We had researched many resorts and we decided that the Occidental Grand Papagayo would be the one where we would get married. We have no regrets. There was a little bit of room shuffling upon check in but everything was organized fairly quickly. The rooms were beautiful. We were in building five and the rest of the family was scattered throughout. We had cable and air conditioning issues but once again everything was resolved quickly.
I am a very picky eater and tend to shy away from buffets. This was perfectly fine because there were choices for dinner at one of the three restaurants, all offered variety.
The grounds were beautiful The pool was an option but we liked the beach. It was quiet and not too many locals compared to playa conchal. We actually met a tour guide, Jamie who worked for Avispas tours. He was amazing. He took us on a day trip zip-lining, horseback riding and tubing. He made every effort to share Costa Rica with us. Awesome.
Then there was the wedding. Harold, the wedding planner made sure that everything went perfect. From the set-up on the beach, to the cake, to the reservations for dinner, hair appointments, he just never stopped. We we spent another week in CR and we stayed at various resorts. Paradisus Playa Conchal: beautiful...great food. TOO MANY KIDS. Barcelo Playa Langosta: horrible food, horrible rooms far from an all-inclusive., only a five dollar taxi to tamarindo. Lost Iguana: nice views, quiet and very hilly. Mawamba Lodge: boy scouts dream, summer camp, gross food and rustic accomodations, not a honeymoon...run away.

Although the hotel itself is beautiful, the hotel staff is not. Our room was not cleaned, there were never any towels for the pool or for our room(We waited 11/2 hours for clean towels one night.) You have to make reservations for 3 of the 4 restraunts even though they are only half full, you can never get a reservation. The staff is nice out and about but they are not all that concerned about your happiness.

We honeymooned at the Occidental Grand during the third week of March, and found it charming. The views and the grounds are beautiful. We took several tours which we loved. The Swiss Travel Mega Combo is the best by far. The rooms at the hotel are clean, but do not expect the luxury you'll find at American five star hotels. The bed is big and the bathroom is fine, but nothing fantastic. The mini bar is stocked with water, juice and beer, but there are plenty of places to get drinks all around the hotel. But when the disco closes at 2a.m., you're on your own. The pool grill is great for daytime snacks. There are plenty of water sports to do on the beach. We recommend the snorkeling if your a beginner. Even right around the resort we saw all kinds of fish and animals. The nightly sunset walk is worth taking in. There are usually monkeys in the trees and the view is the best. We found the food at all the resturants good but not great. The Italian was our favorite, you can even dine outside there. The staff is all very friendly and helpful although maybe a bit overworked. The steps are a bit much after day 3 or 4, but you can call for a lift from several drivers around the resort. If you are a couple, you will enjoy the individual hottubs and secluded lounge chairs in certain nooks and crannies. Overall we loved it, and want more than anything to go back for our 1st anniversary.

The nice grounds an beautiful views were spoilt by the poor service, and extremely unhelpful attitude of the staff.