Located about ten miles off the coast, the island of Cozumel is one of the most visited travel destinations in Mexico. To make the most of your trip, we’ve made a complete guide on the best areas and hotels to stay in when visiting this idyllic destination.
Let us be your guide!
The Best Places to Stay in Cozumel
Here are a few of the best areas to stay and explore in Cozumel. Try to check out each of these places for a complete picture of the island:
- Centro: Best for first-time visitors and shopping
- Adolfo Lopez Mateos: Best for local culture
- Gonzalo Guerrero: Best for budget travelers
- North Cozumel: Best for luxury and privacy
- South Cozumel: Best for water activities
Where to Stay in Cozumel: Best Areas & Hotels
Whether you arrive by ferry or plane, you’ll end up in San Miguel when you first arrive on the island, but the island has a lot more to it. Here’s a detailed look at the best areas and hotels when visiting Cozumel.
1. Centro
San Miguel de Cozumel, Cozumel, Mexico, 12 October, 2021: San Miguel de Cozumel, Mexico, Central Plaza and colorful colonial city downtown streets during peak months of high tourist season/Eskystudio/Shutterstock
Centro is the central neighborhood of San Miguel – the largest town on the island. It’s also home to most of the hotels on the island. If you’re visiting for the first time or want to shop, you’ll want to stay in Centro.
It has the largest concentration of shops, restaurants, bars, and other modern accommodations and amenities. The further you get from the center of San Miguel, the less you find.
Playa Casitas and several other beaches are a short walk north of the downtown area if you follow the waterfront avenue. Centro borders the airport, the sea, and the residential neighborhoods of San Miguel.
Most of the businesses are along the main waterfront road, which also includes access to several piers where you can stop and watch the boats coming in and out.
In the evening, the waterfront is often the liveliest part of the island. You’ll hear live music pouring out of several of the seaside bars, along with larger crowds of tourists.
Centro Budget Hotels
- Hotel Mary Carmen. This cute little boutique hotel has a homely charm and comfortable accommodations that should help you feel at home. It’s in the center of Centro, making it a prime location for starting your journey of Cozumel.
- Kinta Kan Hotel Boutique Cozumel. Located a few blocks from the waterfront, this hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, free breakfast, and family rooms. It’s also a short stroll from several restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Centro Mid-Range Hotels
- Hotel Plaza Cozumel. Situated just across the main square and the Cozumel Museum, this hotel has a convenient location and rooms with vibrant décor and colors. It’s a bright, happy place with friendly staff and an outdoor pool.
- Illa Cozumel. This hotel offers a secluded place to relax and get away from the busier streets of Centro. The rooms are relatively small but elegantly furnished. Several restaurants are on the same street while the nearest beach is about two miles away.
Centro Luxury Hotels
- Hotel Puerto Libre. With large, spacious rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, you can’t help but feel close to the action at this hotel. It overlooks the waterfront, includes a swimming pool, and has a terrace and bar.
- Hotel La Casona Real. This luxury hotel is toward the back end of Centro, further from the water, but nestled on a quiet residential street. You shouldn’t need to worry about the noise from late-at-night partying near the docks waking you up.
2. Adolfo Lopez Mateos
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Adolfo Lopez Mateos is one of the main neighborhoods of San Miguel outside of Centro. It includes several residential blocks surrounding a large public park – El Parque.
It’s just south of Centro and further from the water, but some of the hotels are still close enough for walking to the beach. As it’s not right next to the beach, this neighborhood is a little quieter and has fewer tourists wandering about.
You can immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore the neighborhood, including the park. It has a playground, soccer field, restrooms, and more.
It’s a mostly residential area with most of the hotels found around the outskirts of the neighborhood. The further you get from the beach, the lower the cost of the hotels. This makes it a top pick for those that want to save a few dollars on their hotel.
Adolfo Lopez Mateos Budget Hotels
- OYO Hotel Dos Mundos. This budget hotel has several suites and an apartment for rent, all at incredibly low prices. The standard rooms don’t come with many amenities, but the hotel is right on the main road that takes you to the waterfront.
- Caribo Cozumel. Despite the low prices, this hotel stands out for its minimalist, modern décor and elegant features, including an outdoor pool with a fountain and a small courtyard. Bicycle rental, snorkeling, diving, and fishing are all available through the hotel’s concierge services.
