Usually when I come to Cozumel (this was my 5th or 6th time), I stay at Casa Del Mar and dive with Del Mar Aquatics, but this time I wanted to cut costs by staying in town instead of doing the all-inclusive thing or paying for taxis all the time. Aqua Safari has a good reputation, so I decided to go with them and stay at the Inn above the dive shop.

I flew in Cancun on Jet Blue to save money since I have more time than money. I took the ADO bus to Playa del Carmen and the ferry to Cozumel. From the ferry, I walked to the hotel, which is NOT 2 short blocks as someone said in a previous review. It's more like six blocks in the hot blazing sun, and shlepping a suitcase, it seemed longer. But I'm not complaining. I saved a lot of money.

I was greeted by Dahlia, the sweetheart who works for the hotel and dive shop (Aqua Safari). I got checked in and she helped me carry my luggage up the two flights to my room. There is no bell boy or anything like that. This is a very basic hotel.

The A/C does work great. You have to use the controller to get it to do anything. I kept my shades drawn the whole time. If you open the wooden shades, you're also opening the windows, and it's hot and humid in the summer.

I had room #9 on the 3rd floor. No view, but when I open my door, I see the ocean and the Aqua Safari Pier. There's often a Pellican perched on the arch that says Aqua Safari out on the pier.

The Wi-Fi (free) in my room worked great. Better than at home. Don't forget to bring a 3-prong converter!! I forgot and Dahlia lent me one from the dive shop.

The couch in the room could use a cleaning or a new slipcover, but I used it more for storage than anything. There were two plastic patio chairs in the room to drape wet stuff. I kept most of my stuff in the dive shop to dry overnight.

The showers were great, there was adequate light, the room was big, the bed very comfortable. Feels like a foam bed. The room was kept clean. No bugs of any kind. The room was kept clean. No bugs of any kind. My only complaint about the room is that when I came back after a day of diving, it had an unpleasant smell for a while. Not sure why. Maybe it was the cleaning solution used. But it didn't bother me much and I didn't notice it after I turned on the A/C.

The maid left towel animals every day on my bed. The people who run the place, Bill, Donna, Teresa, and Dahlia and all very nice, helpful, and friendly. I' was very comfortable here at Safari Inn during my 10 day stay. Being in town, it can be a little noisy. Things close up early, so that helps. I use Hearos foam ear plugs when I'm home. So I brought those along and had no trouble with A/C noise or otherwise.

Unlike other hotels on the island, Safari Inn has no restaurant. El Coffee on Calle 3, just off the main drag, has decent coffee. They open at 7. I would have yogurt and coffee to go for $4 USD and head back to my room to get ready to go diving. If I was doing the afternoon dive, I'd only have about a half hour to grab something to eat, so I'd go to Chi (also on Calle 3 and get an spring roll to go. They serve fruit on the boat after the first dive, so the spring roll would tide me over.

At 4:30 or so when we returned from the afternoon dive, I'd do some photo editing in my room for a while and then try one of the many local restaurants. Some of my favorites were Albino's (20th Ave. btw Calle 10-12), La Choza (10th Ave btw. Rosado Salas& Calle 3) , El Foco (5th Ave. btw. Calle 1 and Salas I think) and Los Gatitos (Calle 7 btw 10 & 15 Ave). You can find whole lists of restaurants on the internet. I would pour over my lists and make my choice every day.

On the days that I didn't do the afternoon dive, I would try on of the Loncherias. Sabores on 5th Ave btw. 3 and Salas had a great lunch for only about $6. Their guacamole is very good. Someone wrote that no English is spoken there, but, in fact, there's a guy who runs the place now who speaks English. He also runs the Hamburger House across the Street. I would have them pack up my lunch and I'd take it home.

I really like diving with Aqua Safari, too. They run a tight ship and know what they're doing. I never got to try the "fast boat," the Belinda, because while I was here, there were only enough people to fill one boat. I wasn't disappointed. I saved money. The Belinda costs extra. One morning they had two boats and I was asked if I wanted to join the group going to Punta Sur. Hell yes. Why not? Not a lot to see, but a nice experience even though it wasn't my first time.

I dove with all the dive masters in the 8 days I dove. Chino was my favorite. But I hear he's everyone's favorite. Mariano was also great, but I did 2 dives alone with him for lack of other divers, so I had the full benefit of his expertise. They're all good. There are a couple who are maybe a little less enthusiastic about helping us find stuff, but when I asked them to be more proactive, they responded. So, I really can't complain.

All in all, I had the most wonderful 10 days in Cozumel at the Safari Inn diving with Aqua Safari and I can't imagine staying anywhere else the next time.

This hotel is basic but very clean and comfortable. We have for the past few years taken the ocean front room just above the dive shop and our friends in the second ocean front room above us. Great view and I prefer our room over the one above because the balcony railing is more open. We have never had a bad stay here and the dive operation is tops. Once the dive masters get to know you and can trust you the freedom is there to take not to abuse. The staff is extremely friendly and very helpful the one complainte I had 2 years ago concerning some rather noisy roomies next door was handled and resolved by Bill quickly. Will stay there again for every trip to Cozumel.

Rooms are extremly clean,super bed and air conditioning that will freeze you out.Bill and Donna are great people and run a top notch dive shop.The crew and divemasters are friendly and knowledgable.If diving is why your going to cozumel than this is the place for you.

We stayed 3 nights in the Safari Inn in June of 2008 and have nothing but positive things to say about our experience. Our room was probably the cleanest hotel room I've ever been in, the beds were fantastic, and the price was definitely right! (less than $50 per night). Safari Inn is located within walking distance of outstanding restaurants and any shopping you might need to do. Hotel staff was friendly and accommodating. We do not dive, but many divers use this hotel and the attached dive shop is one of the most reputable in Cozumel.

If you are looking for a clean, comfortable place to rest your weary bones after a day of exploring or diving that won't break the bank, Safari Inn is definitely the way to go.