Best Family-Friendly Beach Hotels in Cozumel

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There are few beach destinations more perfect for a family than Cozumel, Mexico. This famous vacation island has world-class snorkeling, peaceful beaches, authentic food and proximity to Mexico’s bustling towns of Cancún and Playa del Carmen. While many only know of Cozumel in the context of a cruise stop, this idyllic beach destination has family-friendly hotels for every taste and budget. Explore Mexico’s most-talked-about Caribbean gem for more than an afternoon, book your full beach vacation in one of its amenity-packed beach resorts.

1

Cozumel Palace

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel Palace has everything you could want in an all-inclusive and more. Dine indoor or outdoor at four restaurants with varied cuisines and enjoy unlimited top-shelf liquor and international wines included. The spacious 196 suites have Caribbean views, double whirlpool tubs, purified water and 24-hour room service. Concierge Level suites have even more special touches, like CHI hair care products, private check-in and out, and a personal balcony with a hammock.

Your vacation will be varied and well-spent when you stay at Cozumel Palace. The Palancar Reef awaits inquisitive swimmers just off the resort’s dock and the Flamingos swim-up pool bar stands at the ready to refresh your senses with a cocktail. Included snorkel gear, pool volleyball and entertainment, like break dance and fire shows with professional dancers, give you an all-out vacation with minimal effort. You receive resort credit based on the length of your stay that you can use on activities that aren’t included like golf, dives at Aqua Safari and spa treatments. When you just want to close your eyes and let your thoughts float, the Awe Spa delivers with aromatherapeutic massages, facials and even a Fish Spa Experience with the Garra Rufa fish.

Brides to be—plan away! This resort has seven themes to choose from, custom weddings and even a traditional Indian wedding option.

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2

El Cozumeleño Beach Resort

Cozumel, Mexico

Courtesy of El Cozumeleño Beach Resort

Fun on both land and sea is right outside your door at El Cozumeleño Beach Resort. Bask in the warm tropical sun at one of five gorgeous swimming pools, relax in one of two whirlpools, grab a cocktail at the swim-up bar, or choose your favorite spot on the long slice of breathtaking, powder-sand beach. If you want to do more than just dip your toes in the pool or surf, plenty of fun-in-the-sun water activities are available on site. Snorkeling and scuba lessons, as well as kayaking and aquaerobics, are offered at no extra charge.

When you want a break from the pristine waters, enjoy the beautiful island of Cozumel on a bicycle tour or while playing a round of golf. Cozumel Country Club is right across the street; the par-72, 6,734-yard course was designed by Jack Nicklaus’ son Steve, and guests receive a 30% discount on greens fees. After each sun-soaked day, rest easy in one of the spacious ocean-view or garden-view rooms. Between 252 rooms located in two separate “towers”, you’ll be sure to find the perfect accommodations for your stay.

El Cozumeleño Beach Resort features two outstanding restaurants. Choose La Veranda for an elegant dining experience, and no restrictions are placed on how often you can go. Enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful Caribbean at El Cocal Restaurant, which serves buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with an a la carte menu.

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3

Grand Park Royal Cozumel All Inclusive

Cozumel, Mexico

Courtesy of Park Royal Hotels & Resorts

Grand Park Royal Cozumel resort is designed to meet the needs of kids and adults alike. Start your mornings with coffee, tea and pastries at Café Solé before heading to the adults-only pool for relaxation or to the kids’ pool for family fun. The Kids’ Club offers a huge variety of activities, including water slides, a mini theater and playground. For teens and adults, grab equipment from the hotel and go on a snorkeling adventure right off the private dock. Or take a more laid-back approach to vacation, lounge on a deck chair or beachside cabana.

When it’s time to recharge, grab a bite to eat at the hotel’s buffet or three restaurant options. La Veranda Restaurant overlooks the majestic garden area and offers buffet morning, noon and night, featuring a variety of international food options. For authentic Mexican cuisine, El Mexicano is a top choice while El Italiano is sure to satisfy your Italian cuisine cravings. For a date night, choose the adults-only El Caribeño for exotic Caribbean flavors and specialties.

All of the Cozumel resort’s 342 rooms are designed with comfort in mind. The arrangements offer cozy decor, furnished balconies and flat-screen TVs. Guests also have the option of garden or ocean views.

