El Cozumeleno Beach Resort

El Cozumeleño was one of the first resorts built in Northern Hotel Zone. The original, older building houses the largest rooms -- which feel more like junior suites due to their large sitting areas -- but rooms in the newer building are spacious as well, and feature the same decor style (think: bedspreads with plain blue or beach-y prints and artwork with marine motifs on the walls). The great ocean views are the highlight, and can be had from every single room. Even rooms labeled Garden View have ocean views only partially blocked by palm trees.

Guests come here for the value and for the numerous features offered in the all-inclusive package. Everything is mid-range here, from the sparse and somewhat dated decor in rooms, to the food, to the services -- but that’s not necessarily a bad thing as long as guests know what to expect.

The beaches on this part of the island are not as stunning as those on the eastern side, but they have great snorkeling and clear, turquoise waters. The narrow, long stretch of sand on which the resort is located is manmade, and a rock wall separates the sand from the sea along most of it (which is common on this part of the island). There are hammocks and loungers on the beach, and straw umbrellas provide some shade.

The hotel is popular with families -- and for good reason. It is packed with family-friendly features, including large rooms that can sleep up to two adults and two kids, a lovely kids’ club (even the toilets are kid-size!), mini-golf, a shallow area in the pool, and a game arcade with ping-pong and foosball.

El Cozumeleño is also a good pick for golfers, as all guests receive discounted passes to Cozumel’s only golf course, designed by Nicklaus and located right across the street.

The resort is located on a white-sand beach in the Northern Hotel Zone, a short drive from the downtown area, and five minutes from Cozumel International Airport.

The Northern Hotel Zone is a strip of oceanfront hotels a few minutes north of San Miguel. There’s not much within walking distance, but restaurants, bars and stores are just a few minutes away. Cozumel Country Club, the island’s only golf course, is located just across the street.

Cozumel is Mexico’s largest inhabited island and a snorkeling lovers’ paradise. There aren’t as many cultural or historic attractions as in Riviera Maya, but there are a few minor Maya ruins worth checking out. Cozumel's main source of income and tourism comes from the dozens of cruise ships that dock here daily year-round. There are a few upscale stores on Rafael Melgar -- San Miguel’s main drag -- and dozens of varied international restaurants, but most tourists come to Cozumel for its world-class snorkeling and unspoiled eastern beaches. There are wonderful half and full day trips to gorgeous snorkeling spots, and there are many water sports available at any of the beach clubs found along Rafael Melgar.

• 5-minute drive to Cozumel International Airport
• 7-minute drive to the Museum of the Island of Cozumel
• 8-minute drive to downtown San Miguel
• 9-minute drive to the ferry terminal to Playa del Carmen
• 17-minute drive to the cruise ship terminal
• 18-minutes to La Ceiba, a snorkeling lovers’ paradise
• 25-minute drive to the eastern beaches
• 30-minute drive to San Gervasio Maya Ruins
• 34-minute drive to El Cedral Maya ruins
• 57-minute drive to Celarain Lighthouse, boasting impressive views