Going to Cozumel is more like going home. So, I want to get a house, car, find the grocery store and set up camp. I'm more into staying in the local scene, mixing with the locals, learning something new, instead of visiting the same things I can visit in the U.S. on a daily basis. That is why you are more likely to find me at a B&B or a local rental versus an all-inclusive and driving an old volkswagon or jeep versus and air-conditioned car. Here's how I makethat happen in Cozumel, Mexico.
Mi Casa Su Casa.
One of the first places I will check is with Cozumel Insider. Sherri's website provides an indepth overview of everything Cozumel and where to stay is a great part of it. You can find all kinds of price ranges, locations and amenities to suit your need. I do have a weakness for Casa Del Mar that is right on the ocean and has a swim-up bar. It's a step away from a local place but right on the beach, very quiet and a little outside of downtown. The last place I stayed was at Casa deja Blue. You almost have your own private pool and it is a convenient few blocks walk to Chedraui marketplace.
Where to get a cheap auto rental
I always go rent a topless VW bug at Smart Car Rental. Let me give you several tips for using them though. Know that they will try and get extra money wherever they can so here is how to work with them.
- Print out the page from this link that lists the prices (because the prices may be quoted different when you arrive. Fill out their online form and make sure you get a response. Print a copy of that.
- When you arrive at the airport, Smart Car rental is not in the airport. If you look out the front glass doors of the airport, you will see it across the field (about a 1/2 mile walk). So, plan to have someone wait in the A/C at the airport with all the luggage and have another jaunt over to get the car. It isn't a quick process so it can take maybe 20 minutes to get everything done.
- Get the name of the person who rents you the car and have them follow you around the car while you take pictures with your digital camera. Be sure to have a conversation about any damage issues to the car. I once had them try to get $50 bucks out of us for a dent that was there when we picked it up. Since we started getting the name of the person and taking pictures with them there, no problems!
To me all the haggle is worth it because you can get a car for like $16.50 a day - way cheaper than any other rental. Also look on Sherri's site above for current gas prices and tips for getting gas.
Where to get groceries (and everything else)
Chedraui (pronounced sha-drah-wee) is a large marketplace similiar to Wal-mart, but with even lower prices if you can imagine that. It's a great place to buy souveniers and grocery shop. You can buy an assorted dozen pastries for like $5. Try some interesting variations on yogurts, ice cream and other items. Make your own salsa to enjoy at your rental. A bunch of tomatoes, cilantro, onions, jalapenos will cost you all of like two bucks. Don't spend it all in one place. Also the best spot to stock up on your beer or alcohol for beach excursions. Chedraui is just a little outside of downtown and also has a movie theater there.
OK, you have a roof over your head, transportation for anywhere on the island and food to eat. Join me next time for what to see in Cozumel, Mexico.
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