El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel

El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel is divided into two towers, a newer tower with three stories accessible via stairs, and the older 12-story tower which has elevators. The towers are connected via a large lobby that overlooks the outdoor swimming pool and ocean just beyond it. Brown wicker chairs and sofas are topped with orange striped cushions and stone pillars look a bit dated. Ceiling fans hang overhead and the space is dimly lit but pleasant. There's a nicer and quieter lobby in the older tower, with additional seating and a small library. Outside, there are two separate artificial beaches separated by the swimming pool and restaurant; one beach has a beautiful waterfall feature that's fun for kids, and views of cruise ships at port. Guests are a mix of local and international families and couples. The hotel also sells day passes to cruise ship passengers, who can get rowdy and drink too much. On our visit, the pool was taken over by loud teenagers and an extremely intoxicated day visitor had to be escorted off the grounds by staff. Another common complaint is persistent time-share pitches. 

El Cid La Ceiba is located directly on the Pacific Ocean, a four-minute walk to the cruise ship terminal where the enormous cruise ships dock and depart. As such, there's a high concentration of convenience stores, tour operators, restaurants, and shops within a five-minute walk from the hotel, that cater to tourists. An OXXO mini-mart is directly across the street. The heart of San Miguel is a bit farther, about a 10-minute drive. Cozumel International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Guests park for free in a small lot directly in front of the hotel. 

Guests choose from smaller Deluxe Rooms that include a kitchenette and ocean or garden views or the more impressive Suites, which are full apartments with one to three bedrooms as well as furnished terraces overlooking the ocean. The One-Bedroom Suite has a king bed along with a hidden Murphy bed in a wardrobe, full living room, and kitchenette with small appliances and full cutlery. Decor is contemporary, though a bit simple. Think: neutral tile floors, beige curtains, and slightly scratched dark wood furniture. Striped green bed runners add color to the white bedding and tropical-inspired artwork hangs on the walls. Some Suites have a separate soaking tub within full view of the bed. There's an additional private bathroom with a large vanity, complete set of toiletries, and full shower. Past guests have complained about maintenance issues in the Deluxe Rooms. Rooms and Suites come standard with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and a pillow menu. The Wi-Fi signal is spotty to nonexistent in guest rooms, with no option to pay for faster service. 

The best features at El Cid La Ceiba are definitely outdoors. There are two large artificial beaches with ample sun loungers, though umbrellas are hard to come by. Families and kids tend to like the smaller beach with a huge artificial waterfall, where the waves are smaller and there's direct sand access to the water. Couples and partiers spend more time by the pool (it's adjacent to the bar) or the larger beach, which has access to the ocean via slippery cement steps or off of a wooden pier. Snorkeling is excellent here, and guests can rent or borrow snorkeling gear depending on their package. There's also a hair-braiding station, gift shop, sand volleyball court, and a dive shop on this side of the sand. La Chopa Restaurant serves a la carte breakfasts, dinners, and lunches along with regular theme nights, buffets, and live music. A pizza restaurant is open occasionally for wood-fired pizzas. Waiter service is available on the sand, though guests may have to vie for the staff's attention from heavy boozing day visitors. The spa has indoor treatment rooms that are quite basic, and it's a better idea to get a service in the massage hut overlooking the beach. There's a small and poorly maintained fitness center next door to the spa; outdoor tennis courts are in better shape. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby via a password supplied by the reception desk. There's a large meeting room for events. Staff is on hand to assist with luggage, tours, and concierge services. 

There are two levels of all-inclusive packages at El Cid La Ceiba, or guests can opt for the European Plan and pay for food and beverages a la carte. All-inclusive guests are required to wear a plastic yellow or wristband. The all-inclusive plan covers all meals at on-site restaurants, local alcohol and all soft drinks, snorkel gear for 90 minutes, and taxes and gratuities.The elite All-inclusive plan covers the same, plus room service, tennis court use, chocolate covered strawberries and a welcome basket with wine, and late check-out when available. Elite guests also get slippers and robes in their rooms, guaranteed ocean views, and preferred restaurant seating. At the restaurants, there are surcharges for lobster, jumbo shrimp, and some steak cuts. Premium liquor also costs extra. Beach and pool activities are included for everyone, including European Plan guests. 

Wedding specialists for hire arrange ceremonies big and small at the hotel. Couples can exchange their "I Dos" on the beach or on the pier, and then have a (mostly) private reception and meal afterwards. Flowers, photographers, music, and menus are totally customizable. On our visit, we encountered a romantic wedding with just eight participants on the beach at sunset, complete with candles, a guitarist, and Champagne toasts.