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Occidental at Xcaret Destination

Solidaridad, Mexico
4.7(35,409 reviews)
Family

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Occidental at Xcaret Destination is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Solidaridad, Mexico with 765 rooms. Amenities include Adults-Only Pool, Beach, Buffet Dining, Gym and Kids Club. Travelers rate it 4.7/5 across 35,409 Google reviews.

Price Range
$$
Rooms
765
Brand
Barcelo

Things to Know

Timeshare Pressure

Atmosphere

Park ViewFamily Resort

Amenities

Adults-Only Pool
Beach
Buffet Dining
Gym
Kids Club
Mini Golf
Nightclub
Nightly Entertainment
Snorkeling
Spa
Swim-Up Bar
Tennis
Family Vacation

Quick answers

Is Occidental at Xcaret Destination adults only?
No — Occidental at Xcaret Destination is a family-friendly resort that accepts children of all ages.
Where is Occidental at Xcaret Destination?
Occidental at Xcaret Destination is in Solidaridad, Mexico. Its address is Camino a Xcaret Carretera Federal Chetumal - Puerto, Avenida Benito Juárez, 282, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico.
How many rooms does Occidental at Xcaret Destination have?
Occidental at Xcaret Destination has 765 rooms.
Is Occidental at Xcaret Destination all-inclusive?
Yes — Occidental at Xcaret Destination is an all-inclusive resort, so meals, drinks and most on-site activities are covered by the rate.

Traveler Insights(1,300 discussions)

Occidental at Xcaret Destination is one of those rare all-inclusives where the setting genuinely outshines the standard resort experience. Spider monkeys swing through the trees, natural lagoon channels weave through the property for snorkeling, and you're 100 meters from Xcaret — one of Mexico's greatest nature parks. Guests who come for the ecological experience and upgrade to Royal Level consistently report one of the best all-inclusive stays they've ever had. The 11 restaurants and equally extensive bar lineup mean you'll never run out of dining options.

The gap between Royal Level and standard is significant enough that many guests wish they'd known before booking. Standard room guests often report feeling like an afterthought with service, while Royal Level guests get dedicated concierge, better dining access, and far more attentive staff. Maintenance in the standard sections can be hit-or-miss, and the timeshare presentation push is relentless — virtually every guest mentions being approached and many get pressured into the 'complimentary breakfast' that runs hours longer than advertised.


This resort makes most sense for travelers who want to combine an Xcaret park trip with their all-inclusive stay, nature lovers who'll appreciate the unique ecological setting, or groups willing to budget for Royal Level. In 2026's record sargassum year, the sheltered cove has quietly become one of the property's biggest selling points on the hardest-hit stretch of coast — just don't expect a sprawling swim beach. Note that Xcaret park admission is NOT included in the base all-inclusive rate — budget $80-120 per person for the park. The nearby Xplor adventure park and Xel-Ha snorkeling lagoon make this a great base for active travelers who want to mix resort relaxation with genuine Riviera Maya adventures.

Pros

  • +Prime location adjacent to Xcaret Park — the best nature theme park in Mexico is literally next door
  • +Incredible wildlife on the grounds including spider monkeys, coatis, iguanas, and birds that roam freely
  • +Exceptional snorkeling in the natural inlet channels that run through the property
  • +11 restaurants and 11 bars mean genuine dining variety without needing to fight for the same spots repeatedly
  • +Royal Level upgrade dramatically improves service, dining, and amenities — consistently praised by those who spring for it
  • +The sheltered man-made cove is a real advantage in the 2026 record sargassum year — guests report it's protected from big waves and seaweed alike, with the resort keeping the swim area clear while open beaches from Playa del Carmen to Tulum get hammered
  • +Proximity to both Xcaret and Xplor parks makes it a perfect base for day-trip adventuring in the Riviera Maya
  • +Natural jungle and lagoon landscape creates a genuinely beautiful resort environment unlike typical beach resorts