Adolfo Lopez Mateos Mid-Range Hotels
- Ohana Casa de Artes. This comfy homestay has a hot tub and jacuzzi for unwinding after a long day exploring Cozumel. You can also choose from a variety of room types for one to four guests. All rooms include private bathrooms and free wifi.
- La Perle Noire – Auberge. Located toward the edge of the neighborhood, this hotel isn’t close to the waterfront but has an outdoor pool with a large mural of the beach. The rooms are a little small but clean. You’ll also receive access to a shared kitchen, a terrace, and barbecue facilities.
Adolfo Lopez Mateos Luxury Hotels
- Hotel Villas Colibri Suites & Bungalows. Featuring full concierge services, an outdoor pool, and private balconies, this hotel is a popular choice due to the variety of amenities provided. Bike and car rentals are available, which is useful, as the hotel isn’t too close to the water.
- Villa Segovia. Get some peace and quiet with a stay at this quaint hotel with gorgeous furnishings and a secluded environment shielded from the neighboring streets. The rooms include garden views and a patio with an outdoor dining area.
3. Gonzalo Guerrero
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Gonzalo Guerrero is another San Miguel neighborhood to consider staying at if you want to be near Centro and the main Cozumel attractions. It’s south of Centro and Adolfo Lopez Mateos, and across the main avenue that runs through the island.
This area has some of the cheaper hotels and places to stay compared to other parts of San Miguel and the rest of the island.
It’s a good choice for budget travelers, but some of the hotels are a bit further from the beach and the center of town. You can save money by staying far from the coast if you’re willing to spend more time walking to reach the sites around town.
However, this neighborhood also has a couple of the most luxurious waterfront hotels in Cozumel. Gonzalo Guerrero is a quiet place to stay with options to suit any budget.
Yet, if you want convenient access to the beach, you may want to try one of the other neighborhoods, as the nearest beaches are further south and north.
Gonzalo Guerrero Budget Hotels
- Cabana Sustentable. If you don’t mind slightly rustic lodgings, this place has one of the lowest prices on the island. Despite the rustic décor, this place has all the standard amenities, including a seating area, fridge, minibar, and dining area.
- HABITACION PRIVADA. Enjoy a comfortable stay at a small hotel with a shared patio and outdoor fireplace. The friendly staff serves free daily breakfast with American, continental, and vegetarian options.
Gonzalo Guerrero Mid-Range Hotels
- Casa Elena Cozumel. This is a homestay that was recently renovated to provide mid-range lodgings at low prices. It’s not the most luxurious place, but a lot of care went into the redesign of this place which includes a kitchen area with a microwave, fridge, and coffee machine.
- Villas Segovia Hotel Boutique & Suites. As you’d expect from a mid-range hotel in Cozumel, your room includes access to an outdoor pool, free wifi, private parking, and a terrace. However, this place stands out for its spacious rooms with plenty of room for large groups.
Gonzalo Guerrero Luxury Hotels
- Cozumel Hotel & Resort TM by Wyndham All Inclusive. This is one of the nicest hotels on the island, featuring large rooms with balconies and views of the pool. It also has a private beach area, which is not something many other hotels near here offer.
- Cozumel Palace – All Inclusive. This is one of the few all-inclusive resorts on the island and a top choice for luxury travelers, as it has every amenity you could likely need, including a fitness center and spa. You can also enjoy cocktails from one of several onsite bars and restaurants.
4. North Cozumel
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North Cozumel covers everything north of San Miguel. You’ll find a few hotels, apartments, and villas along the coastline between San Miguel and the northern part of the island.
The hotels and resorts are north of the airport and separated from the slightly more vibrant town of San Miguel. This gives you a little more tranquility compared to the previous recommendations.
Compared to staying in San Miguel, North Cozumel is a little quieter. It’s further from the town where most of the residents of Cozumel live, which also means fewer opportunities to shop or spend time with the locals.
However, the area still has quite a few dining options and several features not found in the other regions.
North Cozumel has a couple of beaches next to the resorts and convenient access to nearby attractions, including Passion Island and hiking trails. It’s also home to a golf course, a marina, and a lookout point.
