Occidental Tamarindo - All Inclusive

We had a good time this place. Food and room were good. We recommend for good times with less money.

This was a last minute trip as our usual yearly two week trip to Varadero was canceled. So we are used to 2 star, this was a 5 star. This hotel is handicapped friendly, although the property is spread out. The staff was friendly and helpful. The hotel was larger than I thought, although the buildings are 3 stories. Because it is a sprawling property, you could end up far from pool, bar, and restaurant. We had requested during booking, first floor due to health and age but ended up on the third floor at the far end of the property. But they were able to move us to the first floor close to everything the first night. Our room was large and comfortable, clean and air conditioned, however, it still couldn’t keep up with the humidity. The pool was large with a connecting hot tub and children’s pool but warm, so not refreshing at this time of year. Lots of lounge chairs in sun and shade. The beach bar on the first day only had one bartender, but then as it got busier, two more came on. It does not open till 11 a.m. and closes at 7p.m., so only the lobby bar is open with one bartender, but it was never overly busy during our stay. There was a really good snack bar at the pool, with a good variety of food and the chef worked hard to keep it replenished with fresh food. He was also very accommodating when I wanted my hotdog cooked more. The waiters and waitresses, especially Martha, were so friendly. They also came around the pool area and asked if you would like a drink. The entertainers were so energetic, trying to get people involved with all the activities but were not pushy. Beautiful landscaping and well looked after. The beach was not what I expected. Always a red flag. We don’t lie on the beach but do like to walk. When tide is out, it’s great, but areas are rough because of the volcanic rock and broken shells, make it rough on the feet, so I would recommend water shoes. If you are a surfer, it looked amazing. We aren’t, but it was great to go down at 6:00 a.m. and watch them. As for food, our expectations were high. There was a theme every night, a lot of variety, but bland, however, the fish on grill was excellent. They have a grill at each end of the dining room, but only used both at breakfast. There’s a lot to choose from. Lots of different kinds of fruit, vegetables. The coffee machine allows you to select different types. Wine was plentiful. Dinning room was large and not hard to find a table but not air conditioned since it was open air dining. Only once in the ten days we were there was there a long line up at the buffet. I would suggest they move the soup station away from the buffet area. There are two à la cart restaurants - Italian and Japanese. You have to book three days in advance. We never got to the Italian one but did try the Japanese one and it was excellent, different from the Japanese theme night at the buffet dining room. Read less

I really enjoyed my stay here! It was me and my daughter for a Week all inclusive for a great price! Dara at the front desk was so sweet And accommodating for all our requests. We were in room 9329 on the first floor. It was a very large room very modern bathroom and a patio with two lounge chairs and two regular chairs. I do recommend The premium upgrade and the private shuttle! We had the best Bartender Eduardo. So sweet and Great conversation. Also, The gentleman that runs the grill and cooks the eggs. Etc. was also so sweet. The free massage was very nice and the entertainment was fun also. Very relaxing week. We also got to go to the Italian restaurant and the Japanese restaurant three times during the week. I’ll be honest the buffet wasn’t the best. But for the price you can’t beat it. It’s also very close to town. I wouldn’t recommend inter bus shuttle. We had the best shuttle driver on the way back also The people in Costa Rica are just wonderful! And I will definitely return to this hotel next time I’m in Tamarindo.

Great experience, amazing customer service! Very happy with my stay here, the entire crew was very attentive and made me and my family feel welcomed. A special shout out to our bartender Johan! He made some delicious drinks and really went out of his way to take care us.

We had a concerning experience at Occidental Tamarindo when we needed basic first aid supplies. After requesting assistance from multiple staff members, we were told that only the lifeguard had access to the First Aid Room and its key. We waited over 1.5 hours before receiving antibacterial spray, gauze, tape, and bandages. The lifeguard was professional, knowledgeable, and very helpful when he arrived. However, no backup coverage during his lunch break and no accessible first aid supplies available through other hotel staff. For a resort of this size, guests should have quicker access to basic first aid and more than one trained staff member available to assist in emergencies or access to a basic First Aid Kit. We emailed the hotel with no response.

The service at this hotel is amazing, the food is good the beach is clean and so is the pool! The staff are kind and always willing to help, I travel with a severe wheat allergy and everyone went above and beyond to make sure I was safe and taken care of for food, they would take me in ahead of opening for dinner and show me what I could eat or offer to cook me something special. I felt safe the whole time. It was incredible!

Great location, easy Walk to the town of Tamarindo either on the beach or by the street. An Uber is about $5 each way. We were in building 4, room was quiet, clean, comfy bed, great shower(rain head) with lots of pressure, soft towels, great A/C, mini fridge stocked daily and coffee maker. Resort itself, nicely landscaped, always chairs available although many still play the reserved towel game !! We never had any trouble getting a chair. Pool was clean, The two Ala Carte’s were fine. Buffet was the usual for an all inclusive, you could always find something you liked. The omelette and waffle stations were always great for breakfast. The service fine. All the staff were friendly and professional. Hats off to Alsonso at the bar. Last the beach and the river are amazing. You can walk for miles. Super sunsets.

The only good thing about the hotel is its location. Otherwise, the staff service is poor, the rooms are very badly maintained, and the beach is only for surfers, not ideal for families with children; you have to leave and find another beach to swim. There isn't much entertainment, and the food and drinks aren't very good. It's preferable to pay a little more for better service.

Staying here May 2-9th, 2026. This resort is maybe a 3 star at best. All inclusive is not correct. Only 2 al a carte dinners per room per week. The other option is the buffet which is limited in food variety. Never have I been to an all inclusive that I had to get down your own dirty loungers from a massive stack and drag it to our spot on the beach. No wait staff at the pool, nor the beach to order from which I would be happy to tip for. No real activities other than their nightly shows. Pool is small & quiet. The spa is lovely and most staff are friendly. It is a 2 hour transfer from Liberia airport and the transfer that was arranged was not readily identifiable so it took much longer to wade through many tour companies to find our company. The room we stayed in at the resort (3204) was clean enough & air conditioning worked well. The rooms are tired and the beds are quite firm.