Occidental Grand Cozumel, Mexico, Darrell and Brenda, Halifax, NS

My husband and I have just returned from at the Occidental Grand Cozumel (OG Coz), Nov 12-19, 2011. We were traveling with another couple. Would we go back to the OG Cozumel? In a minute! This was our 2nd visit to Cozumel, 7th to Mexico, we have also been to Jamaica, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

We flew out of Halifax to Cozumel via Toronto with WestJet Vacations. All flights were on time or a little early landing. Flights were pretty good, the seat belt lights only came on once for a few minute on the way to Coz. Food for purchase on the plane and complimentary drink (soft drink, juice, coffee/tea) and snack were also passed out. I don’t remember seeing them selling duty free on our flights. All purchases are made with credit cards. They will run a tab if you want to buy several items at different times. We arrived in Cozumel around 1:15 local time. We were the only plane arriving at that time so we cleared the airport pretty quickly.

The OG Coz is about a ½ hour drive from the airport, our rooms were ready when we arrived. Check in was quick and we found the front desk staff to be very friendly and professional. We were given our room cards, power card and towel cards, no bracelets at this resort. The keypad safe is included with the package. Room keys are electronic credit card type. The bellboy delivered our luggage within a few minutes of us finding our room. We were given room 1224, bldg 12, 2nd floor room, view of the jungle. I’m not sure if any rooms at this resort have an ocean view. It was fine with us we only use the balcony to check the morning weather anyway. This resort is very easy to navigate, one main walkway through the middle ending at the beach.

The room was clean, no mold, no bugs, no bad smells, no worries. The room consisted of a king bed with bedside tables (1 drawer and shelf), lamps, phone and alarm clock. A round table with two chairs and pole lamp were in one corner. The A/C worked great. We ended up turning it down at night. We did not need our converter for the plugs. The mattress was a bit on the extra firm side so on the 1st morning I requested a bed pad which was put in place that day. Across from the bed was a console that had a one person bench seat, mirror on the wall. There were three drawers for clothing and the TV. There are a few English TV channels, including movies.

The bathroom has a separate tub and very large shower, plenty of hot water, (once we figured out that the C was for hot and the F was for cold) the shower pressure was perfect. There is an in room safe in the large closet, plenty of hangers and a couple of shelves. Also in the closet were: hairdryer, iron and ironing board, umbrella and a mini fridge stocked with two beer four or five soda and three litres of water. The mini fridge was restocked every other day. Coffee maker and Ice bucket were on the vanity. Shower gel and shampoo were in dispensers in the shower.

Our building was pretty central. About 2 minutes to the lobby and maybe 5 to the beach. The quiet pool was located just before the board walk over the mangroves to the beach. The activity pool was on the other side of the boardwalk and the beach beyond the pool.

As for weather, the days were simply gorgeous. On Sunday we had one shower in the afternoon so we went for snack at the beach buffet. The next day we had a morning shower but we were in town shopping, so it didn’t affect us either. The rest of the week had scattered clouds which were nice and a mild breeze. It was hot hot hot and humid. I did notice they fogged for mosquitoes a couple of evenings. I didn’t get any bites from mozzies, but I did get a few on the beach from beach sand fleas.

The beach is great with easy entry into the water and you can walk for miles in either direction. The Iberostar is to the left and the Occidental Allegro is to the right with jungle between each. We didn’t have any problem finding chairs at the beach. There were still spaces available around 9:30 or so. There are lots of loungers with palapas on the beach. Around the pool they have a few umbrellas for shade. I found the snorkeling to be pretty good. I saw a few fish that I had never seen before. The first time out I saw a huge stingray. There is also a large fish ball and barracuda. This trip I saw trunkfish, Trumpet fish, tangs, flounder, scorpion fish, the tail of a green moray eel peeking out from under a big concrete fish shelter, and many more fish. I was quite pleased with the snorkeling. Not a lot of coral and no turtles. We bring our own snorkeling equipment. The beach has a large roped off swimming area because there are dive boats coming to the pier all day. The towel guy was by the beach pool. There is a dive shop on site. Water Sports: three hobie cats, kayaks, boogie boards, life jackets, and snorkel gear was available.

There was a board posted by the pool bar that highlighted the day’s activities. Nightly entertainment is located just outside the lobby building. They set up chairs and a stage if they need it. I get up early in the morning so I am usually gone back to the room long before the entertainment starts. I did manage to see the fire show and it was well worth it. On Wednesday and Friday evenings vendors came to the resort. There were a father and son selling silver jewelry on the beach every day. They didn’t pester anyone. They had some nice pieces. : )

At this time of year there are three bars open daily, the lobby bar, the beach/pool bar and the bar at the beach buffet. Each restaurant also has bar service. We didn’t make it to the disco, it is located up by the lobby area. During peak times it looks like there is also a bar at the quiet pool. Beach bar and beach buffet bar. Bar shots, beer, frothy, blender drinks. Some drinks were better than others. Try them all and then you can pick your favorite. The strawberry Margaritas were really good. The Royal Club also has a pool, bar and restaurant. The tennis courts, disco, kids club and spa are all located to the right of the lobby area as you enter the resort. ATM’s are located off the lobby area also.

I really don’t know why some reviewers are complaining about the food. I guess you just can’t please some people. If someone wants five star gourmet food, then they should be prepared to go to a five star resort and pay the price for it. We had no complaints about the food and certainly did not go hungry. We ate at the main buffet for breakfast and supper, beach buffet for lunch. We also ate at the Steakhouse and Mediterranean Restaurant.

