Re: Fiesta Inn vs. Casa del Mar

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: : I have not stayed at the Fiesta Inn. It looks nice and the pool appears to be gorgeous. I think it would depend on the price difference. If it is real close, I would stay at the Fiesta Inn. I've heard good things about it and it is a tad closer to town. I've stayed at the Fiesta Americana and was very pleased. They belong to the same corporation. : : However, last July I stayed at the Casa del Mar and I really thought it was a bargain. It was considerably cheaper when I booked from Michigan through Travel Charters. When I return (hopefully next July) I will stay at Casa del Mar again. : : Casa del Mar is better than Super 8 or the like here in the states. Our room was small, but clean. We had two adults with two double beds. The room would have been small for four people. I went with my 21 year old son and we were more than satisfied. Closet space would have been tight with 3 people but offered plenty of space for 2. All facilities worked well and the staff was pleasant. Their English was not as good as the staff at Fiesta Americana and I speak next to no Spanish. We did fine though. : : The grounds are pretty with orchids, hibiscus, birds of paradise, palms and other tropical plants. The pool was shallow with a volleyball net. Lots of space to soak up the sun. The restaurant was adequate with great fried shrimp. Limonada was also to die for. : : The beach is across the street. You may cross through the traffic (no problem in July) or use the bridge. The beach had palapas, chairs, hammocks and a waitress. : : Entrance into the water is concrete steps and stony. Snorkeling was good but not as good as Chankanaab. Next time I will snorkel at La Ceiba. I forgot about their sunken plane. La Ceiba is easy walking distance and they are a sister hotel. Casa del Mar has beach privileges there. : : There is a dive concern at both of the above beaches. I think it is Aqua del Mar or something like that. I have not heard good reviews on line about them. I don't dive so it didn't matter to me. I rented snorkel gear for the day ($6USD) from one beach and returned it at the other. I could have taken the gear to any beach as long as I had it back by closing (I forget...maybe 6 or 7:00). : : If you are looking for economical, Casa del Mar is a great place. If you are looking for luxury then spend the extra bucks and upgrade. : : I would not spend one dollar more to stay at La Ceiba. The rooms might be a tad better, but you have the availability of the same beaches and restaurants. It's not worth the extra money to me. : : Casa del Mar does not have in-room refrigerators, in-room safety deposit boxes, or an elevator. I have a bad knee, so we stayed on the first floor. We kept our valuable stuff at the desk in a common safety deposit box and had no trouble. We sat our pop in front of the air conditioner which could ice over a room if you set it cold enough! :o) Collapsible coolers can be purchased State-side if that is a problem for you. : : I hear a lot of divers use Casa del Mar. Dive boats can pick you up just across the street. We booked snorkel tours and Arrecifes picked us up across the street and Gilligan picked us up at La Ceiba since three other people needed to be picked up there. : : Any questions, please feel free to email me. I was just watching my videotape of Casa del Mar yesterday and it's all fresh in my mind. I want to go back NOW!!!! (sigh) : : : Our family of 4 (2 adult divers & 2 non-diving college- : : : age kids is heading for Coz in March. Can't decide : : : which hotel to choose. What do you recommend & why?

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