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Occidental Papagayo - All Inclusive Adults Only

Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica

4.3(4,156 reviews)

Adults Only

Occidental Papagayo delivers what most Costa Rica resort travelers want at its core: an adults-only (18 and over) all-inclusive on a beautiful stretch of the Gulf of Papagayo, with good food, personable staff and a property small enough, at 163 rooms across 23 hillside buildings, that the pools and beach rarely feel crowded. The setting is the draw. Guanacaste's dry forest hillsides rise behind the resort, many rooms look out over Culebra Bay, and the sunsets from the lobby bar are a nightly event. It rewards guests who came for Costa Rica's natural beauty rather than a big all-inclusive pool circuit.

Traveler Insights

Pros

+Strictly adults-only (18 and over) with just 163 rooms spread across 23 hillside buildings, many looking out over Culebra Bay, so it feels relaxed and uncrowded on one of Guanacaste's prettiest stretches of coast
+Two pools for two moods: the main pool by the snack bar runs water volleyball, aqua aerobics and dance classes, while the quieter relaxation pool has in-water loungers and a Wet Bar, both open 7am to 7pm
+Food quality earns strong marks, with an international buffet plus two à la carte restaurants (Italian and Asian) and premium-brand drinks included at the bars
+Sheltered Gulf of Papagayo setting with kayaking, snorkeling and diving trips on the doorstep, and Playa Hermosa and Playa Panamá both within about 1.3 miles for beach-hopping
+Staff receive consistent praise for genuine helpfulness and a warm attitude that feels personal rather than scripted
+U-Spa with sauna and hot tub, plus a 24/7 gym, gives couples a real wellness option without leaving the property
+Only about 9 miles from Liberia's international airport, one of the shortest transfers to a beach resort anywhere in Costa Rica
+Guanacaste's dry Pacific northwest is the most sun-reliable part of Costa Rica, so rain is far less of a gamble here than in the Caribbean or central regions

Cons

−The resort is aging, and recent guests still report dated decor, tired furnishings and rooms that need updating
−Room maintenance complaints recur in reviews, including broken outlets, non-working safes, weak water pressure and humidity or musty smells in some rooms
−Hillside layout means stairs and slopes between the buildings, pools and sand, and the hotel itself notes the beach is the one area with no ramp access
−Only two à la carte restaurants, so dinner variety runs thin on a week-long stay, and some guests report limited choice at certain meal periods
−The property doesn't match the polish of newer Papagayo resorts like Planet Hollywood or the luxury Peninsula Papagayo hotels
−Major inland sights like Arenal and Monteverde are three or more hours away, so seeing more of Costa Rica means long day trips or splitting your stay

Dining is simpler than some reviews suggest: there is an international buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, two à la carte restaurants serving Italian and Asian food, a snack bar and four bars, with premium-brand drinks included. Premium Level rooms get priority on à la carte reservations and access to a private lounge. The two pools split neatly, with an activity pool for water volleyball and aqua aerobics and a quieter relaxation pool with in-water loungers and a Wet Bar. Evenings bring live music and a disco open until 2am, and the U-Spa adds a sauna, hot tub and treatments next to a 24/7 gym. The property's age is the persistent challenge: recent reviews still flag broken outlets, faulty safes, musty rooms and dated furnishings, so inspect your room on arrival and report problems right away. The hillside layout also means plenty of stairs and slopes.

Occidental Papagayo is best for adult couples and friends who prioritize scenery, a quiet atmosphere and solid food in the all-inclusive format, and who can accept an older property as the trade-off at the mid-market tier. It competes with Planet Hollywood Costa Rica at similar prices, offering a calmer, smaller resort in exchange for Planet Hollywood's newer facilities and bigger entertainment program. Travelers who can spend more will find a big step up in polish at the Peninsula Papagayo luxury hotels, while those staying put can fill days with Culebra Bay boat trips, snorkeling and diving, Playa Hermosa and Playa Panamá nearby, and day trips to Rincón de la Vieja's volcanoes and hot springs.

Common Questions

Is Occidental Papagayo strictly adults-only?

Yes. The minimum age is 18, and Barceló markets the resort exclusively to adults. The pools, beach and evening entertainment are geared toward couples and adult friend groups, with none of the family-resort noise you get at all-ages properties nearby.

What are the restaurants at Occidental Papagayo?

