Occidental Cozumel

AuthenticSailor

Let me start by saying we booked the Royal upgrade on this vacation. We'll worth it IMO, for the restaurant experience. We had a la carte dinners every night and you have the option for breakfasts and lunches too at the Caretta restaurant exclusive for Royal guests. We never ate at the buffet for dinner once and only a couple times for breakfast. So 5 stars on the food. The service and employees were also 5 stars. However, the room we were put in (building 21, first floor) was terribly musty and the air was never dry even with the air running constantly. I believe it is a water leak from behind the wall in the bathroom. There was no way to get rid of the smell. They really should not be putting people in that room, could even be a health issue. We tried to get a room switch but they had nothing else. We had to wash everything on returning home, some items twice. All our clothes had that musty smell, even ones that remained clean/unused. Even our backpacks had to be washed, and the suitcases wiped down too. We went with two other couples and they had second floor rooms with no issues. Beach towels were easy to obtain. They could use more beach loungers, you had to go 'claim' some in the morning to ensure you had a place to park yourself during the day. The kayaks have no seat backs, still useable though. Pools are not warm at all but still played pool volleyball which was fun. The grounds are beautiful, and there is some entertainment each night. It's too bad that the room spoiled the 5 star experience for us, I wouldn't return. Your mileage may vary.

Brent Geary

Absolutely beautiful stay! Every single thing about this place is what a vacation is supposed to be! Relaxing, beautiful and friendly. The food was good and they had a lot of choices. We tried everything and every place, except one. We did not get an opportunity to try the Mediterranean place but, if it was as good as the Mexican place (that require reservations) I am sure it was delicious. The Mexican restaurant was off the charts! Best fish I have ever had! The service is also top notch! Everything we needed was there or they got it. Lined a car rental up, an excursion..ect. Thank you Michael Lima! I was to give a special shout out to the three folks who really stood out to us. Didn't catch all of their last names but... Michael Lima!! Excellent service and friendly. He was easy to talk to, easy to work with and I very much enjoyed our conversations. Isaias as well! Great guy, also good at what he does, friendly and had some great conversations with him as well. And...can't forget Johnny be good!! (Not sure if it was spelled that way) but...super nice guy, super helpful and we also had some great conversations with him. If you get a chance, go stay at the Occidental in Cozumel. You will not regret it.

Steve Perron

Despite the 40 year low temperatures, we had a very nice stay. The resort was beautiful and the staff excellent. Greeted every day by smiles from Michelle Garcia at breakfast and the other staff, like Maria at reception made us feel more like family. Jesus and Jonni, the bellmen helped us and always waved when passing. Hard to hear at meal times due to stone rooms but food was good everywhere. Drinks could strong but they would moderate on request. Wildlife was friendy too.

Crystal

Not sure how or when this resort was designated a 5 star. The rooms are cleaned well and spacious but mildew on the ceilings and water dripping from the roof. The food at the buffet...edible but barely, half the time it's cold. If they ran out of something it's like they just chose not to refill it if it's the main dishes everyone actually wants, like steak for the tacos. The specialty restaurants were good. The pool closes at 8 but best not to get there past 5pm or you aren't getting a towel because they close the stand. If you need any extra blankets for the room, be prepared to call multiple times and wait half a day. The front desk doesn't tell you at check in that in order to use room service you have to open up a credit so when you try to order, they tell you to come to the front to open the credit. I'm literally ordering room service because I don't want to get up and go anywhere. The lunch buffet is at the pool, but you better walk back to your room for a pair of shorts if they don't like the cover up you're wearing, even though the Services guide on the QR you scan says nothing about dress code for the buffet. Essentially, the place sucks and if I had the means I would have left and went to a resort elsewhere nearby. The beach and pool are nice at least, allows myself time to forget I'm here. The servers and staff are also very nice, but maybe understaffed with the time it takes to get just get your drink at the buffet. To no fault of the resort, but taxis cost $20 to go anywhere and back. So if you like excursions it's going to cost you $40 round trip so I'd get a rental if you dare to brave this place.

Matt Perrett

We were immediately taken with the view of the beach, appreciated the cleanliness of the resort and rooms as well as the beautifully manicured trees and plants that line the walkways. The food is delicious! Every time!. Our daughter had an ear infection and the on call doctor was called we saw him within hours. The excursions were amazing. The only real room for improvement would be access to more chairs on the beach and some more bathroom ventilation in the room to cut down on humidity.