It is hard to add to the wonderful descriptions of the experience of Casita de Maya but I feel compelled to add my voice to the chorus singing its praises. The courtyard of the hotel immediately became a "living room" where there was as much privacy and community as one desired. Dan the owner and Erik his assistant made us feel like family from the first contact without ever sacrificing service and making sure our needs were met. I recommend this experience to all who seek the adventure of impromptu community, immersion in local culture and the opportunity to touch this wonderful little island with intimacy and respect.

We've been blessed to travel often and consider ourselves travelers vs tourists. We've stayed at properties that are so beautiful they take your breath away. This is one of the very few trips where we were affected by the love of the people. Casita de Maya is a place you either 'get' or you don't. This is the place for you if you want to experience Mexican culture and the warmth of the local people. Yes, it's within walking distance from the airport, but it's a piece of paradise; noise was not a factor. Believe us when we say we were very happy to simply walk over to the airport at the end of our trip.

We were met by Erik and Wilbur, who took our bags and showed us everything we needed to know about Casita de Maya. Erik went with us to get a rental car, exchange money, and buy cervezas. His family owns the roadside 'diner' Diegos, named after his father, just around the corner. We ate breakfast there almost every day, and we were escorted there by the 'family' dog Chickie (sp). The food is great, as is just about all of the food we ate at the local restaurants.

The rooms are not fancy but are very charmingly decorated and are very clean thanks to Jolie. Wilbur is the virtual do-it-all guy who is happy to help with anything (and he's also a great dancer ;-). Beach towels are supplied in a tote so it's easy to pick up and go. Free WiFi and calls to the US make it easy to connect with home (or not). Coffee is provided each morning and you're able to set the mood of the casita as you have access to XM radio.

Owner Dan (captain) cares about his guests AND his staff and it shows. He has made sure that there are no worries or unmet needs. From Dan, Wilbur, Erik, Jolie, Diego and his lovely wife Nedia (sp), these are truly good, caring people you can't help but love. We are so blessed to have met them and hope to return to create more sweet memories.

We had the benefit of all of the reviews written by all of the travelers before us about Casita de Maya, we chose it because of those reviews. But our experience exceeded the high expectations we already had! Here are a few of the things that were special:
-- In a small cozy place like this, the other guests are an important part of the enjoyment. Reading all of the reviews you can tell that CdM attracts a certain type of traveler/vacationer. What really happens is that you can be assured of spending time around the Casita with like-minded folks in interesting discussion and lots of laughs. Our group included two college professors and a later-in-life college student. With our own college student and recent grad, and Erik on the staff just finishing first semester freshman year at university in Cozumel - there were lively talks and lots of information trading. I'm sure others have similar bonding experiences.
-- Everyone acknowledges that Diego and his cooking are a big part of the joy of staying at Casita, but be sure to let him fix you both his big lobster dinner (whenever the lobstermen come by w/fresh ones) and his delicious breakfasts. You can't get that Yucatan-style breakfast sandwich or the amazing lobster dipping sauce anywhere else.
-- Take Dan's advice about everything, he always gives lots of options and directs you to the most local and colorful places. He won't steer you wrong no matter what.
-- Walk both to the waterfront and into 'town' from Casita. You quickly find yourself engaged and delighted by the people and places that are the real Cozumel, away from the cruise ship ports.
Casita de Maya is a very lovely small hotel - almost like having your own house - with fantastic service that goes beyond what you'd get anywhere else and a fount of information in Dan and his staff, as well as the best food on the island at Diego's around the corner.
And let's not forget Trixie and Chiquis, the Casita mascots.

I stayed there, believing that this hotel would provide a comfortable night as people say in Tripadvisor... Reality... it is not.

Simply too faraway from Centro. You have to take a cab to get anywhere from here. Beach? You have to rent a car. Very far.

I expected to have a good holiday stay there, but the ambiance was so pathetic. It may look nice in the photos, but it is one of those hotel photo which is far from reality...

One may say price is so high in Cozumel; there are better hotels in Centro. Unless you fancy hearing airplane noise, I would advise you to stay somewhere else.