My wife and I spent approximately 2 weeks at the Cozumel Caribe (“CCC”) in May 2007. We are not in agreement with some of the comments Stoney J., of Destin, Florida mentioned in his trip report posting. We would like to provide readers with information regarding our stay.

We want to thank everyone at the Cozumel Caribe for all of their assistance in making our vacation a wonderful experience! It was undoubtedly one of our best vacations during the past 15 years we have been vacationing in Cozumel; consisting of 2 – 3 times yearly. Our stay was absolutely perfect and the accommodations in our studio were outstanding! It truly made us feel that we were at home and we had everything we could possibly want or need. During our stay we met several “long-term” residents who lease units at “CCC.” Everyone we met spoke favorably and had positive comments regarding the facility and it’s staff.

We were impressed with the new construction and renovations made at “CCC” since Hurricane Wilma and particularly since our trips to Cozumel in June and December 2006. It is “a work in progress”, and what little noise, as a result of the work crew, was barely noticeable while we were at the big pool or on the beach.

Regarding the reference to the land damage caused by Hurricane Wilma visible from the street, which gives the appearance that the property is deserted or neglected. What we learned is the track of land near the street is not owned nor is it a part of the “CCC.” Therefore, “CCC” is not responsible for it’s upkeep or maintenance. The majority of “CCC’s property has been cleared and the driveway leading to the facility’s main building(s) is being prepared for some type of paving. During our stay we learned the property next to “CCC” (facing South) was recently purchase by a prominent family, who is currently building a very large luxury Villa with completion expected later this year.

Regarding the railings on the balcony, and not recommending the Cozumel Caribe for families with young children. People might want to take into consideration building codes in Mexico, and aboard, are not the same as the United States. I am a degreed Engineer, my height is 6’4”, and my wife and I did not feel concerned. Family members (of the owners), were vacationing at “CCC,” on the 10th floor and above) in May. They had several small children with them. For concerned parents, an investment in a small roll of netting to attach to the railing would seem prudent.

We found the entire “CCC” to be extremely clean and the grounds around the buildings neatly maintained. Even though the exterior of the main “CCC” building has not been painted to-date, what is important to us are: actual hotel accommodations and the comforts inside, cleanliness, services provided to “CCC” guests, overall operation of the facility and management/staff commitment. In our opinion, the Cozumel Caribe met and exceeded all of our expectations!


We found all of the units to be beautifully appointed with many “special touches” and we were fortunate to see all of the rental units. The units offer hi-speed Internet service, TV, DVD and CD components, small kitchenettes fully equipped, and bottled water is furnished during your stay.
We were pleased with the new “Buccanos Restaurant and Bar” and did not find it to be empty or closed down. The restaurant was open daily to the public and cruise ship passengers who could purchase food or beverages while doing recreational activities: rock climbing, snorkeling, etc. Even though the restaurant may have a limited menu at this time, the owner and it’s staff offered to accommodate us if we had a special “cook” request. If guests at “CCC” preferred not to eat there, or not taxi into town, they could walk approximately 100 yards up the beach to the Playa Azul Resort.
Our stay at “CCC” was wonderful and during the day we enjoyed snorkeling, relaxing on the beach or at the big pool. The evenings were really great and we enjoyed sitting on our balcony, sharing a good bottle of wine, listening to the ocean and looking at the lights on the North side of the Island. Another important factor was the privacy and peaceful surroundings that the Cozumel Caribe offers. On a scale of 1-10, we give CCC” a High Ranking of “10” and we look forward to many future visits there!

I echo many of the comments so aptly put by MikeM2 in his Mar 6, 2007 post. There is still a lot of ongoing construction. The restaurant is pretty much snacks and sandwiches. We found the restaurant empty and the bar basically closed down. A lady said the hours were normally 10-4 and 10-6 on Friday. But it was still not serving anything nor were any staff present the rest of our weekend. Perhaps when the season picks up and more of the infrastruture is repaired it will be running full tilt.

The room was nicely appointed and spacious. I was on the 10th floor with a great view. The hallways are open at the end, i.e. no windows so during a rainstorm the tile floors in the hallway had standing making it very slippery walking.

My biggest concern about the Cozumel Caribe is the somewhat flimsy aluminum railings on the balcony. First, there are only two horizontal pieces comprising the rail. The first is about 6 inches above the round and the next one is not even three feet. I am over 6 feet tall and my center of gravity is above the top rail. I feel like it is a precarious design and a person could tumble over. Second, the aluminum railing will flex up to 2 inches if pressed. This doesn't give on a very safe feeling. In fact, while sitting outside in the chair on the balcony I experienced a sense of acrophobia. I cannot recommend this place for families with young children as a small tyke could easily topple through the railings. I mentioned this directly to the owner of the building.

