The Bottom Line
Instead of having you read through an unfavorable review only to learn that I am not going to endorse the hotel, I’m just going to give you my bottom line upfront. The Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel is a decent resort, but in my opinion not worth the rate of the room (unless you’re coming specifically for diving). I could refer you to a handful of other places in Mexico within a range of prices and experiences so that you would feel like you really got the bang for your buck.

Here’s my thinking: These days I believe time is as precious as money, and I would hate for you to schedule a few days for vacation and not be satisfied with your experience.

If you’re curious as to how I came to this conclusion, you can read on.

My Four Day Stay
When the PR team from the resort contacted me to stay on their beachfront property for 4 days, I was excited, but hesitant. Cozumel has one of the worst reputations in terms of Mexican destinations as being old and dirty. As a port for cruise ships, the center of town is ridiculously touristy, and aside from that, the rest of the island is unfortunately poor.

After seeing the website and beautiful pictures of the hotel, I decided I would give it a shot. I’m working on a story for The Chronicle that gives a guide to each of the popular Mexican getaways and where to stay when you go. The Presidente would be a great candidate for it because there aren’t any other reputable hotels on the island of Cozumel. And after my experience at the Intercontinental in Scottsdale, I believed they could have a little secluded oasis.

So, Edward and I flew down a couple weeks ago to stay for four days and experience a little of what the resort and island had to offer. A friendly staff member, Jorge Luis, picked us up at the airport and set the bar for the service at the hotel. He was remarkably friendly, informed, and honest just as the rest of the staff would prove to be.

Unfortunately the hotel itself was not so inviting. Walking through the stone corridors, I felt like I was making my way through a cave. When I opened the door to my room, I was hit with a huge waft of mildew smell that didn’t subside for at least ten minutes. This odor would greet me every time I walked in the door.

In the room, the accommodations were nice, but not exceptional. Everything was covered in hibicus, a lovely beach bag was there for Edward and I, and they even prepared for Mason’s arrival (although he didn’t make the trip).

If guests had reserved a room that wasn’t on the beach, you might now even know you had left the States. Pictured below is a room with a view of….well…nothing.

Not even I can argue with the first picture I posted of the view from my room, but when I tell you the beach is fake, I’m not kidding.

It’s like walking on concrete sprinkled with sand.

Going in and out to the terrace would cause the entire room to condensate due to the intense humidity. And with the stone floor, that can be pretty dangerous. This picture was not taken after a shower. Just to complete this picture for you, when I open my suitcase at home, all of my clothes were damp!

Around the Grounds
There are three restaurants to choose from that offer an eclectic mix of cuisine, not just tacos and huevos rancheros. All of them served exceptional food. As you would suspect, it was pricey, but well worth it.

Usually when you visit one of these resorts, you want to be able to not leave the property and be content. That did not hold true for The Presidente. As I said the beaches were fake and the furniture that lined them were old. I also think the little bugs that kept biting us were living in the palapa thatch umbrellas you see here.