Written Review
"Wonderful Vacation"
We visited the this resort the 3rd week in August. Short of it being hot and humid we had a great experience. I want to Thank the staff for everything they were great. I read many of the posts for this resort and wanted to say that most comments we agree on as well. We needed more comfortable shoes though. The negative reviews on the food do not take into account that this is a Mexico resort and it services many citizens from Mexico. We lived in Mexico for 2 years and found the food and service to be fantastic. We stayed away from most of the "American" food choices since we enjoy the flavors of Mexico. If you are Vegitarian you should find lots of nice options available. We loved speaking Spanish to the staff and they were happy to refresh our language skills. The service was superior and we felt that they few times that we were asked about the spa or the time share they were very respectful and accepting of our no thank you. We ate at all of the specialty Al la cart restaurants and found them to be excellent. Mexican and the Steak our favorites. The Cove where the beach was was fantastic. I dont remember being so happy with a beach/water experience as we had there. Bring extra sunscreen 4 bottles were not enough for us, but we did not burn either its around $20 USD to buy one there. We visited Xcaret and had a fantastic time. Drink lots of water and enjoy your stay. We hope to return to this location.
"Looking forward to see the Occidental Grand Xcaret"
This will be our 3rd visit to this hotel first in 2005 then 2008 and we are staying in the Royal part so it will be wonderful. Just can't wait till the 12 November and we are there for 2 weeks. The hotel is so nice and the staff so friendly the last time we were there. You just think you have gone to heaven because everyone just makes you feel so special. The food and drinks were great and we made a lot of friend. So all I can say is roll on the 12 November and looking forward to see what the Royal part is like
"Wonderful Memories"
I was There For 7 Wonderful Days... Everyone speaks english, very friendly very organized very professional from the waiter to the consierge to the maids, the bus drivers the staff the workers i have no complaints... i recommend everyone to go families with children... it is amazing... everyone is so helpful. everything is very clean. the beach is beautiful the Xcaret park next door was amazing the pools were a bit warm but the bars bartenders everyone was just great... cant wait to go again... they also have stops & golf cart picks you up & take you around the resort... make sure to say hello to my waiter Diego Chavez at the Los Olivos Italian Restaurant & all the other waiters were amazing :)
"Amazing holiday!"
Travelling as a family of 6, we spent two weeks here in july/august. We had an amazing time and the hotel and grounds were brilliant. Our first room lacked a balcony, but then it was so humid I doubt we would've used it much! We had a small area that you could just about stand on and had space to hang towels etc, so was more than adequate. During our stay it turned out they'd overbooked the hotel and we were offered 3 nights at their sister hotel in Cozumel. It was nice spending a few days at a hotel with a gorgeous beach, as that was the only thing we felt was lacking at Xcaret. We went to both Xcaret and Xplor parks and would highly recommend them both! Staff were very friendly and the facilities were exactly what you'd expect and more. When we returned from Cozumel we had different rooms to the first week, and these were gorgeous! They only issue we had with it was there was only 1 bed for 2 adults and 1 child. Although it was one of the biggest beds I had ever seen! The concierge was brilliant and had another bed put in the room straight away. We had no problems booking the al a carte restaurants, and took full advantage of all our bookings. The best two for us were the oriental and the fish restaurants, and I would highly recommend these! Not much else to mention, just wish I was still there...2 weeks wasn't enough!!
"Xcellent staff"
Without a doubt the staff at this hotel go the extra mile to make the guests happy and as comfortable as they can be. All have a smile, nothing is too much trouble, and they behave in a professional manner. One of the barmen Antonio 0AXACA made our holiday so special with his friendly chat and good service. The grounds and wildlife at this hotel make it truly special, monkeys, deer, large rodents, racoon creatures, huge grasshoppers and frogs were all in abundance and very tame. My husband and our extended family had a wonderful time only spoilt by the fact that we had to leave!
"Xcellent staff"
Without a doubt the staff at this hotel go the extra mile to make the guests happy and as comfortable as they can be. All have a smile, nothing is too much trouble, and they behave in a professional manner. One of the barmen Antonio 0AXACA made our holiday so special with his friendly chat and good service. The grounds and wildlife at this hotel make it truly special, monkeys, deer, large rodents, racoon creatures, huge grasshoppers and frogs were all in abundance and very tame. My husband and our extended family had a wonderful time only spoilt by the fact that we had to leave!
"ANOTHER GREAT HOLIDAY"
Flew with Virgin on 26th july myself husband and 2 kids age 10 and 7
flight as always was great, transfer and check in was smooth and quick.
