Starfish Cayo Guillermo: another enjoyable experience
A great value resort. Our fourth time. It is relatively small, therefore intimate. Staff very friendly. You get to know and interact most of your fellow guests (many were also repeat guests) Food is good for a 3 star resort. Grounds are clean and well kept. Site is a haven for kite surfers as the beach is shallow. The resort, as with all of Cayo Coco resorts, is isolated so excursions are limited.
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Suzieq3 -
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Starfish Cayo Guillermo: like a cottage experience with everything included
I have returned to this resort 6 times, and each time the services get better. it is a 3 (3.5) star. don't expect a 5 star. It is like going to a cottage with all the amenities of a resort, rooms were spotless, food was acceptable and drinks, well wine is wine and beer is beer. The people are friendly and remember what you like to drink and eat after a day of being there. You can walk on the beach for hours. Will return for a 7th time!
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Nat91 -
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Sirenis Tropical Varadero: Good Resort
Overall, i enjoyed my stay here at this hotel, there were a few things that could improve that i noticed. The public washrooms weren't always clean or stocked with toilet paper. I found the resort was too busy and needed more staff. The buffet repeated a lot of the same foods. The ice cream parlour was yummy. In my room, my mini-fridge didn't work and i had called 4 times in 3 days and they kept saying they would send someone to fix it and they never did so i just gave up. The rooms were always [... read more]cleaned well by the maids. Although, the maid rarely replaced our towels unless we asked her for clean ones. The drinks were good and the bar service was great. I loved my view from my room on the beach club area.
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Amandaf -
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Occidental at Xcaret Destination: great getaway
We loved this resort, stayed for a week and enjoyed every minute. The food is plenty, the drinks are yummy and the staff is wonderful. It is a for start which is correct. The only negative would be that excursions and shopping are a bit pricey, but these are outsidef of the resort. The night shows were fun, although are later in the evening at 930.
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Simo -
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Occidental Cozumel: Fantastic resort for fun and relaxing.
This resort was super for relaxing at the quiet pool where they have cushions for the loungers and also show a movie each night or relaxing at the beautiful, deep beach where the water was clear and the bottom of the ocean was very sandy. There was also the main pool where one could participate in many activities, dance lessons, volleyball, aqua-fit, etc. The grounds were absolutely gorgeous, lush and well manicured. There is a wooden bridge through mangroves one must walk to get to the beach. M[... read more]any saw an crocodile or alligator.
We found the food splendid; especially the Mediterranean restaurant. While the buffet did not have as a large of a selection as most, we found that the all groups were represented and was high-quality. Please note that the pizzeria / burrito restaurant is closed until further notice.
The resort is easy to navigate with few stairs. I would recommend more benches along the pathways for the elderly or less mobile. I also feel that the guests could benefit from cushions on some of the beach or main pool loungers. My spouse is less mobile and finds the plain loungers uncomfortable and difficult to get in and out of. Perhaps just a few chairs for those who have difficult getting down into and up out of the loungers might be helpful.
We also found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. Our only complaint was mixed messages from the staff at the main desk when we were trying to arrange a later check-out. We were to leave the resort at 6:30pm but check out was at 12:00pm. There was not a hospitality suite where one could shower after check out so enjoying the beach or pool after check-out was not feasible for us.
My wife enjoyed a massage, facial and reflexology (which she loved and now believes in whole-heartedly). However, the prices for massage and reflexology are very high at about $130 CDN (after exchange). The is about $40 more than we pay in Canada for RMT. The facial was even more expensive. I took a snorkelling excursion in the glass-bottom boat and saw an eel, sea-turtle, lobster, starfish and many varieties of fish over the coral reef. It was around $50 USD and worth it!
Please use caution when discussing the time-share (which is touted as a Royal Club upgrade. We spoke to a couple that had become members. A free week is offered. This couple decided to become members and booked a 2 week stay. They were moved to a regular room and regular service after week one???
Overall, I would recommend this resort and would consider returning if the price and flight times are good.
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Karen and Steve -
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Occidental Punta Cana: Awesome Resort for Sun & Sand.
