July 20, 2005

Iberostar Message Board

Just returned on 7/15 from 5 days at the Iberostar Cozumel (thank goodness we missed Emily). We have stayed at 7 or 8 all inclusive resorts over the past 10 years and while this one wasn't the absolute worst, it was definitely not the best either (go to the Riu Cancun for a great hotel).

I was a Trip Advisor freak before we went and was quite worried about going there because of all the terrible reviews - espeically since I booked the trip for everyone - but as it turns out, it wasn't near as bad as some of the reviews make it out to be. If you are already booked at the Iberostar don't worry, you'll be fine. If you haven't booked you trip, you might want to research other resorts to find one that has consistently better reviews (I'd recommend the Riu Cancun).

Rooms: small like other reviews mention but you hardly spend any time in there anyway. They were a little musty but it wasn't really bad. You don't really notice it after the initial walk in. One of the couples in our group had a leaky roof but the other 3 rooms were fine and the staff did their best to help when possible. Beds are hard but not unbearable. I could see the safe without a flashlight fine but you might want to bring one just to be on the safe side. We were in 2513 and it was great because it was very close to the temporary buffet restaurant, pool and beach. Try to get near the pool / beach because the areas near the lobby, ampitheater, tennis courts, spa are stinky.

Food: It was just OK. It might be better when the buffet restaurant opens again because the makeshift buffet by the pool is small so not much room for a ton of food. Make your reservations for both restaurants when you arrive. Food is better than buffet but service was not as good as other resorts reservation restaurants. These are also air conditioned so that automatically made it better than the al fresco buffet (plus, the flies and mosquitos were all over the buffet). You can also eat breakfast and lunch (with small selection) in the Mexican reservation restaurant so do that if the heat / flies are bothering you in the buffet area. Also be sure to do Carlos and Charlies if they are still offereing when you go - very fun.

Grounds: Really pretty but really spread out. From our room it was a good 5-10 minute walk to the lobby which can be a pain if you need to run up for something quick. BRING BUG SPRAY and plan to carry it with you all the time around the resort.... it was very helpful to have on the walk to the lobby, in the buffet, by the pool / beach or if you stop to hang out in the lobby as it is not enclosed.

Drinks: Very good - actually better than most other resorts we've been to. Order a Chilada (sp?) - it's beer and lime juice with a salted rim. The beer is Dos XX which was great - way better than Sol or Corona most other resorts offer.

Beach: Small and rocky but nice. There is beach volleyball hidden between pool and beach so be sure to look for that. You'll want water shoes for sure if you plan to get in the beach (otherwise you have to go to the end of the pier and go down the ladder there to get in)

Star Friends: Great and put on great shows. They all work really hard to help any way possible and keep the guests happy.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Iberostar-Reviews.com user and not of Iberostar-Reviews.com.