Occidental Papagayo

I'm not the type of traveller to return to the same all-inclusive, this being a big big world and all . . . but this low-key, friendly (even the 'wild' animals!), quiet resort ticks all the boxes. So, when the world recovers from COVID, I will return. Overall, this resort provided just enough without making it a loud, party place. Just enough variety of food and drink and activities. Just enough travel time from the airport. Just close enough to attend off-site day trips to neato areas in this perfect country. We wanted a low key relaxing time and Occidental Papagayo delivered! It isn't freshly re-furbished, but neither was it sorely in need of repair. Our view was delightful, and our room did what it was supposed to do. Hot water, air conditioning, balcony, view, comfortable bed . . . conscientious housekeepers. This hotel is on a hill, and there is a shuttle if people do not want to walk. If you are not a strong walker, you can experience difficulty with the number of steps to the large pool, and more steps to the beach. The restorative and relaxing week in Costa Rica was made possible by the excellent staff. Everyone ( except the front desk people, who didn't seem to understand or care) in the kitchen department went above and beyond to ensure guests' comfort. Enrique is the man in charge! And did he and his team take care of me! I have celiac and can have no gluten, and everything I was served was guaranteed to be safe. Enrique and his team went above and beyond; so much appreciation to Roy, Jennifer, Dave, Cinthia, Juan Carlos, David Caravaca,...thank you. Don George is the hardest working 'bus boy' I've ever seen. The entertainment staff was fun and cheerful, offering up pool volleyball and bingo and the usual. Valeria, Shirla ,Ruben, Esteban, and Moises were all eager to keep us fit and happy, and there was even a booze-infused game of volleyball. Miss a shot, take a shot. There are no evening shows at this quiet place, so the afternoon dances by the pool (the bigger pool) were delightful. Marlon at the towel bar for tours was great. Ramon, also near the big pool, offers ATV tours. Four of us went on a customized tour. We rented two ATVs, Ramon at the lead taking us where the people and animals live. It was the dry season, so there can be dust, but we drove through creeks and bush and towns. Some locals don't get in to town, ever, and we were fortunate enough to be able to give them our boxed lunches. Ramon has lived in Canada and now makes Costa Rica his home. He is from Dominican Republic and has a great knowledge of his new country, plus he has a heart of gold, ensuring locals aren't forgotten just because they are not wealthy. It is not recommended to take a tour with someone from the beach or in the nearby town, and we did met a couple who lost their deposit as the guy was a fraud. Ramon and Marlon at the resort can give you great tour. We enjoyed an on-site couples massage in the spa. A few days later, we enjoyed a beach massage for less than half the price. The beach has a few people selling tours and art and massages. The tide can sometimes make the beach disappear, so it wasn't overly busy. Many locals enjoy gathering there, and it was too windy and choppy for snorkelling but a proper small beach with enough chairs and considerate people to make it all enjoyable. My reviews do not usual include huge shout outs to staff. ENRIQUE. ROY. DAVID CARAVACA. All these people deserve special mention as they genuinely care about their guests' vacation. Pura Vida! I want to be in Costa Rica right now and ride out this scary pandemic with kind and thoughtful people.

Occidental Papagayo is a great, all-inclusive resort with plenty to do. Unbeknowest to my wife and I, the have daily activities that include archery, cocktail classes and kayaking. We enjoyed even playing pool with one of the activity instructors, Ruben, who really made us feel like we had a friend there in Costa Rica. Our room (in the 400 building) was beautifully situated with a view of the water and not too far from the main lobby. Room was nice and spacious, albeit didn't like how far the TV was from the bed, but just part of the set up. Downside of the room was WiFi did not really work. Only got to use it when in the premium lounge. We enjoyed the buffet breakfast every day and the buffet for lunch and dinner as well. Food was good, though some days I didn't venture and try too many things only because my palette is not adventurous. Service is incredible. Einat in the Premium Lounge was our favorite bartender and she made the most delicious drinks. When asked about something she hadn't heard of, she would ask me to explain and make it as if she had made it before--came out excellent. One of our favorite pass times was hanging in the "relax pool" which is the one with the wet bar by the beach. Carlos there was a great guy and told us a lot about the local life. Amenities include in room service, daily refilling of minibar (love the beer) and all the things you want in a resort. Go check out the Disco and play pool while you drink.