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Hotel overview
The Occidental Papagayo – Adults-Only hotel is a fantastic adults-only experience in the Gulf of Papagayo on the stunning west coast of Costa Rica. Guests can enjoy both the comfort of the All Inclusive program and the exotic fauna in the vicinity. The hotel features spacious and bright rooms, designed with everything necessary for the enjoyment of guests in an adults-only environment. To enjoy the area of Guanacaste and Culebra Bay even more, there is nothing better than making the most of activities such as diving, cycling, guided tours, kayaks and many more options. You may also opt for the most reinvigorating relaxation and enjoy the fantastic pool and relax in its beautiful outdoor gardens. The hotel provides a magnificent culinary offering, including 2 international à la carte restaurants and a buffet with international food, as well as a snack bar and lobby bar with excellent views.
Property information
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Hotel details
Hotel advisories
General policies & fine print
Check-in Policy - Hotel requires a credit/debit card authorization or cash deposit upon check-in for incidentals; this will place a hold on your funds.
Convention Policy - Individuals attending a convention cannot book this property for their stay. If found attending a convention, guests may be subject to higher room rates upon arrival.
Hotel Spring Break Policy - This hotel cannot guarantee a spring break-free environment.
General Information - Room taxes and service fees are included in vacation price. Minimum night stay restrictions may apply. Reservation changes may not be permitted unless authorized by the hotel.
Ratings & reviews
TripAdvisor traveler rating
7934 reviews
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May 12, 2025Never Again
The country and local people are outstanding but I would not recommend this resort to anyone. It's old and tired, and the food is average at best. Lots of better choices in the area.
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May 10, 2025
Fing another place to stay!
This is maybe 2 star ,dirty old bathrooms,not polite and not helpful front desk staff. Always,ask to restoke fridge.No directories how to get from point A to B.Grounds are only nice close to the pool and reception building further no one cares about landscaping.Only servers in buffe were nice although you have to ask them few times to bring a coffe.
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May 09, 2025Lacks good food - not worth the All Inclusive
My friends and I stayed at Occidental Papagayo (Adults Only) from April 28-May 3, 2025 (beginning of the low season - not many people at the hotel). We were excited because we have stayed at Barcelo chain hotels before and our experience has always been good. There are three things we look for, good food, good service, and updated/maintained facilities. The food whether, buffett or a la carte restaurants, lacked flavor and quality. It's one hundred times better to go eat outside of the hotel, otherwise, you will leave Costa Rica with a bad impression when it comes to its food. The service in the hotel was a hit or miss. There are no waiter/waitresses at the main pool area, which means you have to go to the snack bar to get a drink, and getting a drink takes forever plus it feels as if you are begging them for sharity. Getting water or coffee at the buffett was also a struggle, we had to get up most of the time to get our own water even though we had asked for it. The best part of staying at Occidental were three people: Kathia (aka "La China") at the premium bar, Oscar and Don Marcos at the wet bar. They really made us feel welcome and their service was superb. They were friendly, always making sure we were taken cared of, but most importantly, they enjoy their job. I also have to say that the transportation within the hotel, was great, the golf cart/tram drivers were friendly and helpful. If it wasn't for the three people named above, this review would be a one star review. As to the facilities, they need some updating but they were decent.
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May 08, 2025Service was superb!!!
Lobby bar has excellent service!!! Joaquin was very friendly and attractive. No champagne available and made the most delicious sparkling wine with a cherry. Really appreciate the excellent service!!!
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May 07, 2025
Not great
The buildings are older and need much updating. Upon getting there, no staff member offered a tour of the property. This was a big sign for me, as i have traveled to a number of resorts and i have NEVER, not been offered a tour of the premises. The buffet dining area isn't equipped with bug zippers, so if you sit close to the windows, you will see dead flies sitting on the edge of the window and others flying around. There isn't a sign stating fresh omelets are available (discovered that 3 days in), and with that, only 4 to 5 ingredients are available. Flies hanging out on the pastries was a sight to see. I was told all I have to do is call and if I need water etc. Called at 8 am, returned from my excursion at 12.30 pm, no water. Went to the front desk en route to eat and reminded that I requested water, I was assured it was coming. After lunch went to my room, no water. Left my room for dinner, asked again. After 10pm, it was received. So much for prompt customer service. Oh and don't need to ask for your safe to be in working order, because 'captain security with the key' Jorje, will ask you for a tip bc he has the key to make the safe work which was supposed to be operating upon entry. So he wanted a tip for making something work that should have been working upon entry. Other than the location, scenery, and Italian restaurant, nothing great here. Find somewhere else to go and save your money. Benefits - adult only, scenery, location, Italian restaurant Cons - old, mediocre service, paupers at the beach, dilapidated furniture, activities posted in an area that is not central to foot traffic,