Occidental Papagayo is an all-inclusive adult-only resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It overlooks the Papagayo Gulf and offers the best ocean views. It is considered Costa Rica’s Riviera. Occidental Papagayo only admits guests 18 years of age and older. You can visit the hotel as a couple or solo.
The Occidental Papagayo was an all-inclusive and adults-only resort, which attracted me. I wanted to visit the Gulf of Papagayo, and this was one of the resorts my friends recommended. The various activities onsite and offsite kept me busy during the two weeks of vacation in Guanacaste.
Key Takeaways
Occidental Papagayo, formerly Occidental Grand Papagayo, is part of the Barceló Hotel Group. The resort was constructed in 1992, and various renovations have given it a more modern look. Here are my key takeaways on Occidental Papagayo.
- An all-inclusive package covers food, drinks, accommodation, and various activities. However, I always recommend that you inquire directly from the resort about what their package covers. You want to avoid getting a bill for things you thought were in the package.
- The all-inclusive package includes archery, volleyball, kayaking, snorkeling, and tennis. You must book activities a day in advance. The resort also organizes optional tours to Arenal Volcano and Palo Verde.
- Occidental Papagayo offers meeting rooms, spas, a tennis court, a fitness center, and two outdoor pools. You can access their premium lounge if you book any of the Occidental Papagayo Resort’s rooms.
- Occidental Papagayo Resort is in Guanacaste province, making it a good starting point for exploring the Gulf of Papagayo’s various beaches and tourist attractions.
Where is Occidental Papagayo, Costa Rica?
Check-in time: 3 PM to midnight.
Check-out time: before noon.
Website: occidentalgrandpapagayo.com.
The nearest airport to Occidental Papagayo is Liberia International Airport, which is 30 minutes away. Occidental Papagayo is in Sardinal town and partly sits between Playa Hermosa and Playa Panama. The Gulf of Papagayo has some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in Costa Rica. A rainforest also surrounds the resort.
The resort is opposite the Four Seasons, which is in Playa Hermosa. You can explore Playa del Coco, Playa Ocotal, Papagayo Golf and Country Club, and Marina Papagayo. I recommend renting a car, though the resort can arrange transport services. Occidental Papagayo Resort overlooks Bahia (bay) Culebra, which provides a breeding ground and shelter for various marine life species.
The all-inclusive package at the Occidental Papagayo resort includes the following features:
| All-Inclusive Package at Occidental Papagayo | |
| Accommodation | Unlimited local alcoholic beverages, juices, and soft drinks |
| Wine at dinner | Weekly cocktail party |
| All meals & snacks | Beach Club |
| Swimming pool | 2 Jacuzzis |
| Nightly entertainment with local talent | Daily activities at the beach or the pool. |
Accommodation Options at Occidental Papagayo
The Occidental Papagayo has 163 rooms, each with a balcony or terrace and ocean views. Other rooms will have views of cliffs or tropical sunsets. Each room has a king-size bed or two queen-sized beds and air conditioning. You can also book romance-themed rooms or VIP suites.
Rooms at Occidental Papagayo also have a full private bathroom and a small working area. Some rooms will also have a sitting area. The junior deluxe suite has a hot tub, while the premium level one bedroom has two bathrooms.
I loved that Occidental Papagayo has rooms equipped explicitly for wheelchair users. Most facilities at the resort also have ramps for easier access. Occidental Papagayo Resort offers the following amenities:
| Occidental Papagayo Room Amenities | ||
| Television (flat screen) | Free Wifi | Blackout drapes |
| Coffee makers | Daily housekeeping | Iron |
| Hair dryers | Laundry facilities | Telephone |
| Magnifying mirrors | Safety deposit box | Towels for the beach |
| Minibars | Rainfall showers and complimentary toiletries | |
How Many Restaurants And Bars Does Occidental Papagayo Have?
Occidental Papagayo has three on-site restaurants and four bars. One restaurant serves Italian cuisine and has beautiful views of the bay. The Italian restaurant only serves dinners, and the dress code is informal, though beachwear is prohibited.
