Occidental Grand Cozumel is an all-inclusive resort at the south end of Cozumel on a beautiful beach close to the Palancar Reef. We found this newly opened resort when we were disappointed in an RCI exchange and since this resort were newly opened, they were offering a special with diving and snorkeling included in the price, so we took advantage of it.
It was a great experience. Eleven three-story gold-toned concrete villas with 24 beautifully furnished luxury rooms in each. Dark wood, rattan accessories, all with a balcony with 2 chairs and table, marble and stone floors and bathrooms, soaking tub, glassed-in shower, double sinks, stocked mini-fridge, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. All in all a very comfortable room.
Chilled champagne and a cold towel were offered as you checked in seated at a desk. The grounds are lush, the staff quite well trained and eager to please. Service is, at times, spotty or slow, but always with a smile. As guests here we had access to all the resort activities and venues at Allegro (the sister hotel next door) but they did not have access to our hotel.
The daytime activities revolve around the beach -- a free form 4 foot deep pool with some shallow areas for kiddies or sunbathing is surrounded by lounge chairs, market umbrellas and palapas at the edge of the calm water beach. Music plays throughout the day and the staff encourages you to participate in pool games. A storm had just come through and had eaten away a goodly portion of the beach -- a large open-air palapa serves drinks and buffet lunch. Hobie cats, kayaks and snorkeling equipment are complimentary. Diving at Allegro Resort (sister hotel next door) is complimentary, but equipment must be rented. There is quiet pool and bar closer to the villas. Nights are quiet with little entertainment and a disco that my be lively, depending on the crowd. It is a long way and a $15 cab ride into town, but the advantage of staying here is that the beach is better and dive sites are close by.
Food venues included a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner in an air-conditioned restaurant with waiter service - an outdoor pizzeria in the evening -- an A/C steakhouse -- and another restaurant that offered Mediterranean and Mexican dishes on a rotating basis. Due to low occupancy no reservations were required and strolling musicians went from on restaurant to another during the evening.
Given a few more months, this resort may become the best and most exclusive resort in Cozumel with a perfect location on a sandy beach just minutes from Palancar Reef and its wonderful underwater work. Definitely a resort to be watched !!!! We will return.
7/28/03 We did return - Read the next journal ' What a difference a year makes".