Occidental Grand Papagayo, Costa Rica

Occidental Grand Papagayo

Hayes & Jarvis Rating

Average: 4 (1 vote)

TripAdvisor Review

3839 Reviews

Guide Price £1,749 per person

Based on 15 May 19 departure from London Heathrow flying with United Airlines, staying for 7 nights all inclusive in a Deluxe Room (2 adults sharing) including return transfers.

Our guide price gives you an idea of how much to budget for a stay at this hotel. The price will vary based on exchange rates, and your choice of room type, departure date, airline and cabin class, and any additional extras you’d like to add to your holiday.

Surrounded by stunning natural beauty

Boasting beautiful lush gardens with wooden bridge trails, the Occidental Grand Papagayo blends harmoniously with its tropical surrounds and showcases stunning ocean views and extraordinary sunsets. Complimented by the stunning sandy beach and the centre piece pool, this adults only property really is in a world of its own. Lounge by the pool or on the beach and discover the calm, warm bay waters for a rejuvenating holiday experience.

For those that want to enjoy activities, the area is also ideal for non-motorized water sports which are covered in the all-inclusive plan. Sports include kayaking and snorkeling among others. Scuba diving training and excursions are not included. The all-inclusive package allows guests to enjoy meals in three restaurants, unlimited snacks and drinks, including an open bar in four bar areas, a weekly cocktail party, endless daily activities and sport and live evening entertainment. Ideal for couples and newlyweds, here premium service meets spectacular surrounding and refined facilities.

Hotel Features

Hotel Category

Deluxe

Recommended For

Adults Only

Location Type

Beach

General Information

Check-in Time:
15:00
Check-out Time:
12:00
169 rooms
Transfer duration: approx. 30 minutes from Liberia Airport or 4 hours from San Jose

Main Facilities

Diving
Fitness facilities
Nightclub
Outdoor pool
Watersports
Wifi

Board Basis Options

All Inclusive

General Information

Check-in Time:
15:00
Check-out Time:
12:00
169 rooms
Transfer duration: approx. 30 minutes from Liberia Airport or 4 hours from San Jose

Main Facilities

Diving
Fitness facilities
Nightclub
Outdoor pool
Watersports
Wifi

Board Basis Options

All Inclusive

Location Highlights

Occidental Grand Papagayo

Beach
approx. 30 minutes from Liberia Airport or 4 hours from San Jose

3839 Reviews

65% of travellers recommended this hotel

Traveller ratings

Excellent 1466
Very Good 1255
Average 587
Poor 317
Terrible 214

What to Expect

Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness

Reviews

Sep 19, 2018

The 4 of us LOVED Occidental Papagayo!

Saint Louis, Missouri

It was 5 star all the way from the staff to the beach to the facility to the events! The food was really incredible at every location! We participated in almost all the events. We have two most memorable events -- the first was snorkeling, which is included, down at the beach with Roderick from Jacamar Tours! Jacamar Tours is associated with Occidental Papagayo, not just any contractor. He was so incredibly sweet, always looking out for us and even sent me a picture of us all in our snorkel gear on Whatsapp! We all loved him so much we requested a Palo Verde jungle river boat tour with him as our personal guide! Please repeat this most exquisite adventure with Roderick, who brought both his plant and bird books and was so incredibly informative! Oh, and, yes, his English is EXCELLENT!! Our boat driver also knew right where to go, and we saw at least 5 crocodiles -- so close, in fact, that 2 people jumped up out of their seats because their noses were so close!!! We then visited a local farm and experienced probably the best Costa Rican lunch we've all ever had at someone's private little farm where we also got a personal demonstration of how the local pottery is made with great attention to detail. Of course, we bought some to bring home! Then there was Ramon, our incredible ATV tour guide, who took us on a very non-touristy visit of a quaint village that one wouldn't normally see on any tour! Both of these young gentlemen are exquisite human beings who truly care about their country and their tourists so they get the best experience Costa Rica has to offer! There are so many places to go in the world, yet I would LOVE to return to this resort. 2 very different excursions for 2 Incredible days shared with the friends we traveled with as well as our new friends from the resort who, I hope, will remain in our lives as friends! There also were a couple groups from England and another group from America and a small group of IT pros from Guatemala as just examples of the quality people we encountered. In fact, the band the Jazzy Jeffs were there on holiday and were as charming as could be. The swim-up bar at the smaller pool is a great socializing area where we connected with so many fun new friends! You never know who's going to offer you a Crazy Monkey poolside!! Probably THE best drink on the planet -- among the dozen or so other incredible drinks on the menu!! This resort attracts fascinating people from Costa Rica and many other places in Central America! Their raccoons are even friendly -- and I have pictures to prove just how close a couple of them and I got! My new friend was so patient -- she knew I wanted to get something in our room for her to eat ( I know, I know, don't feed the animals!) and she waited VERY patiently and gently for me to get it! Who knew how sweet a raccoon could be! I requested both a room with a view as well as a room next door to our dear friends, and we got BOTH! Our new raccoon friend would join us on our patio when we were outside playing cards listening to the ocean waves as our soundtrack! The entire staff is so friendly. In fact, I thought I forgot to pack a pair of shoes, and from the airport I called back to the hotel, and the gent I'd worked with checking out actually was checking on the whereabouts of my shoes when I found them in my suitcase! Customer service was EXCELLENT!! 5 stars all around for this hotel, including the chefs who created incredible meals in the specialty restaurants as well as the everyday buffet!! Thanks for all the special attention, Omar and his incredible Premium staff, including Daniel, who taught me how to make a flower on my Amaretto coffee, and Jennifer -- who could not be any sweeter!! Hasta la vista!!!