The second restaurant (D’Oriental) serves Asian and Japanese cuisine. It is only open for dinner, and the dress code is informal. The restaurant has private tatami rooms and a teppanyaki table. You’ll need to make a reservation for D’Oriental and the Italian restaurant only from the second day of your stay.
The third restaurant, L’Buffet, offers international buffet-style service. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers Costa Rican or American breakfasts. You must stay at the resort for three nights to make reservations at any restaurant.
The Occidental Papagayo resort has a snack and buffet bar at the poolside. Apart from drink bars, Occidental Papagayo offers various entertainment options. Three times a week, evening candlelight concerts feature live music alternating between saxophone, violin, and guitar. One bar hosts a disco every night until 2:00 a.m.
Other Facilities at Occidental Papagayo
The Occidental Papagayo resort overlooks Culebra Bay and has several luxurious facilities exclusive to its guests.
- Fitness center: It’s a modern center with a lot of equipment.
- Spa: The U-spa is a wellness and health center at the resort. It has a large room with a salon and thatched roof treatment huts. You can enjoy therapeutic massages and facials with gentle music around you. The center also has a hot tub, a Vichy shower, and a Turkish bath.
- Tennis court:
- Meeting rooms
- Free Parking
- Pools: The resort has two outdoor pools.
Important Information About Occidental Papagayo
It’s essential to know some basic information about the Occidental Papagayo. There is a fee for checking in early or checking out late. However, all that is possible, subject only to availability.
The resort does not allow pets. Self-parking and valet parking are complimentary. You can also sign up for Occidental Papagayo’s premium-level services. The services include:
- Premium rooms
- Access to the premium-level lounge.
- You get access to room service, though, at limited hours.
- Priority booking at any of the two a la carte restaurants.
While Occidental Papagayo is an adult-only resort, please note that you cannot go topless around the swimming pool. There is also no nudist beach near the resort.
Tourism Attractions Near Occidental Papagayo
The best place to spend your vacation is the Gulf of Papagayo. It has many attractions, and the various beaches are at the top. Hence, visit the following Guanacaste beaches as you stay at the Occidental Papagayo:.
- Playas del Coco: It’s more famous for its vibrant nightlife and is 9 km from Occidental Papagayo resort. However, if you’re a fishing enthusiast, this is one of the beaches you should visit. If you want to see one of the longest ziplines in the world, visit Diamante Eco Adventure Park.
- Playa Hermosa is one of the beaches awarded the Blue Flag for its excellent environmental standards. It is less than one kilometer from Occidental Papagayo. Playa de Coco is a short drive from Playa Hermosa, and you can visit both on the same day.
- Playa Panama is less famous than the other beaches, but it’s the place to be if you want some solitary time. It is on Culebra Bay’s southern end and 4 km from Occidental Papagayo.
- Playa Ocotal is a small beach 15 km from Occidental Papagayo. Locals believe its white mists have healing powers.
You can book adventure packages at the front desk of the Occidental Papagayo Resort. The packages include fishing, snorkeling, swimming, and diving on the nearby beaches.
Other tourist attractions near the Occidental Papagayo resort include national parks. Rincon de la Vieja National Park is two hours from the resort and is a must-visit. The park has two volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls, mud pots, and wildlife.
Santa Rosa National Park is even closer, being one hour away. The park is one of the best places to hike and learn about Costa Rica’s history. Palo Verde National Park is also one hour away. The park has a lot of wildlife, and you can see the Tempisque River.
If you’re seeking a more adventurous and nature-filled itinerary, you might also consider exploring our Full Guide to Corcovado National Park.
Conclusion
If you ever want a place to treat yourself or spend time with your loved one, the Occidental Papagayo is one of the best places to go. The adult-only, all-inclusive Occidental Papagayo resort lets you vacation in style. Being in Guanacaste province, specifically in the Gulf of Papagayo, the resort is your base as you travel.
Have you ever visited the Occidental Papagayo Resort? Please share your experience.
About Michelle Schmidt
Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation!
