Occidental Grand Hotel Cozumel Mexico. Best Hotel Deals & Reviews

Date of Stay: July, 2009

The Occidental Grande was a beautful hotel to visit. The staff was very friendly, the rooms were kept clean, and there were plenty of activities. Dining was good - but food was only available for breakfast, lunch and dinner - so make sure to fill up. There wasn't anything available between meals to snack on (except margaritas). The only difficulty we had was, as we call it, the "hustling." We were asked by our "concierge" (as he called himself) about activities we might enjoy while on the island, and he had a few to suggest as well. He told us he would help organize anything we might need - Wonderful!! Yet after some explanation, we ended up listening to a timeshare presentation the next day (taking up all of our first morning on vacation), then got a lot of run around when we tried to cash in on the discounted activities we were offered. That, my friends (as they say in Mexico), was the only downfall of the resort. Once we were able to get our vehicle for the day, and go on our snorkeling adventure, we had a blast. The food was good, the grounds were beautiful, nice quiet and relaxing enviornment most of the time, with some activities in the "activities pool." That was one of our favorite aspects - 1 pool for relaxing, and a little farther away (and overlooking the beach) was another pool for activities - with a great 3 inch deep section you could relax and get a tan in. Overall, it was a very nice vacation! Cozumel is a great island to see (namely if you want to snorkel or dive!)

Date of Stay: April, 2009

We had 3 families (one 13 & one 18 yr old) meet here for Spring Break. We were disappointed with several things. The resort itself is nice and the grounds are very pretty but it is really spread out. We were very upset with the dining. We knew that Los Olivos and the Sonora Grill required reservations (I called in advance to see how this is done and was told that you could only make them that morning for that evening) so on our first day we did so and could not get it to either of them (also found out that the pizza place requires reservations too) for 3 days, they were booked solid although when we walked by them at night they had empty tables. What we learned once we got there was that people made their reservations at check in for their entire stay so keep that in mind. Was also disappointed to learn that you can only use these restaurants depending on the number of nights staying~we were staying 5 nights and could only go to 2 of these restaurants, the rest of the time we had to go to the buffet. Having said that though, the food at the buffet was very good and the service was great too! The staff at the front desk was not very friendly or helpful but the rest of the staff was great! The rooms were fine, beds are very hard! The smell of the water in the shower got worse as the week went on. If we were to return to Cozumel we would try a different resort.

	Date of Stay: March, 2008
We wouldn't go again because the food was so horrible. Some of the food was just not even edible. Room was o.k., nothing special. Staff was very friendly.

Date of Stay: June, 2009

This is a beautiful hotel, the staff is very friendly, and it is very relaxing. We were there as a couple and while it's a romantic getaway, we could have used more entertainment. After a day of diving, swimming, playing games in the pool or on the beach, and enjoying all that beautiful Cozumel has to offer, it was disappointing that the only on-resort option after dark basically was to drink. There were a few short performances but it was probably due to the economy that there was nothing more than occasionally a terrible DJ playing the macarena, electric slide, and other bland tunes in the lobby. There are always three dinner options for restaurants, but after a few days it gets very repetitive. The food is good quality and the staff aims to please, so no complaints there. If you are looking to hide away, isolated from downtown but near the beautiful reef for amazing diving, I recommend this hotel. If you are looking for something with more activity, go for the Allegro or one of the hotels nearer to town. The rooms are comfortable, clean, and quite attractive. Maybe when the hotel is more full (economy, epidemic fears, etc) it's more fun, I don't know. Some people complained about the check-in procedure, we opted for the $14 upgrade to the Royal Club and had excellent service.

Date of Stay: April, 2009

We just got back 3 days ago. We thought we were booking a 4 star resort, what the resort turned out to be was nothing more than 2 stars at best. When you walk into the rooms there is a smell that overwhelms you. We came in a group of 8 using 3 different rooms & they all smelled the same. Then when it is time to take a shower, the water coming out of the head smells even worse. The mattress, pillows & linens were as basic as it gets. Our TV didn't even work the 1st two days. The resort advertises 7 different venues for food & drink. We tried to make reservations ahead of even arriving for 2 spec. occasions we were celebrating. They told us we couldn't do that until the day of, so the next morn. we are the 2nd people in line. When we try to make a res. we are told they ALL were already booked up for the entire time we were staying there, except for 1 restaurant on our last night there. We had to have the buffet for every other breakfast, lunch & dinner. The beach was fine the 1st couple of days but then this brown "muck" arrived on the 3rd day & you couldn't even get into the water. The people that serve you at the buffet & that take care of your room are very nice, but the front desk people are rude & condescending! They know they have you under their thumb because you have already paid & don't have any choices. We have used 2 other All-Inclusives previously & have loved them, I guess the 3rd time is NOT the "charm".

