Occidental Costa Esmeralda Hotel

My wife and I stayed at this pleasant enough resort over spring break of 2005. Overall, I found it to be a nice place that is a pretty good value. As other reviewers have noted, it’s certainly not 5 stars, but how can you seriously expect a 5 star resort at 3 star resort prices? So they probably fudge their star rating; I’d say 3-4 stars at most (depending on what aspect of the resort you’re talking about. Pros: The Grand Papagayo has recently undergone a multi-million dollar overhaul, and it shows. The grounds are beautiful... more

The resort is on a hill so if you have bad knees or little children, it may not be the place for you. We heard you can call the lobby and they will send a car for you to take you to another part of the resort. Also, although the resort and their parent company, Occidental states it is a 5 star, it is a 4. I found their activities during the week sporadic (nature walks, dance lessons by the pool, 10 min. scuba lessons-free!!!) By the pool you found one torn volleyball representing their sports equipment. Sad! There is no game room so you... more

My family and I just got back from the Grand Papagayo in Costa Rica last week...and I have to say...everything about the hotel is AMAZING!!! The food at the buffet changes themes every day, and is really incredibly delicious food. The wait staff bends over backwards for you, making custom food for you, if you wish. You do have to get up early to make reservations (the desk opens at 8:00am) at the Oriental or Italian restaurant...but you do that your first or second day there...and you're set. We had no problems getting reservations, even... more

My wife, two children, my sister and parents just returned from the Grand Papagayo. Here is my review: ROOM Con: Average at best. My window did not lock to the bathroom. The fridge did not cool well. The shower was beat up and older. The walk was brutal the pool and dining. Pro: Room 1704 had a great view of the ocean and had monkeys in the tree outside the room every morning. This was a very private area of the hotel. It was a place to crash after being tired all day. FOOD: Con: Average at best. The... more

Well, to clarify my review, first I need to point out that we were bumped from another hotel using Vacation Express. So we (four of us) were pretty upset to begin with. Upon entering the hotel, we soon found out that we were not the only occupants that had been overbooked from a different hotel, and we would not be staying in the rooms of our choice. My wife and myself were shown a room with a view of a dirt wall. We finally got a room change after much persistance, and then found out that the room safe was not functioning. I had to... more

First off, never Ever book with Vacation Express! They can switch your hotel at anytime for any reason. We booked 3 months in advance at the Fiesta Premier, who overbooked and apparently does all the time. We were notified the day before we left for vacation that we would have to stay at the Grand Papagayo. I was not happy to say the least because we had a group of 4 and we all paid in full months in advance for a specific hotel. The Grand Papagayo had cosmetic updates and a nice staff, but the food was not 5 star. It... more

Spent a week at Grand Papagayo, February 19 - 26 through Air Canada vacations. We were very impressed. Beautiful grounds, although you need to be prepared to walk. A good thing, since the food was outstanding - don't miss the seafood buffet, the prawns at the grill, and the Oriental. The buffet was good for breakfast, and the 'snack bar' was good for lunch. Drinks were excellent, and service outstanding. Good red and white wines (Chilean), and real drinks. The room was good, although the air conditioning was loud. Room service was very... more

Just returned from the Grand Papagayo (Feb. 12-19) 2 couples. It was one of the most relaxing and wonderful trips we have ever taken. Left TO with Air Canada. No problems there..free drinks on this flight. Arrival in Liberia was smooth. Took less than an 1/2 hour to get through customs and immigration and then onto our bus to the Grand Papagayo. This resort is beautiful. The grounds and buildings are still under renovations . Check-in went fairly smooth . We were in building #1 on the top floor. Alot of stairs (70 from the pool to... more

My Husband and I stayed at this beautiful resort from 2/5/05-2/10/05. We had absolutley wonerful weather. I cannot say enough about the staff at this resort. They cater to your every need. Our room was overlooking the beautiful view, mini fridge was stocked daily and you could call service for anything, and they would be right there. Rooms are set up hillside so there is some footwork involved. Did not bother us!! After laying poolside or beach side all day, we needed some exercise!! Food was plentiful and excellent. We did make it... more

We stayed at the grand papagayo from jan 30th for 3 nights,but it was so relaxing we extended our stay for a couple more days.when we arrived we were so taken with the beautiful view from the lobby,we were given 2 glasses of champagne and then told they were fully booked(due to an airline cancelling its flight)but they would take us over to their sister resort,the allegro papagayo.we had fun over at the allegro,we had our two children ages 9 and 11 with us and there was a kids disco and plenty going on both day and night.the other plus with... more