Occidental Tamarindo - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5958 reviews

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  Worst hotel you can stay in all Guanacaste and probably all Costa Rica

  This is the most disappointing hotel experiences we have ever had. We visited last month with very high expectations. When you read “Adults Only,” you imagine a premium, relaxing, well-organized experience designed for comfort and quality. Unfortunately, this hotel was the complete opposite. It feels more like a marketing trap than a luxury resort. Starting with check-in: the welcome was cold and unprofessional. After waiting almost an hour, we were finally taken to our room in the only internal shuttle available for the entire property — meaning guests, luggage transfers, and transportation between amenities all depend on a single vehicle. From the very beginning, everything felt understaffed and poorly managed. The food was another major disappointment. You can survive on it, but if you are traveling from another country expecting a quality culinary experience, do not come here. Most meals felt basic, repetitive, and uninspired. Some days we ate simply because we had to, not because there was actually anything appealing. The liquor selection and cocktails were equally bad. The brands served were extremely cheap and unfamiliar. We even paid extra for the “Platinum” experience expecting better quality, but the difference was almost nonexistent. The only bright spot during the entire stay was Gabriela at the VIP bar during the evenings — one of the very few employees who actually delivered kind and professional service. Service overall is terrible. Staff members constantly acted annoyed when guests asked for anything. You could clearly see frustration and attitude everywhere. One example: the wet bar regularly closed 20 minutes early because the bartender had to catch the bus — and there was apparently no backup staff. That perfectly summarizes the entire operation: the hotel cuts corners on absolutely everything, and guests are the ones who suffer the consequences. Entertainment was painfully boring. Karaoke, aerobics, activities, and shows had such little energy that most guests simply walked away and moved to another pool area instead. The rooms were another huge disappointment. We paid for one of the highest-tier beachfront rooms, and it honestly felt like staying in an outdated cheap motel from the 1990s. Not “vintage luxury” — simply neglected, old, and poorly maintained. Everything looked worn down, with no evidence of proper reinvestment into the property. Even worse, despite being in Guanacaste, the location of these “premium” beachfront rooms does not even offer a proper sunset view. The gym was shocking. Old equipment barely functioning, located inside what feels like a ranch in the middle of the jungle, no air conditioning, dirty conditions, spiders everywhere, and almost no maintenance. Completely unacceptable for a resort claiming luxury standards. But what truly made this experience unforgivable was the way management handled a lost personal belonging. We lost a very precious gift in the buffet area and reported it immediately the same day. This was not even the first time we had lost belongings at hotels — in the past, items were always recovered because staff actually cared enough to investigate. This time, cameras clearly showed where the item was left, including timestamps, yet management and security simply ignored the situation. They ignored our emails for days. We had to escalate the issue repeatedly just to get the attention of the General Manager, and even then, nothing has been solved as of today. The most frustrating part is not even the lost item itself — it is the complete lack of care, urgency, accountability, and professionalism. Honestly, it becomes concerning beyond just customer service. If they cannot properly handle a clearly documented lost item captured on camera, how would they respond to a serious emergency involving guest safety or security? We genuinely felt treated as though nationals were “less important” guests. Sadly, this was not only our perception. While speaking openly during meals, three other couples joined the conversation and shared the exact same experience. At that moment, it became obvious this was not an isolated incident — it was a pattern. We absolutely do NOT recommend this hotel. There are far better options in Guanacaste where guests are actually respected, valued, and treated with professionalism.

  May 16, 2026
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  Great experience

  The service at this hotel is amazing, the food is good the beach is clean and so is the pool! The staff are kind and always willing to help, I travel with a severe wheat allergy and everyone went above and beyond to make sure I was safe and taken care of for food, they would take me in ahead of opening for dinner and show me what I could eat or offer to cook me something special. I felt safe the whole time. It was incredible!

  May 15, 2026
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  Great time & fun

  Our 9th time at this hotel & have booked again for 2027. Short walk to Tamarindo to enjoy a cocktail on the beach or mingle with the locals. We return to this hotel every year because of the staff. Bartenders are fantastic as well as the dining room staff. Ruben in the Italian restaurant has the mannerism & personality to work in any elite restaurant in Canada. Managers come & go. This year Manager Bryan has made some great improvement from 2024 & we hope to see him again in 2027. He made our stay special. Chef Alexander brightens your morning. He is friendly, always smiling & makes the best omelette. The landscaping is mature & well looked after by the ground maintenance staff. Housekeeping staff are reliable & do a great job. During our 9 years of vacationing at this resort we have witnessed several guests being belligerent to the employees, leaving their garbage on the ground & smoking in non smoking areas. In todays environment with respiratory issues guests should be more respectful of their surroundings when using spray sun tan lotion. Some guests get annoyed due to the lack of english spoke by the employees. How do you think they feel when they can't understand our language? Use the translator on your phone or try & learn a little spanish. Great resort for the money. Can't ruin the daily sunshine & heat. Relax & enjoy. There is too much stress in our daily lives.

  May 12, 2026
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  Beautiful

  Beautiful all-inclusive experience, with the beach nearby. I recommend staying for 2 nights; by the third night, the food can feel a bit repetitive, but that’s the only downside. Everything else is wonderful.”

  May 06, 2026
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  Great Location

  The hotel, employees, location was all fabulous!!! But the dinner buffet was not good, breakfast was great. Ate elsewhere for lunch

  May 05, 2026