This was our first time in Costa Rica, and we decided on this location. Hotel is about 20 or so from the airport, and we took a local taxi, expensive, but no issues. The area is super hot during that time of the year and dry. The hotel is overlooking the papagayo bay which is amazing, so for a first time we had a great view and good experience. We had a good time with the pool staff as they took us around on the walking trails and the mountains behind the hotel to see the sunset. We also did the kayak, and the staff was great, can’t remember all their names, but Maria Ivonne and two more were really nice. The hotel amenities are normal, not great not horrible, the beach was really nice, the drinks are normal from this type of hotel, nothing to brag about, food was good, but not great. The restaurants were good but the buffet was okay, nothing to remember. The grill restaurant was really good, I would recommend it. We stayed a whole week and we relaxed a great deal. We did the massage, and went on a tour to one of the mountains, but they are far, about 1.5 hrs away. The tour was good and we did the volcano mudd and thermal waters. The sky view at night is AMAZING, we saw most constellations, it is just amazing.…
This adults only resort was simply stunning. Everything was clean and the staff was simply amazing. We were a bit disappointed in the dining options, but given the COVID environment we understand that it left the resort with little choice. The views were spectacular!
We booked a 10 day, 9 night trip to Occidental Papagayo… and after reading some reviews were very nervous about it. We will start with the positives. Almost everything during our stay was quite amazing, we booked the premier master suite, which came with a golf cart… 10/10 recommend doing it that way because the grounds are quite large. The premier lounge and bartenders were awesome, the exclusivity made us feel special. Because we booked a premier room, we were able to make all of our reservations for dinners for the duration of our stay at one time, rather than getting to the lobby between 0730/0800 to wait in line and hope for an a la carte reservation. The tour advisors.. more specifically JJ from Side by Side, made our trip absolutely amazing. We gave him some ideas of what we wanted to do and he planned out 5 days of customized tours. We got to explore so many different areas of Costa Rica…. The volcanoes, natural hot springs and mud baths, boating/snorkeling the ocean, touring the chocolate farm, and spending time with the locals. It was an amazing experience thanks to JJ. And to our tour guide Juan Carlos who was full of information about the land and wildlife, you made each and every day so informative. The Costa Rica locals are some of the nicest human beings we have ever come across, they were all so welcoming. Now to the negatives…. To start the mosquitos, are AWFUL, and I realize that’s out of the hotel’s control, but just more so of a reminder to bring bug spray! The food was okay, if you’re a picky eater, you may just have to suck it up for a little bit. Last but not least, our last night there we went to eat at the Oriental restaurant. When we checked in the waiter told us that we could not eat at the restaurant because my husbands shirt didn’t have sleeves. No where in the dress code did it state that shirts must have sleeves. We didn’t have any issues the other 7 nights we ate at a la carte restaurants, where he wore a tank top. The waiter and hostess were very rude and unwelcoming. If it wasn’t for that experience on the last night, we would’ve given 5 stars.…
The activity and entertainment team is super fun and friendly, Maria made every activity so much fun. The service from all the restaurants is superb, Mr Carlos from the Snack Restaurant is always very welcoming and friendly.. The food is amazing as well
I was a guest at the Occidental Papagayo from 5/1 - 5/5; my stay at this all inclusive resort was very disappointing. I reserved premium level accommodations ( Junior Level Suite); I wanted to be pampered with all the extra amenities that came with my accommodations. They offered a whirlpool tub, turndown service, free room service/mini bar & premium lounge. I was unable to use the tub the first night due to the tub & jets being dirty. As a result of my complaint I was offered another room; however, the tub in the other room was worse than the one I had. I expressed to housekeeping that I would prefer to stay in my room and requested that the tub be cleaned. I waited patiently for several hours; I asked the housekeeping supervisor if they were going to clean my tub when I saw her leaving. Her response to me was “una momento”; she never returned. Upon my arrival to the front desk I explained my predicament to Marvin; he was able to intercede with housekeeping on my behalf and the tub was cleaned later that evening. I also inquired about the turndown service and was informed that it was done every evening ( it was never done during my stay). The first 2 nights of my stay I opted to dine at the Steakhouse; the first night I ordered a steak cooked medium well. The steak I received was so tough and overcooked that I could barely cut it with my steak knife; however, the Pumpkin Ginger Cream Soup was amazing. I made my reservations for the next 2 nights (5/3 & 5/4) at the front desk with guest services; the Italian restaurant & the Oriental restaurant. On 5/3 I called to confirm my reservation; I was told that I didn’t have one for the 3rd or the 4th. When I arrived to the front desk and explained that my reservation was made in person with guest services, Marvin explained that there was no record of a reservation. He informed me that there weren’t anymore reservations available at any restaurant that night. I was very frustrated and returned to my room; upon my arrival I received a phone call from Marvin stating that he could offer me free room service. I explained to him that I was in a premium level room and was already entitled to free room service. The room service menu wouldn’t scan to my smartphone; a menu was delivered to my room and I was able to order dinner. Marvin want a step further and made sure that my reservation for the following night was secured. When I arrived the next night, he stopped what he was doing and personally escorted me to the restaurant to make sure the reservation was still in place. I also want to recognize Fabian for the assistance he afforded me with getting my COVID test results uploaded. I received the results on time as promised; however, the letter and directions were in written in Spanish. I couldn’t check in for my flight until my results were uploaded. It took us about 30 minutes but he interpreted for me and was determined to walk me through the process. I also want to acknowledge that Carlos was super helpful with with setting up my horseback riding, zip lining, water slide, cultural experience, hot springs/mud bath excursion. It was the highlight of my trip. I traveled solo to Costa Rica and chose this all inclusive resort because I wanted the security of knowing that everything would be taken care of and I could truly enjoy myself. I was very frustrated and disappointed; however, I was grateful for the care that I did receive from the staff that I referenced above.…
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