We just returned after spending an amazing week at this resort, everything was exceptional the food, drinks, was great, we are not big on all inclusive but this one sure did change our minds, the resort help were wonderful they sure do catter to their guests. One and only down fault that we were not happy with was that they charge to use the internet, we felt that for the price that we paid internet service should be included. Highly recommend this resort and Aruba.

Had wonderful trip. Went with great friends., service was great, the staff was very friendly. Would definitely return in the future. Added kudos to Erick Laureano, a great bartender and Jimmy from the fun club. You made our stay memorable. Thanks.

I booked 3 upgraded rooms at this resort 6 months in advanced and had confirmation numbers for each. Upon arrival, we were escorted to a conference room in the back and told they were over booked and were moving us to the Riu Resort for 2 days. The rooms at the Riu overlooked the parking lot and there was mold in the bathrooms...not what I paid for or was expecting. On the day we were to return, the Occidental told us to not come back before lunch, so we really lost 3 days before we ever got into our room. I asked the driver for the resort if this happened often and he said..."every weekend". I can only say that disappointment is an understatement for what I felt. On the other hand, the food was good, the staff very friendly, the bartenders keep the drinks flowing and rooms were clean. There are 2 hot tubs in the center of the pool that were never crowded. If you have a room facing the pool, the music doesn't stop until around midnight on some nights and you will hear the the base in the music thumping through the windows. It is a family resort and we were traveling with an infant. There was no problem with reserving a crib for the room and there were always plenty of high chairs in the restaurants. The entertainment was fun and the staff work very hard to put on an enjoyable show.

We had an incident of one of our family members going into Anaphylactic Shock from eating shrimp and the hotel security men were very helpful for getting us up to the lobby and out to a cab since the ambulance was to far away for us to wait. The hospital is only 10 minutes away from the hotel which we were thankful for. Our family member is fine now and was able to enjoy the rest of the vacation after a 17 hour stay in the hospital. I did think it was a little odd that not one of the hotel staff inquired on how our family member was...oh well, it's a big resort.

I would go back to Aruba again, just don't know if it would be to this resort. If a confirming reservation doesn't get you a room, then what will?

We stayed at The Occidental in early January. As guests of First Club members, we were treated very nicely. There was a separate check in, lovely reception room with Internet, bar, and snacks.
Our First Club suite was excellent. It was large with a king bed and adjoining room with a pullout, dining room table and kitchenette . We had two full bathrooms which was perfect for the three of us.
We booked three nights at the Italian restaurant which was upscale and up to NYC standards.
We enjoyed the buffet for breakfast but not so much for lunch and dinner. The resort needs a nice seafood restaurant.
Lastly, the staff was superb! Everyone was helpful and friendly. Too many wonderful staff members to mention individually. The grounds were also meticulously kept. The beach is beautiful.
We are very particular and were extremely satisfied with our stay at The Occidental.