Park Royal Cozumel All-Inclusive

Unbelievablely clean and well maintained! Hotel is easy 5 min walk; just turn left on beachside sidewalk to reach International Pier and my fave scuba operator (DiveWithMartin). There is a dive shop (?AquaWorld?) and the Coral See semi-submersible pier directly across the street. Food in buffet restaurant was good and plentiful and varied for a Cozumel all-inclusive (but just don't expect a Royal Caribbean cruise ship buffet!). Service is outstanding whether you tip or not. Ate in both the reservations-required restaurants (no extra charge; just need to reserve each day), and the food and atmosphere is well worth the extra 'effort" of stopping by to make reservation on your trips between the various hotel bars. The alcoholic drinks are great (especially if you leave a dollar tip per order). My only negatives are the shower took forever to get warm and the mosquitos are in clouds outside (take DEET). Taxis are always out front, and downtown shopping is $* one-way taxi ride if the wife doesn't walk. Walk down hotel driveway and turn right for the OXXO (think 7-11) convenience store if you need snack food to take on dive trips. Car rental place ($* for Jeep) if you want to drive around island 1 day. There are 2 Wal-Mart equivalents (Mega-Store and Chauffries) if you need something unusual. Safety on island is excellent compared to Cancun ('cause CZM is an island). Hotel internet (linksys Wi-Fi) is free, but slow between 8AM-8PM. Cozumel would be perfect if there was 3G iwireless broadband service on island (only Puerto Rico or US Virgin Islands has it as far as I know in Caribbean).

Our stay at the Park Royal was incredible. We absolutely loved it and we would go back in a heart beat. The food was excellent, the amenities were great and the service was one of a kind. The rooms were very spacious, always clean and with great views. Yo do have to make reservations for the two restaurants but you can make them as late as the same day. The best pool is the one overlooking the beach but all others were great as well. I would take advantage of the presentation the hotel offers so you can get major discounts on your excursions. There is alot to do in and around Cozumel so do take advantage of the Hotel's discounts. Also make sure to go to Ernesto's Fajita Factory right across form the hotel, it is the best fajita joint on the island and the best fajitas i have ever tasted! The hotel was in a good spot, close to other resorts but away from the comotion of the island. DO NOT try to walk from the centro to the hotel, it is too far. Take a cab unless you like 25-30 minute walks. We always felt safe on the Island even at night. The Spa also has good deals on treatments. The servers and bar tenders were great even when you did not tip and the drinks were always strong. This hotel is at the top of my list and i would most definately return and stay there again or any other Park Royal Hotel. It was the perfect place for our honeymoon.

Absolutely awesome place to stay. The entertainment staff really made sure there was something going on each day and night. We had a ton of fun and met some great people. Cruise ships at the dock were actually really cool to look at. The food was wonderful. Couldn't have asked for anything better in a vacation.

Type:NightLife Distance: In hotel

Take advantage of the nightly shows

Take advantage of the nightly shows at the hotel. They are really well put together and fun. Dont worry about mosquitoes, just bring some off spray..keep in mind..it is an island and not as developed as other resort areas in Mexico.

We went to Park Royal for our honeymoon and were very pleased! The place is beautiful!. We didn't use the safe in the room and had no issues, we left our things in our bags and never had anything taken. The front desk was helpful when we needed any information about booking tours or needing directions. The food was awesome at their Mexicana Resaurant, hit or miss at the buffet however. Some of the food their was really good but some of it was terrible, but really I can't complain, it's all included and you can just get up and get something else. We only at thier Italiano Restaurant once and it wasn't very good. If you're in Mexico, best to stay with Mexican food I say. And, the water is safe to drink! I was worried at first but after having a few mixed drinks, I didn't experience any stomach issues so I decided I wouldn't worry any more. Had several drikns each day and drank the served water and never got sick. They also have snack bars right by the pools where you can get burgers, nachos, pizza, ext...and no complaints there! Our room was spacious with a great view, we did get 2 full size beds instead of one king but really wasn't a big issue for us. Very clean! We had a wonderfull time! We went and did some tours but the days we spent just hanging at the pool were just as nice! Very relaxing and all the staff were very friendly and helpfull. My only real complaint is that it is located right next to a port for cruise ships. We had a view of cruise ships coming in and out each day. Could have done without that but still beautiful!

We stayed 5 nights in August 2009 and had a great time. The grounds were immaculately kept and everything was very clean. The best time can be had here if you are able to understand the following: While there you are NOT in the U.S. The people will treat you very well if you are not rude. Respect their language and culture. Remember to tip well and at least make an effort to speak Spanish. The bartenders took good care of me when I specifically asked for "mas rum por favor while presenting a tip." I tend to be a picky eater and dislike trying new foods that take me out of my comfort zone. I found the food to be adequate. I enjoyed french toast, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit for breakfast. We stayed with our kids (ages 9 & 13). The "kids club" was suited to younger kids and does NOT provide child care services. The small section of man-made beach is very nice and a great place to snorkel without leaving the grounds. We saw stingray and barracuda just outside the tiny cove area. As others have posted, the evenings can be a bit uneventful. We used the tap water to brush our teeth and shower and no one got sick. Additionally, we drank the water at the buffet without any problems. The only negatives I can report were that the food was "just ok" ( just me being picky) Do NOT order nachos because they are awful (not me just being picky) There were a few ants on the floor in our room but they stayed there and weren't a problem. Have reasonable expectations and you'll love Park Royal! We can't wait to go back!

Type:Area Attractions Distance: In hotel

time share sales people

While at Park Royal the time share sales folks all wear polo style shirts that say "Royal Holiday" on them. I avoided them without being rude. I simply said "no thank you."

Type:Shopping Distance: Requires transportation

Relax While you shop

Whether shopping or making activity arrangements it's important to keep in mind that you are in Mexico and should use common sense. That having been said, not everyone wants to rip you off. I wasted at least a couple of days stressing out unnecessarily. Once I relaxed I realized that most of the folks there are honest hard working people just trying to make a living.

Type:NightLife Distance: Requires transportation

Downtown in the Evening

It's best to arrive after 6:00pm while keeping in mind that things tend to close down fairly early. It's a divers' island and late night partying and diving don't mix very well.

Type:Area Attractions Distance: Requires transportation

Check out the South and East Sides

The best leeward beaches are far South of the peer. (Playa Palancar was the best) Check out the windward side for waves and local flavor including very cool Mexican surf rock music. Great windward side swim location at "blow hole" look for a sign and a souvenir vendor on the beach road.

Type:Shopping Distance: Requires transportation

Don't be confused for a cruise ship passenger

Cruisers pay more for everything. Get away from the cruise ship peer. Make activity plans (snorkel, dive, etc) with the local shops in person a day in advance so they know your aren't a cruiser. The prices tend to decrease at 6:00pm when the cruise ships leave for the day.

Type:Shopping Distance: Requires transportation

Relax While you shop

Whether shopping or making activity arrangements it's important to keep in mind that you are in Mexico and should use common sense. That having been said, not everyone wants to rip you off. I wasted at least a couple of days stressing out unnecessarily. Once I relaxed I realized that most of the folks there are honest hard working people just trying to make a living.