Our disappointment with this resort began upon arrival. We had booked through expedia (an air/hotel package), which some might say is/was a mistake, though I had never had any trouble with bookings prior to this one.

Anyway, upon arrival, we were armed with our expedia paperwork. The bell hop who greeted us had a list of people who were scheduled to arrive that day. Guess what? We were not on it, but one of my family members, who had arrived the day before, was. So I figured that there was some mix-up--maybe my brother had reserved a block of rooms in the same building or something. There had to be some logical explanation. We headed to the reservation desk in the main lobby and explained the situation. The staff was somewhat aloof and eventually said that they had no record of our reservation. I showed several different people my paperwork, and eventually, one woman got on the computer and said that they had us booked for August! Whaaaaaaaaat? I'm guessing that expedia communicated our reservation information to the resort, and someone at the resort fouled up the information when entering it into the system. Hmm. What ended up happening was that they assigned us a room after taking our credit card and license information, and off we went, grateful that we got a room at all (I could easily see being told that the whole place was full).

The grounds and room were beautiful. Our room was some form of a suite with a living area, dining area, separate bedroom, and two balconies. It was very clean and well kept. After getting our luggage, we toured the rest of the grounds and were very impressed with the pools, beach, and other facilities.

Now onto the food. We came to find out that our room assignment qualified us for the Royal Club--a small restaurant with better quality food than the rest of the place. We had breakfast in there a couple of times and it was quite good. Finally, a decent cup of coffee! However, the other meals that we ate in the other places were horrible. Watery, powdered eggs at the buffet and an assortment of other items that looked equally unappealing. We had dinner at the steak house one night and most of our group ordered NY strips that were like shoe leather. I had a filet that was fairly good. The lunch buffet, served near the pool, was acceptable. There were items like pizza, burgers, spaghetti, etc.--at least you could find something to fill the gap.

The bar situation was a disappointment considering that it's all-inclusive. There are only about three bars in the whole place, and they serve only draft beer (we anticipated at least cans). The cocktails were generally watered down and the liquor was VERY bottom shelf. We did have a mini fridge in the room, and they somehow managed to get a hold of canned beer to stock the fridge. The quota there was two warm cans per day. So, if you wanted to have a few drinks while getting ready for dinner, you had to trudge to one of the bars to get them. They did not make it easy--getting your money's worth from that angle was challenging at best.

They had a dive operation where you could purchase different packages for things like snorkeling, parasailing, etc. We did a two-hour snorkeling excursion that was great! It was $31 per person and they took us on a boat to a couple of different reefs. Drinks and chips were served at no charge, and they were not stingy at all with the refreshments. The water was clear, beautiful, and warm, and we saw a lot of marine life. That excursion was well worth the money.

Getting back to the resort itself, I dreaded the checkout process on the last day...after all the confusion with our reservation, I had no idea what to expect. Would they try to double charge us (even though we had already paid in full through expedia, would the resort charge us additionally)? Surprisingly, checkout went smoothly. The gal showed me that there were no charges to our room, seeing that we didn't have any phone calls or laundry services. She tried to assure me that my credit card wasn't going to be charged for a single thing, but when I explained what had previously happened, she started talking about dealing with the credit card company and having any erroneous charges reversed...

What I now anticipate, at a minimum, is being charged for an "upgrade." Seeing that we were in a suite of some form, I can see the resort saying that we had only paid for a basic room. However, we were given no choices when we were assigned to the room and no information about any additional charges that could result. The other scenario I can anticipate is being double charged. Of course, this can all be taken up with the credit card company, but what a nuisance. I feel that the resort is poorly managed and I'd never return.

