Occidental Grand Papagayo All Inclusive Resort

“Unpack your bags and let relaxation begin”

From the moment you walk into reception you are greeted warmly by the staff, ever friendly and helpful. The reception area is adjacent to a bar/ lounge area with great views, and a disco where major sporting events are screened (as the only non-Hispanic person in the room, it was a hoot to watch th… more

From the moment you walk into reception you are greeted warmly by the staff, ever friendly and helpful. The reception area is adjacent to a bar/ lounge area with great views, and a disco where major sporting events are screened (as the only non-Hispanic person in the room, it was a hoot to watch the World Cup matches where so much passion was on display). Around the corner from reception, you will find the dining room. The friendliest bunch of people we have encountered in any eatery around the world. Being non-Spanish speakers, but eager to learn, the wait staff were only too willing to help anyone who wanted to try their hand at another language. The service is excellent, the food is varied, wholesome and the fruit is to die for. Attire is casual. There is also a Tour Desk with great inexpensive tours available. Shuttles to and from Liberia airport can be arranges by contacting the property Our accommodation (Habitation /Room2303) has without doubt the best views on the property and sunsets are spectacular. The room is approx. 22x22 ft, with a separate large bathroom/shower area and a large toilet area. Air conditioning, a mini fridge, phone, TV and more than adequate hanging space and shelving. Bedside lamps (2) are useful at night for reading. DST is not observed in Costa Rica. Wildlife is profuse, with racoons, iguanas and birds and butterflies prolific. There are two pools, one very large and a smaller one (“wet” pool), where you stand in water at the bar and drink. Organised pool activities are available should you be so energetic, and entertainment is available on various nights. There is a large indoor eating area by the large pool, which has the same menu as the dining room, where casual attire is the order of the day. The beach is also accessible at low tide but be aware of the locals who want to sell you massages ($45 for 60 mins) and water equipment. I believe there are a couple of meal plans available (we took the all-inclusive plan). You will also find a Chinese and Italian restaurant where bookings are required. Getting to various place like the dining room, pool and beach is by shuttle with the wittiest and friendly drivers you will ever come across, just call reception and the boys are on their way. If the above sounds like a paid advertisement, IT’S NOT. We spent 12 days here this year, this is our third year staying here coming from Australia. Believe me it’s worth the journey. The staff are worth the visit alone. PURA VIDA.

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“A nice getaway”

Very cute place. Enjoyed the go cards and zooming around. Swim up pool bar was cool. Nice staff. Our room was at the top of the hill and lovely. Don’t drink the water. They put water bottles in your room for a reason. :)

“Good experience”

Nice, limited food options. Room was well maintained and clean

“Not a bad place to vacation in Costa Rica if you've never been before”

Stayed here along with some friends of ours. Our first trip to Costa Rica. Nice little resort. Very pretty grounds and property. There are 2 pools, a large one close to the buffet (doesn't have a bar or servers/attendants) and a smaller one with a bar down closer to the beach. One knock is obviousl… more

Stayed here along with some friends of ours. Our first trip to Costa Rica. Nice little resort. Very pretty grounds and property. There are 2 pools, a large one close to the buffet (doesn't have a bar or servers/attendants) and a smaller one with a bar down closer to the beach. One knock is obviously the fact that the big pool doesn't have a bar or servers, so you have to get out of the pool and walk over to the buffet and there is a bar there. The smaller pool has a bar, but it was usually just manned by a single bartender at a time so it could take a while to get your drinks as you wait in line. Food options were good enough, your standard buffet and then a few restaurants to choose from Italian, Japanese, Steakhouse.... Rooms were nice and comfortable, with cold A/C. One thing to consider for this resort is all the steps and stairs and walking (and stairs!) you'll be doing. They do have the carts that come by for rides but they were ALWAYS full. Nice little beach area with a couple of vendors and massages. Beach and sand were nice (sand is the is darker, browner sand you find on the Pacific side). So overall a good place to spend a vacation, good value. Just a couple little things like all the stairs and walking you have to do and the seemingly small staff to accommodate what you usually expect for an all-inclusive resort.

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