Occidental Papagayo reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

4.0 Very Good

  • Cleanliness 4.1
  • Location 4.2
  • Rooms 3.9
  • Service 4.1
  • Value 3.8

8657 TripAdvisor reviews

TripAdvisor users rated this property 4 out of 5

Beautiful place!

Patrick F on Oct 01, 2026

We really liked to premium lounge and room!! Our room was over looking the ocean. The food on the buffet was okay. We wasn't expecting much to be honest. For this price range it's was great! We was unable to get into the steak house as it is only open on the weekend. Even with the "PREMIUM" package we was unable to get a reservation. The Italian and Japanese restaurants where exceptional, again for this price range!! There is only one brand of beer, even with the premium package. Which was pretty good. The beach is beautiful but very small. It is right next to a public beach which is crowded on the weekends. Premium room was amazing!! 2 sodas, 2 beers, and 2 waters in our fridge everyday. Room was so clean even after all the sand for the beach. So, clean that I gave the housekeeping lady 150.00 USD tip. All in all we would definitely stay again! Maybe next time we will stay at the resort allitle more. Its a beautiful place!!

TripAdvisor users rated this property 5 out of 5

Beautiful place very friendly staff and great food.

BernadetteD42 (Liberia, Costa Rica) on Sep 30, 2026

I would give the Occidental Payagaya a five star. I loved everything about this resort. Went for 7 days with friends and all had a great time. A lot of stairs but there are constant shuttles. If you are in your room just dial zero with your room number, if you are in the lobby request a shuttle from receptionist, pool with swim up bar just ask the bartender, main pool ask where you get the towels and trust me the shuttles come pretty quick and ALL the drivers are amazing don't be afraid a buck or two every once in awhile. The Al cart restaurant where fabulous. Five star food if you ask us. Once again drop a couple bucks. Yes even if you are all inclusive tips are very much appreciated. They never make you feel like you have to tip. We seen Howler monkeys at both pools and a lot of iguanas. Just leave them alone and you will be fine. If you need a massage go down to the beach and look for Gracy she is registered and does one heck of a full body massage for 35 usd. You won't be disappointed. Snack bar near main pool has a very good lunch. The only thing I can complain about is the bathrooms on the main floor are under renovations and sometimes a long wait on the second floor as only 1 stall but they are working on them. With that said a beautiful place with great food and all staff where spectacular. Had such a relaxing vacation and will be going back for sure.

TripAdvisor users rated this property 2 out of 5

My Review

albertbotros on Sep 29, 2026

The resort lacks clear directional signage pointing to key locations. most of the staff members we encountered spoke little to no English, making basic communication. the dining experience fell short of expectations for an all-inclusive property.

TripAdvisor users rated this property 5 out of 5

A perfect vacation

Dream43535401333 on Sep 26, 2026

Buen Dia and Pura vida was evident as soon as I stepped into the lobby of the resort. As the check in began a fresh and delicious daiquiri was set before me. 15-20 minutes later a driver (Alvin) loaded my luggage and greeted me with joy and courtesy. And such was the way I was greeted and treated for the 12 days that I spent at the resort. A special shout out to these particular staff members: Maitre D's Charlie (morning buffet) and Jaffet (evening buffet) Enrique (beverages control) bartenders Taylor and Andres, and all the servers for all buffets with a special shout out to Allison. Cynthis assisted in making arrangements for my return visit in May of next year. My room and supplies were promptly cleaned and refilled. A beautiful resort and beautiful people. If I had may suggest one thing, I do love tipping for good service but I found it almost impossible to find anywhere where I could get anybody in the whole resort that could or would break a twenty or higher bill in order to tip my servers. The front desk more than once told that the petty cash was not meant for me, that it was business payouts. I would kindly suggest having a petty cash available for your guests. I normally don't travel with a stack of singles. Thank you for a wonderful vacation and I will see you in May 2027. Pura Vida!!

TripAdvisor users rated this property 5 out of 5

Do the choco wrap!

Angela A on Sep 25, 2026

I did the sweet choco wrap. It was amazing! Highly recommended! Lorena was very professional and nice. The scrub and aromas were pleasant. My skin was very soft. I’ve never had a wrap of this type before. It’s was amazing!

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