Occidental Grand Aruba All Inclusive, Palm Beach

Hotel had problems with electricity and water and management handled the situation extremely poorly. One of the buildings had now power for two days and then no water for one day. Little information was given to hotel guests. There was a backup generator that was diesel fueled so if you were on the side of the building with that generator you had the added bonus of noise and fumes.

The rooms were perfect ... The food was great , the people were just so kind!!!! The hotel was clean and the beach is just beautiful!!! I think this was a beautiful hotel! Must go back!

When we first arrived to the hotel on a Saturday afternoon, it took a while for the front desk concierge to check us in. We waited, had lunch and eventually went upstairs to the "deluxe ocean view" room that we booked. I've stayed at many resorts, and this was the first time I felt deceived about the advertisement and propaganda that was used to sell rooms. In the past, when I have booked rooms with a "partial ocean view", I knew what I was getting. At the Occidental, you could barely get once speck of the Caribbean and then had a full view of the poolside. That would have been fine if we knew what we were getting. From the get-go, they try to get you on this pitch about their vacation homes. If at first they don't succeed, they still try, including a call in the morning, under the guise of finding out if all is well. I point blank told them I was not interested. Let's see if they get the hint. The food is atrocious. Our vacation package was booked through Costco who advertised this as a upper-end inclusive pacakge. We were sadly dismayed. The food was bland, at best. Their concept of adding anything with spice or zest is to throw in some packaged papaya spicy sauce, which doesn't always go with everything. To be fair, my experience with the Italian restaurant was good and our waiter was very good and accomodating. As far as resorts go, the beachfront is okay, nothing more than that. Puerto Rico, Bahamas have offered better beaches and more amenities. They do have poolside drinks that are free to guests who stay at the Occidental. One positive comment is that I do think the fine white sand is lovely. The rooms are at best, average. Major upgrades are needed, the shower wasn't so stellar and we had to call several times for the "cooler" to be repaired in our room. The prices in Aruba seem to be high, but I was surprised to see that the spa prices are in the range of NYC. I can bet you that their end product and service is no way near where it is in the Big Apple. If I were you, I would stay at the Hyatt next door. We took a look at the place, and it is beautiful. I can't comment on their food or rooms, since I haven't stayed there, but it simply looks lovely.

we love it there

Just returned from a 7 day stay at Occidental Grand Aruba. Will never stay at an Occidental Hotel again first & last time. They need to work on customer service skills as they have none. The food at the buffet for breakfast and lunch were not great ask for something simple like yogurt and your told they have none and then you see some people with it. Making a dinner reservation is a nightmare. Told you either can't go or you must go at 9pm when the restaurants are empty because we went around 7pm and were seated. Spoke with food & beverage manager and he was no help. Plenty of restaurants in walking distance so next time I will stay at Hyatt as I know what to expect there.

Ok, my husband and I are traveling to aruba for the FIRST TIME in October, and we're staying here. These reviews are so confusing...either it's a great place to stay or is it a rat motel, it can't be both! I wish people would be more realistic....instead of complaining about the things they have no control over...like the wind!! It does sound like most of the people that are complaining were picky and really weren't expecting to have a good time! Realistically, WHO GOES ON VACATION TO ONLY STAY IN THE ROOM?? We are going to the Occidental, and have a good time! and trust, when i come back, I will offer a more honest review of how the HOTEL REALLY WAS!

There is something very wrong about these reviews, either this hotel is as close to heaven a hotel can get or it´s a god forsaken cockroach farm. One is tempted to suspect the reviews are written by PR companies from both the Occidental and it´s competitors. Worthless site.

The Occidental is a very nice looking and well landscaped hotel. The web site is also very nice looking. The website states you can upgrade your room to a "deluxe ocean view". Deluxe ocean view means that you are above the third floor. Look at the layout map. The presidential suites are the only rooms with deluxe ocean views. My deluxe view was of the employees parking lot and a spa. (Room 2902) The front desk was really rude when I confronted them on the situation. After 20 mins of bickering back and forth I was told to come back 2 days later at 12:30 pm for a new room. The smell of mildew slap me in the face repeatedly as the door opened to the only other room they had to offer. I chose to stay in the deluxe parking lot view. i stayed 5 nights and never once got 2 complete sets of bath towels. The buffets are tolerable for about 2 days. We were happy to eat at the Wendy's up the street. I don't even eat fast food that much. The scheduled dinners/restaurants that are on the property have a very nice setting and approach. Two bites into the Mexican meal I stood up and walked to the Burger King across the street.(my way right away) The other meals were not that impressive. The pool area is very well landscaped and makes for a relaxing atmosphere. On my second day I sat at the pool bar for 6 hours. YES SIX. I tried every mixed drink that was on the menu twice. That's not alcohol in the liquor bottles. I finally swam off with a very very slight buzz. Mouthwash has more alcohol than any given bar at the Occidental. You can catch the bus and ride to the shopping area for very cheap. The bus stop is right out front. The best time I had in Aruba was aboard the Mi dushi. This is a snorkeling tour that takes you out for the afternoon and shows you a good time. The crew members on the boat are really friendly and genuinely enjoy what they are doing. They also served up a hot meal out of a boat kitchen that made the occidentals finest taste like dog treats. I would also recommend the 4 wheeler tour. Aruba has some very breath taking sights that make lifetime memories. Although the Occidental was the wrong choice, my wife and I still had an enjoyable time in Aruba. Definitely get out and see more of the island besides your resort.

We loved everything,,,people great at hotel,,,helped in every way,,,we had so much fun,,,felt at home,,,felt safe,,,great time,,,thats why we are 0going back again Aug 09 cant wait to hit my beach,,,,,,,

Honestly I'm a bit confused about how all of these reviews are on two different ends of opinion! Sounds like a love it or hate it type of place! I'm going to the Occidental for 5 nights and by reading the reviews I'm starting to see a trend that the people who aren't willing to let themselves have a good time are the ones complaining about their stay! Vacationers are picking on the wind, beach chairs, humidity and food. Seriously people. HONEST reviews will help us travelers looking to have a good time. I have spoke to 4 people who have visited Aruba and all have said i won't be dissappointed in the Occidental. They either visited or stayed in it. I plan on Eatting, drinking, laying on the beach or by the pool! Im not picky just want to escape New England! I'm SURE i will make the best of my vacation and have decided not to let not picky complaining reviews rain on my parade!