Casa Mexicana Cozumel

The lobby at Casa Mexicana Cozumel is multifunctional and a bit awkward. Half of the space is dedicated to the reception desk and a lounge area set with living room-style furniture and black wrought iron lamps. A shallow fountain and Mayan-inspired art add additional interest. Oddly, the front half of the space is where the small swimming pool and outdoor deck, overlooking the ocean across the street, are set up. It creates a scenic view for loungers, but doesn't offer any privacy for swimmers. The interior courtyard breakfast area is located up a flight of steps, behind the reception desk. The courtyard doesn't have any good views, but is decorated with tropical plants and palms. White linen tablecloths and beige and silver armchairs add a touch of elegance.

Guests are a mix of international and Mexican couples and families, plus business travelers. 

Though it has one of the most convenient locations in downtown San Miguel, Casa Mexicana Cozumel's entrance can be hard to find. One hint, look up. The entrance is located across the street from the ocean, above a jewelry store, and the second-floor lobby is accessed via a pair of escalators. 

• Limitless shops, restaurants, bars, and ocean views in a five-block radius
• Two-minute walk to Senor Frog's restaurant and bar
• Eight-minute walk to ferry terminal to and from Playa Del Carmen
• Five-minute drive to Dolphinaris Cozumel
• Eight-minute drive to Cozumel International Airport
• 30-minute drive to Mr. Sanchos beach club

All 80 of the rooms at Casa Mexicana are virtually the same. The major difference is whether they face the ocean or the city and if they have two double beds or one king bed. White tile floor and pale green walls are tasteful and bright. Wooden headboards, desks, and chairs were carved by Mayan hands in the Yucatán. Simple abstract watercolor paintings on the walls are outshone by elaborate towel art left on the beds: towel elephants and bunnies with stickers for eyes. Air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, and empty mini-fridges are standard. Simple bathrooms include a shower/tub combo, large vanity with a single sink, and toiletries. Hairdryers are mounted to the wall. 

Each room has a furnished balcony, but the rooms facing the ocean across the street are far more appealing than those that overlook the parking lot in the back. Rooms on higher floors are the most quiet. Past guests have complained that rooms on lower floors can pick up noise from the breakfast courtyard in the morning. 

Features at Casa Mexicana Cozumel are seemingly designed to get guests up and out of the hotel for the day. Room rates include one of the best breakfast buffets we've seen in Cozumel: freshly squeezed juice, pancakes, made-to-order eggs, fruit, and pastries. Unfortunately, there isn't a restaurant for lunch or dinner, though there is a small bar next to the pool for drinks. The pool is small and has a pretty waterfall feature; it doesn't get much direct sun. Adjacent is a small deck set with seven sun loungers that face the ocean across the street. A better bet for swimming and sunning is to take advantage of a free pass to Mr. Sanchos beach club, a 30-minute taxi ride from the hotel. 

Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there's a small business center with three desktop computers and a printer. A large event space is available for rent. Concierge and tour desks are set up in the lobby. Free parking is available in the lot behind the hotel.