Occidental Papagayo - All Inclusive - Adults Only

Customer ratings & reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

8300 reviews

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  This was such a fantastic experience!

  We loved this place. The grounds were beautiful the pools were lovely and well kept, and staff were friendly and helpful. It was a 20 minute uber ride to Coco Beach and we enjoyed walking the beach, dining at a few restaurants and souvenir shopping.

  Jan 25, 2026
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  Beautiful resort

  Spent a week here with friends. Grounds are beautiful. Had a wonderful vacation. Oriental restaurant was my favorite. Amazing sushi.

  Jan 23, 2026
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  It was okay, not what I expected from a “resort”

  Had a definite language barrier so had to ask many times for towels, sheets to be cleaned, soap to be refilled in dispensers. The dispensers had labels for shampoo, cream rinse, body soap and lotion but the contents didn’t match the labels at all. We found hair on our sheets, bugs in our rooms and our slider door didn’t lock properly so we had a “visitor” come in the middle of the night that got into the trash and stole my calcium gummies and a water bottle. I sure hope the raccoon will be okay. The facility definitely can use some upgrades. It’s very old and dated. The location is great and the food is pretty good.

  Jan 22, 2026
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  Pura Vida

  My daughter and I had a wonderful trip. The fact that we had many options for activities and meals. Very relaxing. This is all adults. I love the massage and facial. Katherine and Jose took care of us. All of the staff was gracious and kind.

  Jan 19, 2026
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  Better Options Are Available - Occidental Papagayo, Costa Rica

  Stay dates: Jan 15 - Jan 17, 2026 Costa Rica is an exceptional destination, this was my first time to the destination, and I felt safe even driving around the area and welcomed. On this trip, I spent four nights in total—two in La Fortuna and two in the Liberia area. Unfortunately, my stay at the Occidental Papagayo was extremely disappointing and fell far below expectations, especially for a property positioned as an all inclusive adults only resort. What Worked • The property sits on a beautiful site with stunning views of the bay. This is, unfortunately, the only meaningful highlight of my stay. Where the Resort Falls Short 1. Food Quality & Availability • The food offerings were consistently underwhelming. • Dinner options included hamburgers and hot dogs—even on a Friday night—which felt more appropriate for a snack bar than a main dining service. • Meal times are limited, and outside those windows, there is no food available anywhere on the property. • The à la carte dining system is outdated, difficult to access, and not available for stays under three nights. 2. Outdated Rooms & Amenities • Rooms and furnishings are in urgent need of updating. • The mattress in my room (406) was well past its prime. • Basic items such as mattress and pillow protectors—standard in any property aspiring to be premium—were missing. • No bathroom floor mat was provided; I had to use a face towel instead. 3. Lack of Service for an “All Inclusive” • Staffing levels are far too low. Nearly everything is self service, including drinks. • No staff presence at the pool areas to support guests. • The towel station closes at 5 p.m., which is impractical for anyone swimming later in the day. 4. Poor Technology & Processes • Restaurant reservations rely on outdated, manual methods reminiscent of the 1980s. • The chain offers online check in, but this property has not enabled it. • There is no automated system for à la carte dining reservations. • Improve the wi-fi strength as even areas within the room you could not get reception. 5. Smoking Policy Confusion • There are only three designated smoking areas on the entire property. • Despite ashtrays being placed on balconies, guests are warned of a US$200 fine (per occurrences) for smoking anywhere outside the designated zones. There are 3 designated areas on the entire property. However, each room terrace has an ashtry but you are not to use it ? This inconsistency creates confusion and frustration if you are looking at saving money remove them if you do not permit them to be used? 6. Accessibility & Mobility Concerns • Although marketed as adults only, the resort seems to target guests who may have mobility challenges. • The terrain is difficult to navigate, and while shuttle transportation is available, getting in and out of the shuttles could be a risk to mobility challenged customers who must climb into what is considered the shuttle - this is unsafe and poorly supported. Maybe a golf cart type of transportation around the property should be considered? 7. Beverage Quality • The liquor and wine offerings feel substandard for a property charging over US$800 per night in January, I am sure this rate also escalates during the holiday peak periods. Immediate Suggestions for Improvement • Enhance menu quality and extend food service hours. • Replace worn mattresses (the one in suite 406 has seen better days) and add proper bedding and pillow protectors. • Improve online check in and implement digital restaurant reservations. • Remove balcony ashtrays if smoking is prohibited there. • Increase staffing levels to provide actual service—not just self service for drink and almost everything else. • Add bathroom floor mats and ensure adequate towel quantities. • Keep the pool towel station open later than 5pm. • Provide service staff presence in pool areas and terraces to support guests drink orders. Final Thoughts This property has enormous potential thanks to its location and views. However, the current experience does not align with the expectations of an all inclusive resort. If these issues cannot be addressed, the hotel may want to consider shifting to a European Plan (room only) model to better align guest expectations with the actual experience.

  Jan 18, 2026