lifestyle, travel This is Cozumel

Some of Hurricane Wilma's biggest victims in Cozumel were the large beach front hotels and all-inclusive resorts. The island's Hotel Association said last week that just 13 per cent of hotel rooms were available, although this is rising fast and they forecast 37 per cent (1,253 rooms) will be ready by Christmas and almost 50 per cent (1,434 rooms) in early January 2006.

This means many vacation packages have been cancelled or re-booked by tour operators for now, but independent visitors to the island have a great opportunity to try out some of the excellent smaller hotels and guest houses, which were less damaged by Wilma.

Already open are the Hotel Flamingo and restaurant, the Summer Place Inn and Casa Viento guest house. Or still with a fantastic sea view: Caribe Blu had damage to its water front and ground floor, but the other rooms and their dive boats are fine - they will re-open on 19 November.

For more hotel information and contact details see our 'Places To Stay' section.