We stayed at the Occidental Grand February 2007. We were greeted by name as we exited our taxi. We booked a concierge room and were located in the block nearest the beach with our requested room. We were taken to our room on a golf type cart and our bags were delivered a few minutes later. We were offered Champagne at check-in which was in the Royal Club lobby. The place was clean and the grounds are beautiful, no signs of the hurricane. The beach is a little narrow but not really bad and we always found lounge chairs. Maintenance keeps the beach clean, they were down there in the mornings removing seaweed deposited by the high tide. Buffett was sometimes good somtimes average but always something to eat. There was fresh grilled meat, chicken and fish at lunch as well as fresh grilled hambugers and cooked hot dogs. Dinner was varied and breakfast was excellent. Restaurant staff were very nice. We had bar service at the beach but since there was only one person on duty it took a while. There were two bars by the beach, one at the beach reastaurant and one at the beach pool so it wasn't a problem to go get your own drinks. The staff are very friendly and willing to help. We had a few small room problems that were dealt with immediately. I didn't like the shampoo, I don't think there was conditioner in it so if you're like me and picky about your shampoo& conditioner, take your own. Also, they don't give lotion so if thats a problem, again take your own. The bed pillows were good and there were plenty of towels. We also asked for plenty of water and diet soda in our fridge and were obliged. No problems with bugs, sand flies or mosquitos. The grounds were immaculate and we frequently saw Iguanas sunning themselves. They try hard with the nightly entertainment and it passes a pleasant hour. One evening we were caught in a downpour without our umbarella (all rooms have umbrellas on loan) and were thinking we would have to make a run for it back to the room when one of the little transport carts pulled up. We asked for a ride back and were taked right into the lobby or our building. We were hassled by the time share people but only because we stopped to talk to them the first time we saw them, just say thanks but no thanks and move on. All in all we had a great time and enjoyed our stay. Last but not least I read in the room directory that the ice and water used in the restaurants and bars is filtered. We enjoyed both and did not get sick. We rarely go back to the same hotel but this is one we might make an exception with.

I simply can't believe how there can be such opposite opinions on this. Of course, we looked at the mixed reviews after we had booked this trip last minute. (we went by the referral of our travel agent). When we were all done, we just decided our trip would be what we made of it.
Well, I'm here to say that Occidental was fabulous! The staff is fantastic- maybe the front desk guys could smile abit more, but they do like to joke around. And think of all the dorks that walk in there first thing thinking that everyone should bow down to them. I think I'd be a little unenthuised at times too.
Our room was abit musty smelling, but darn it, I totally knew from our last trip- at a NEW resort- to pack a little Glade plug in.
Maids leave towel art and they do deserve a tip. Can you imagine how much you'd like to sweep up sand all day and make beds!
The buffets had a remarkable selection. Fresh and good. Something there for everyone. No bugs well, little black ones once in awhile, but they like the smell of your lotions. Only one or two vendors come along the beach, a girl from the beach bar comes around and takes your orders.
Learned to snorkel down there and had a great time . Just within our beach swim area we saw sea stars, rays, baracudas, the hugest angelfish. and don't forget the local pelican that hangs out on the dock. Then the snorkel trip was another sight altogether. Beautiful fish, a shark, an octopus.... By the way , be sure to sign up with Dino over at the Dive Shop! Great guy!
Remember, these people work hard for thier money and put up with lazy travellers all day long, how many days a week. Give them a little slack. They can't be perky all day.
Don't forget your camera and then sit back and relax!

No problems with staff and service. No problems with bugs or time share reps.

Grounds were very attractive; rooms clean. But there was a musty odour.

However, we were very disappointed in the food, especially at the steak house.

Air Cananda offers vacation packages to both the Occidental, and also to a great hotel called Royal Porto Real, in Playa del Carmen. Both the Occidental and the Royal are given 5 star ratings by Air Canada with respect to Restaurants.

We stayed at the Royal last October. The Royal is definitely a 5 star. The food and service there was equal to or even better than the food/beverage service we experienced at Sandals Montego Bay resort, several years ago. The Royal gave us First class service, top quality ingredients, wonderful flavous, terrific variety. It cost the same as the Occidental.

The Occidental, on the other hand, should only be given 3 stars for their restaurant service. I had a steak at the steak house one night that was so tough I couldn't chew it. I sent the whole meal back to the kitchen, told the waiter it was "terrible", and left.

Self serve buffet on the beach seems to be the most popular spot, but be prepared to compete with flys when helping yourself to food.

Enjoying good food, properly prepared, is part of the holiday for me. We wont be going back to the Occidental.

I want to begin my review by stating a general opinion. There are two types of travelers; the type that are open to new experiences and take vacation as it is and the type that couldn't be pleased no matter what was presented to them. I know this because of the reviews I read about this place before I traveled here. Let me just say there is absolutely nothing to complain about regarding this place. When you read the reviews, either people loved it or hated it. Here are my opinions:

The grounds: This place is the cleanest place I have ever stayed and I would highly doubt it could have been any more maintained or well kept. From the landscaping to the buffets and the rooms, this place is in sparkling condition at all times.

Staff: The staff is one of the biggest reasons I would return to the Grand in the future. From the check-in process to the daily activities and the food/bar staff I never once felt like I was a burden on anyone and they always have a smile on their face. They truly enjoy their jobs. Susana on the activities staff was the best!

Food: The food was always good. Such a wide variety of food from chicken nuggets and pizza to seafood and amazing desserts. If you can't find something that you like to eat here something is wrong - and not with the food. My favorite are the nachos!! We ate at both of the buffets, the pizzaria and Los Olivos. I never had bad food at any of these places.

Beach: The beach is large and very well maintained. It was a little rough in some spots but once you got out in the water a few feet it turned into the soft sand. It was a bit wavy during our stay so the snorkeling wasn't great but what I did see was pretty. If you got out far enough there was a lot more to see but I have a fear of water so please don't take my opinion and think that means this place doesn't have good snorkeling.

Rooms: Our room was very clean every day and the maid left fun towel animals for us - a new one each day. They have a room safe so you can lock up your valuables, so we never had a worry about theft. Some people complained about a musty smell, but I think it is just the humid smell of Mexico. If you turn on your air conditioning you don't notice the smell. I really dont think the "smell" is something that the resort can avoid or do anything about.

Bugs: I do not think it is fair to add this to the review since the resort can not control the bugs, but yes - I did get eaten up at night. It was my fault because I wore perfumes and that attracts the bugs. I was with a group of 6 and I seemed to be the only one who was attacked! If you avoid the perfumes and spray the bug dope you will be fine.

Activities: We weren't much for night time entertainment and were in bed early for the most part, but the activities around the main pool during the day were fun and they always get you involved. There are spanish lessons, friendship bracelets, snorkel lessons and tour, archery tournaments, water polo, beach volleyball, blind volleyball in the pool, water arobics, stretching lessons, etc. There is a spot to do ceramic painting - extra fee.

Overall I would not hesitate to recommend this resort to a friend and I would even consider returning. We had a great time and I will miss it a great deal! I hope this review helps you find what you are looking for :)