Occidental Cozumel

The slightly fancier sibling resort of the Allegro Cozumel, the vibe here is similarly dive-centric yet also family friendly. Because of its proximity to the gorgeous underwater world of the Palancar Reef as well as white-sand beaches, a lot of activity here centers around the surf. This is generally a quiet resort thanks to the rather remote location. The lobby is bright and airy with tile floors and lots of traditional artwork, pottery, and other accents; it has an open configuration -- giving it a Mexican market feel -- which spills out into the courtyard and takes advantage of the surroundings. The grounds are lush and tropical, with tiled paths leading guests through palm trees and other greenery (this also means lots of mosquitoes, but there is daily fumigation to keep bites to a minimum).

The location is definitely part of what sets this resort apart. Slightly isolated thanks to its proximity to a nature preserve on the south end of the island, there is really not much around the Occidental Grand Cozumel except flora, fauna, and the gorgeous white-sand beaches. Town is at least a 15-minute cab ride away (for which you should pay in pesos if you've got them since it comes out cheaper), but many people opt to explore the island by scooter; if you have a rental car, parking is free. The five-minute boat ride to the best diving spots on the island is a big draw for anyone planning to check out things under the sea.

There are several types of rooms ranging from Deluxe Rooms to suites. They're pleasant and quaint, with a touch of local flair. Simple wood furnishings and headboards are offset by patterned bedspreads (usually blue and white or pink and white); yellow-painted walls and Mexican-inspired prints or accents serve as decoration. The bathrooms are big with separate showers and tubs plus great water pressure. There are also robes and hairdryers. The floors throughout are tile -- in both the bathrooms and bedrooms. There are stocked minibars in each room (non-alcoholic) which is convenient and included in the room price. Flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers are nice modern amenities, but there is no Wi-Fi. There is climate control in both the form of ceiling fans and also air-conditioning. The beds are firm, which can be a pro for some people, and a major con for others. One entertaining perk is the towel art that will appear on your bed after housekeeping visits (you might get an elephant, a puppy, a heart or some other creation, but it's always a fun surprise). 

The long, white-sand beach here is definitely a draw, and features palapas and sun loungers for guests alongside the typically calm water. Additionally, thanks to the resort's private pier, daily trips to some of the best diving reefs are only a walk-to-the-beach away. There are three large swimming pools, including the main activity pool (where water polo and scuba lessons may be held), and the quieter relaxation pool area; the latter has astoundingly large but docile iguanas roaming around it. There is also a dedicated kids' pool just off the playground and a super kids' club that has all kinds of toys and activities (kids might get to make bracelets, paint pottery, or learn to make salsa) available for the smaller vacationing set. There is also a grown-ups club, complete with a multicolored lit dance floor and pool table. If you absolutely must do work while on vacation -- or just want to check your email -- there are three computers available for guest use which comprise the hotel's business center. There is a full-service spa and a variety of treatments can be scheduled -- including side-by-side massages on the beach -- for an additional fee. The fitness center is small and a tad worn down but does include multiple pieces of cardio equipment as well as free weights and pulleys. There are well-maintained tennis hard courts available. The food here is hit or miss; some items are terrific, others taste like cafeteria food. There are six eating areas from which you can choose at this resort -- the fancier Sonora Grill (Mexican food) and Los Olivos (Mediterranean cuisine) require reservations and are generally better than the buffets. However, if you find that you still want more variety, guests have also been known to walk down the beach and pay for their own dinner at the nearby seafood restaurant Alberto's. There are four bars on-site.