I must start out by saying that we use Hotwire all the time and have never been disappointed but this time we ran out of luck. We have always felt that we have paid a 2 star price for 4 star hotel but this hotel is rated way to high by hotwire standards. Check their key for ratings and by the pics you can tell this hotel does not even come close to their 2 star properties listed.This hotel is ok but for the price, we stayed with our 14 year old son who the hotel charged extra for, we could have spent $10.00 more and had a really nice hotel facing the ocean and cruise ships with two seperate room and bathrobes!

The rooms are very small, and yes no one spends a lot of time in their rooms I realize but we could not get the closet door open without moving the bed.

As for the breakfast, there is only coffee, nothing for kids or non coffee drinkers and out of 7 nights we had the breakfast only twice. Three morings there was no breakfast, I think because of Easter, and two morning the little ants covered the sweetrolls. We had the little ants in our room too which again I realize comes with the heat but we have stayed in hotels in Mexico before and had no problems.

The building is old and ugly looking from the outside but the lobby is kind of cute. Staff are friendly but you better know spanish as they are unable to help you with most questions as their English is very limited. WARNING Do not get staff to book taxi for you as it is twice as much money compared to you grabbing one off the street. A call in charge and something else they told us.

We checked out the place next door and they were cheaper and just as comparable. I am showing pictures of each.

I stayed at the Palma Dorada just last weekend.

I echo the previous reviewer's comments about great location and friendly staff, but this hotel just meets my minimum standards.

For someone wanting an inexpensive hotel close to the downtown action, this hotel is just the place. But travelers unused to discount travel may be taken aback when they see how stark the rooms actually are.

Be sure to upgrade to a room with air conditioning. There is a karaoke bar next door to the hotel, and without the white noise from the AC, you may have a sleepless night.

I'm likely to stay at the Palma Doada again.

I must say, my girlfriend and I were pleasantly surprised by the Palma Dorada. Julio Padilla and his staff were great, and I think we lucked out. It just seems like the Palma is on one of the best streets in Cozumel. The rooms are spartan, but clean and comfortable. If you want to sit around your room, watch TV all day and order room service, then this may not be your hotel. But if you want to head to the dive shops, explore the square, or eat at some of the best little taquerias in town, then you've come to the right place. Want to see more? Heck, ask Julio to arrange for a scooter to be delivered to the hotel for a resonable price, (and none of the haggling to bother with!). Or just hit the farmers market a few blocks up, and bring your lunch back to the Palma veranda and munch as you watch the street life go by. But don't get the wrong idea, it was also a very quiet property, and we always felt secure at night. Bonus: It's within easy walking from the Ferry terminal. We stayed 9 nights in Cozumel/Akumal, and slept in some pretty fancy places. The Palma was not fancy, but we had the best time there!

We are Budget Travelers and found Palma Dorada online at a good deal. We actually spent some of our honeymoon at Palma Dorada and have no regrets! The hotel has friendly staff who are accomodating and keep the hotel and rooms spotless. We felt safe staying downtown. Ammenities include air conditioning, travel services, hot water, cable tv (including english channels), balconies, free coffee, distiled water and breakfast pastries. It is convienently located one block from Cozumel's downtown (San Miguel) town sqaure. Palma Dorada is in the heart of shopping, across the street from the best resturant in town (The Mission), near the ferry (We walked) and shore! For a budget hotel it is high in it's class!