Occidental Grand Cozumel - All Inclusive

Occidental is located nearest the best diving in Cozumel. Food was only average.

Overall this was a good, relaxing vacation. If we’ll go to Cozumel next year, we’ll stay in this resort again. Very good: •Location – ideal for those who likes the snorkeling and walking on the beach. •Beach - You will found enough spots in the shadows and in the sun, whatever you want any time. It is very important that here is very GOOD SNORKLING from the beach. •Food and service in La Posada buffet [breakfast and dinner], •Territory – Clean and green, •Room cleaning – they did good job, no complains. Some areas for improvements: [In our opinion, this will be beneficial for both – for visitors and for the resort, if the resort will take the attention to the following] •Evening restaurants [Sonora Grill and Los Olivos] - NOTHING SPECIAL. Very basic and not a best quality. We have had a dinner in each restaurant once and then preferred to go to La Posada buffet for a dinner…. •The conditioner in the room is VERY LOUD. But it is too hot at the night in the room if you turn it off. It is not something that resort can fix for you, so, take earplugs with you to make your stay more pleasure. •No ‘change rooms’ on the beach. So, if you need to change your wet swimsuit you must use the restrooms…. Which is not comfortable. •Not enough entertainment in the evening. We have stayed for a week and only two nights’ shows were good. Others were boring.

This was our 4th time at the Occidental Grand in Cozumel and for the most part is was just OK, not as good as in the past. The rooms were not as clean, the quality of food has deteriorated, most of the staff was very helpful, a few at the front desk could use an attitude adjustment. Our reservations indicated we were seniors, but were given a room on the third floor (no elevators in any of the buildings). We immediately returned to the front desk to see about a room change to the bottom floor and we were given the impression that it was a great imposition to make the change. Another couple that was with us needed a wheel chair, and they had to call the doctor to see if they could find one at another hotel. We brought the other couple with us because we had raived about it, however, we were dissappointed this time. A lot of the staff have been there for a few years and they were still as helpful and pleasant as ever. But, never again during spring break. I would recomment this hotel when they have plenty of empty rooms and want your business.

Been here before and had a very nice time. This time service was poor in most categories. Front desk staff was unhelpful and unable to complete even simple tasks without being directed. Took over 6 hours to get into room. We were there around noon and were told the room was not yet ready. OK, this is understandable. The room not ready at 3:30 when told it would be ready by 3. Finally in room around 5:30pm after being up all night. Restaurant service was at best ok. We constantly ended up getting our own drinks, and even table settings. Once we were seated and went to get food at buffet. When we returned they had seated people at our table and we then had to locate another table. Then again get our own drinks. Food was ok for buffet. reasonable selection of drinks. Only one beer brand offered. Housekeeping was the lone stand out. They paid excellent attention to when we were in or out of the room and always asked if we needed anything. Used outside dive shop for scuba diving. Location is good as a few minute boat ride gets you to the reef system and your in the water. Prior experience would have me recommend, however their trend is significantly poor and I don't think I could recommend a friend stay here. They need to rethink their approach to service! The place is nice, but service from a service oriented business was horrible.

We have stayed at the Occidental in the past because we are avid divers and this property is located directly in front of Santa Rosa reef. Last year was a disaster as there was a large group of High School Spring Breakers constantly drunk (along with their parents). The last night of their stay, they threw all the pool furniture into the Marsh and into the pool causing $1000's of dollars of destruction. After confirming with the Occidental Grand that this group would not be returning this year, we booked again for our spring break, We are avid divers and have traveled to 100+ countries in our lives. Mostly budget travel, So for the price we paid, we had a good idea of what we should expect. Upon our arrival last week, the same group of student/parents had returned, the hotel overbooked by 30 rooms and we were sent to the LOWER BUDGET Allegro.!!!! The thratched roof of the room leaked and birds lived in the roof resulting in bird dropping all over the room, bed, etc. No compensation or apology....Of course, we balked and were allowed to return to the Occidental a day and 1/2 later. Upon our return, we had to wait until late afternoon to get into a room. It was raining and we had no place to go. No towels to dry off and no apology.....If fact it was difficult to get a pool towel all week. I heard the same story of many of the guest this past week. People that are members of the Royal Club Occidental were denied their rooms, I would not recommend this property based on the lack of service and apathy of the Management alone.

Check in was a breeze. It was nice to be taken to an office where all your paperwork was ready for check in. We were told we would have a basket of fruit and a bottle of wine delivered to our room. I had to call the next day to get it delivered. Not sure what happened on that. The refigerator in the room was restocked and that was much appreciated. It's the first place we have ever stayed that somone asked us if the music at the pool area was too loud. The music was nice and not the disco beat. That was saved for night and the disco. It was very pleasant and relaxing. This is also the first place we have ever stayed that had golf umbrellas in the room for our use. That was a very considerate touch being that it rained several times during our week day. There was a variety of food so everyone could find something they liked. We would definitely consider staying at the resort again on another trip and would recommmend it to others. In fact when I was at the bank today, I shared information with a teller who is considering a vacation in MX. Thanks for the great service.

Upon arrival, my sister and I were offered an "opportunity" to save money on excursions. They failed to mention what happened next. We were told to meet the staff the next morning for breakfast. At that point, they assign a guide. They walk you around talking to you about the hotel that you most likely already read all about before booking your trip. This went on for over an hour. Our guide was telling us what he thought we wanted to hear. He finally took us back to the room where they offer you lots of alcohol and then try to sell you a timeshare. After we finally were able to leave, we learned that we did not in fact save a penny on any of the excursions. My sister and I made friends during our stay and learned that the range in price depends on if you are married or not. We were offered a timeshare for 13k and our married friends were offered the same exact timeshare for 29k. We went on vacation to rest and relax and instead found ourselves in a timeshare nightmare the first day. The food was nasty. We reserved seats at one of the special restaurants and I could swear what they put on my plate was something close to cat food. I have traveled around the world and have a very experienced pallet, but this meal had me drawing the line. The hotel to the right and the left also offered far superior dive shops compared to ours.

Great for diving and snorkeling. No intertainment to speak of. Food is average in the buffet, good in the Mexican restaurant and pretty bad in the Los Olivos. No free Internet like in most others. Otherwise it is a good place to stay and relax.

This resort has about everything needed for a great week in Mexico. The all-inclusive format assures plenty to eat and drink for your entire stay. The staff is friendly and especially helpful. Likely 85% of the guests are there for the scuba diving. The on site dive shop is fantastic, with the same helpful attitude. Many of the favored dive sites are within a 10 minute boat ride. Leave a little something for housekeeping and they will keep your refrigerator stocked with your chosen beverages. We hope to return again very soon. Cab fare to town is flat $20US and takes about 20 minutes, but there really isn't much need to go up there unless you like high pressure sales people meeting you on the sidewalk. Gift shop has plenty of variety and priced comparable to the shops in town. Family-friendly resort with activities for kids during the day, different entertainment activity each evening.

the people and all the staff at this hotel went above and beyond to help its guest.. my daughter got married on the beach and the staff really went all out to pull off the perfect wedding... it was beautiful... the dive masters were very helpful. and taught things that i didnt really know as a new diver...