Occidental Cozumel: Cozumel Occidental Grand, pros and cons

Here is my evaluation of the Occidental Grand Cozumel at which my friend and I stayed January 27 to February 3, 2017. The evaluation is meant to help you guide others who might be contemplating staying at this resort. 1. The grounds of this hotel are quite beautiful and meticulously maintained. The cottages are secluded and interspersed, each sitting in a lovely botanical setting and independent of the others, offering perfect privacy. 2. Our room seemed to have been recently renovated. I [... read more]t was a generous size, clean, and bright. The linen was good quality. Bottled water in our room was always in good supply. I found that tipping the maid ahead guaranteed exceptional service. She was excellent. 3. The bathroom also seemed new, tiled from floor to ceiling in a terracotta large tiles. 4. Hot water was always available, and the shower heads, one fixed and one hand-held, worked well. The safe and the closet were both situated in the bathroom. This is not a practical arrangement. This inconvenience brought my rating of the room to "fair" 5. If we left a request, towels were replaced daily, and in generous numbers. 6. Bathroom items such as soap and shampoo were plentiful. 7. The air-conditioning unit worked; however, the thermostat control did not. No matter at what temperature we set the unit, it ran continuously. The air-conditioning vent was situated in an upper section of the wall in such a way to blow directly onto one of the beds. 8. The fan in the room worked and for my purposes was a perfect solution to nocturnal temperatures. I am a sound sleeper and the buzz of the fan did not disturb me. 9. The main buffet restaurant offered average quality dishes, but there was ample choice, and even a chef making tasty meat or fish dishes to request. Salad choices were ample, vegetables were offered raw as well as cooked, and there were numerous desserts. The desserts to me were mostly inedible, but perhaps my dessert palate is not accustomed to Mexican sweets. For example, their mousse bore no resemblance to mousse one eats at our restaurants. There was, however, always fresh fruit. 4. We were led to believe that we would be entitled to eating at speciality restaurants 3 times during our stay. However, once we checked in, someone told us that the resort is so full that we would be able to eat at these restaurants only 2 times during our stay. Evidence showed that this is a deliberate deception in the brochure, as these speciality restaurants were never filled to capacity. On the contrary, they seemed more than half empty every single day. 4. Food in speciality restaurants turned out to be exactly the same as in the buffet. The chef took a tiny cut of meat or fish (2 square inches), fanned a few slices of zucchini and carrots around it, and drizzled some reduced balsamic over the dish, and presented it as a gourmet plate. The pasta in the Mediterranean Room was really quite horrible, overdone and soggy. The Seafood Specialty Restaurant on the beach was mediocre at best, although the ocean view and the stars made up for the food mediocrity. All in all, one did better to eat in the buffet restaurant and design one’s own specialty dishes. 5. The waiters were all hardworking and accommodating, courteous and professional. 6. The beach was always overcrowded and it was nearly impossible to find two chairs together. 7. The big pool offered no shade whatsoever. 8. The smaller adult pool was lovely with new well padded loungers. Iguanas lived by the pool, sometimes as many as 8. I found the first 2 charming “guests”, but more than that an utter annoyance. I could tell the iguanas were enjoying themselves, making love all day and resting in between. Another negative about this pool was how guests monopolized the chairs by parking towels on them at 7 am and not showing up until after lunch. The only way we could get a lounger was to come out at 7 am as well. We felt no guilt over this tactic because we actually used the loungers all day. 9. My biggest complaint about this resort is unequivocally about the vast number of smokers around the pool and in the lobby area. Since we in Canada (perhaps in big cities only) find smoking to be so passé and so dangerous really, I had a hard time with this imposition on my enjoyment of the resort. For this reason alone, I would never revisit this resort. 10. The gym had new equipment: 3 treadmills, 1 elliptical, 1 bicycle, one rowing machine, and various weights. It was never busy, so I could enjoy 2 hours every day of uninterrupted solitude and alone time. BELOW IS A REPORT ON WHAT HAPPENED TO US BECAUSE WE DID NOT KNOW AHEAD OF TIME OF THE DANGERS OF SALES PEOPLE DECEPTIONS: Immediately as we deplaned and entered the Cozumel Airport terminal and asked for a Transat rep, we were led to a booth where a man claimed to be part of the Transat team. He stressed the urgency of talking to him first, so we will know what the best and most economical way was to arrange tours, etc. Ten minutes into this presentation, we realized he had nothing to do with Transat and dashed outside to be sure we had not missed our ride to the resort. We barely made it. And by the way, everything this man told us was a lie. The first morning of our resort stay, we ventured into the lobby to ask about an upgrade, as you suggested. Since the lobby was populated by many desks and many people in uniform, we asked the first available person how much an upgrade would be. He led us to a desk and ensured us the person sitting behind it would be the best person to arrange this upgrade. This was where our nightmare began. The story is very long and extremely frustrating, but in a nutshell: we were guaranteed by 3 people who were called in as back-ups, that the upgrade would be $US 21/night, but we first needed to speak to one more person to secure this upgrade request. Before we realized it, we were sitting in a large room, being given a time-share sales pitch. We then made it clear that we were not interested in time share. After many, many more little incidents and protests, we were led back to the original “liar” to finally arrange the promised upgrade. Unfortunately, he said this upgrade is no longer $US 21, but $US 37. On and on it went, until the room was actually not available for another 4 nights, etc. etc. I finally realized the lies were getting bigger, and raised my voice to let them know that they were all lying and giving the resort a very bad name. In the end, we did have some marvellous luck that the reception manager Gabriela heard me and called us over to her desk. By way of compensation, she gave us the upgrade for free, although the room itself would only be available on Monday. She also commented that these sales people are not part of the resort, and that they lie continuously to everyone and anyone they trap for their sales pitch. As part of Gabriela’s generosity, we had free wifi in the lobby and in the upgraded Royal Club section, we had access to La Caretta, by far the best restaurant on the premises (where we ate often), we had access to the Royal Club pool. In fact, we had all the privileges of the Royal Club members. On Monday, we decided not to move rooms, as our room was fine and moving seemed at that point not worth all the effort. I felt sincere gratitude for Gabriela’s kind offer and to make up somewhat for the free upgrade, I rewarded the restaurant staff with generous tips when we ate at The Caretta. The waiters were attentive, pleasant, professional, and welcoming. Mosquitoes and other bugs: On our fight back, I noticed a few bumps on my arms and hands, but paid no attention. On Saturday morning when I woke up in my own bed, I counted 19 oversized bite marks—raised red bumps on my left arms, 7 on my right, several on my back, and the itchiness began. I am on Benadryl and confident the marks will disappear. I don’t know what caused them—mosquitoes or flies, but they are not pleasant to live with. The odd thing is that I did not feel the bites when they happened. So, all in all, although this resort has truly lovely and well maintained grounds, friendly and courteous staff, and is well priced, I would not recommend it to people who like pristine open spaced beaches, quiet pool areas, a smoke-free environment, and insect free spaces. I myself would not go back. As well, I would not go to Mexico because of the utter lack of professional work ethics of sales people. Feel free to share my outlook on Cozumel Occidental Grand with your clients. This report in no way reflects your part in this trip (Tripcentral agent), as you were flawless in your arrangements. Thank you. N.B. I would like to remain anonymous in the context of not sharing my email address with anyone other than Tripcentral staff.