Sep 16, 2018

Excellent Relaxation - If you like low key

Houston

Ok, where to begin. We stayed in a Master Suite (will be important later) at the end of August (rainy season, but not a problem...seriously, it rained twice, for 5 mins). We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. So much so, during the middle of it, we started figuring out if when we could come back...but this place isn't for everyone. Getting there: First off, fly Southwest Airlines into Liberia. If you plan to stay here, and you fly into San Jose, you are doing it wrong. Liberia is 15 mins away...San Jose is hours away. Be smart. Now, the hotel will arrange transportation for you. If you are a couple, you will overpay. If you are a large group, its perfect ($80 each way for a private van). The up side is you are met as you leave customs by a driver with your name and they will take you right to the lobby. If you hire a local taxi, they will drop you off at the security gate, and you will have to walk up ~50m (150ft) hill to the lobby. Up to you whether the few extra bucks is worth it. We did it and it was nice not to have to worry about it, although I acknowledge it was overpriced. But if you are pinching pennies on $160, you probably shouldn't be vacationing. Premium Level: So Occidental Papagayo (O.P.) has multiple levels of service. If you're read other reviews, you know this. I believe there is regular, deluxe, and Premium. If you can afford Premium, do it. If you can't, don't waste your time trying to go here...you wont enjoy yourself as much. You get what you pay for. The main benefits to Premium Level are you get a separate check in (Alex and Omar are awesome), which is contained on the second level, with its own bar and lounge area with A/C, a bar, and snacks. We loved hanging out here, b/c it had an awesome view of Culebra Bay. Next time we stay here, we will plan to spend more time here. The staff is great (tip them and you wont be sorry), and there are snacks all day. Contrary to what others have said, the check in is super quick and while they do go over all the rules, I think we spent all of 15 mins here, if even that. Room: We got a holiday deal on the Master Suite (50% off) via the Barcelo website (tip: you get extra perks if you sign up for Barcelo's loyalty program before you book...do it, it's free). The Master Suite is where it's at. Why? Four Reasons: 1) It's isolated...there are only 3 Master Suites on property, and they are all elevated and separated by themselves. 2) You get a golf cart. This place is on a hill, and it's not bad...but if you want to relax, you get a golf cart with the MS room. Do it!!!! Everyone you meet will be jealous. And it is very convenient. 3) You get a lot of space and your own balcony. The balcony has its own issues (later), but the separate sitting room is awesome when one person can't sleep. 4) There are perks included with the MS that you otherwise would have to pay for (Room Service, one laundry event, certain mini bar items, etc). Issues with the room: -as others have said, water pressure is hit or miss. Our shower pressure sucked, but we survived. We were at the top of a hill, so that's probably the main reason. - Wifi in the room was a total loss. However, I actually had better cell and data connection here in Costa Rica than I do at home, so just make sure your provide has a deal (I have Sprint, and they offer 1Gb of Int'l roaming data...more than enough for the 4 days we were there) - Hot tub/Ants - So the MS comes with a patio hot tub. Romantic, yes....but remember you are in a jungle environment. First day, I decided to test out the patio hot tub before use, and I was smart enough to fill it and test it before getting in...glad I did, or else this would have been a one star review :) Carpenter ants had infested the jets, so as soon as I turned them on, about 200 ants spewed out. Yup, it was 'awesome'. We had maintenance address it, but they were not able to get rid of them while we were there. However, it wasn't a deal breaker. Pace: This place is a low-key, adults only, limited night-life resort. If you dont understand this, or like it, don't come here. We loved it. It was quiet enough we were never bothered or bored. If you want to relax, come here. If you want to party, go to Mexico. Alcohol: Several reviews mention weak drinks or slow service. First off, it is Costa Rica, where the national motto is "Pura Vida"....(hakuna mattata)...relax people. You are at an all inclusive...your drink is weak? Order a double. Order two. Chill. Also, if you are paying All-Inclusive prices just to get drunk...guess what, YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG. A bottle of cheap booze costs $20. Stay at home and buy 5 and dont waste everyone's time. That being said...for folks who like to explore other cultures, the local vodka/rum is 'guaro'. Its nice. They make a shot of it called a 'chile guaro'...it's downright tasty. Try it. Food: If you've studied up on the O.P.'s reviews, you know that food comes across as a love hate item, and that Jean Marie is very protective of it. First off, no matter how stock Jean Marie's answers are (sorry, J.M., they are pretty stock....:) ) the food here exceeds expectations. I read enough reviews here to be skeptical when we went, but man, did we love what they were serving at the buffet. Sure they have rice and beans at every meal, but it's F***ing Costa Rica...the national dish is rice and beans. They really do have a word class chef team. The one exception are the specialty restaurants. It is literally a Costa Rican take on Italian and Asian cuisine....my Kung Pao chicken was served in a tortilla bowl -_-. Don't waste your time on them...the buffet is so far in the awesome realm, you wont be disappointed. Staff: All of them are awesome. Thanks Alex, Omar, Danny, Olman, and everyone else. A few are average, but most of them rock it. Also, tip your bartenders. You would be surprised how are a $10 or $20 goes. If you don't understand this, then you never will. Overall: The O.P. is a mid-range resort. And you get what you pay for here. But you can find an awesome deal if you look for it. The staff is awesome and laid back, the grounds are gorgeous, it is easy to get to, and it is relaxing. Thanks everyone, for an enjoyable stay!

