Occidental at Xcaret Destination

Right before the world went crazy my family and I traveled to Mexico and stayed here. We had looked at many resorts online and picked this one based on reviews, photos, proximity to Xcaret next door, the beach, etc. Check in was honestly great. I had read so many reviews about it taking so long and that wasn't the case at all. We were greeted with a cold drink and the whole process start to finish was less than 15 minutes. We opted for the unlimited Xcaret package as we planned to use the park many times. It was a little pricey but ultimately worth it. Only hiccup with check in was the room we were given had no balcony and we had specifically asked for one. Also it was a bit of a maze to even find the room. We called front desk and they apologized and we came back and got things changed. This time we were escorted to our room which made it so much easier. There was a bottle of tequila and a fruit basket in our room which was nice and balconey with a beautiful view of the trees and lush landscape. Within minutes we had two monkeys show up and my kids fed them a banana, one even had a baby on her back!!! This literally made the whole trip for my kids and we had only been there an hour! We went out and explored the resort and discovered 3 things: One. This resort is big. Like really big. Its a hike to pretty much anywhere, pool, beach, buffet, lots of walking, wear good shoes. Two. This resort is beautiful! The landscaping, the trees, the ruins, the beach, everything is beautiful. Three. The staff are so friendly! Every person we met smiled and said Hola! The food at the main buffet is ok, I've had better, I've had worse. Not much for kids, lots of seafood based dishes but we always found something to eat. The beach buffet is way better and we chose to eat there most days for breakfast even though it is a long walk to get there. We tried every restaurant, the Asian one being our absolute favorite. The food is incredible, and they set our dessert on fire, awesome! The steakhouse was a bit of disappointment, the Italian was quite good as was the Mediterranean. We didn't even know about the buffet above the pool bar until the 4th day, great spot for a burger, fries, chicken wings or some fresh fruit. The pools were fine, big and spacious, always music playing, a little cold but it was so hot we enjoyed the relief. The waterfall above the pool bar is nice but makes it nearly impossible to leave with a drink without getting water in it. Couple of rowdy drunk people at the pool but not a big deal. Also lots of interacted games with prizes to keep busy. The beach area is awesome!!!! Regardless of how windy or rough the ocean is the beach is always calm. AND THERE ARE SO MANY FISH!!!! It was little un-nerving initially to have them swim all around you, but my kids loved it! We didn't experience a shortage of chairs or anything and the hanging beach beds were great. We went to the neighboring Xcaret park a total of 5 times and it was fantastic. So many things to see and do, no way you could or would want to fit it all into one day. Because of Covid-19 the resort was taking many extra precautions including hand sanitizer stations throughout and at every restaurant. Throughout the week the resort became less and less crowded which was nice, however as a result some the restaurants began closing. I would suggest a sign at the enterance to the long wooden bridge indicating that the beach buffet is closed before walking 15 minutes to see a sign just outside the restaurant showing closed. Then we had to walk all the way back. But that was minor. All in all, we had an amazing time! The resort is big and beautiful with something for everyone. The buffets are average but the restaurants make up for it. The beach is small but wonderful, the pools are cold but refreshing. The nightly entertainment is nice, and the staff are so friendly and kind. I would recommend to any family looking for a getaway. Not so much for a couple or honeymoon, but I would certainly come back.

Really angry. Most expensive holiday we has ever booked. Went with the company in part, due to the free cancellation and flexibility which is extremely well advertised on their website. But when we had to use it, they charged our credit card, without our permission for the full amount. Blank terms and conditions sent in confirmation email.

So first off the positives: it is a truly beautiful resort with lots to see and do. The food is not bad. The live entertainment at night was nice. There is a very cool show within walking distance at the water park, highly recommend, and some pretty decent entertainment at night at the hotel. The ladies who work at the coffee shop are nice. It is really cool to see the birds and monkeys. The check in time was ridiculous. I was deliriously tired being up since 4 am and I believe check in took around an hour. The pools are beautiful so it is a shame the water is so cold and there are so few chairs. When I was there the water was flat out too cold to swim in even though it was well over 80 degrees out. Huge disappointment because I love to swin. Some other guests are flat out very rude and aggressive over chairs and it is terrible the hotel puts guests in that situation. But here's why I am writing this review and you can make your own decision about what you think happened. My husband and I went to their beach area our second to last day. He went to the bar and got a drink. Then an hour later got two drinks for himself as the bar was busy. I do not drink at all. I noticed after he finished his drinks, about 2.5 hours into our visit he was real messed up. Drunker than I've ever seen him. He's a big guy and experienced drinker and I've never seen him so trashed off 3 drinks. However at this point I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt and say it's too much sunshine, he's just overdid it. I half carry him back to our room. He strips off all his clothes and passes out on the bed. I lay down next to him. Sort of dozing but making sure he's ok. It's what happens next that makes me wonder. About 30 mins after we get back to our room there's a knock on the door. My husband is naked on the bed and I am half dressed and I don't answer it. Well then I hear a "click" and the door open. There is a man standing in our room with, I believe two men behind him. Hard to tell from my vantage point. I sit up. I stare at him and he stares at me. I wonder why he is just standing there with my husband naked and passed out on the bed. I finally ask him, "'Is everything okay?" And I think it is pretty apparent I am not incapacitated in any way. He finally says, "Bano, miss?" And points to the bathroom. And I tell him no, there's nothing wrong with the bathroom. And they finally leave. I spend the rest of the night guarding my husband like a hawk with their 911 on speed dial. Make of it what you will. I spend