The Occidental in Punta Cana was perfect in every way. Large clean rooms with comfortable king size beds. Amazing food buffets with four excellent a la carte restaurants. Immaculate grounds and a "beyond beautiful" beach. Loved every minute in the sunshine. Hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. The Transat Plus extras were worth the extra money.Can't say enough about our awesome week in the Dominican. We would definitely recommend this hotel to our friends.
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Racheldon -
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Sirenis Tropical Varadero: Great Time
I paid just under 1000CAD$ for the 8 day 7 night trip. The staff was extremely friendly (even though my money was locked into a broken safe for 2 days, meaning they received no tips from me until later on). When I finally went to the desk for the malfunctioning safe, there was an attendant at my door in under 10 minutes!
PROS: Food is good if you are adventurous! - tons of home made sausages, freshly cooked fish and local veggie/potato dishes. However if you are picky or want only mac and chees[... read more]e and burgers, this is not the option for you. (there are 2 buffets, one is always open the other seems to have a pickier schedule and was not always open for breakfast, the one located farther away is much better and almost seemed to be a resort secret as it is hidden away with the a la cartes.
Beach - gorgeous, volleyball court, tons of chairs and shady spots, bar was about 150m away with a nice shaded seating area. Always someone on staff during the day, very friendly will get to know you (especially if you bring them a cold beer shhh!).
Activities - catamaran 20 pesos, to go swimming with fish for 2 hours, photographer on site, small groups equip included. flexible times. tons of pedal boats and kayaks if you're feeling independent.
- Security guards will call a cab for you at the front.
- Representatives on site for excursions/restaurant reservations etc. every day
- Spa was lovely and clean (went for massages)
- Baggage room was conveniently located by the desk, locked.
- Great mix of people, adults, seniors, young people, families, couples, groups, etc.
CONS:
Rooms were quite damp so we blasted the AC to feel comfortable. I know 2 people who asked to be moved higher to fix this problem and it was no trouble, they were moved to the 5th floor that day.
Only one indoor bar (lobby bar) - this bar was usually pretty packed as it was little and the service was not particularly speedy but tolerable if you chatted with the barista ladies. However there was a day of bad weather and it was unbearable/ridiculous since it wasn't meant to accommodate large numbers (they did bring in two extra staff members almost immediately though).
Bus shuttle to airport was very late.
Only one location served snacks 24 hours and the menu was limited.
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Erxx -
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Starfish Cayo Guillermo: Cuba is always amazing
Gran Caribe Cayo Guillermo was quite pretty.. The concierge was fantastic There is even a blow up slide for the kids(I am the biggest kid) the water is VERY shallow and the beach is "narrow" (great for kids) kind of lake erie Kite surfers are dangerous but were having a lot of fun Snorkel excursion to the reef was nice BUT the nolitours representative was inattentive/lazy and NOT helpful. She cancelled our trip to Moron city then left a message with a different room(or so she claims) ...luckily [... read more]we bumped into her the day before(as we were trying to get on the snorkel tour that she forgot to tell the operator we were going on) We got a refund but now we will never enjoy the sights and people of Moron city because she didn't offer a "different" idea.. Most servers were unhelpful(try to get a spoon) and front desk was dismissive Two of ALL the staff actually made up for all the rest
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Single ladies -
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Allegro Cozumel: Excellent for price
Resort is very clean! The resort is dated, needs upgrades.
Rooms - , small room and bathroom also small but clean and no bugs! .
Food - There is 3 restaurants (Mexican- ran out of guacamole! Very disappointed, it's Mexico how do you run out of guacamole?) my only real complaint. Italian was decent but not authentic , Japanese was GREAT! Book there on all options you won't regret it.
Staff- great, friendly but you get the best service the first 3-4 days and then you get leasa attention ? Never ru[... read more]de just not as attentive. Food was ok at the Buffett you will not starve, there is variety of selection. I just found lunch buffet was not that great.
Wifi- Yoi have to pay for it!! And you can hardly pick it up unless you are in the lobby! So walk across the street to Iguanaa's a great family owned restaurant and buy a drink and get free wifi. Literally across the street. We did this everyday and we really got great service and got to know the owners daughter -in law. Great lady and the guacamole there was the best ! What a difference from the hotel. $5USD a day and you got a drink and wifi!