ROOM it was spacious very clean really nice lods of cupboard space but did'nt go to mexico for room but ours beds were lush soooo comfy
POOLS AND BEACH were great to i didnt like the pool with the pool bar as people was just standing in pool drinking chatting and peeing all day we liked the quiet pool so did the kids beach was ok not the best in the caribbean but nice
FOOD was excellent plenty to choose from morning til night
KIDS CLUB was brilliant kids had great fun donig all sorts a big thank you to janet,misty and maria
We upgraded and got unlimited entry in to xcaret which was great swimming in caves etc well worth it
Only got ask once about the time share so not as bad as other reviews have said
any question please just ask me
NOW WHAT YOU WAITING FOR BOOK IT!!!
"Hotel located in a unique national park - perfect for families"
Hi, Everybody! We had such a wonderful time at Occidental Grand Hotel in Mexico that I could not wait to write a review.
The hotel is located in a national park, right in the jungle. You will see monkeys, parrots, turtles, iguanas, lots of birds right at their natural habitat.. We were surprised by the number of iguanas at the resort. We were scared of them at the beginning, but after a while it was ok. We had "our own" male iguana" living next to our balcony - very quiet and polite one.))
the resort is big, lots of walking, small paths through the jungles, real maya ruins on the hotel territory.
The food was very good. Lots of fruits and vegetables, 3-4 kinds of meat every day, fresh bread.
Bar is full of most popular alcohol, there are more than 30 cocktails on the menu!!
The room was ok, very clean, flat TV, a/c, balcony, everyday room service, full bar in the room - what else to expect?
Hotel staff is extremely polite, helpful and do everything to make guests happy.
The beach was man-made, so no seaweed, crystal clean water and lots of fish and crabs - perfect for snorkeling.
We only went for 4 days, it was not enough to see the whole resort and go to all excursions, but it was a very good vacation.
THING TO TAKE: sunsreen SPF 60 or more if it exists, take 2 packs, we used 1 bottle in 3 days. It is very hot in August; money for excursions - its worth it; and do not forget snorkeling equipment.
"Fabulous holiday"
We had the most amazing time the resort had everything and more, the staff and other guests were all so friendly, the food and drinks were plentiful. My son and I stayed for six days end of March this year after travelling from Australia for a wedding in Mexico City we wanted some fun & sun before returning to Melbourne's Autumn cold.
This was a truly fantastic holiday one both of us will remember always.
"It's very Humid in July!"
Overall we had a great vacation other than it was extremely humid in July and if it did not involve water we just didn't do it. Aura and Paola were dynamite and they kept the activities fun and really made us feel welcome. Wish they lived in the US we would offer them a job! The way every person should be, having fun on their job and spreading that to those around them! If you like the jungle and the heat you would really like this place. Lots of animals roaming free, lemur, monkeys, deer, iguana etc. Unfortunately no food service in the room or at the pool due to this but overall very well kept resort and friendly staff. Take a TAXI!!! Worth the extra dollars!! Oh an no WiFi in the rooms and it was $11 for 30 minutes!!
"Great"
It was great. Our advisor Kata with Olympus Tours was amazing and helped us have a great time on our vacation. Kata helped us find tours that were in our price range and full of all of the things we wanted to experience while we were in Mexico.
"Great employees"
I had a great time. I met great workers such as Ricardo from the sports bar. He was very polite and I have nothing bad to say about him. It's employees like that that make your stay amazing. I am a resort and hospitality major at FGCU and that's exactly how every single employee should be. I know the ins and outs about resorts and it's great to know that someone can change your experience in an instant.
"One of the most amazing holidays I have ever had!"
We have just returned from a two week stay at the Occidental and I can't praise the place enough! The hotel, grounds, food, staff, service, pools and situation were all first class! My children, 13 and 15 enjoyed some great activities while we were there. We visited the Xcaret park next door for two days and had great fun swimming with the dolphins and in the underground rivers, there is excellent snorkelling and beach areas and the evening show is not to be missed! We visited Chichen Itza and Il Kill cenote - an experience not to be missed! And also visited Akumel beach to swim with the sea turtles (go early!). An absolutely wonderful experience, great value for money and a holiday that has created so many long lasting memories to treasure!
"Amazing holiday!!!"