My boyfriend and I traveled to Cozumel from May 29 - June 5. We are in our 30s. I have traveled to many islands and have also stayed at other all inclusives. We had a BLAST in Cozumel and at the Occidental Grand!!! Like most of you, I read all the reviews and was hesitant when choosing this hotel. However, I was so pleased. Infact I couldn't understand why people even wrote bad rewiews!!!! THis place is GORGEOUS!! The staff is great. THey are extremely hardworking and friendly. You just have to know how to work these all inclusives. A tip is if you want strong drinks and good service get to know your bartenders and tip them heavy the first time and they will remember you for the rest of the stay. Secondly the food isn't fine dining!! Remember it's an all inclusive ( i personally didn't like the gourmet restauarants). Stick to the buffets. They have such a large breakfast buffet and it's excellent. The lunch and dinner buffets have a great variety and the food is edible and decent. remember people vacation is all about what you make it. I felt that this resort was so well kept, lush and beautiful! You are in the tropics!!! There is going to be bugs, animals and different smells!! However, it's bearable! This hotel exceeded my expectations!! The rooms are beautiful spacious and clean!! The pool is nice and the beach is beautiful!! You can't go wrong with staying here!!

I highly suggest that you snorkel, dive and when you dive choose Dive with Martin. He is the most reputable and best on the island. Also make sure you do the Jeep excursion. You drive your own jeep around the entire island and they feed you and provide all drinks! The other side of the island is isolated but, the beach is so BEAUTFIUL!! It was great!! I wish we had more time because we would have done the excursion to Tulum and so many others. We had a great time and we would return so many more times!! If you have any questions about this resort or the island please e-mail me I would love to help. I know how difficult it is when planning a trip and reading all kinds of things. Also I can write for days and there isn't enough space. Therefore, if you have any questions let me know.

One great experience on this trip is that we met so many great couples who are now our friends for life! It was awesome.

I wouldn't recommend taking the scuba lesson at the hotel. Its too quick and not informative. Go with DIVE with Martin.

The cab rides aren't bad. If you meet another couple and you want to go into town it's cheaper. We actualy got a rate for 10 US dollars one day for four of us. You can bargain with them!! WE DID!!

The shopping in town isn't the greatest. I was too overwhelmed. I bought most of my steling silver jewlery in the hotel and at the airport. A little more expensive but, I thought the stuff was nicer (jewelry for the ladies especially). You can grab all other kinds of souvniers in town for really good prices. Make sure you barter!! Don't take it for the price they tell you knock it by 50%!!!!

Don't worry about changing your money. US dollars are excepted everywhere!! You are better off carrying cash.

We weren't crazy about Senor Frogs in town because the night we went was filled with highshcool kids trashed out of their minds that you had to watch out if they were goign to yack on you! Trust me we like to party but, I don't like to babysit when I am on vacation. It could have been the night we went so I would suggest checking it out but, don't be disappointed if there are tons of highschool kids in there. The disco at the grand is small but, fun!

We loved the Hard rock it was much more tame but, we got to know the bartenders and they were fun!

The BEACHES are so beautiful!! You will enjoy this Island whether you dive, or just want to relax and take in the beautiful green/blue water and white sand! It's a great place!! We have only been back two days and we EXTREMELY miss Cozumel and the Grand Occidental.

We also miss some of the staff at the grand, especially Eduardo (who catered to us always and went out of his way) as well as Alejandro from the lobby bar and all of the other great bartenders there!!

A BIG Hello to our great friends from Texas, Mouthy Marsha and Jason (Scuba Steve), Dr. Dave and Nurse Monica, and our New York Friends Kevin and Jen! WE MISS YOU!!!

Please feel free to e-mail me with questions!

Overall – we were overall pleased with the Occidental Grand Cozumel because of the Royal Club.

Royal Club – we stayed at the Royal Club and it is well the extra $$. In the Royal Club, you have free unlimited internet, use of the Royal Club pool, DVD player in the room (free DVD’s to use) free room service for breakfast in bed or a late-night snack, unlimited dinners at the “reservation-only” restaurants, top-notch attentive concierge service and access to the Royal Club restaurant.

Room – we requested a king bed, but they only have 2 per floor and none were available. We stayed on the 2nd floor and the rooms were fine. A few times, there was a “not-so-fresh” smell from the water in the bathroom so a scented candle comes in handy. The rooms were very clean.

Food/Drinks – the food is definitely not gourmet. However, we liked the food at the Royal Club restaurant. The other “reservation-only” restaurants had a nice presentation, but the food just wasn’t very tasty sometime salty. We didn’t particularly care for the buffet food. At lunch time, the beachside had flies swarming around which is outside of anyone’s control. In general, the food is just OK. The drinks are watered down and were not blended to the right taste. Again, we had great drinks at the Royal Club. We recommend the Planter’s Punch at the Royal Club Restaurant.

