Cozumel is an island just 12 miles off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and directly across from the city of Playa del Carmen.
It’s only 30 miles long and 9.9 miles wide so it’s easy to explore the entire island when visiting. It’s known as one of the best snorkeling destinations because it’s located on the Mesoamerican Reef which is the world’s second-largest reef.
The island has colorful and amazing sea life, a beautiful landscape, and tropical, lush scenery. Cozumel has managed to stay mainly undeveloped which allows it to have an adventurous and untapped feel to it.
It’s perfect for a vacation of exploring. You could experience most of the island in just a few days or spend a week or more enjoying all it has to offer.
Either way, we’ve created a guide with the best places to stay in Cozumel. To help you know where you should stay when visiting this beautiful paradise.
Regions of Western Cozumel
The Western side of Cozumel is the only really developed part of the island and it’s where you’ll find almost all of the restaurants, accommodations, and establishments.
The Eastside is mainly undeveloped so there aren’t really any places to stay but it is, however, a great area for a day trip of exploring.
Because Cozumel is quite small, the Western side of the island can be broken down into just three main regions on the coast: San Miguel, Northern Cozumel, and Southern Cozumel.
The area you choose to stay in Cozumel depends on what type of vacation you’re looking to have. This guide will include a mix of accommodations types.
San Miguel
San Miguel is the capital city of Cozumel and it happens to be the only city on the island. This is where you can find shops and most of the restaurants and bars.
You’ll also find many accommodations in the city. There is a very large boardwalk in San Miguel for walking aimlessly along the coast and enjoying the view.
It’s a great place to stay if you’re more the city-type and plan to check out the various establishments. You’ll also be close to all activities you may want to partake in. Because most of the establishments are located in the city, it’s also the cheapest place to stay in Cozumel.
Southern Cozumel
Southern Cozumel is located south of San Miguel and it’s the best area to stay if you want to focus on snorkeling and/or scuba diving during your trip.
Since San Miguel is the most populated area with most of the establishments on the island, Southern Cozumel will be a bit more expensive because there are fewer accommodations and restaurants.
The nice thing is that this area is more undeveloped than the city and you can enjoy many more unoccupied beaches. Many of the luxurious all-inclusive resorts are also found on this part of the island.
Northern Cozumel
Northern Cozumel is located above San Miguel. Like Southern Cozumel, it’s quieter compared to the city and has much fewer establishments but this can be nice for enjoying the serenity and tropical landscape of the island.
It’s definitely not the best place for scuba divers because it’s far from the Marine Park and there are not many scuba boat tours around this area. However, if you enjoy other activities such as golf, there is a great golf course in the northern part of Cozumel.
There are also some great beach clubs on this part of the island and many hotel options.
Where to Stay in Cozumel
There are many different options for accommodations in Cozumel. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay which is usually around $50 a night or you’re looking for a luxurious or all-inclusive experience we’ve got you covered.
This list will include the best accommodation, the best luxurious accommodation, and the best budget accommodation in the three main regions of the western side of the island. It will help you narrow down your options so you can focus on getting ready for the trip of a lifetime.
Where to Stay in San Miguel, Cozumel
Best Accommodation in San Miguel
Hotel Hacienda in San Miguel is a gorgeous place and one of the best accommodations in the city. It’s quaint, clean, and the staff is very friendly and helpful.
You will be located in the center of town and surrounded by so much to do. All rooms are decorated with authentic Mexican carved wood furniture.
You’ll also have a kitchenette with a fridge, stove, and other great features for cooking if you choose to do so. You’ll have a private bathroom, WIFI, and breakfast in bed each morning. There are many other great amenities and for only roughly $60 a night, it’s perfect!
Best Luxurious Accommodation in San Miguel
The Cozumel Palace is the best luxury hotel in San Miguel. For roughly $400 a night, your stay will be all-inclusive, you’ll have great ocean views, amazing food, and only a short distance from the main square.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for a fancy place to stay.
Though it’s expensive, you have nothing else to worry about spending money on because everything is covered so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying your time in Cozumel.
Best Budget Accommodation in San Miguel
Mary Carmen is a great budget-friendly hotel in San Miguel. For roughly $30 a night, you’ll have access to breakfast each morning, and wifi, and you’ll be a very short walk from the main square.