Beach - was beautiful, crystal clear water I was at the beach everyday and water was knee high for a while. unless it rained it was windy it dragged all the seaweed and muck in but that Mother Nature. Put your towel out in the morning before breakfast or you won't get a good spot.
The travel rep- nice lady but she was not good at her job, we asked her about going to playa for the day and where to stay and how much and she didn't know much made one call and said she didn't know where. Playa de carman is worth the trip!!! Beach is packed but you'll find a spot, cheap massage on the beach! Downtown great shops from high end to cheap ones, friendly and safe.
Night life- must get off the resort and go to señor frogs! Especially on Thursday (ladies night free cover and drinks!) the disco at resort was small and never had more than 10 people it. It's make your own party place.
Cozumel - is beautiful!!! And I found it very safe! If you are looking for a good resort for the money this is it! If you are looking for all the extras no this is not a luxury resort. It's for on a budget people. Age ranged from families to 20-28. My girl friends and I are in our 40's and on a budget so this was a good get away trip!!
I would go back if I wanted a cheap vacation that I could feel comfortable knowig it's safe, clean and worry free!!
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Sunshine 22 -
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Occidental Punta Cana: Absolutly great place
Grounds beautiful, rooms very clean. Food was excellent quality and variety was good. Beach was awesom. Lots of chairs at the beach and the pool area was excellent for all ages. Would go back againfor sure:)
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Jonny -
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Occidental Punta Cana: Nice Hotel
Beautiful hotel with a gorgeous lobby and stunning pools. The grounds were well manicured and clean. Close to many attractions, hotel provided daily excursions to enjoy. Service by hotel staff was impeccable.
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Rushi -
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Allegro Cozumel: Mixed Feelings for my stay at the Allegro
It has declined somewhat since the time we were there 5 years ago. Certain foods were not available or they constantly ran out of. ie Bacon, nacho chips etc. Cold food as no pasta station or hot entres some days - everything was under heat lamps. Way too crowded with Line-ups for food and drinks constantly. Had people log-in and staff filled out reviews in trip advisor. "all excellent" and then gave patrons free internent for the week Very deceiving.
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Tiffer -
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Occidental at Xcaret Destination: Great resort!
Beautiful resort! Food, service and grounds were all great. Very clean! The beach isn't the greatest as it is man-made but good for families. We spent most the time in the pools which were kept very clean. More of a family and couple resort. Would go back!
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Poncho -
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Allegro Papagayo by Occidental: Excellent resort for the money
We had a great time at Allegro Papagayo Costa Rica. We had room 132 which had an awesome view. A bit of a walk to and from the pool and restaurant but you could take the shuttle if you want which runs about every 10 minutes or so. The food was we thought very good for an all inclusive and not at a 5 star resort. Went on a couple excursions through Charlies Adventures which is right at the towel exchange and was very enjoyable. Cammillo and Reuben and the rest of the crew were very friendly and f[... read more]un. Some people went with outfits from the people on the beach and complained it was expensive for what they got. Don't get sucked into the timeshare. That's all I have to say on that. All in all we would go back again for sure. Not a resort if you're looking for parties but if you're looking for a quiet holiday it's great.
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Smilysach -
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Starfish Cayo Guillermo: Amazing resort! Fulfilled all of my needs
I love everything about this hotel. I booked a week here since its beach paradise for kitesurfers. Although hotel said 3 star, I slept in this beautiful rustic cabanas near the beach, the food was delish..I even had blue cheeze in my omelette and the best crêpes, the wine was good, the beach was incredible, sunny everyday I was there. Its a small quiet hotel if you are looking for something intimate where youll meet tones of lovely people. Staff were incredible. If you are looking for more vari[... read more]ety in foid and a bigger chain hotel, you might want to do iberostar daquiri next door. It more than happy and will go back.
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Bcuffe -
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Occidental Nuevo Vallarta: Superb Vacation Spot
The hotel, inside and outside is very clean. You can see that the staff work very hard to look after maintainance and housekeeping. The rooms are pretty standard, nothing special but very comfortable. Could use more drawer space in the room though.