Be very mindful of the hot water control. It comes on at full temp and it is quite hot. It is easy to scald oneself while adjusting the bath tub controls.

They have a ramp for rolling up luggage pieced to the foyer and elevator but you still have to negotiate 5-6 steps with luggage. Ideally, ramps should be available directly to the parking level or at least the elevator.

From the exterior the resort lacks curb appeal. The construction and remnants so Hurricane Wilma damage to the landscaping make it look almost like a deserted or neglected piece of property from the street. Inside it is a different story.

After a lot of thought me and my wife decided to stay here at the Cozumel Caribe. One of my main criteria for the a stay in Coz was no crowds and a good price and that is exactly what I found here. As most know the hotel closed down a few years back and they started renting the lower floors as apartments. During this time the place really fell into disrepair, then the hurricanes hit. Last year I was searching the web looking for a place to stay and I noticed the sites had the Coz Caribe listed with rooms open for weekly rental. I checked the pictures and they looked great so I took a chance and rented a studio on the 10th floor after a talk with the realtor. He assured me it was open and things are being repaired.

When you first head up the drive there’s a guardhouse where they check to see if you belong. I told them who I was and they radioed the lobby. I drove on past piles of debris and construction, noticing the main building and it’s condition. The main building is in need of exterior work yet, some glass is missing and paint is due. We drove up past it where the road turns to construction site, not sure where the entrance actually is! My wife was getting nervous, things just weren’t looking that great. Just then we notice the woman sent out to help us in so we park and head up the sidewalk.
Just past the stone arch things change dramatically for the good! We pass the large climbing towers where they teach rock climbing skills to the cruise ship passengers daily. We then pass the small garden pool, very nice, before entering the main lobby area. The lobby has been completely redone with marble floors and stucco walls. You climb a few stairs up to the elevators where they have a very large bird cage set up and some other nice decor. From this point on you would swear you were in a 5 star hotel. Up on the 10th floor all the halls have been redone and look great. The room was fantastic. I stayed at Secrets in PC last year(considered 5 star) and this room is just as nice if not better. Beautiful floors, wood beam ceilings, all new kitchenette, a very large(and comfortable) bed. The studios are actually 2 rooms with a huge arch between them. The bathroom is finished with large sheets of stone on the walls and a large closet with full length mirror doors. The best thing about the room tho had to be the views. We had a north facing room with a large balcony, 2 chairs and table there. We could see the mainland across the water, and the golf course from here, but the best was watching the climbers get lessons during the day at the climbing walls. They were just below us and we had fun relaxing on the balcony, cervasas in hand, watching the not so skilled climb. The room had lots of needed stuff, micro, toaster, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron, phone, satellite TV, DVD, even a boom box for the beach.

Just pass the lobby down a covered walkway is another building that is half done, half not(the 2 halves are very separate). This entire section has been redone and looks wonderful. First you pass the classroom for the climbers and the snorkel class they also teach here. After that you follow along the building to discover a larger freshwater pool near the beach area. Here they have a new bar with some light fare open during the day. The beach is a small but nice area with lounge chairs. We did snorkel here, the fish seem to love this spot. There is also a long stone pier where you can arrange for activity pickup. Down the rocky beach there is another hotel, called the Palma Azul that has a nice outside dining area. In the mornings they have a buffet till 10, after that they’ll make you whatever you wish. It was a nice short walk for breakfast.

On the plus side...
There are less than a dozen rooms. With 2 pools this means most times you are alone where ever you go. The rooms are large and well worth the 800 a week they ask. It is one of the few hotels up north with any beach at all and tho it’s small there’s no one to share it with. The bar area is quite nice. There was always someone doing something. I can imagine what a year will do for this place. The pictures you find online are truly what you will find here.
On the negative side...

It is a work in progress so you will see construction. The noise is there but not very bad. Actually I enjoyed watching the progress from out balcony on a daily basis. From the road and outside the used areas the place is rough. I didn’t bother me, I don’t care what others think. As crazy as it sounds, there is too much hot water. Really. Be very careful, you could easily get burns from it. The lighting in the bathroom was weak.

In all, I would stay here again. There’s something about it that is enticing and I’m not sure what it is exactly. This is a great deal for the price!

We have stayed at the Caribe twice, once in 2001 & again in 2002. This was before it became a condo....We absolutely loved it. My husband, two of our friends and I stayed there and we had a wonderful time. The staff were wonderful and we especially enjoyed it because it was DEFINITELY aimed at mature (i.e., 50's) people. We miss it terribly and cannot find another place that is as much fun...We miss all the people who helped make it a wonderful, fun place, especially the bartenders.