There are not many amenities that come with this hotel but its location and price make it worth it.
Being so close to downtown, you can try out some great restaurants Cozumel has to offer. Another great budget-friendly option is to look at various Airbnbs in San Miguel.
This is a great way to save money because you can share with a lot of friends and choose your location. If you don’t mind being a little distance from the beach you can find very inexpensive places.
Where to Stay in Northern Cozumel
Best Accommodation in Northern Cozumel
Hotel B is the best accommodation in Northern Cozumel. It’s under a 10-minute drive from the city center and has an oceanfront infinity pool, yoga, a floating bar, restaurants on-site, and so much more.
It’s the perfect mid-range priced hotel in the area with beautifully designed decor. For just over roughly $100 a night, it’s one of the best hotels you could choose from and it has a really great reputation.
Best Luxurious Accommodation Northern Cozumel
The Westin Cozumel is the best luxurious accommodation in Northern Cozumel. It has some great amenities, beautiful ocean views, 24-hour service, and a private beach.
For roughly $180 a night it’s all-inclusive which is a pretty competitive price.
It’s only about a 10-minute drive from San Miguel so you can still go out and explore the city if you’re interested. It’s truly a classic modern luxury hotel.
Best Budget Accommodation in Northern Cozumel
The Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort in Northern Cozumel is a great budget accommodation in the area. Since it’s a bit more expensive than staying in San Miguel it’s roughly $80 a night but it’s still a great option.
It’s oceanfront and has a pool, spa, and many other amenities including scuba diving excursions. It’s an awesome hotel to consider when visiting Cozumel.
Where to Stay in Southern Cozumel
Best Accommodation in Southern Cozumel
The Explorean Cozumel is the best accommodation in Southern Cozumel because it’s super unique.
Located on Uvas Beach with Chankanaab National Park and the Mayan Ruins not too far, it’s in the perfect location.
The rooms have spacious balconies overlooking the jungle and you can visit the sister hotel, Fiesta Americana Resort anytime you’d like where you’ll find overwater sunbeds and a swim-up bar.
It’s more on the expensive side for a little over $200 a night but it’s a beautiful option to consider!
Best Luxurious Accommodation in Southern Cozumel
Secrets Aura Cozumel is a beautiful, 5-star hotel in the southern region of Cozumel. It’s also the only adults-only hotel on the island so if you’re looking for a true getaway, this is a great option.
You’ll have access to unlimited luxury which includes food and drinks at any time, 24-hour room service, a beach, mini bar restocked daily, endless activities, wifi, and more.
You can truly have it all at Aura. If you’re hoping to go on a vacation where you can relax without any responsibilities this is definitely the place to consider.
Best Budget Accommodation in Southern Cozumel
The Casa del Mar Hotel and Dive Resort is a great budget-friendly option in Southern Cozumel. For roughly $60 a night, you’ll be a short drive from downtown San Miguel, near a great coral reef, and offered many great amenities.
Some of the amenities include a pool with a swim-up bar, jacuzzi, a beach, and many activities. You will also have the opportunity to go on scuba diving excursions.
Best Time to Visit Cozumel
The best time to visit Cozumel is from March through June when the temperature during the day reaches a high around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and mid-70s at night.
The winter months can be cooler and range in the upper 60s to low 80s and the late summer to early fall is rainy with the chance of hurricanes.
March to June has the warmest weather and the least chance for rain or storms. You can expect 80-degree water temperatures year-round and high visibility levels that can reach up to 250 feet deep.
Things to do in Cozumel
For such a small island, there are a lot of activities and things to do. A list of potential adventures include:
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Helmet diving
- Island tours
- Catamaran Rides
- Punta Sur Ecological Park
- Beach Clubs
- Rent a scooter or dune buggy
- Mayan Ruins
- Enjoy some of the great restaurants Cozumel has to offer
Enjoy Cozumel!
Cozumel is truly a small piece of paradise and since it’s mainly undeveloped it feels like an untapped beauty. You’ll quickly fall in love with the authenticity of the little island. Enjoy your stay!
We hope you enjoyed this article on the best places to stay in Cozumel. Have a favorite place in Cozumel that you love and isn’t mentioned here on this list? Let me know in the comments below.
