Price Band: $$
Tags: Beach, family friendly, golf, snorkeling
Playa Azul
Cozumel
Playa Azul
Cozumel
Playa Azul
Cozumel
Playa Azul
Cozumel
Rates, availability and more…
In a nutshell:
Family owned and managed property located in a quiet part of Cozumel but close to the town. Rates include complementary golf. Pretty beach with good snorkeling.
Playa Azul is a lovely small hotel with lots of Mexican charm. The hotel is located in a quiet area of the island just opposite Cozumel Country Club and yet it is just 10 minutes drive from the main town, San Miguel, which has many shops, bars and restaurants and the ferry dock.
The hotel has just 50 rooms, arranged through the original hotel building and a newer section which is located around the pool. The low-rise buildings with their bright yellow walls look impressive against their backdrop of blue sky and turquoise sea.
The interiors of the rooms are similar in design and decor; they are bright and spacious and feature lovely pieces of Mexican arts and crafts throughout. Almost all of the rooms have great views of the Caribbean.
Playa Azul offers an excellent selection of accommodation from romantic Master Suites for couples to spacious Suites for families and versatile Standard Rooms which are perfect for couples, friends or families with young children.
The hotel offers unlimited complimentary golf for all its guests, which is a huge bonus for golf lovers (mandatory cart fees apply). The hotel is also a good choice for those interested in snorkelling, diving or fishing.
The beach in front of the hotel is lovely, with white sand and crystal clear sea. It’s possible to snorkel right off the beach here or, if you prefer, snorkelling and diving excursions can be arranged through the hotel.
Playa Azul is the perfect spot for those looking for a active vacation but it is equally suitable for those just looking for rest and relaxation.
Spa services and a dive shop are now available at the hotel. Complimentary snorkeling equipment rental is available for guests too.
The standard rooms and master suites are in the new section of the hotel, the four story building is arranged in an L shape around the pool and most rooms have great views of the Caribbean.
The four Master Suites have prime positions right by the beach. The Suites are in the original building above reception and the restaurant; these rooms have ocean front bedrooms and living rooms facing the pool.
All of the rooms are spacious and have terraces or balconies. They are beautifully decorated with light pastel colored walls, terracotta tiled floors and bright bedspreads and curtains. This gives the rooms very Mexican feel; you will also notice a selection of crafts and artwork here and there from local artisans.
Some rooms have slightly different features, for example some of the balconies have a palapa roof, some of the balconies are more built up with solid walls, more suitable for young children and others have a more open feel with rustic wooden rails.
Summary of room facilities
ALL ROOMS
Air conditioning, room safe, coffee maker, satellite TV, alarm clock, hairdryer
Ocean View Standard Room
One king size bed or two double beds, balcony or terrace with ocean view
Ocean View Suite
Bedroom with one king size bed or two double beds plus separate sitting room with two sofas that can each be made into a single bed, balcony or terrace with ocean view
Ocean View Master Suite
One king bed, sitting area, ocean view balcony or terrace with Jacuzzi, bathrobes, slippers. Adults only.
The Standard Ocean View Rooms are charming; the decor is distinctly Mexican. The rooms are spacious and airy with either two doubles or one king, and the warm colors, soft bedspreads and traditional furniture make them feel very welcoming.
These rooms are in the newer section of the hotel. Some directly face the sea and have views over the pool, while others face the main building and have views of the pool and the Caribbean to the right.
The rooms on the ground floor have terraces which open straight out on to the pool area, while the upper floor rooms have better views.
Bathrooms feature a separate vanity with closets opposite which makes this is a useful a dressing area. The marble vanity is well lit with a large mirror over, and is beautifully decorated with artistic touches like silver soap dishes and accessories and stained glass decorations on the mirrors.
You will also notice a good selection of toiletries. There is a large walk in shower and toilet in a separate room.
The Suites are in the original section of the hotel; they are very spacious and feature a large bedroom with a separate living area. Note that there is no elevator in this section of the property.
