We recently returned from the Occidental Grand Aruba (June 21st) and were pleasantly surprised. We usually rent a catamaran and crew that sleep 10 in the BVI, and had never been to an all-inclusive before- we're glad we did. We believe vacations (life in general) is what we make it. . .and this trip was no exception. We had a fabulous time.
Pros:

The guest service staff were friendly and extremely helpful. From the minute we arrived until we left- they offered suggestions, helped in making reservations, and were very upbeat and friendly. Especially Neurelay (sp) and Sandra!

The hotel was clean and accommodating-tiled floors, hot water, daily maid service- in room safe.Everyday- the staff was out scrubbing and cleansing the walkways, pool, lobby etc. - it was extremely clean and well maintained.

Breakfast and lunch buffets were great- keeping in mind they are buffets- not gourmet meals. Could not have asked for more choices to meet everyone's needs. Service was prompt and everyone was friendly. (Bernice and Jenny were our favorites!)

We enjoyed two of the four restaurants- Italian and Zen, but don't recommend Desire for the Carribean faire. We did not eat at the Tex-Mex. Passan, our Italian waiter was WONDERFUL.

The beach was FABULOUS- the sand white and soft and no shells or gritty sand, and no seaweed. This was not the case at other hotels as we walked the beach. We inquired about this and learned they remove the shells and replace sand to keep it pristine. We appreciated it! :-) The a.m. beach crew was great too- Johnny was there every morning raking, sweeping, and distributing towels. Uriel and Margaitiza (sp) worked at getting everyone involved in playing darts, or throwing horseshoes- fun and entertaining.

Drinks- of course they only have one choice of beer- but so what. I drink champagne- :-) I was prepared to pay for champagne if they served a less than desirable one or none at all- again I was happy and drank lots of it :-) Watching bartenders pour and make drinks was amazing- there was no "skimping" on alcohol- everyone of the beach bartenders had their work cut out for them. They were CONSTANTLY working/serving - nonstop and were pleasant and friendly all the time!

Minor Suggestions:

Deliver bottled water to the mini-bars in the room on a daily basis.

Skip the "evening shows"- it's not a cruise ship or Las Vegas- these people work all day and then are expected to entertain at night- I don't think so!

We believe tipping for service is an important and good thing- regardless of the all-inclusive status. We expect good service and believe people should be compensated for delivering. All the staff from the maid to the servers, from the bartenders to the security are HARD WORKING PEOPLE- and are so appreciative to receive a few extra dollar as a token of gratitude. We also learned their names and were interested in them as people....positive energy and true interest makes a difference and is contagious! :-)

We had a great time! As I mentioned we were pleasantly surprised with the Occidental and all-inclusive accommodations. (we have friends who stay at the Riu-I believe we had the better experience and vacation) We WILL return to Aruba and to the Occidental- for the weather- the beach- the friendly hard working people and a fabulous vacation! Vacation, and life are what you make it. Enjoy!

WE actually just got back and already are planning another trip back...The staff was fanastic and the service was out of this world..Glad we pick the occidental as our honeymoon spot.. We will be going back........

We loved the Occidental Grand Aruba. We stayed at the Royal Club and everything was fantastic. From the room, the room service, the Concierge, the food, the staff and the nightly entertainment was excellent. We did not want to come back home and plan to go back again hopefully next year.

Food was great. My favorite was the Italian restaurant but all the other restaurants were just as good. The staff went out of their way to give us whatever we asked for. The room was freshly done everyday and the towels were changed twice a day. The beach was fantastic. There is always a nice breeze. Great for people of all ages to stay at.

I would definitely recommend this hotel for a wonderful and relaxing stay!!!

As it drew closer to our get away, I was a little apprehensive about selecting the Occidental; however, upon our arrival it all disappeared.

We booked through a travel agent who also arranged the transfers to/from airport/resort. After a nonstop flight from Boston, within five hours we arrived in Aruba. It was a short period of time to retrieve luggage and then off to take a seat for our trip to the resort. Upon arrival, a bellman gathered our luggage and asked for our reservation information. Seeing that we booked Royal Club, he took us up to the 9th floor for check in (without having to wait); and before we were finished, our luggage was already in our room. We were in Room 1918 and had a wonderful view of the pool, beach and ocean.

Dinner reservations were a breeze since concierge made them for us each day. We never had any issues and any questions we had were politely and quickly answered. Anne, Concierge Manager, was absolutely wonderful; as was her staff.

We were surprised on the day of our anniversary to return to our room in the afternoon to find a note saying that a request has been made for us to be upgraded to one of the resorts' three master suites. My husband and I were thrilled since it was such a special occasion for us. The following day, Anne's staff (sorry ladies but I do not remember each of your names but I will not forget the hospitality you showed us everyday) made arrangements for us to be moved to Room 1724. It was LARGE, CLEAN and the views took my breath away. What a wonderful time we had deciding where to have our evening cocktails from room service - balcony off the bedroom (or listen to the games on the flat screen tv), balcony off the living room or the balcony off the dining room while sitting in the Jacuzzi!

We were there the week of June 14th through June 21st and had a terrific time with the guys/couples watching the Celtics win the playoffs (on our 25th anniversary of course)! Everyone seemed to have a great time.

The resort was not overcrowed, so we never had an issue getting a seat at the swim up bar, under the shade on the beach or even getting a beach chaise when we finally ventured down between 11:30 / 12:30 each day. Towels were never an issue either.

Take the time to converse with the staff bringing you dinner, mixing/serving your cocktail of the day or just saying "Hello" to you as you pass by on your way to your activity of the day and you will have a great time! Remember, they are there for your comfort and should be respected. We met and engaged in conversations with almost everyone who worked hard to make our trip special.

If there is any one piece of advise I have to give, it is:
"The most important thing to remember - YOU ARE ON VACATION! It is time to relax - leave your hangups/attitude at the airport when you arrive and you are guaranteed to have a wonderful trip." ENJOY!!!!! :)