Scuba – we used “scubawithalison” and she was fabulous – her website can be found with a search engine by searching for “scuba with Alison”. Alison offered personalized service, paid attention to safety while still offering a fun time and she is very knowledgeable about the Cozumel scuba sites. We did two dives with her partner, Chucho and he was equally has wonderful. They asked which reefs do you want to do or what marine life do you want to see, then that’s what we did. We did one private night dive with the resort’s Dive Palancar with Jorge. We only felt comfortable using Dive Palancar if it was a private dive because they try to get as many people on the boat as possible. Jorge came highly recommended by Alison. Jorge was great.

Staff – the resort staff members are hard working and tips are highly appreciated. When you tip, you get better drinks and better service.

Activities: The sailboats were in good condition. The gym was not up to par and quite small – no treadmill. At night we checked out the disco and the DJ played a variety of music.

Outside the resort: We rented a car from Executive (across from the Allegro Resort, which is next door). We recommend driving around the island – the east side is not developed and still pristine. We went to Chankanab and did some snorkeling. But, had we had known we would have brought our scuba gear there because were we many dive shops on the beach with dive masters ready to dive. We also went to Coconuts restaurant, which is on the beach – great food and fun atmosphere. We also took the ferry to Playa del Carmen and then rented a car there from Hertz, which is located a block or so from the ferry dock. We drove to Tulum, which was interesting because it’s beautiful ruins along the shore. You can also swim in the beach there. We snorkeled in a cenote, Cenote Azul, and it was just OK. Basically it is a cold pond. Next time we plan on scuba diving there. Also we utilized a day pass for their sister property, Allegro Resort, while in Playa del Carmen. We were able to eat lunch there, but the beach was very small and crowded also the food was basic buffet food. But, it was free.

Pool/Beach– we had no problems getting lounge chairs on the beach. They have a great beach with beautiful sunsets. The pools were nice.

I write this review while stuck at work at 2:15am on a Friday night. All I can think about is the great time I had at the Occidental Grand. In typical Trip Advisor fashion here are the numbered bullet points on what you should know about the Grand.

1. Destroying The Myths About The Grand
We had no trouble checking in even though there was a large line. We were able to make reservations for the whole week at the restraunts even though we were not part of the Royal Club. The room/pillows were a little bit musty but quite bearable. I do not even though what "musty" really means but the smell pretty much fit it.

2. The Food and Restraunts
The food was good. We ate in all 3 restraunts. Suprsingly the Mexican was the worst of the 3 but still had the best atmosphere overlooking the ocean. Of course it is not 5 star meal but I would like to see an all inclusive in Mexico that is. I also read that people complained of the portions being small- I thought they were good, but to be completly honest there was no super-size option. (I guess all the Texans there might get offended by that. ) The great thing is that you had plenty of choices. If you didnt like the Mexican, there was the buffet. If you didn't like the buffet there was the pizza place.

3. Bars & Nightclub
There were plenty of bars open throughout the resort throughout the day. Waitreses were constantly roaming the beach or pool whenever my girlfriend and I were too lazy to get up. The nightclub was fun as well with a family based show one of the nights. Tasty Margaritas.

4. The Atmosphere
All around it was a great place for couples or families. Not too many kids to annoy you and not too many white trash adults making out in the pool. They had plenty of events for all ages. The pool volley ball seemed to bring the whole resort together as friends. WARNING- If you are single, or a group of singles, do not come here. Plain and simple.

5. The Reef
We booked a resort trip through the resort. It was easy. The reef was really nice but nowhere near my dive in OZ. The whole snuba thing they offer is great for people who would like to see if they really want to go through the process of becoming a certified diver. Diving lessons were even offered in the pool free of charge.

6. Final Thoughts
I live in NYC. I am supposed to be pretentious and picky. Do not believe what you read from other previous bad reviews. They are probably eager p.r. people from the other hotels. I have seen it done before in Boston using a different hotel site. The Grand is great. My girlfriend and I had a splendid time.