I stayed at the Barracuda over Thanksgiving week 2011. Note that this is not a "resort" or luxury hotel by any means. The rooms are modest, and there aren't any resort-type services or activities. It is a great hotel if you are on the island to dive and primarily use a hotel for sleeping. If you plan to hang out at the hotel a lot, you may be happier with a resort.

The pros - great location (walking distance to town, on the water, all rooms have an ocean view, most dive operations will pick you up at their pier, across the street from Mega), clean with daily maid service, safe, inexpensive (prices often drop to fill vacancies if you wait to book your trip - I paid $48/night by waiting until 4 days before my trip), mini-fridge in room.

The cons - no in-room safe (keeping stuff at the house safe is a pain). Pool area is loud and crowded during the day - generally not a problem for me as I would get back from diving at 2 or 3 and the pool area quiets downs around 5. Water pressure in my room (401) was pretty weak, but manageable.

Other things to consider: No elevator and I had a 4th floor room - I like taking stairs, but if it is a problem, request a room on a lower level. Beds were very firm - again, I like firm beds, but consider if you have a strong preference otherwise. Staff seemed friendly, but I had very little interaction with them, so I can't really comment much about that.

My husband is a diver and I'm a snorkler, so we thought we'd try the Hotel Barracuda on this trip to Cozumel. My husband had stayed there many years ago on a dive trip, and didn't have very nice things to say about it, but that had been over 20 years ago. I was sure it had been updated since then. Turns out....not so much updating. Just a basic room with 2 double beds. HARD beds. TV, but no remote, no hair dryer, no shampoo; but we did have a small fridge. There is plenty of hot water and clean towels, and all rooms have a spectacular Caribbean/Pool/Bar view. From your balcony you can watch cruise ships come and go, parasailing, Mexican Navy maneuvers and many ocean swimmers and snorkelers. The dive boats will pick you up right behind the hotel, and you can snorkel right off the dock there. The pool is well maintained, food is decent at the pool bar, and the wait staff are friendly and helpful.The hotel houses the No Name Bar which is the gathering place for off-duty cruise ship crew. They are serious about blowing off steam, and the party goes on every day. Good news....they don't generally party late at night. The hotel is in a great location for restaurants, shopping, directly across the street from Mega, the local supermarket. Not a luxury hotel, but if you just want to dive and/or party, the Barracuda is fine.

We have stayed at this hotel for going on 11 years. It is great for scuba divers. Dive Paradise picks up up at their pier. Comfortable rooms. No frills. Recently remodeled. Nothing for kids, homeymooners, ect... But perfect for what it is. Also walking distance from town

Loved the view from my balcony, snorklins, jumping off a sea wall and walking out with concrete steps and a handrail, swim up bar, MEGA store across the street (sells Kirkland products)THE EMPLOYEES REALLY MAKE YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE AND I ALWAYS WANT TO RETURN.