Date of Stay: February, 2008

My wife and I had a wonderfull time at the Occidental. This was our 4th time in Cozumel, our 1st time at the Occidental. Because I read the reviews, I hope to leave a useful review. Before I describe our stay, I want to briefly explain our position on Cozumel/All Inclusives. I don't mean to start negative, don't expect great food at any All Inclusive. We enjoyed our breakfast, but mostly had lunches and dinners in town. The food in town was great, and at a fair price. If you stay at an All Inclusive, and intend to eat every meal, you won't be happy. If you can afford to plan several meals in town, and the rest at the resort, you might be much more satisfied.As for the grounds, pool, atmosphere, this is the place. It was great. The staff was very friendly. We were concerned about the Time Share pitch, but it was never an issue. The beds were comfortable, every thing was clean and very well kept. It was also very easy to get a chair by the pools or at beach side. We will go back,,

Date of Stay: June, 2009

I'd give this resort a 2-star rating...certainly not a 4 as described. Food was average (same foods day after day). Six onsite restaurants listed but only two were open. Many fountains on site but not a single one operational (detracted from the beauty). Staff was helpful and service minded so I give the employees a 5 rating. Just no "WOW" with this resort - bar was uncomforably hot, little to no nightly entertainment, was content to be in bed by 10:00.

	Date of Stay: March, 2009
The weather was perfect...no rain the whole week. This was our 2nd trip to Cozumel and it was the best. The Hotel service was great, everybody was very helpful and friendly. The grounds were well kept. The food and house-keeping were both good.

	Date of Stay: February, 2008
In 2007 we had a Great Visit. In the Winter of 2008 the Staff was Not as Friendly. We had to stand in line to Eat. The Lobby Bar had gnats and the Room was Not as Comfortable. When we Spoke up to try to Correct our concerns our requests seem to fall on deaf ears. I also left a very detailed report at check-out and we never received any response.

Date of Stay: June, 2009

My teenage daughter and I enjoyed our 4 night stay at the Occidental Grand during the month of June. I have the following comments: -the beach is fantastic (the sand is clean, white and soft; there are no unpleasant rocks unlike the the hotel to the south) -from the beach you can arrange snorkeling and dive tours, wave runner rental, and parasailing among other activities -the snorkeling tour was reasonable at about $30 a person and we enjoyed it so much we went a second time -the garden and landscaping is impressive; it feels like a tropical paradise; there are a number of iguanas and birds on the property -the food is average; we enjoyed the breakfast buffet the most (good selection of fruit and great scrambled eggs), followed by the dinner buffet and lastly the lunch buffet -the staff is friendly and welcoming -the rooms are clean and spacious -the bartenders are excellent and fast -the pool volleyball organized by the staff is fun I don't have any negative comments about our stay with one exception. The day we arrived, we were offered an opportunity to have breakfast with a sales person to receive "information" in exchange for a discount on a snorkeling tour or something or the other. I didn't want to waiste my time listening to a timeshare pitch. I thought the representative was a little pushy and sensed a change in his friendly demeanor after I turned down his invitation. He conclued by saying that my wife really needed to be there to make the decision. That was irritating but humorous at the same time.

Date of Stay: December, 2008

We had a great trip and really enjoyed the accommodations, staff and the island itself. At the busiest time of the year (Christmas week) we had no problems with lines at the restaurants or with finding chairs on the beach or pools. A couple of notes: - Restaurants don't offer straws, so if you're traveling with a toddler be sure to bring sippy cups - Use bug spray at the beach to protect against sand fleas and re-apply frequently - The a la cart restaurants are not always very kid friendly, so you may want to stick to the buffets. The adults in our group liked the buffets better too. - The airport "info desk" people will try to get you into a timeshare presentation as will the "info desk" people at the hotel - they offer deep discounts on activities, car rentals, etc. Steer clear unless you want to spend at least 2 hours of time in a presentation.

	Date of Stay: December, 2007
I can not say enought good things about this hotel. Very clean, quite, friendly. Great beaches, location, rooms, dinning and staff. Already bought another trip their.