There are three restaurants: an international buffet that serves all three meals, plus two à la carte restaurants, one Italian and one Asian. A snack bar by the main pool and a lobby bar with sunset views round it out, and premium-brand drinks are included. With only two à la carte options, book them early in your stay; Premium Level guests get priority reservations.

How does Occidental Papagayo compare to Planet Hollywood Costa Rica?

Both are Papagayo-area all-inclusives at similar prices. Occidental is adults-only, smaller and quieter, while Planet Hollywood takes all ages and has newer facilities and a bigger entertainment program. Occidental tends to win on atmosphere and staff warmth; Planet Hollywood wins on room condition and modern amenities.

What are the room quality concerns at Occidental Papagayo?

Recent reviews flag broken outlets, non-working safes, weak water pressure, dated furnishings and humidity or musty smells in some rooms. Check everything when you arrive and report problems to the front desk right away, since guests who flag issues early usually get them fixed or get moved. Asking for a room in an upper building with a bay view also tends to pay off.

What wildlife and nature activities are near Occidental Papagayo?

The resort sits in Guanacaste's dry forest, so howler monkeys, iguanas and plenty of birds turn up on the grounds, and the bay is good for kayaking, snorkeling and diving. Boat trips around Culebra Bay and hikes to the volcanoes, waterfalls and hot springs of Rincón de la Vieja are popular day trips. Arenal Volcano and Monteverde are three or more hours away, so plan them as full-day excursions or a separate stay.

Restaurants (3)

Type	Restaurants
Buffet	L'Buffet Restaurant
Italian	The Italian
Asian	D'Oriental

From the resort's own dining pages. Only restaurants the resort lists are shown. All are covered by the all-inclusive rate, per the resort.

What's nearby

Playa Hermosa
5 min drive · 1.9 mi
Playa Panamá
5 min drive · 1.9 mi
Liberia
45 min drive · 20 mi

More things to do (22)

Playas del Coco · beach13 min drive · 5.2 mi
Playa Calzón de Pobre · beach13 min drive · 4.5 mi
Gulf of Papagayo catamaran and snorkel trip · excursion13 min drive · 5.2 mi
Bat Islands bull shark dive (May to November) · excursion13 min drive · 5.2 mi
Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point surf boat trip · excursion13 min drive · 5.2 mi
Playa Ocotal · beach25 min drive · 9.6 mi
Diamante Eco Adventure Park · adventure park40 min drive · 15 mi
Museo de Guanacaste · museum45 min drive · 20 mi
Museo del Sabanero · museum45 min drive · 20 mi
Playa Potrero · beach45 min drive · 18 mi
Playa Penca · beach45 min drive · 18 mi
Playa Pan de Azúcar · beach50 min drive · 20 mi
Playa Danta · beach55 min drive · 20 mi
Playa Flamingo · beach55 min drive · 21 mi
Sunset catamaran sail from Playa Flamingo · excursion55 min drive · 21 mi
Marina Flamingo · marina55 min drive · 21 mi
Catalina Islands dive trip · excursion55 min drive · 21 mi
Sportfishing charter from Marina Flamingo · excursion55 min drive · 21 mi
Playa Culebra · beach55 min drive · 19 mi
Marina Papagayo · marina55 min drive · 20 mi
Playa Brasilito · beach55 min drive · 23 mi
Ponderosa Adventure Park · adventure park60 min drive · 26 mi

Amenities

Tennis

Snorkeling

Room Service

Water Sports Rentals

Free Wi-Fi

Buffet Dining

Spa

Gym

Show 1 more amenities

Beach

Seaweed & sargassum

Costa Rica gets sargassum, typically worst March through August on the Caribbean coast only; the Pacific coast is clear every month.See the month-by-month guide →

Every all-inclusive in Costa Rica →

Google Reviews★ 4.3 · 4,156 reviews

Jolanta F.

a week ago

“The resort is not perfect, but you can make the time enjoyable here. You will always find something that you will not like; here , there, everywhere. But all employees are great, very attentive and kind. Food is great, full buffet for breakfast, lun...”

Heather P.

a month ago

“Absolutely wonderful resort. The pools were lovely, the rooms provide gorgeous views of the ocean as well as local wildlife and birds. It should be noted excursions through the resort are fantastic. Since it's only folks on the resort you don't need...”

Denise M.

a month ago

“We were there for 7 days Dec 2-9 and totally enjoyed this resort. By far, the best part, is the staff. Without exception, everyone was friendly, attentive and professional. The activity team was amazing and there were plenty of activities from mor...”