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Where you sleep will depend on your priorities: lazy beach vacationers will prefer a base on the coast, either north or south of town, but San Miguel’s accommodations are less expensive and right in the middle of the action. Bare-bones beds can be had for under $90 nightly, while anything over $200 is considered “expensive” (luxury resorts here rarely top $300 per night).
Caribe Blu
This hotel caters squarely to divers with a dive shop on premises, plus a pool and protected wade-in area for training. The 22...
Las Anclas
With just eight, two-story suites (each unit’s two daybeds downstairs are good for kids), this small hotel quickly...
Ventanas al Mar
The only hotel on Cozumel’s east side runs entirely on wind power (that means no a/c, but the steady breezes make up for...
El Presidente Inter-Continental
Built in 1969, Cozumel’s first luxury hotel is still one of its best, with 220 sleek, modernist rooms, all facing a...
Playa Azul
Playa Azul’s 50 breezy, wicker-furnished rooms have a Caribbean-hideaway feel, with all the perks of a larger resort...
Pepita
No frills at this small, locally owned hotel, but that’s fine because the cheerful, welcoming management concentrates on...
Tamarindo B and B
Whitewashed walls and comfortable sitting nooks distinguish this pretty guesthouse in a quiet section of town. Four rooms and...
Caribe Blu
This hotel caters squarely to divers with a dive shop on premises, plus a pool and protected wade-in area for training. The 22...
Las Anclas
With just eight, two-story suites (each unit’s two daybeds downstairs are good for kids), this small hotel quickly...
Ventanas al Mar
The only hotel on Cozumel’s east side runs entirely on wind power (that means no a/c, but the steady breezes make up for...
El Presidente Inter-Continental
Built in 1969, Cozumel’s first luxury hotel is still one of its best, with 220 sleek, modernist rooms, all facing a...
Playa Azul
Playa Azul’s 50 breezy, wicker-furnished rooms have a Caribbean-hideaway feel, with all the perks of a larger resort...
Pepita
No frills at this small, locally owned hotel, but that’s fine because the cheerful, welcoming management concentrates on...
Tamarindo B and B
Whitewashed walls and comfortable sitting nooks distinguish this pretty guesthouse in a quiet section of town. Four rooms and...
For dinner on Cozumel, there are tacos, of course, but also tender steaks, the freshest of fish, and handmade fettuccine. Don’t miss a chance to try some of the Yucatan’s regional dishes, such as tikin-xic – earthy, spiced fish baked in banana leaves.
Casa Denis
Housed in a landmark wooden building just off the main plaza, the venerable Casa Denis is the place to sample Yucatecan...
El Galeón
Midway along the highway you’ll find El Galeón – the best of the basic restaurants on the east coast. Their...
La Choza
Local stalwart La Choza has been dishing up giant platters of enchiladas, and Yucatan-only dishes like chicken in a...
El Manatí
Set in an old-fashioned wooden house, this bohemian little restaurant serves a bargain set-price lunch and elaborate, eclectic...
Guido's
Lasagna is the most popular order at this hearty Italian restaurant, but the brick-oven pizza is worthwhile as well. Either...
Pancho's Backyard
Though it caters unapologetically to tourists, this refined Mexican restaurant is nonetheless a great place for dinner, thanks...
La Cocay
Luxe ingredients, a seasonally changing menu, and excellent service make this candlelit restaurant one of the best in town....
Casa Denis
Housed in a landmark wooden building just off the main plaza, the venerable Casa Denis is the place to sample Yucatecan...
El Galeón
Midway along the highway you’ll find El Galeón – the best of the basic restaurants on the east coast. Their...
La Choza
Local stalwart La Choza has been dishing up giant platters of enchiladas, and Yucatan-only dishes like chicken in a...
El Manatí
Set in an old-fashioned wooden house, this bohemian little restaurant serves a bargain set-price lunch and elaborate, eclectic...
Guido's
Lasagna is the most popular order at this hearty Italian restaurant, but the brick-oven pizza is worthwhile as well. Either...
Pancho's Backyard
Though it caters unapologetically to tourists, this refined Mexican restaurant is nonetheless a great place for dinner, thanks...
La Cocay
Luxe ingredients, a seasonally changing menu, and excellent service make this candlelit restaurant one of the best in town....