These rooms are perfect for families. The bedrooms have one king bed or two doubles and there are two sofas in the living room which will convert into two separate beds.
Most suites have terraces that directly face the Caribbean, being located at the front of the building, whilst the sitting room faces towards the pool. Some suites are located on the side of the building and have terraces that face the pool and have partial ocean views.
Honeymooners and romantics will love the fabulous Master Suites, which are reserved for adults only. These rooms enjoy positions right by the beach and all have ocean views from their balconies or terrace. The rooms feel very spacious and have a split level bedroom and sitting room and ocean front balcony with Jacuzzi.
The Master Suites feature a terrace with outdoor Jacuzzi, with magnificent views of the turquoise Caribbean. At the end of the day this is a great place to relax and just enjoy the view.
The sitting area has stunning sea views and doors opening out to the Jacuzzi. There’s space to relax together and enjoy morning coffee or cocktails at sunset. The bathroom features a walk-in shower and separate vanity area.
In the evenings the restaurant Chan Ka’an is a great place to finish the day. Guests can start with a drink in the bar, excellent margaritas, beers and spirits are served in a traditional Mexican setting.
The decor features Mexican artwork, local tiles and traditional rattan and leather chairs and tables. There is satellite TV, so no need to miss the big game.
The adjacent restaurant is air-conditioned and comfortable. The menu includes Mexican specialties and features an excellent selection of fresh seafood. The decor is distinctly Mexican; large windows look out on to the sea.
The Palma Azul Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch; seating is outdoor on a terrace overlooking the beach with sea views. It makes the perfect setting for a lazy breakfast or long lunch, there is shaded seating for those looking to escape the sun for an hour or two.
The beach in front of the hotel is very pretty with the lovely crystal clear turquoise Caribbean offering good snorkeling opportunities. The beach is edged by palms and you’ll find sun beds and shady palapas there.
To one side of the beach is a raised area with La Palapa bar where tropical cocktails and refreshing cold drinks can be enjoyed.
The sea shelves quite gently which makes it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can snorkel directly off the beach as there’s plenty to see just yards out into the sea.
The hotel has snorkel equipment for rental and scuba diving and fishing trips can also be arranged through the hotel.
The hotel’s fresh water pool faces the ocean and is right next to the beach. It’s plenty large enough for swimming and also has a shallow section for children. It’s also conveniently located close to the La Palapa bar, which means that you can enjoy drinks and exotic cocktails as you relax in the comfort of your sun bed. The most difficult decision is whether to cool off in the pool or in the Caribbean.
Beach towels are provided in the rooms and there are plenty of sun beds available both round the pool and on the beach. As the pool is surrounded on three sides by the hotel, there is a good mix of shade and sunshine throughout the day. There are also palapas and palm trees close by on the beach offering some comfortable escape from the sun.
Cozumel Country Club is opposite the hotel and the entrance to the club just a few minutes drive away.
All guests at the hotel receive unlimited complimentary golf at the club (a cart is required; the approximate cost for cart rental is US$25 per person).
The country club has a 18-hole, 72-par golf course designed by the Nicklaus Design Group.
The course is spectacular, with lagoons and dense jungle, and there’s even a family of crocodiles on the course!
Facilities include a practice area, clubs and equipment rental, golf instruction and an outdoor restaurant.
How to get here
By air
Cozumel has an airport and there are some direct flights from the USA. Many people may find it more convenient to fly into Cancun airport, in which case it is necessary to travel to Playa del Carmen by road and then take a ferry to the island.
There are regular ferry services throughout the day from the dock in Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
On arriving at the island, take a taxi from the port (there are always taxis meeting the boats just at the end of the dock) to the hotel
The journey will take around ten minutes and cost approximately 45 pesos (US$5).
The ferry trip takes between 45 – 60 minutes.
Driving directions from Cancun
The ferry service from Playa del Carmen is for passengers only. Car ferry service is available from other locations, but it’s usually more convenient for tourists to take the passenger ferry to the island and rent a car there.
