Occidental Papagayo - Adults only - All Inclusive

“Heartbreaking Experience for My Clients at This Resort!”

Travel agent here—sent 6 women to this resort for a weekend getaway. Unfortunately, their experience was disappointing. Rooms weren't as planned. The double occupancy got kings and the single got double. When booking we asked the opposite. They felt dismissed by front desk staff, who prioritized ot… more

Travel agent here—sent 6 women to this resort for a weekend getaway. Unfortunately, their experience was disappointing. Rooms weren't as planned. The double occupancy got kings and the single got double. When booking we asked the opposite. They felt dismissed by front desk staff, who prioritized other guests over them. When asking about excursions, a staff member referred to them in Spanish as “6 Black girls who want to get on a boat.” Dinner reservations were mishandled, and overall, they didn’t receive the service they deserved. On a positive note, pool staff and servers were inclusive and welcoming, but the front desk’s behavior left a lasting negative impression.

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“First experience in CR”

We’ve always wanted to visit Costa Rica, but the cost was a hurdle. This time, we chose this hotel because it was nearly half the price! The reviews were generally positive, and the few negative ones seemed to be isolated incidents that can occur anywhere. Having only been to Cuba, I was eager to … more

We’ve always wanted to visit Costa Rica, but the cost was a hurdle. This time, we chose this hotel because it was nearly half the price! The reviews were generally positive, and the few negative ones seemed to be isolated incidents that can occur anywhere. Having only been to Cuba, I was eager to experience the food and accommodations in a new setting. To be honest, though, the buffet was a bit disappointing—there were limited options, likely due to the low occupancy. I imagine it’s better during peak season, but it was a letdown. The best meals were definitely outside the hotel; the local restaurants serve incredible food, though they can be pricey. As for the accommodations, they felt on par with a decent resort in Cuba, but I’ve stayed in places that were cleaner and better maintained. There were no beers in the mini-fridge, but we bought groceries nearby. I also noticed a lack of room service menus. And the stairs—wow, there are a ton! We quickly figured out to use the roads behind the resort to avoid them. The beach was small, but with so few people around, it was quite enjoyable and felt more private. The staff were generally nice, but the lobby team seemed a bit off. The women there didn’t appear very happy, which was surprising. We chatted with other guests, and they noticed the same thing. The highlight of our stay was definitely José Soto from “On the Beach Tour.” He was always cheerful, eager to chat, and incredibly helpful with tours, dining, and cultural insights. Would I recommend this resort? I have mixed feelings. I can’t compare it to other places in Costa Rica, but I’m not sure I would recommend it. Sometimes, even a fantastic staff isn’t enough to make up for other shortcomings.

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