Playa Azul Golf Scuba Spa Hotel

A small turtle garden with -- that's right -- turtles, sits in front of the entrance of Playa Azul Golf, Scuba, Spa. Inside, the large lobby has a blue wall with small alcoves that hold candles and stacked stone behind the reception desk. A door leads out to the large swimming pool and there's an indoor seating area with living room-style wicker furniture topped with yellow cushions. A wooden staircase leads up to one wing of rooms while an elevator is on-hand for the second wing's rooms. Rooms are configured in a U-shape around the pool, meaning that everyone has at least a partial ocean view. Guests are a mix of families and couples, most of them tourists, and since there are just 50 rooms, the pool, beach, and restaurants don't get too crowded.  

Playa Azul Golf, Scuba, Spa is one of the last hotels on the northern portion of Cozumel. There isn't much of interest within fast walking distance aside from the beach and a seafood restaurant across the street. For those that want to explore Cozumel, a car is a requirement. One note, there's a Westin under construction next door (as of 2015), though noise doesn't seem to be too much of an issue. 

• Five-minute drive to Cozumel Country Club
• 13-minute drive to Cozumel International Airport
• 24-minute drive to Cozumel Cruise Terminal
• 15-minute drive to Dolphinaris Cozumel
• 16-minute drive to Senor Frog's

There are just 50 rooms at the hotel, and all have partial or full ocean views. Decor is simple with orange tile floors and cream colored walls. Most rooms have an alcove decorated with a silver engraved mirror that holds a tray with bottled water and glasses. Each comes standard with a flat-screen TV, coffeemaker, free Wi-Fi, and balcony furnished with plastic patio chairs and a table. Suites have the best views, and some of them include a hot tub on the balcony, though these don't allow children. Wicker furniture and simple white bedding aren't super stylish, but they are clean and in good condition. Bathrooms have a separate sink and vanity outside of a small room with the toilet and shower. Animal images, like a whale, are engraved into the mirrors and housekeeping folds towels into elaborate lobster designs on the beds. A hairdryer and toiletries are provided. 

There are lots of unexpected features for a mid-range hotel at Playa Azul Golf. A large swimming pool overlooks the ocean and is surrounded by sun loungers, but there aren't any umbrellas or shade on offer. Inside, there are computers for guests to use and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There's ample outdoor parking in front of the hotel in a large lot. Savia Spa offers a wide range of massages, facials, and nail treatments in a small facility near the front of the property. 

Playa Azul is the only hotel in Cozumel that provides guests with free golf at the nearby 18-hole Cozumel Country Club, which is the only golf course on Cozumel. The caveat is that a golf cart must be rented, and costs extra. Otherwise, guests can play as many free rounds as they'd like during their stay. Golf club rentals are available, or guests can bring their own gear. 

The gorgeous sand beach is the real highlight at Playa Azul Golf, Scuba, Spa. While some hotels in Cozumel are on the water, they don't have walk-in entry -- Playa Azul does. The water is blue and clear and there's a small reef just off the shore, where guests can snorkel with fish, turtles, and the occasional sea turtle. Unfortunately, snorkel gear costs extra to rent and the hotel doesn't provide any water toys like kayaks or stand-up paddle boards. Loungers are set up under thatch umbrellas on the stand, and drink and food service is available. A long pier juts out into the water for photo ops at sunset. 

All guests receive a free and substantial breakfast buffet on a covered patio that overlooks the ocean at Palma Azul restaurant. Coffee, juices, and tea are served and there's a full spread of pre-made items that may include rice and beans, eggs, potatoes, cereals, and fresh fruit. A chef is on hand for made-to-order omelets and waffles. Casual lunch and dinner menus are then served for the remainder of the day.

Chan Ka’an Restaurant is more formal with an indoor air-conditioned dining room. Dinner, desserts, and cocktails are served here and the menu ranges from Oaxacan specialties to lobster and steak. The Palapa Snack Bar is set on the beach and serves casual fare all day, including a full selection of fruity cocktails and fish tacos. Palma Azul Sports Bar has a full bar and flat-screen TVs indoors for watching sports and smoking cigars. All-inclusive packages are available, or guests can order a la carte.