This hotel is amazing, we were lucky enough to stay in a junior suite at the Royal club and it didn't disappoint. Service, food and facilities were all fantastic. The grounds of the hotel are stunning, lots of wildlife from lizards, racoons to monkeys. This hotel offers something for everyone. The staff are extremely helpful and friendly. The Xcaret park next door was fascinating, we went they throughout our stay and found new things to see everytime, was so nice to have unlimited access as you could just pop in whenever you wanted for just a few hours at a time.
Would like to say a special mention to Carlos the "Gym instructor" who was very helpful and supportive throughout our stay and put up with my sweaty mess!!!!. Thank you.
Miss this place so much, have now got the holiday blues :-(((
"superb family holiday"
We have just returned home from a family holiday to the Gran Xcarat. What a wonderful experience, we arrived late about 11pm after 17 hours travel and was greeted by the duty manager Alexander. He whisked us through check in and showed us to our room . The room was excellent with a bottle of tequila, cakes and fruit awaiting us. The resort is lovely, it feels like the resort has been built around the jungle, everywhere you go you see Iguanas, deer, monkeys and other wildlife. The addition to authentic ruins on the site is nice and makes you feel you are in Mexico and not just another beach resort. The food in the buffet restaurants was good and in the al cartes very good with our favourite being the Asian. For me however the best part of the holiday was the people, they where amazing, the most friendly people we have experienced on holiday. Everywhere you went you where acknowledged and welcomed and a special mention has to go to Alexander and Itze who could not have done more to make our stay such a pleasure. THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFULL EXPERINCE AND WOULD LOVE TO RETURN TO SEE YOU ALL AGAIN.
"service"
Enjoyed the excellent service at the royal club, especially the attention to detail and friendly approach by samuel and orbelin in the restaurant. Samuel in particular made our stay even more enjoyable.
"Excellent Holiday"
We leave today after 12 wonderful days at the Royal Club. The staff across the resort are extremely helpful and it is very well kept and safe with so much to do. Having stayed at all inclusive resorts several times and previously in Mexico, the Royal Club and it's staff stand out for fantastic personal service, nothing is too much trouble and the food quality is excellent. It feels a very special place and it is, so much great customer service but special thanks to Roberto and his team in the Royal Club Restaurant, and Francisco and Antonio for looking after us all so well during the day as we lounged by the pool-amazing. Even at peak the resort doesn't feel too busy and there is plenty of pool and beach space and shade. We will definitely stay here again.
"LOVED IT!!!!!"
We stayed at the resort from 8/1 to 8/8, wish it was longer. Everything start to finish was fantastic, from the hotel staff, grounds, food, pools.. I definitely recommend staying in the Royal Club section mainly because it had the best restaurant (just for Royal Club guests), beautiful views and a nice quiet getaway once you are done at the beach and main pools. They really do treat you like royalty, everyone was great to my husband and I, but especially to our children (7 and 9). Special thanks to Stephanie, Oberloin, Hernan, Francisco, Raul, Samuel and Roberto (sorry if I missed anyone). Also, to the chefs in the Royal Club restaurant, every meal was super. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service. The traditional taco lunch was one of my favorites. Thanks also to cleaning and grounds crew for keeping everything so clean and beautiful.
It was great to see all of the wildlife on the resort (monkeys, McKaws, deer, Terons etc..) and to walk on the beautiful trails throughout. We met some great people while there and hope to come back again soon. Our only comment (and not much can be done about it..since the resort is built in a rocky section) is that we wished the cove/beach area were a little larger for taking walks along the shore. Other than that all great things!
"Awesome place"
The staff was fantastic. Food was awesome, many choices. Lots of activities, night life and the rooms very very very nice. Such a great place we decided to buy a membership there. Mexico - Occidental Grand we will see you soon.
"Excellent vacation place"
We spent 1 week in beginning of August and really appreciate staying in this resort. The complex is very natural, you can see monkeys, flamingos, deers, birds and of course iguanas, I even saw small snake. At first we did not like that beach (small bay lagoon), but after seeing Playa del Carmen public beach we really appreciate this resort bay beach. Very safe for kids, you can swim with plenty fish (bring your snorkeling equipment). Lots of shaded areas (very important). Food was good, sea food restaurant was great. Make you reservations right away.
I would like to thank a specially Carlos trainer from gym, he was very helpful, show me many exercises and answer all my questions, very professional. Very good quality night shows!
"great vacation"
We visited the Occidental Nocember 2013. The grounds are incredible. I have been to many resorts in the Riviera Maya and this resort is very well maintained with lots of wild life. We stayed in the royal elite club section and it sure made a big difference on the drinks and the rooms. I have stayed at this resort in the normal section and I stayed in the upgraded section. If you plan to visit this resort it is such a huge difference in the rooms. I will be returning to this resort in the near future.