Date of Stay: June, 2009

We had a great time relaxing, snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, ATXing, relaxing, relaxing, relaxing! We've stayed at their other hotel, the Allegro, and like them both. The rooms are well kept and the hotel's decor is nice. The location is out of the town and that is what we wanted. The only thing we disliked about the hotel is the same thing we always find in Mexico resorts, hard beds! It's like sleeping on concrete everywhere we go.

Date of Stay: April, 2008

We stayed for a week. Our room had to be changed 3 times. Air conditioning was poor and the room was damped and smelled. 2 weeks and many washings later, I can't get the damp smell out of our clothes. Very little space to put your clothes away. Food was average - beach was nice as was the pool. Staff indifferent to requests and only did something when we got very angry. Would not return to this resort nor would I go to another Occidental property.

Date of Stay: June, 2009

The resort compound is absolutely beautiful, with a location that can't be beat. The staff are friendly and attentive. The beach is manicured and pristine. Never did we feel that we were being pressured for tips or expected to pay beyond our booking price (although the staff were so quick and helpful that we did tip once in a while). I can't wait to go back! The only negative point I think all the guests agree on is that the food could be better. The variety and quality of ingredients were good, but they need a few better chefs!

	Date of Stay: June, 2009
Excellent location-dive shop and dock right there. Great pools and access to the ocean. Buffet food was excellent. Great bar service. Gym and Spa were nice. Would stay here again in a minute.

	Date of Stay: June, 2009
Me and my two daughters were on vacation at the Occidental. I felt secure and safe. The area was beautiful and the staff was very helpful. The rooms were very clean and I especially enjoyed the fresh bedding every day. The fridge was stocked with cold drinks. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were amazing. Thank you.

Date of Stay: June, 2009

We are a couple of 29 yo. We enjoyed the hotel a great deal. The staff was very friendly, the food was very good, especially in the specialty restaurant. The room was spacious, clean, with terrace, quite (the hotel is composed of several cute small buildings as opposed to one big complex). The beach was perfect, clean. We enjoyed two dives and two snorkeling trips directly from the pier of the hotel through a dive operator (very friendly!). The night entertainment was good as well, especially the pre-hispanic show. You don't really need to leave the resort during your stay! Excellent, I would recommend.

Date of Stay: June, 2009

We booked this trip as our 10th anniversary present and were very excited to chill on the beach and do NOTHING for a whole week! And that's exactly what we did. While there are plenty of opportunities for many, many excursions we just enjoyed the beautiful beach and crystal clear Carribbean Sea. The wait staff, bartenders and housekeeping were extrodinary! The grounds are gorgeous, lush and tropical. How fun to have an iguana greet you every day as you walk out the door! The snorkeling right off shore is great but you should go out a bit and see the barracuda and rays. Lots of free activites too, like windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, boogie boards. We were dissapointed we couldn't get a king bed, only 2 doubles but made due. The rooms were very comfortable and spotlessly clean. The beds were very hard but I suppose that's to be expected. The food was fine, not great but certainly not bad. The friendliness of the wait staff and bartenders, again, was superior. DEFINITELY would visit again.

Date of Stay: November, 2007

I got much more than I expected from my visit. The food in the buffet areas was fairly average, though fresh and plentiful; but the restaurants with reservations were much better (make reservations early). Other than that, the place was great! The room was pretty lux, grounds were lovely, beach/pool staff were attentive, wait staff in restaurants were very friendly, the activities were very well-organized and directed, the dive shop/water sports staff was great. I'm not much of a "joiner" but the activities staff were very friendly without being creepy or too much in your face, and I ended up participating more than I expected. The only major downside was the obnoxious guys selling timeshare-type vacation plans. I am generally a pretty polite person but they were so rude I ended up yelling at one. If you see a smiling man in a blue shirt RUN AWAY!!! I'm not kidding.

Check-in:	Check-out:	Rooms:	Guests:

See 19 Photos	User Rating 3.5 out of 5 See 91 reviews Occidental Grand Hotel Cozumel [] Kilometro 17.5, Carretera Sur Cozumel, El Cedral,San Francisco Palancar Cozumel, Mexico
Description:
Amenities:

Home \| Browse Hotels By Location \| Affiliate Program \| Write a Hotel Review \| Hoteliers \| About Us \| Contact Us
© Copyright 2009 Hotels Combined Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Privacy \| Terms of Use

Occidental Grand Hotel Cozumel

Rating out of 5