The Best Hotels in Cozumel

The rates aren't all-inclusive, and that's exactly what's so appealing about Hotel B Cozumel. From the infinity pool overlooking the ocean to beachside yoga classes, a floating pontoon dock for sunbathing and, come margarita-o’clock, an ever-popular floating bar, everything here is designed with style and substance in mind. Even the restaurant and guest rooms are kitted out with crafts by Mexican artists. Not to mention the location within Cozumel’s northern hotel zone, a quick five minutes from all the restaurants and shops of the island’s downtown area, makes Hotel B's affordable rates all that more irresistible.

If you golf or travel with someone who does, this family-run Cozumel property on the island’s northwest coast deserves a spot on your bucket list. Playa Azul is intimate by Mexico standards—just 50 rooms, all with partial or full ocean views—but guests get unlimited complimentary greens fees at the Jack Nicklaus-designed course at the Cozumel Country Club. Non-golfers have lots to do here, too, including sunning and listening to live music (Sundays only) at the hotel’s beach club, going out for a dive with the on-site scuba center, or indulging in a treatment at Savia Spa, where therapies like aromatherapy massages and body scrubs take their inspiration from ancient Mayan wellness rituals.

With just 56 casita-style rooms, The Explorean Cozumel offers the coziness of a boutique stay with all the benefits of an all-inclusive resort. You’re on the island’s western side, on Uvas Beach, so outings to nearby Chankanaab National Park and Mayan ruins are among the many options for day trips. Guest rooms, however, can be difficult to abandon, with their spacious balconies overlooking the jungle and over-sized rain showers for rinsing off after the beach. Staying here also gets you full access to sister property Fiesta Americana Resort, where you'll find overwater sun beds and a swim-up bar.

As far as Cozumel hotels go, it doesn't get more luxurious than the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa, whose prestigious InterContinental branding lends it a step up in nearly every category, from the service to the amenities. That the property sits miles from port ensures peace and quiet, whether you're lazing by the beachfront infinity pool, booking an excursion at the on-site scuba diving center, or dining at the Italian trattoria. All rooms have private balconies for soaking up sea, resort, or jungle views and the hotel’s spa is considered the best on the island.

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Completely renovated in recent years, this five-star property sits smack on the beach right next door to its sister resort, The Explorean. Along with 102 rooms, the spacious grounds are also home to six à la carte restaurants, many of which front the beach or are surrounded by the property’s atmospheric canals. For next-level sunbathing, splurge on one of the suites with sun beds overhanging the turquoise sea.

Part of the Barcelo chain, the all-inclusive Occidental Cozumel mixes hacienda-inspired and Spanish Colonial architecture in a pretty setting on the island’s southwestern stretch. Scuba divers love the property for its location near Palancar Reef, and the on-site dive shop does everything but blow bubbles for you underwater. The hotel is popular with couples and families, too, thanks to the quiet white-sand beach at its doorstep, three swimming pools, and a wide range of water sports that include kayaking, sailing, and even water polo.

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Another top all-inclusive option on the beach, Secrets Aura Cozumel’s adults-only status makes it a perennial favorite with honeymooners (you can tie the knot underwater here, if you’re so inclined) and canoodling couples. The sprawling grounds are home to three pools, a PADI scuba diving center, and every water sport you could want. Of the 266 all-suite rooms, it's worth splurging on one of the swim-out pool suites if you’re the type that plans to spend most of your time in your bikini or board shorts.

One of the many amenities that make it hard to leave your room at the all-inclusive Cozumel Palace are the roomy private balconies, each outfitted with a hammock overlooking the turquoise sea. Strap on a mask and fins and step right off the hotel's private dock to snorkel over coral beds busy with tropical fish, or spend your time at the beach or by the poo with a wellness break at the fine on-site spa. Got kids in tow? The 169 suites include roomy, two-bedroom presidential suites that are popular among families.

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