Hotel El Marques

Not even one star. I only wanted to stay the night because the price was cheap. I was told it cost 450 pesos, so I handed over 500 and filled out the form. Then the receptionist repeated that it was 450. I said I'd paid, but she said I hadn't. When the owner came out, she immediately said, "in 20 years I have never seen this problem," before she'd even heard what happened. I told her I'd paid and the money must be behind the counter. She looked in one folder, said there was no 500 bill there, and told me to pay. When I asked her to look around the counter, she opened the same folder and said it was impossible. There was a slight language barrier at first, but I had a translator with me the whole time with the owner. After 20 minutes of trying to get the cameras working, I'd had enough and went to leave. Then she said she'd call the police if I left. I went to another hotel down the street, and the receptionist tracked me down and returned the 500. She apologized and said it had been under a book. I had told her to look around the counter, and she seemed embarrassed, but by the time the owner arrived she had taken charge. If you stay here, keep an eye on your valuables.

Really nice place.

For an inexpensive stay in a central part of Cozumel, this could work. I wasn't comfortable with the cleanliness, though: there were mouse droppings in the bathrooms of the rooms I booked. The beds felt hard, and some of the bedspreads looked shabby, with stains or cigarette burns. The air conditioners were old and loud, there was no parking, and the rooms had no televisions. I know the price is low, but the place should be cleaner for the health of its guests.

It's basic lodging, with no restaurant or other extras. The central location is a plus, since everything is close by. Fine if all you need is somewhere to rest.