We have stayed here for seven years and unfortunately the property is going down hill. The furniture both in the rooms and public areas is worn and uncomfortable. We experienced water leakage after rains. This was addressed on the fourth floor elevator landing by putting towels along the window wall and letting them sit for five days. We were concerned about mold. Improvements also could be made in the check-in process. On the plus side the staff was for the most part friendly and helpful. We would like to single out Theo in the Palm Restaurant-a.m. and Roseline in Housekeeping. Theo was dedicated to ensuring our needs were met not only in the dining room but also with other aspects of our stay.

To start with the front desk: instead of suggesting the best service to us they took their time allowing the personnel from the casino located across the front desk to bombard us with "best" offers and discounts we could only get in the casino. Then we were informed that they are booked and they don't have much choice of the rooms because it was Thursday and many people did not check out yet. We got the room facing the parking lot of another hotel (yes, the whole one side of the hotel has rooms facing the parking lot-enjoy the view), and our friend got the room right on the top of the air conditioning units. Upon attempts to switch the rooms we were told they have only worst, not better ones. it took our friends 2 days and 4 rooms to get satisfactory room. The room itself was, well, small, outdated. There was a music outside of the hotel till 4 in the morning, and we had to close the door and turn on the air conditioner, which made even worse loud sound. For 3 out of 7 days of stay we had to call for them to bring us the bath towels- their explanation:"you know, we have a small laundry", and on the 4-th day when we came from the beach at 5.30 in the evening our room was not clean because the cleaning lady was just going to get to us- we were lucky we got our towels. About the fruit "basket" that somebody mentioned before- it was hilarious- once they brought a small plate with banana, 2 apples and kiwi. The beach is ok, I can't say they really clean it, but it was decent. The food in the hotel is a separate chapter. if you have all inclusive option and are not planning to get out from the hotel you are destined to be bored with the same meals over and over again, plus the beauty of drinking nice and cold juice and eating various fruits both kindly retrieved from the cans that you can (but we usually don't) buy in any supermarket or 99c store. I get it, Aruba import most of the fruits, but don't say that you are 4 star hotel- say 2 and own it with pride, this way people know what to expect. The only decent restaurant was Italian.Overall the staff was ok, some were openly rude, others were nice- nobody cared about tips. If you travel with kids: yes, you absolutely have to pay full extra charge, but the kids club is non-existent and there are absolutely no activities for kids in the evening, so you are their best entertainment. Oh, and by the end of vacation I went down with food poisoning and the first day I came home , I had to visit my doc for IV. Best vacation I've ever had, indeed!

We have stayed at the Occidental twice now and have enjoyed it so much. We cannot wait to go back. Each staff member are excellent. If you have a chance to stay in the Royal Club Veronica will take such good care of you. She is the best!

Thank you for an awesome experience

I visited approximately 15 timeshare presentations in different countries/resorts/hotels but I never purchased. Finally Occidental Grand Aruba pushed me to buy my first timeshare. Very good food, excellent service, and nice beach. Family friendly resort. Safe area for kids. My kids are 2 and 5.