Occidental at Xcaret Destination
Family-friendly resort in Solidaridad. Park View, Family Resort.
Things to Know
Atmosphere
Amenities
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. Note that Xcaret park admission is NOT included in the base all-inclusive rate — it's an extra cost. 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
- +Nightclub on property gives guests a late-night option without needing to travel anywhere
- +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
- −Beach quality is secondary to the natural waterways — not a classic white-sand swim beach experience
- −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
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“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,...”
“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...”
“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...”