Grand Park Royal Cozumel: Very relaxing

This my second time here and would go a third and fourth,. The rooms, service,location, pools, were amazing. The food was mostly very good maybe more alacarts would be nice and more beach chairs. My only complaint would be the walking paths are rough and rocky not the greatest for walling.

Allegro Cozumel: One week in paradise

We had an amazing time at the Allegro! The hotel was beautifully laid out, and the grounds were perfectly maintained. The staff was friendly, helpful, and we were always greeted with a smile. The beach was gorgeous. Our son had a blast at the kids pool. Beautiful family oriented resort. The food was delicious, with plenty of selection. BBQ everyday by the pool. We enjoyed our stay and hope to return!

El Cozumeleno Beach: El Cozumeleno rocks!

We had been here 4 years ago and decided to return for a week - we love Cozumel and the fact that this resort is so close to town made it a good option. It is only 10 minutes away from the airport as well - the beach is amazing, with fish swimming around you all the time, great for snorkelling. The service was great, drinks served on the beach, buffet food was always a good variety, and if you didn't like that, could order from the menu, they also offer room service for meals. There is a nice di [... read more]ning room for a sit-down 3 course meal The cons: Hot tub cold and dirty, but we don't do hot tubs Swimming pools a bit on the cool side, but with the ocean there and hot sun, who cares? Not enough lounge chairs, unless you want to get up at 6 a.m. to reserve one Staff are great and very attentive - even when the power was off for 1 day, the town's doing - they rose to the occasion and we hardly noticed! We came back relaxed and happy

Grand Park Royal Cozumel: Great resort in the middle of all the action!

