Occidental Grand Xcaret - All Inclusive

Just got back from a week in Mexico and had a great time. The Occidental is a huge resort, be prepared to walk alot, which is a good thing, since the food and drinks will weigh you down otherwise. Food was on par for your typical all inclusive resort. Even the specialty restaurants were only okay. There is a good variety on the buffet and you should be able to find something you like. The crepes at breakfast were very good. We were in a Junior Suite and had a lot of extra room with a separate living room are with a low wall between that space and the bed area. There was also a nice wrap-around patio (we were on the first floor). Room was very clean and comfortable. The grounds are very lush jungle, and we saw a variety of animals including monkeys swinging from the trees. The staff is always keeping the paths clean. The pools are huge, but it can be a challenge finding an open chair, just make sure to 'reserve' your chair early. If you are a beach person, this is NOT the resort for you. The beach area is a multi-level man made inlet. While the water is great, and protected, it isn't a real beach. We are more pool-people, so we knew before hand. There are bars everywhere for those that want to drink. The bar staff are friendly and quick with the drinks. Mudslides were the drink of choice for us. The wine at dinner was okay, and it seemed there was a different variety every night. We are scuba divers and booked this resort because they had an on-site dive operation, unfortunately we found out after we had booked that the dive op was on-site, but their boat wasn't. They provided transportation to another resort for the diving. The dive op was okay, and looking back I would have booked my dives with a different op. The diving itself was great, warm clear water on drift dives. Not as spectacular as the Cozumel side, but much nicer than PA or NJ. Overall, I had a very nice vacation at the Occidental. If I go back to this region again, I would probably book something in Playacar where I could walk into Playa del Carmen for some dining and entertainment variety.

The overall experience was good. We booked at the last minute to get away for my birthday and Christmas. My husband and I travelled with our two sons, 20 and 10. We had to switch rooms because we were given rooms that were not near each other. We moved to our second rooms the second day of the trip. Afrer moving, the second rooms weren't as nice as the first, but they were side by side. The toilet in our room kept leaking and the patio door in our son's room did not lock. It made me a little uneasy, but we dealt with it. Also, our shower leaked when taking a shower. The room was clean and the staff were friendly so that made it a little better. I would give it an overall rating of 3.5. My boys both enjoyed themselves. They were both occuppied and had fun. Of course, I am more picky than they are. We've been to a Jamaican all inclusive which was a lot better and it was rated a 4 star. I also did not care for some staff trying to push the vacation club on us. We were not there to take a tour and buy into a vacationclub/time share. We were there to relax and have fun. They were a little pushy at first (first 2 days) my husband had to "get nasty" for them to leave us alone! After that it was all good. I would recemmond someone to go there, maybe not pay what we paid & of course I would be able to tell them what to look out for and expect.etc.... Also, the beach is not that good. It is too small we were not able to get a spot on Christmas morning we got there around 11 a.m. and all the chairs and cabanas were taken. So if you're looking for a nice spacious beach Occidental does not have one.

Good Resort, nice pool, reasonable small beach. Very poor food quality, including the specialty restaurants, that makes it hard to decide to go back. If they improve the food quality and get rid of the timeshare salesmen, that would be a very nice vacation resort

Check in was an issue and initial room needed to be changed to accommodate infant with stroller. Food, setting and amenities good. Staff are slow but this is normal for area.

Very poor presentation, one of the worst Lobby's I ever been, lack of personal, We have a reservation at one of the restaurant at 9:00 PM we finish our meals at 11:00 one waiter for 30 persons, at the end of dinner we ask the waiter whats for desert? he said let me see the left overs.And no beach boomer

This resort is a hidden gem! It is like staying in a beautiful nature preserve with all the amenities of a five star resort. The pools were expansive - the adult pool was a quiet retreat on the oceanfront. The man-made beach area is a little small but it works fine for the waiters bringing you your drinks! The three tiered setting makes good use of space and the water is pretty calm in this little cove. Overall, would recommend without reservation to everyone!

This was a fun trip! My sister and I took our soon to graduate sons for a Senior trip....they had a blast...we had a blast too! Food was awesome...staff was the friendliest I have ever had! Each staff member always had a smile and cared about our stay. This was a huge complex, however, was run very well! The only down side I can think of is there was no sandy beach to walk along it was rocky...but beautiful views and great snorkeling! I would go back again for sure!

We had a wonderful time. The staff was friendly and helpful to the point where the language barrior was not a problem. The room was spotless, the food good, and the grounds beautiful. It was so affordable that I would have expected less. I will definatly return. Pleasantly surprised

This is a nice hotel were the staff were all very pleasant and helpful. The grounds were well maintained. There are a number of buildings the rooms are located in, each with their own separate balcony, and I don't believe any were above 3 story's which gives you a more intimate feel to the surroundings. The buffet was very good for any meal. The speciality restaurants were just ok. Sonora grill was disappointing. El Pescador (Sea food was decent as was the Mediterranean place. If you have lots of plans for the day, I'd avoid the commitment of a reservation in one of the specialty restaurants, and go with the more expansive hours, and just show up at the buffet. The beach club was excellent for lunch. Drinks were plentiful in this all inclusive, and as I found out after being there a few days you could request premium drinks at no extra charge. The pools are nice, but finding a lounge chair was a little difficult b/c people would leave their towels overnight on the chairs to hold them for the next day. Perseverance pays, and we secured 3 chairs after about 45 minutes of scoping things out. The beach is nice, but no waves. Although it is a short 10 minute taxi ride to waves and a larger beach in Playa. Staff was helpful in informing you just how many pesos your taxi should cost for a given distance. Show up at the entrance, and they will have one there for you in 5 minutes or less.

Absolutely love this resort. This is the 2nd time back and last year we went to Blue Bay Grand Esmerelda - not near as nice as Grand Occidental and no sewer smell from recycled water like @ Blue Bay. The service @ Grand Occidental was outstanding; Olga was very helpful and professional as well as Magdiel, massage therapist. Our lovely housekeeper was so sweet and kind. The hotel manager was especially nice and professional and we ALL look forward to going back again next year. Have recommended Grand Occidental to many friends and family members!! Muey Bueno!!