"Wonderful relaxing vacation"
Our family has been vacationing here for the past few years now and can't say enough great things about the staff in the Royal Club. The food is always delicious and the staff in the Royal Club take care of our daughter's gluten-free needs very well which is very important to us. This is the perfect resort to stay for a relaxing vacation.
We will be there soon again :)
"Happiest"
I've always avoided all inclusive because I'm afraid of being trapped and unable to explore. My experience here has changed my mind. The complex is massive, beautiful, natural, clean, and accessible. Although the beach is a private lagoon built into the rocky ocean shore, it's pristine, large, and safe. I read in another review that they were changed $33 to snorkel in the open ocean, but I'm assuming it was the cost of the equipment because I brought my own and was able to snorkel without a fee. There was even staff to keep an eye on your safety from afar. Despite all of the wonderful things I could say about this property, the staff was the best part. Ramon was the highlight of our days there. He can read minds, and is such a wonderful person with a heart of gold. The only negative encounters I had regarded how rude guests could be to the staff there, especially many Americans, which is embarrassing to say the least. The internet really is so expensive and I was incredibly surprised it wasn't available for free throughout the resort. It would've been great to be able to insta all the wonderful experiences. That was my and my partners first vacation together. We're about to embark on a destination wedding and this is where I want it to be.
"We only went off the grounds once amazing"
Defiantly Book the fish restaurant and the others the day you arrive
And feed the fish around your knees in the sea bay!
No wifi:(
Four great pools even when the hotel was at full capacity it felt half empty with only a few people in the 4 pools and always able to find a sun lounger
"fabulous getaway!"
I had an excellent time here. I highly recommend this place. The food and drinks were of the highest quality. The hotel was impeccable. Lastly, the manager, Jose Cardona, is an amazing manager.I can't say enough great things about this place.
"Wonderful all-inclusive"
Just returned from a 1 week stay at the Occidental Grand Xcaret, and had a wonderful time. The resort is very large and spacious. Since there isn't much in the area of the resort, this resort has most everything you will need without leaving the resort. There is a nice shopping area with several shops which were all very nice.
The food at the buffet is pretty average- very typical buffet, and nothing special. We did eat at the ala carte restaurants, and especially enjoyed Los Oilvos. There are numerous grill restaurants around the property, and I would highly recommend the grill at the beach for breakfast. The food may be average, but the view is awesome.
There are several pools around, and the staff tries to keep everyone involved. The one area that is lacking, is that there are not any water sports available onsite. If you want to snorkel or kayak, you will need to pay extra, which was a disappointment.
The rooms are spacious and clean.
At check-in, there were a few minor issues with our room, but the issues were quickly corrected.
Beware of the timeshare people who are everywhere! They do take "not interested" well, but guaranteed, they will grab you each and every time you walk out of your building.
All in all, if you want an all-inclusive vacation for a good price, then this is a good choice.
"Great place to vacation"
This resort is the best i have visited in Mexico. Protective of the surrounding but allowing you to do whatever you like. If you want a relaxing vacation this is the place. The resort staff are the best in the business. They will do anything and I mean anything to make you happy.
"fantastic"
We have just come back from a 2 week holiday staying at this hotel. We were in the Royal Club and so glad we upgraded. We could not fault the food, the service, the room and the general cleanliness of the resort. We liked how it felt you was inside the jungle with all the wild animals roaming around the resort. We would definitely come back to this resort and couldn't recommend it enough. Only idea to improve is to make the Royal Club for adults only, as during our second week when the schools had broken up it lost the tranquilness with the bustle of the children.
"Nice place"
We just got back aug 9 th after 10 days there . The place is beautiful and the food and service outstanding. We had a party of 10 people including 4 kids 11-16. They new our names and had our drinks ready as soon as they saw us. The kids played with activity group all day . Never a boring moment. We bought our excursions in downtown playa del Carmen way cheaper . Got the dolphin tour for 45 per person . Remember to tip one dollar goes along way there and they remember you . Want to thank Mario, Maria and Jo . Will be back
"Excellent experience !"
3 girlfriends and I stayed at Xcaret for our summer vacation. We absolutely loved it, and cannot wait to return. Everyone at this resort is so nice, polite, and helpful. We enjoyed the fact that Xplor and Xcaret park are in the same area. The only thing we did seem to be disappointed about was the lack of authentic Mexican food. Most food in the buffets and snack bar was Americanized. Other than that, everything else was great. Activities for all ages!