Sep 07, 2018

I can't describe it!

New York City, New York

Pros: The Views are BEAUTIFUL! The wait staff are friendly and professional, especially Luis in the restaurant. The manager is doing the best that he can with what the owners give him. Sometimes you get the truth. The al la cart restaurants are WONDERFUL! Cons: Poor liquor selection, even with the upgrade, at least in the Members Club there was good AC. The bartenders would say that they don't have a particular option, then reach under the counter and tell you that they can only give you a single shot. The television service was down for 24 hours straight. You constantly have to call for hand towels, and mini bar. You only get 1 bottle of water per day. The hotel ground transportation is difficult to get on and off, and you have to hold on tight! The pools are not cleaned daily, as we saw the leaves every day. There is no bar service on the beach, which is a public beach. Many people bring their dogs to the beach with them. This is definitely a public, family beach. (There is hotel security at the beach and they are diligent with keeping a watchful eye on you: PRO) The buffets leave so much left to be desired , if it were not for the fried chicken, one could go hungry. They do not keep the grill clean and the soups are flavored, colored water. (BUT the ice-cream is good!: PRO) This felt like a low budget hotel that caters more to local residents than tourist. I hope that Barcelo gives the manager the budget that he needs to improve this hotel, so he can: expand the buffets options and offer bacon, hot pancakes or waffles, seafood (no shrimp were available) open the Steak House and figure out the AC situation in the lobby bar. Overall some of the activities were fun but very inconsistent. Also the entertainment staff needs a consistent uniform. Oh and...someone needs to clean up the animal feces.. The hotel appears to have very dedicated staff members who are customer service oriented, they should be commended for their dedication to the service industry.

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