North Cozumel Budget Hotels
- Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort. This is one of the most affordable hotels in North Cozumel, despite costing more than a luxury hotel in other parts of the island, but it includes large rooms stocked with all the amenities you could think of. It’s also close to downtown and several beaches.
- Puerta del Mar Cozumel. This is one of the northernmost hotels on the island and a great place for those wanting to save money. While it’s away from the shops and bars, it offers horseback riding, golfing, bicycle rentals, and a private beach area.
North Cozumel Mid-Range Hotels
- The Westin Cozumel. Get ready for a leisurely stay at a hotel where staff cater to your every need. This mid-range hotel treats each guest as a VIP, along with providing access to a water sports facility and private beach area.
- El Cozumeleno Beach Resort – All Inclusive. Snorkeling, bike tours, and diving lessons are just a few of the activities available through this all-inclusive beach resort. You can also enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the onsite buffet-style restaurant.
North Cozumel Luxury Hotels
- Melia Cozumel All Inclusive. If you’re looking to stay away from crowds and spend most of your time within the confines of the resort you choose, this is a top pick, as it includes three restaurants, five bars, and full spa service. Water sports and childcare are also available.
- Hotel B Unique. This five-star hotel is one of the most exclusive destinations in Cozumel. It offers exceptional customer service and large rooms with balconies that look out over the ocean. You’ll also get the typical amenities, including onsite restaurants and an outdoor pool.
5. South Cozumel
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South Cozumel includes everything south of San Miguel. As with North Cozumel, everything is found along the western coast. Traveling along the main coastal road takes you past all the hotels and businesses in the region.
It’s another great spot for those wanting to get away from the more densely populated central part of the island. Yet, the southern part of Cozumel still has a decent nightlife scene.
Several of the beachside bars stay open late into the night with large crowds, drinks, and live music.
South Cozumel is also closer to some of the island’s best natural attractions and historic sites. The ecological park and a large lagoon are both on the south side of Cozumel.
Other highlights include a large theme park, hiking trails, and several ancient Mayan ruins. There’s more to see and do other than spending the day at the beach, which makes South Cozumel a top pick for the more adventurous travelers.
South Cozumel Budget Hotels
- El Cid La Ceiba Beach. This is a budget hotel in South Cozumel, but still, a luxurious place to stay. The rooms are spacious and include balconies with sweeping views of the ocean and an outdoor swimming pool. Other highlights include onsite services, including a bar, a restaurant, and a sauna.
- Maia Suites Cozumel. This beachside getaway is just a two-minute walk from Paradise Beach and has its own private pool and hot tub. Some rooms also have a terrace and a view of the pool.
South Cozumel Mid-Range Hotels
- Sunscape Sabor Cozumel. Featuring buffet-style meals throughout the day and three bars, this is one of many all-inclusive resorts in Cozumel with onsite dining options, pools, and bars. You can also arrange snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing directly from the resort.
- Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa. This resort covers a large portion of the coast, as it includes many rooms, a full bar, and a spa. You can also walk straight out to the private beach area or arrange a trip to nearby attractions, such as Chankanaab National Park.
South Cozumel Luxury Hotels
- Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa. Enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean from the balcony of your room at this luxury hotel and resort. It has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a variety of room options to fit your budget.
- Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive. Welcome to one of the most luxurious resorts on the island, featuring a large spa center and private beach. This all-inclusive resort has everything you need for an unforgettable trip, including an onsite restaurant, a bar, and room service.
So, Where Should You Stay in Cozumel?
Cozumel has large areas of mostly untouched natural beauty, along with beachside hotels and charming shops, making it a top vacation destination.
While many people stay in Centro near the center of San Miguel, there are other neighborhoods to explore. Let’s recap our favorites:
| 🛬 Best for First-Time Visitors | Centro |
| 🏘️ Best for Local Culture | Adolfo Lopez Mateos |
| 💵 Best for Budget Travelers | Gonzalo Guerrero |
| 🥂 Best for Luxury | North Cozumel |
| 🤿 Best for Snorkeling & Exploring | South Cozumel |
So, with so much to see and do, and no bad area in which to stay, what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience for yourself all that Cabo has to offer. Happy travels!