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4

Iberostar Cozumel

Cozumel, Mexico

Courtesy of Iberostar Hotels & Resorts

When you stay at the Iberostar Cozumel, things can get a little wild. For starters, the resort’s location—a bit off the beaten path and surrounded by jungle—means lots of friendly animals (like peacocks, flamingos and iguanas) wander on and off the hotel grounds. And that only covers the creatures you’ll see on land. As is the case in many resorts outside Cozumel’s main tourist zone, the main attraction here is scuba diving—something the private beach here, complete with its own on-site dive center, is perfectly cut out for.

The resort also offers all-inclusive amenities, including access to the hotel’s three restaurants (one is a buffet while the other two offer à la carte steaks and upscale Mexican fare). Additionally, anyone traveling with young children will be happy to hear Iberostar offers a whole host of supervised activities at their kids’ club—a boon to parents who might want to slip away for a little while to enjoy resort amenities like the luxury spa or sauna (and each other’s company, of course). Plus, the huge variety of room options means you’ll feel comfortable no matter what your travel plans are; choose from a bungalow-style ocean-view room with a king bed, a family-style room or anything in between!

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5

Meliá Cozumel Golf All-Inclusive

Cozumel, Mexico

Courtesy of Meliá Cozumel Golf All-Inclusive

If you want to wake up to some of the best views in Cozumel, the Meliá Cozumel resort is an excellent choice. Soak in the sun on the white sand beach or on a lounger next to the pool, which overlooks the aqua blue water of the Caribbean Sea. Guests can even eat beachside at the hotel’s La Iguana open-air restaurant specializing in Mexican cuisine. Other dining options include a buffet at La Isla Restaurant and Italian cuisine at La Veranda.

Visit the on-site activities park for archery, batting cages, and a round of mini golf. When the adults feel like a break, drop the kids off at the Kids’ Club for indoor soccer and video games. Then, take a detour to the wellness center for an oceanside private massage at the beach hut before hitting the adults-only pool — complete with a swim-up bar. If you want to hit up the green across the street at the Cozumel Country Club, book the golf package for unlimited golf access.

The Cozumel hotel’s accommodations are designed to reflect the local culture, with pops of tropical colors and a welcoming ambiance. Guests have the option of ocean or garden views in a variety of room and suite arrangements. There are also hydromassage bathtub and private balcony options available.

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6

Occidental Cozumel

Cozumel, Mexico

Courtesy of Barceló Hotel Group

The colorful, hacienda-style buildings of Occidental Cozumel sit right behind an immaculate, palm-studded beach with plenty of room to spread out and soak up every ray of Caribbean sunshine. On-site are three pools, a hot tub, tennis courts, fitness center, spa and kid’s club. The upgrade to Royal Level at Occidental Cozumel brings a host of well-worth-it amenities including a private restaurant, free WiFi, beach towel service, a private pool, a private lounge for check-in and check-out, concierge service and nightly turn-down service. Accommodations range from deluxe rooms to Royal Level master suites and each is surrounded by lush jungle and a tropical mangrove forest.

Cozumel is one of the top diving destinations in the entire world, and Occidental Cozumel is close to the Palancar Reef—one of the five best scuba diving sites on the planet. Dive during the day and see brilliantly-colored reef fish and otherworldly-shaped coral. Take a night dive to see bioluminescent plankton, huge crabs, lobsters, eels and octopus. Other water sports at the resort include snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, water aerobics and water polo. For a delectable, second-to-none dining experience, try La Carreta restaurant or, hit La Posada—a more casual buffet—for delicious tacos and more. Other restaurants feature Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine as well as seafood. The private restaurant, for Royal Level guests only, prepares anything you want if you give them a little advance notice.

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7

Sunscape Sabor Cozumel

Cozumel, Mexico

Courtesy of AMResorts

Create memories of a lifetime for the whole family at Sunscape Sabor Cozumel. The resort’s “Unlimited Fun” package will make your kids feel like real VIPs with a special check-in experience and red carpet stairs as well as welcome treats and resort passports included. Supervised activities are available daily for kids ages 3 to 12 at the Explorer’s Club, and the Core Zone Teens Club is on site for older kids. Choose from one of the open, breezy rooms that overlook the garden, the pools or the sparkling Caribbean. Families can travel with ease thanks to the connecting-suite option.

