Best places to stay in Cozumel: Where to stay on your next vacation

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate/compensated links at no extra cost to you, for more information you can read my disclaimer

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.

Its only 30 miles long and 9.9 miles wide so its easy to explore the entire island when visiting. Its known as one of the best snorkeling destinations because it’s located on the Mesoamerican Reef which is the worlds 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.

Its 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, weve 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 its where youll find almost all of the restaurants, accommodations, and establishments.

The Eastside is mainly undeveloped so there arent 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 youre 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.

Youll 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.

Its a great place to stay if youre more the city-type and plan to check out the various establishments. Youll 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 its 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, its 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.

Its definitely not the best place for scuba divers because its 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 youre looking for a budget-friendly stay which is usually around $50 a night or youre looking for a luxurious or all-inclusive experience weve 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.

Cozumel DowntownWhere 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. Its 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.

Youll also have a kitchenette with a fridge, stove, and other great features for cooking if you choose to do so. Youll have a private bathroom, WIFI, and breakfast in bed each morning. There are many other great amenities and for only roughly $60 a night, its 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, youll have great ocean views, amazing food, and only a short distance from the main square.

Its perfect if youre looking for a fancy place to stay.

Though its 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, youll have access to breakfast each morning, and wifi, and youll 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 dont mind being a little distance from the beach you can find very inexpensive places.

Cozumel BeachWhere to Stay in Northern Cozumel

Best Accommodation in Northern Cozumel

Hotel B is the best accommodation in Northern Cozumel. Its 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.

Its the perfect mid-range priced hotel in the area with beautifully designed decor. For just over roughly $100 a night, its 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.

Its only about a 10-minute drive from San Miguel so you can still go out and explore the city if youre interested. Its 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 its a bit more expensive than staying in San Miguel it’s roughly $80 a night but its still a great option.

Its oceanfront and has a pool, spa, and many other amenities including scuba diving excursions. Its an awesome hotel to consider when visiting Cozumel.

Guy Snorkeling in Cozumel
Where to Stay in Southern Cozumel

Best Accommodation in Southern Cozumel

The Explorean Cozumel is the best accommodation in Southern Cozumel because its super unique.

Located on Uvas Beach with Chankanaab National Park and the Mayan Ruins not too far, its in the perfect location.

The rooms have spacious balconies overlooking the jungle and you can visit the sister hotel, Fiesta Americana Resort anytime youd like where youll find overwater sunbeds and a swim-up bar.

Its more on the expensive side for a little over $200 a night but its 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. Its also the only adults-only hotel on the island so if youre looking for a true getaway, this is a great option.

Youll 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 youre 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, youll 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 its 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.

The Best Places to Stay in Cozumel, Mexico Pin

 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top