Coral Princess Golf & Dive Resort

The Coral Princess has a bright white facade that looks crisp against Cozumel's famously beautiful blue sky and sea. A flower bed and fountain flank the steps that lead into the lobby, which is decorated with an elaborate dolphin fountain. A small cluster of leather chairs in the back of the lobby is where guests gather. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the swimming pool, man-made beach, and ocean beyond. A pair of elevators takes guests up to their rooms; there's obvious damage and wear in the exterior hallways. Some parts of the hotel, like the super stylish lobby bathroom decorated with pop-art wall paper and luxurious karaoke bar with stainless steel accents, look brand new. Other areas, like the front desk with an electronic sign listing the day's currency exchange rates, are in desperate need of an update. Many guests here are repeat visitors that take advantage of the on-site dive shop and good snorkeling conditions right off the beach. Families are welcome, but on our visit we mostly saw groups of older American couples. Time-share pitches from staff can detract from relaxation. 

It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the ferry terminal in San Miguel from the Coral Princess, but it's only a five-minute drive or taxi ride. For some, the out of the way location provides a respite from the hordes of cruise ship passengers that descend on the island, but for others it's a bit too much of a trek to enjoy the restaurants and bars downtown. Parking at the hotel is free and easy in a small lot in front of the entrance. - Six-minute drive to Hard Rock Cafe

• Nine-minute drive to Señor Frogs
• Eight-minute drive to Cozumel International Airport
• 13-minute drive to Dolphinaris Cozumel

There are 148 rooms and suites at Coral Princess Golf & Dive Resort, and all have the same simple design scheme: white walls, lightwood or black wicker furniture, and neutral tile floors. Suites have a bit more color via upholstered purple couches and bright armchairs. The cheapest rooms overlook the street and jungle in the distance. More expensive rooms have stunning views of the pool and Caribbean Sea from furnished balconies. All rooms come standard with a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, coffeemaker, free bottled water, and toiletries. One- or Two-Bedroom Suites include a separate kitchenette and dining area, plus all the cutlery and plates one would need for a meal. Straightforward bathrooms consist of large vanities with single sinks and showers in a separate room. Rooms are clean, though some have maintenance issues like rusty drains and peeling paint. There is a pesky fee for Wi-Fi. Further, guests are charged a mandatory housekeeping fee on departure. 

Though the spa and small fitness center aren't fancy, it's still nice to know you can get a pedicure and a workout in during your vacation. The fitness facility provides a water dispenser, basic cardio and weight equipment, and views of the pool through large windows. Most guests spend their days in or around the infinity-edge pool that overlooks the ocean. It has a swim-up bar that projects a rainbow of colors into the water at night. Orange sun loungers flank the pool but there aren't any umbrellas for shade. Staff is quick with drink service in and out of the pool. One small annoyance is the pool card system. Guests present an attendant near the pool with a card in exchange for a beach towel, which must be returned to get the card back. Guests that check out without their cards are charged for the cost of a towel. However, the towel attendant desk isn't regularly staffed and closes at five, well before most people are done swimming for the day. A small gift shop sells sunscreen, T-shirts, and souvenirs during limited hours. The on-site dive shop is the main draw for many guests. Professional dive boats with PADI instructors depart from the hotel's beach, making safe diving a breeze.  

Just because the white sandy beach at Coral Princess Golf & Dive Resort is man-made doesn't make it any less beautiful. In fact, the expansive stretch of sand set with ample soft white loungers and pillows, plus black umbrellas, is the prettiest part of the whole property. Stairs and a railing lead into the crystal blue water that's teeming with fish and a popular spot for snorkelers. Because the beach is private, guests don't have to worry about being hassled by vendors. A shower provides a place to rinse off after a dip. 

Some room packages come with a free breakfast at Buenaventura Terrasse Restaurant, but be forewarned that guests are required to wear a red plastic wristband to get the free meal of made-to-order pancakes or eggs. Lunch and dinner are served outdoors on an elegant patio under orange umbrellas, or indoors in the air-conditioned dining room. Food quality varies; basic items like fish tacos and club sandwiches are a good choice, though the chef seems to struggle with fancier fare like tuna tartare. Staff blows into a seashell to signal the start of happy hour by the pool. The poolside El Cayuco Bar didn't see a lot of action on our visit, as most guests took advantage of waiter service from their pool chairs instead of taking stools at the bar on land or in front of the swim-up bar. K8 Karaoke Bar was closed; it has a pool table, ocean views, and a karaoke machine that could be a lot of fun for private events.