This resort is a great escape for couples and families. The selection of food and quality was very good. We especially enjoyed the selection on the buffet that changed on a daily basis they had theme nights each night that consisted of TexMex Italian Caribbean Mexican and international dishes. The rooms for a very spacious and exceptionally clean we received great service when dealing with the front desk they were very courteous and very helpful. We really like the location for this resort [... read more] one for the fact that you could travel downtown to downtown Cozumel easily by catching a cab or if you enjoy walking it's approximately a 40 minute walk to the downtown area. The selection of pools were great two pools at the ocean were very refreshing and the bar staff was exceptional they were always very courteous and a lot of fun to deal with. The views from our hotel room were amazing we were in the second building facing the cruise ships. It was an ocean view room that had all the amenities. The nice thing about this resort is they had very clean washrooms located at both the two pools at the ocean as well as a number of washrooms in the main lobby and bar area. There was also a bikini bar at the main pool which serves great food such as chicken wings nachos and cheese and other tasty treats. There was never a lack of food at anytime of the day as well as room service delivered directly to your room 24 hours. As for Wi-Fi connection we had no issues with the regular no cost free Wi-Fi accessing it from our room as well as the pools or anywhere on the resort The only thing I would caution people if you have a hard time walking the stone walkways at the resort were very uneven and it made it difficult for older people to navigate.

Occidental Cozumel: Well kept resort

The grounds of the reset are very well bushed in. Rooms looked like they had recently been renovated. It is a Smaller resort..depending what you are looking for and mostly older residents. The food was amazing but seemed to have to wait in line for 10 min some days just to get a table, espesually for lunch. The beach was not cleaned on a daily basic but still seemed to be okay.

Grand Park Royal Cozumel: Great experience !!

Hotel was very clean, friendly staff, food was very good, activities all day if you wanted, or relax by the 3 pools. Snorkling was included, amazing experience. If you leave the hotel grounds, be very careful of dishonest people. Almost got taken for by local gas station, filling rental jeep.

Occidental Cozumel: Beautiful location

Service was excellent, very friendly staff. Beach was very crowded due to a small beach area for chaise lounges. Difficulty getting chaise lounges in the pool area. The food was plentiful, although much of the same menu every day. Warning to avoid salesmen trying to sell upgrades re: taxi service from the airport.very clean rooms, good linens provided.

Allegro Cozumel: Allegro Cozumel

This is a very nice Hotel. The food and drinks were good. lots of pool and beach chairs for everyone. Entertainments during the day around the pool was good but could use more entertainments during the evenings. they have a nice pool for children. We really enjoyed our week.

Allegro Cozumel: Lovely resort!

What a beautiful resort, the grounds, beach, pools, rooms, food, and especially the people. It is not a large resort so getting around was easy and you didn't feel over crowded. It looked like a great place for family vacations even though we didn't have children with us. Great kids pool area. The other pool areas were very nice. Everything very clean and landscaping beautiful. The sunsets were gorgeous every night. The food was also very good, pretty good selection to choose from. The a la cart [... read more]s were excellent and an experience. They always made it very enjoyable an extra special. The staff worked very hard for everyone to enjoy their vacation. They were always there if you needed them. Friends we were with had planned a beautiful private dinner on the beach with the group of us, he proposed to his bride to be. What an amazing meal and beautiful setting! Definitely recommend this! The waiters and the chef did an excellent job, best steak I have had! Our friends then got married on the beach later in the week, how beautiful it was! The staff did a fabulous job setting up and making sure it all worked out. They were amazing. Overall this was an amazing vacation and I would definitely return again.