There is plenty to do for adults as well: bars and lounges serve international and domestic spirits, live music and entertainment are offered daily, and the spectacular beach comes with a host of water activities. Those who would rather stay on land can take advantage of ping pong, yoga and beach volleyball. For an extra fee, snorkeling and scuba diving are available as well. Cozumel Country Club, featuring a par-72 golf course designed by Steve Nicklaus–son of the Golden Bear himself–is just 30 minutes away.

Every taste and mood can be satisfied at one of the four on-site restaurants. Choose from Mexican, Italian and international cuisine. Special kid’s menus are available as well. Some areas have food and snacks available 24 hours a day, and reservations are never needed at the restaurants. Three bars and lounges serve unlimited drinks, including spirits, soft drinks and natural fruit juices.

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8

Playa Azul Golf Scuba Spa Hotel

Cozumel, Mexico

Courtesy of Playa Azul Golf Scuba Spa Hotel

As a family-owned hotel, Playa Azul offers a comfortable, cozy atmosphere ideal for relaxation. Wake up to a hot breakfast at the buffet before renting a bike from the hotel for a trek around the island. Spend the rest of the day on the green, playing a relaxing game of golf next to the picturesque shoreline. Tight muscles? Treat yourself at Spa Savia with a holistic relaxation massage or hot stones therapy. After a day of leisure, grab dinner at one of the resort’s two restaurants. For burgers and pizza, try Palma Azul. If you’re more in the mood for authentic local cuisine, Chan Ka’an is the place to go. Finish off the night with drinks at the Palma Azul Sports Bar or unwind with a dip in the oceanfront pool.

This Cozumel hotel also strives to personalize their guests’ experience through their many rooms, suite, and plan options. The golf and breakfast package offers complimentary breakfast, free WiFi and unlimited games of golf at the Cozumel Country Club. For a more encompassing experience, the resort’s all-inclusive plan offers an extensive selection of food and drink choices. There’s also an option for cruise ship travelers on day excursions—enjoy drinks and food with an oceanfront view at the resort’s beach club.

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9

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancún

Cancún, Mexico

Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company

This Ritz Carlton resort is situated on a lovely stretch of beach in one of the hottest spots in Cancún, the bustling Hotel Zone. This prime location makes the resort ideal for activity-minded families, as well as anyone looking to sample Cancún’s abundant nightlife options. Guests will find that the Ritz is adept at accommodating anyone, offering a kids program, world-class spa services and a variety of dining options and experiences to please everyone.

Rooms are peaceful and elegantly decorated, boasting private ocean-view balconies and large marble bathrooms with showers and deep soaking tubs. There are also two ocean view pools with lots of lounging options, for whenever you want some rest and relaxation in the Cancún sunshine. The lobby lounge, which offers expertly crafted cocktails and freshly prepared sushi in a luxe setting, is perfect for a late afternoon nosh, and there are many options for larger appetites as well. For a special meal, guests will especially love the upscale Mediterranean fare at Fantino, though the offerings at casual eateries El Cafe Mexicano and Caribe Bar & Grill—which is right by the pool—are plenty mouthwatering as well.

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10

Hard Rock Hotel Cancún

Cancún, Mexico

Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Cancún

The Hard Rock Hotel Cancún is designed with the needs of the whole family in mind. Hit the beach or pool and enjoy handcrafted drinks from the two pool-side bars or the Bunker Bar, which provides beach service daily. While parents enjoy a day of lounging, kids can go wild at the Kids’ Club with its fully stocked game room, trampoline and age-restricted pool.

When it comes to dining, guests can start their days off with breakfast at Ciao, which transforms into an Italian restaurant for dinner. A fine dining experience is found with the Asian-cuisine dishes at Zen or the Brazilian steakhouse, Ipanema. If you prefer a more casual atmosphere, hit up the buffet at The Market, enjoy traditional Mexico-inspired dishes at Frida or indulge on artisanal pizza at Pizzeto.

All resort accommodations at the Hard Rock Hotel Cancún feature a hydro spa tub, private balcony or terrace and 24-hour room service. The deluxe rooms are available with a single king-size bed or two double beds. The Deluxe Gold-Pure option features hypoallergenic furnishings to accommodate allergy sufferers. The Rock Suite offers one or two-bedroom arrangements with separate living areas. All Rock Royalty Level rooms and suites offer the added bonus of a personal assistant.

