Family-friendly resort in Cozumel. Green, Charming.
Atmosphere
Amenities
Traveler Insights(7 discussions)
Occidental Cozumel occupies a specific, defensible niche: it's the best all-inclusive for divers and snorkelers in a destination that is arguably the best diving destination in the Caribbean. Cozumel sits atop the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef - the world's second largest - and the underwater life here is exceptional enough that serious dive travelers build entire trips around it. The resort has a full dive shop on property, beautiful grounds, and modern rooms that multiple guests specifically praise. The one travelers commenter who stayed there was impressed enough to declare they can't wait to return.
The honest caveat is that Cozumel's resort landscape overall isn't as developed or polished as Cancun's. One traveler who knows the island well says plainly that Cozumel doesn't have great resorts in general, and the Occidental's base rating of 81 reflects that context. For guests who don't dive or snorkel, Cozumel might feel limited: the island is small, evenings are quiet, and you're not going to find the Cancun hotel zone energy here. The Royal Level upgrade tier is worth considering for those who want a more premium experience within the same property.
Occidental Cozumel works best for divers who want an all-inclusive base with convenient dive shop access, couples who want a genuinely quieter alternative to the Cancun tourist machine, and travelers who appreciate Cozumel town's authentic Mexican character. The destination rewards people who explore: snorkeling tours, Mayan ruins across on the mainland reachable by ferry, and local restaurants in town are all excellent. It's not the right resort if you need a luxury experience or want the amenities of a large Cancun mega-resort.
Pros
- +Full on-site dive shop makes it one of the best all-inclusive options for scuba divers - Cozumel has some of the best reef diving in the Western Hemisphere right off the coast
- +Cozumel as a destination is genuinely exceptional for underwater enthusiasts - the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world's second largest, runs along the island
- +Grounds described as 'beautiful' by guests who have been impressed enough to want to return - the lush Cozumel vegetation and layout get specific praise
- +Up-to-date, modern rooms that feel well-maintained compared to other Cozumel options - a notable differentiator in a destination that doesn't have many high-quality resorts
- +Royal Level upgrade available within the property for those wanting a premium club tier without switching hotels - one travel comparison site rated Royal Level at Occidental at 87.5
- +Beach access is included - relatively rare in Cozumel where some resorts have limited or no beachfront
- +Cozumel town is just minutes away for authentic Mexican food, local shopping, and ferry access to the Yucatan mainland
- +One returning guest described it as the best Cozumel option and said they 'can't wait to go back' - a strong endorsement from someone who has weighed the island's options
Cons
- −Limited travelers data (7 total mentions) means current quality is hard to assess with confidence - reports could be from years ago
- −Cozumel's overall resort quality lags behind the Riviera Maya - one traveler specifically notes 'Cozumel does not have the best resorts in general'
- −The base Occidental rating sits at 81 in one comparison - below average relative to what the same budget can get in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta
- −Non-diver guests may find Cozumel a limited destination - the island's appeal is heavily weighted toward underwater activities
- −Fewer all-inclusive restaurant options and nightlife than the Cancun hotel zone - smaller island destination with quieter evenings
- −Getting to Cozumel requires either a ferry from Playa del Carmen or a direct flight to the small Cozumel airport - adds a travel step that Cancun doesn't require
- −The beach quality and protection varies significantly around the island - not all beachfront in Cozumel is ideal for swimming
- −Limited competition among resorts on the island means less pressure to maintain quality compared to the densely competitive Cancun hotel zone
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“Absolutely beautiful stay! Every single thing about this place is what a vacation is supposed to be! Relaxing, beautiful and friendly. The food was good and they had a lot of choices. We tried everything and every place, except one. We did not get an...”
“1. The property is very well maintained, with lush grounds everywhere. For those that appreciate the greenery, this property is outstanding. It takes a lot of work to maintain such a place. 2. Our room was big, very strong AC. Strong water pressure....”
“We have had yet another amazing 2 week holiday here. All the colleagues we had contact with were helpful and friendly. Karla and Laura at the pool bar do not stop and always have a smile on their face. The rooms are cleaned daily, and are kept spotl...”