Cons

  • Timeshare presentation pressure is aggressive and persistent — guests describe being approached multiple times for a '90-minute breakfast' that runs 3+ hours
  • Maintenance issues reported throughout the property — AC problems, plumbing quirks, and upkeep inconsistencies in standard rooms
  • Service quality varies dramatically between Royal Level and standard rooms — standard guests often feel like second-class citizens
  • Xcaret Park access is not typically included in the base all-inclusive rate — an easy assumption to make that leads to disappointed guests
  • Property is large and navigation can be confusing for first arrivals, especially at night or with luggage
  • The cove is not a classic white-sand swim beach — it's small and rocky, lounging space shrinks with the tide, and management concedes some seasonal seaweed still reaches the area despite the sheltered design
  • Wi-Fi is notoriously unreliable in many parts of the resort
  • The wildlife, while magical for many, means insects and critters share your space — not for the squeamish

Common Questions

Is Xcaret Park included with Occidental at Xcaret?
No — this surprises many guests. Xcaret park admission is not included in the standard all-inclusive rate. Tickets typically run $80-120+ per person. Some special packages and promotions include park access, so check your specific booking. The resort's location adjacent to the park is a convenience perk, not a free access benefit.
Does the cove get sargassum?
Far less than the open beaches around Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The small man-made cove is structurally sheltered, and guests in 2026 — a record sargassum year — report it stayed protected from both large waves and seaweed, with the resort actively keeping the swim area clear. Management is honest that some seasonal seaweed still reaches the area, so think of it as strong mitigation rather than total immunity. During heavy months (roughly May through August) it's one of the more reliable swim spots on this stretch of coast.
Is Royal Level worth the upgrade at Occidental Xcaret?
According to most guests who try it, yes — especially if you're celebrating something or want a noticeably better experience. Royal Level provides dedicated concierge, access to a private pool and beach area, premium liquor, and better restaurant access. The standard experience gets mixed reviews; Royal Level gets consistently strong ones. The price gap is meaningful but so is the experience difference.
How do I avoid the timeshare presentation?
Be explicit at check-in: tell the front desk you are not interested in any presentations, breakfasts, or VIP orientations. When staff approach you offering a 'welcome breakfast' or 'orientation,' decline politely but firmly. The pitch is persistent — some guests report being approached 3-4 times during a week stay. Saying yes to even 'just breakfast' commits you to a multi-hour sales session.
What wildlife can you actually see on the property?
Spider monkeys, coatis, iguanas, tropical birds, and various other wildlife roam the grounds and natural waterways freely. The snorkeling in the natural channels on property turns up fish, rays, and marine life. This is genuine — not staged. The natural lagoon and jungle setting is legitimately one of the most beautiful resort environments on the Riviera Maya.
How does Occidental Xcaret compare to Hotel Xcaret Arte?
They share a parent company but target different markets. Hotel Xcaret Arte is luxury-tier (all-fun inclusive with park access included, higher price point). Occidental is mid-range all-inclusive without park access included. Arte is consistently rated higher for food and service quality. If budget allows, Arte is the upgrade; Occidental offers similar setting at meaningfully lower cost.

Google Rating

4.7(35,409 Google reviews)

Google Reviews

AA H.
a week ago

We had a very relaxing stay at the Occidental resort in Mexico. The resort itself is surrounded by nature, with beautiful plants, trees, deer, monkeys, and other wildlife throughout the grounds. Everything was well maintained and created a peaceful,...

Anthony V.
2 weeks ago

I recently stayed at Occidental at Xcaret Destination in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and overall had a really great experience. The resort is beautiful, surrounded by nature, with lots of pools, food options, and places to relax. It felt like there was...

Ray T.
a month ago

We loved the customer service the 9 days that we stayed with the whole family! The workers were very friendly and remembered our names! Especially Julio at the snack hut by the big pool! He made us laugh and had great conversations when we asked him...