Wi-fi Really sucks if you are on the south side of the building. We were in Room 629 and it was non-existant, even when we paid for it which I would not recommend. The company that provides wi-fi to the building are the worst customer service company [... read more]on the planet. If you have a problem, it's too bad so sad for you.
Hotel management are the best. When I couldn't stand the music from the seemingly all night theatre performance, I spoke to Vanet about it and she got me moved to the other side (north) side of the building which was great. Erika who books the a' la cartes was the best as well.
Very much an older crowd at this resort.
Buffet was OK but the a'la cartes were 5 star food for sure. The Italian resteraunt was the best. Best service, Best ambiance, best everything. All of the staff in both a'la cartes work their tail off to serve you. Please tip generously as they deserve it.
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Will San -
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Starfish Cayo Guillermo: 24 Hours there was TOO Long!!!
Cabanas worse than a tent. Holes in walls and not soundproof. Mosquitoes a problem, many bites and we live in N Ontario, and are aware of bugs. Not much food at buffet, trays empty and staff was not refilling them. Main desk staff un-courteous, aignored you. When we were ready to move to Sol Cayo Guillermo they would not send the electric cart to get our luggage. Had to carry them ourselves from the furthest Cabanas worse than a tent. Holes in walls and not soundproof. Mosquitoes a problem, many[... read more] bites and we live in N Ontario, and are aware of bugs. Not much food at buffet, trays empty and staff was not refilling them. Main desk staff un-courteous, ignored you. When we were ready to move to Sol Cayo Guillermo they would not send the electric cart to get our Cabana. Moved to Sol Cayo G and it was worth the $123C extra. SCG lovely resort, Good food, Nice rooms, Pool, Beach, & Staff. we have never moved or complained before on our many vacations, but had to this time. Actually wasted our 1st 2 days there. Gran Carribe wanted to upgrade our room for $350C but the food would have been the same. Our vacation did turn out great at SCG.
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Lins -
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Allegro Cozumel: Pleasantly surprised
My boyfriend and I stayed at Allegro Cozumel from Feb 20-Feb 27th and really enjoyed it.
The rooms are small and basic. I read that people were having issues with the hot water. We had hot water everyday and water pressure was great in the shower. No complaints there. The rooms were very clean. The bed is hard so ask for a mattress topper. I brought my own pillow thanks to advice from reviews and Im glad I did, The one complaint we had with the room was the noise from adjoining room. We could h[... read more]ear everything. We were on the ground floor in the 60's building. The fan and AC helped to block out the noise.
The pools were clean and quiet most of the week we were there. We enjoyed the "relax" pool. The beach was AMAZING. We snorkeled for an hour atleast everyday and saw some neat fish, sting rays etc. Allegro allows each person an hour free did snorkel gear a day. There is a restaurant called Albertos 15 min walk down the beach that has great food and Sol beer. The beer at Allegro was poor taste, we wished they had Sol or Corona but not. Also there is a restaurant across the street from Allegro called Senor Iguanas that has free wifi with purchase. They also have great food and great service.
The food at the restaurant was not near as bad as people were reviewing. Breakfast was the best. We always found something to eat at lunch and supper even though it could get monotonous. The three ala cartes were ALL yummy!
Fernando in the lobby is excellent to rent a car from. We rented a car for a day without hassle and drove the island, its a great way to explore at a decent cost.
What else can I say, if you want a clean, quiet, friendly resort then this is the place. We would recommend it.
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Joecat -
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Occidental at Xcaret Destination: Great resort
We were given the wrong room we had purchased all in all great place besides the bars were not open enough or long enough pool side bars closed at 6. Resort was full so room we had purchased was not correct room in the picture
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Jess556 -
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Allegro Papagayo by Occidental: Allegro papagayo
There rions Were clean and simple. I recommend bring face cloths from home. the pool and buffer area were also clean! The washroom near the pool had only two working toilets out of five. The staff were friendly and helpful. The resort is in an isolated area. If you are looking to go out it is not for you. The hotel is located in a bay, the water is very calm and shallow!