Occidental Cozumel: The hotel was beautiful and amazing

The hotel was beautiful and amazing in the staff at the concierge area were wonderful probably the best service ever including the service at the beach was great as well would highly recommend going to being the beach is beautiful

Grand Park Royal Cozumel: different service

WAS nice a lot of walking with a bad back. Service was good the only catch was we had a 12 year old she was only allowed in one resterent. because she was a kid.MY wife got her necklace taken and bracelet taken from room

Grand Park Royal Cozumel: Great Resort

This was a great resort. The service was fantastic. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. The food was flavourful and delicious. The infinity pools were beautiful. The beach itself was small but the snorkelling was great. The beach fills up quickly due to it's small size and there are often cruise ship passengers that can pay to use the resort when the ship is docked for the day. There is not too much nightlife on the resort but the entertainment staff try hard and do provide some fun great show [... read more]s like the Mayan dance which was incredible. There is sometimes live music by the lobby throughout the week. Señor Frogs is a quick taxi ride away if you are looking for more nighttime fun (which it is!). Catching the ferry to the Playa del Carmen is also near by and I highly recommend if you are looking for more shopping, restaurants and a change in scenery. Also the public beach there is beautiful.

El Cozumeleno Beach: Over all great spot

Overall rooms and lobby area need updated Art work. Rooms need updated top blanket. Lobby internet is weak. Lobby could use better lighting or raised ceiling if possible. Clean pools and grounds

Occidental Cozumel: Great Holiday!!

We thought the place was wonderful, people were so friendly and helpful and always had a smile on their faces, they worked so very hard and everything was so clean. Would recommend more help in the bar areas or even a waitress/waiter to come around taking orders in the evenings to relieve the line up at the bar and maybe more of a selection of food in the evenings, I never went hungry, but there was two evenings where I only had bread and deserts for dinner, the food was always good, though the [... read more] selection only was hard to detect what it was, I was never left hungry!! Loved the resort and will for sure go back! Victor and Lordes were always there it seemed and always made a point of saying hi.

Allegro Cozumel: Fun resort

Hotel was very very nice and beach is just great. Breakfast was great lunch was too dinners were hit or miss. Ala carts were great. beach was great clear water and service was very good. Music was playing all time happy place

Iberostar Waves Cozumel: Ok resort

This resort's food was great but rooms need to be redone. Very smelly with dampness. Pool was great. Staff excellent. We paid for superior but don't feel price reflected that. The wild life that was on the resort was excellent.

Allegro Cozumel: Definitely Recommend!

My boyfriend and I visited from January 20th to the 27th and we had an amazing experience! We arrived late (11pm) and there was no problems getting checked in and getting situated in our room. The entire week, service was great and staff was always friendly and willing to answer any questions. The resort is very kid-friendly (we don't have kids), but we didn't find it to be overwhelming or annoying. If you're not a kid-friendly person though their partner resort Occidental is just down the beach [... read more] and is more adult-oriented. There are plenty of options for food! Most meals were served in a buffet style, but you never lacked for option. If you're down for trying Mexican dishes you have that or if you'd prefer to stick with what you know, there were always some more basic options! Both of us experienced a little bit of Montezuma's revenge, so I would pack some Pepto Bismol if you are worried about this. Overall, this was an amazing experience and I would definitely go back!

Occidental Cozumel: Exactly what we were looking For

Very nice smaller sized hotel, looks like they cater more to adults, but can accommodate families. It was marvellous to laze by adults pool, see the bar across the pool from you, then you see your three storey group of rooms just beyond that... Food selection was very good, drinks were cold. Oscar was wonderful finding excursions for exactly what we were looking for. Got trapped into a time-share one hour talk that lasted three hours on our first morning there... Tell us sir what do you think of [... read more] our hotel? Well I have not had time to see anything yet!!....Warning- if you want to take excursions on the mainland.... add a 20 minute taxi ride (and cost) plus 45 minute ferry ride (and cost) each way... It adds to tour costs and adds maybe 3 additional hours to your day

Allegro Cozumel: LOVED IT

LOVED THE WHOLE HOTEL , ROOMS , FOOD , POOLS, BEACH. THE BEDS WERE COMFORTABLE MEMORY FOAM MATTRESSES. HAD A GREAT TIME THERE. MY FRIENDS GOT MARRIED ON THE TRIP AND THE STAFF BENT OVER BACKWARDS FOR THEM. EVERYTHING THE STAFF SAID THEY WOULD DO, THEY DID AND MORE. THE SUNSETS WHERE GREAT. THE RESORT IS NOT HUGE SO IT IS EASY TO WALK AROUND TO THE POOLS , BEACH.