In the morning there is a board outside the buffet with that evening’s theme. We had no problem finding food. Breakfast was great, lots to choose from. Egg station, pastries, fruit, yogurt, cereal, prepared foods, cheese, ham, French toast, pancakes, waffles, etc etc. There was bacon on two mornings and spicy sausage on a couple of mornings. Lunch was only served at the beach buffet. Lunch was great. There was always something in chicken, pork, beef and fish, vegetables, rice, salads, no shortage of fresh fruit, deserts, breads and rolls. Salsa, Guac, hot sauces, cheese and nacho chips every day at lunch. Hot dogs and hamburgers were cooked on the BBQ. One day they made paella. The deserts were really good too, Ice cream at lunch and a couple of times at supper. Supper themes that we went to were Mexican, Chinese, International and Caribbean. Overall we were happy with the food that was offered. There was a decent selection and no one should go hungry at this resort.

They had computers (fee) in the lobby and you could buy a wifi password to use in your room and around the resort. Take the staircase to the upper level at the lobby and you will find an outdoor area that houses the First Club and Pizza restaurant (Pizza not open right now). There is lots of seating in the lobby area. There is a gift shop and tour desks (purchase tours) in the lobby. Taxi to town was $18 US. We hired a driver and vehicle to take us on our own Island Tour. For 3 1/5 hours stopping where we wanted to and the Tequila Factory it costs us $120 US for four people. Tequila Factory admission was $14 US but because we came with their friend, we paid $10 each and it included a Margarita. We set up our car with the Bellboy, we requested a driver that could speak good English and a van type vehicle. Our driver was great he could have been a tour guide.

Wildlife – On the resort we saw three different colors of iguanas, leaf green, orange/black and black/gray. Every morning there was one or two iguanas by the center entertainment area. The big orange guy could be found by the quiet pool and by the beach pool. On the way to the beach under the boardwalk bridge there are turtles, lots of turtles and maybe even a croc. One evening going back to our room there was a toad by the entrance to our building and one morning there was a turtle by our walkway. There were lots of birds, butterflies and geckos.

Overall, we had a great vacation. The Occidental Grand Cozumel is a great place. We have no complaints about the resort. We would go back if the opportunity presents itself and we would have no problem recommending this resort to family and friends.

Grand Occidental Cozumel November 11 -18

Hotel

Is definitely Grand. What a beautiful place. Around 10 - 3 storey yellow buildings surrounded by lush gardens and water fountains lead you to the 1st pool. Cross the bridge over the lagoon with many life turtles to the 2 nd pool which overlooks the ocean.

The beach area is a narrow but sandy beach. No rocks. Gets deep quickly. Great for swimming. Saw some fish. Go next door to the Allegro for more fish.

Rooms are quite large. Fridge stocked with beer, water and soft drinks. Re- stocked everyday. Iron and small ironing board, alarm clock (that works) .

The Kids club is shaded with a playground and it's own little pool & indoor play centre.

"Sunset Post" issued daily. Events of the day. You can find out what's the buffet theme for that evening.

Activities: Tennis court, air conditioned gym and spa. Karaoke nights, bingo, snorkeling & diving leesons. Dance & Spanish lessons - more… but I didn't notice people doing anything besides diving lessons. Many activities listed.

Restaurants

2 a la cartes opened due to off season. Sonora Grill - Steak - great. Did not try the Los Olivos - Mediterranean. Buffet - La Posada was open breakfast, dinner and late night snack. Lunch at the beach restaurant. Buffet style with someone to grill fish, hamburger and chicken. Salsa & tortillas everywhere.

The roof top pizzeria was closed. Pizza was served at the buffet as late night snack. I believe there is also a Mexican a la carte but also due to low season not open.

Staff

The best I have ever experienced. You wait for nothing. I was very surprised. I did not tip till the last day intentionally to see if this would make a difference. They went out of their way. (tipped at the end) Not used to this very prompt & courteous service in Cuba or Dominican Rebublic.

Tours I did:

1) San Maguil - trip to town - $17 for 1 or 2 people. Every additional person $1 extra dollar. Great shops & restaurants. A must do.

2) Jeep tour $75US and $8 admissions.
Snorkel , jeep through town and visit mayan ruins. Includes tequila tour and lunch. Jeeped down the "wild side'. Swam on the beach. Great snorkellng spot on this tour.

3) Tulum & Xle- ha $117 and additional costs.
Had to find your own way to the ferry ($17US) Ferry across and the transportation to & from Tulum was included in the price. Spent an hour in Tulum visiting the ruins. There is a gorgeous beach at the bottom of the ruins but we had no time during this tour to go into the water.

On to Xle-ha. Guide picks you up and drops you offer. I recommend going on your own to Xle-ha. You need to spend a whole day there. There was not enough time to properly enjoy this place on this tour. I believe the all -inclusive (without the dolphin swim) was $59 USD. Includes the admission, snorkel gear and locker rental, food and drinks (alcohol too) at 5 different restaurants. Great place to bring the kiddies. Snorkeling, lazy river, diving, caves, play areas, sonatas, bicycle riding.

Guide picks you back up and drops you to the ferry. You can either take the ferry back or go shopping in Playa de Carmen. Either way - you pay extra for the ferry and the cab back to your hotel on the other side.

I stayed in Playa de Carmen. Great shops and restaurants. There was a ferry at 7:00 , 9:00 & 11:00 pm to take us back.

I recommend you do this on your own. With the additional costs, the tour is not worth it. Not enough time spent at Tulum or Xle-ha.

4) Snorkeling & Sunset Cruise - 3 reefs $45USD - Catamaran includes snorkel gear.

Overall

Hotel was the nicest place I've stayed. Staff were the most efficient. Cozumel is a great place. Would definetly go back.

The only things lacking for me was bicycles and latin music. They play English music.

My pictures can be seen at http://www.imagestation.com/members/lesab33