TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

My first time traveling internationally. Occidental was great. Few small issues with the room i.e. shower leaked, no light in toilet room, and we thought we got 2 beds but ended up with one. None if this would stop us from visiting again. Great place with even better people. The massage was amazing! Thank you Silvia and Deborah!

We stayed there for 1 night April 6th and got hit hard with norovirus on the plane ride home. Anyone else? On top of this the hotel staff all seemed miserable except for Alison in the buffet. We called for the shuttle several times to avoid lugging our suitcases up the 75 stairs but they never showed up!!! Light in our washroom gave off no light … I mean zero… because it was full of bugs!

Great vacation/location (Pacific side). Rooms were clean, nicely arranged and staff were friendly. Food was good and enjoyable at all restaurants. The atmosphere for the whole location was very relaxed. Kevin the activities person was a very hard worker and tried hard to accommodate all us tourists. Price for the location was good for the value and we felt very safe in Costa Rica. However, people should be forewarned that there is lots of steps/hills. Occidental Papagayo does provide shuttles to all of the rooms and to the pools/beach but for some older people it was a bit of a challenge. One warning is that for some excursions you have to get up early in the morning (i.e. leaving at 5am) and we asked about the shuttle at that time of the morning (we were assured it would be available). We made sure we had extra time and it was good that we did because we called for the shuttle and nobody answered the phone. (Nice walk at 4:45 am). The beach is okay but does not provide umbrellas. We brought our own. We were warned the beach is public but we did not experience overcrowding. I asked about jelly fish (lots showed up only one day) at the beach and was told (even by the lady from Transat) it was not a concern and they did not sting. Wrong information. There are two types of jelly fish on the beach and one stings (as mentioned it was only one day). When booking your restaurants, double check the paperwork. We tried to book Italian and noticed that we were booked for Oriental instead on the correct day. We got that fixed but forgot to check the date was still correct and that was changed and incorrect (day earlier). It was embarrassing to show up on the wrong day. Excursions were great and guides were also fantastic (Nicaragua, Jungle/Rain forest (bridges and falls expedition) , Palo Verde Crocodile Riverside trip). One guide (Hugo Masis used for Transat trips) stood out as fantastic.

Jose from front desk was amazing!!!! Thank you so much! We celebrate my wife’s birthday as an incredible experience ,thanks for everything and your kindness ! Thank you so much!!! Thank you so much I do appreciate it a lot

A very comfortable hotel situated in a beautiful setting. Staff were all very friendly and helpful and it was easy to communicate with everyone as they spoke English extremely well. Lots of walking to get around the resort but the free shuttle service made it easy to move about, particularly during the hottest part of the day. Food ranged from acceptable to good. Rooms are basic but adequate; beds were comfy. Main pool is a lovely place to spend time during the day but more shade umbrellas are most definitely needed. Similarly, better lighting is needed on the pathways as it was tricky to walk around at night. The hotel's location just 25 km from Liberia airport is a big plus; it also makes a great 'home base' from which to head out on the many wonderful excursions (we did a rainforest hike) that are available. Would recommend to others.