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11

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún

Cancún, Mexico

Courtesy of Grand Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts

Few views can feel more relaxing than a tropical pool complex transitioning seamlessly into a placid beachfront. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún’s shore-hugging layout makes it easy to go from sand to deck and back again. There’s also a swim-up bar in the pool. All 602 rooms are updated, offer free WiFi and large screen TVs, and have breathtaking views of the ocean. The three restaurants on property offer a delicious variety of cuisines—French, Mexican and seafood—while the lobby bar is the perfect place to enjoy a margarita. The unique spa is beautifully designed and boasts the only “10-step hydrotherapy” program in the area. Just steps away from the hotel is a ferry will take you to the Isla de Mujeres in a short half-hour trip—a true cultural gem just off the coast. There’s also a kids’ club with supervised activities for parents looking to keep the young ones happy.

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12

Crown Paradise Club Cancún – All Inclusive

Cancún, Mexico

Courtesy of Crown Paradise Club Cancún

A fixture in Cancún’s Hotel Zone since the ’90s, Crown Paradise Club has everything on-site that a couple or family needs for a fun and memorable beach vacation. Multiple pools (including family, kids and adults-only), spa, gym, cinema, shops, a theater with nightly shows and a great stretch of beach will keep you busy from sun-up until well after dark. Every one of the resort’s 617 rooms comes with a balcony and spectacular ocean view. Free WiFi and a daily-replenished minibar are among the amenities all guests will enjoy. The rooms are available in six categories: standard, standard plus, family, special suite, honeymoon suite and Club Crown suite. The latter two come with double whirlpools, fruit baskets, sparkling wine and a lagoon cruise.

There are plenty of dining choices at Crown Paradise Club. Guests can enjoy a dinner of Italian, French, Mexican, seafood or fine grilled dishes at one of five á la carte specialty restaurants. Two buffet restaurants—featuring international and Oriental cuisine—two snack bars and six bars serving domestic and imported drinks are also on-site. Additional amenities include tennis courts, mini golf, non-motorized water sports, a disco and activities like yoga, water aerobics and various games.

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13

Occidental Costa Cancún

Cancún, Mexico

Courtesy of Barceló Hotel Group

Geared for a family vibe, Occidental Costa Cancún offers the requisite pool complex and beach access but also houses game rooms and 24-hour snack bars. The huge pool features water jets, spots for loungers inside of the pool and a giant chess board nearby. A stylish spa with a full complement of amenities is part of the deal, as is an expansive fitness club with state-of-the-art equipment. The property hosts four restaurants—Mexican, seafood, Italian, and international—with a mix of dinner and buffet menus.

This resort has 358 beautiful and comfortable rooms, equipped with a minibar, LCD TV and electronic safe, all with 24-hour room service. The Junior Suite has a large private terrace and its own hot tub and hammock. Exploring the shore brings guests to the doorsteps of some of the most popular beaches in the area. As for the resort’s own beach, the water is shallow, clear and tranquil, inviting bathers to unwind in the warm embrace of Caribbean turquoise.

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14

Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún All Inclusive

Cancún, Mexico

Courtesy of Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts

Set in a prime location in the heart of Cancúns ever-popular Hotel Zone, the Fiesta Americana Condesa resort is an excellent choice for families, honeymooners and party-goers alike. This all-inclusive property boasts a number of amenities, including access to a whopping 11 different dining options, a full-service spa and an enormous bi-level swimming pool with a kids swimming area and swim-up bar (not to mention a poolside smoothie station to keep you cool). And speaking of kids, there’s also a kids’ club and game room to keep younger guests occupied during their stay.

Rooms, which have recently undergone a renovation, sport a sharp, modern look. Each comes equipped with a rainfall shower, upscale toiletries, comfortable beds and lovely views of the ocean or the property. That said, not every room sports a balcony, so inquire about available options when booking your room. As for those 11 dining options, guests can choose between several cuisines from around the globe, with Asian, Mexican and Italian options on premises. There’s also an all-day international buffet, Kalmia and San Telmo, an upscale steakhouse perfect for that romantic night out.

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