Occidental Tamarindo

This resort -- one of the largest in town -- is away from Tamarindo's crowds at the tail end of a gravely road marked with an entrance lined with international flags. The pull-in driveway leads to an airy lobby with checkered floors and large contemporary chandeliers, as well as cheerful lounge areas with colorful cushions. (As is the case throughout, some areas of this mid-range property feel outdated, while others show signs of renovations.) Guests, during check-in, are given a wristband, towel card, and schedule of activities, as well as instructions on where to self-park. Many who come here seem to hail from Europe (families and tour groups), which makes sense given the brand, but the resort also attracts North and South Americans, as well as local Costa Ricans, creating a diverse crowd with many languages being spoken (Spanish by most of the staff). 

There are nice views of the outdoor pool from the lobby, and to get below, guests walk down a wide set of stairs (a separate staircase allows access between the buffet and lobby bar.) Rooms are spread out in coral-colored buildings with Spanish-style roofs on either side of the hub via pathways that venture through tropical grounds. Since this coastal area is quite rugged, guests can only access (or see) the beach from the entry point by the snack bar, which divides the ocean from the pool. There are regular activities like dance classes, aqua aerobics, and beach volleyball that receive nice participation thanks to the encouragement of the animation team. Older guests, however, tend to hit the beach chairs with a book; surfers can be spotted in the distance. 

Pretty sunsets attract a crowd for photo ops, and then most head to the lobby bar for drinks, before venturing downstairs to the buffet. The resort has a mix of ages so young ones might dine early and then head to the amphitheater for the the kid-themed show. Partiers might show up at the disco, or walk along the road towards downtown Tamarindo for more bars -- though this is less likely, as it defeats the purpose of an all-inclusive package, which is why many choose the resort.

Occidental Tamarindo is located in the growing coastal community of Tamarindo in northwest Nicoya Peninsula just over an hour's drive from Liberia International Airport. Roads in this part of the peninsula are more likely to be paved versus other parts of the peninsula, so this is a good option for those who like a bit more modernity and convenience (and yes, more commercialism). Guests are mostly drawn to this property due to its affordability and oceanfront location right on Playa Langosta. This part of the coast has beautiful views (especially at sunset), but the beach directly in front is rocky and may not be safe. A short walk along the shore towards Playa Tamarindo, however, offers great swimming and surf conditions for beginners. It takes about 20-minutes to walk to get to Tamarindo's downtown area for shopping, yoga, and restaurants and bars (some get quite rowdy). Calling a taxi after dark is a good idea.

Though Tamarindo is a surfing mecca, non-surfers need not worry as there are plenty of other activities like snorkeling, diving, and ATV and wildlife tours. Renting a car is not necessary, especially for those who want to save money. Area excursions come with transportation, and there is a shuttle service from Liberia International Airport for a reasonable rate. There is also a shuttle from San Jose International Airport but it will take longer -- about five hours -- and cost more money. For those who do rent a car, free parking is available in secure lots, but most spots are uncovered and directly in the sun so car interiors will get quite hot. 

There are 198 rooms and suites spread out in various buildings that range in height from two-, three-, four-, and five-stories tall with elevator access and breezeways. Rooms have either King-sized beds or two Queen-sized beds, and are decorated with white or beige tile floors, soft ocean-hues, wood piping, and wicker furnishings. Sliding glass doors lead to balconies with plastic patio furniture and garden views. They are equipped with A/C units (some have central air, while some have actual units), flat-screen TVs with basic cable, coffeemakers, and minibars stocked daily with a few bottles of water and sodas. Bathrooms have bathrobes, walk-in showers with rain shower heads, and eco-friendly toiletries (no conditioner, though) and a selection of Barcelo products like dental kits. Some units still have tub/shower combos while others have walk-in showers.

Five duplex-style suites have living/dining areas on the bottom floors and Master bedrooms on the top floors. There are two balconies and two full bathrooms in each -- the one adjacent to the bedroom has a jetted tub for two. Local beer is also included in the mini-fridges in these suites. 

Guests should plan on becoming very familiar with the buffet restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This large, open-air space is located beneath the lobby -- next to the pool -- and is not air-conditioned. Though spreads are repetitive, staff serve a large international display of salads, hot savory items, and desserts. At dinner time there is a sushi station with miso soup and several types of rolls. Snacks -- nachos, hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, and fruit -- between meals are available between the pool and beach. For a special occasion, Oceano is the resort's only à la carte restaurant, which serves Mediterranean fare. This is next to the amphitheater on the far end of the property with indoor and outdoor seating. After three nights of stay, dinner at Oceano is included for each guest; those on shorter stays can receive a discount. 

As for beverages, the all-inclusive package offers house wines, draft beer, and national liquors. (Foreign liquors and bottles of wine can be ordered for a separate charge.) Drinks are served at the snack bar during the day and the lobby bar in the evening. Drink service during meals at the buffet may be a little sluggish. 

The ocean at Playa Langosta, while ruggedly pretty, will likely have red flags up to denote it is too dangerous to swim due to waves and undertows. The beach has light beige sand with neat volcanic rock formations for exploring, and tide pools for little ones to splash around in. There are several bright blue chairs sectioned off -- quite close together -- under trees for partial shade. Vendors typically are not bothersome. Local surfers may be scouting the area, and sunset views are spectacular. Guests can walk further down towards Playa Tamarindo for safer swimming conditions and less aggressive waves for those who want to learn how to surf. A small selection of waters sport equipment is available but is not included. 

The snack bar offers a chalkboard listing daily activities like aqua aerobics and water polo, which take place in the large outdoor pool. This is a lively area with music and an animation team, which is why those seeking peace and quiet tend to hit the beach. Several sun loungers and palapas are available at the pool, and there is shallow kiddie area for swimming. Other activities include tennis courts, dance classes, a giant chess board, and lawn croquet.  

Occidental Tamarindo's nice spa is a two-floor space offering massages, facials, body wraps and scrubs, and a hair salon with manis and pedis at affordable prices. There is a couples treatment room outdoors with a private hot tub. Next door, a fitness center has two floors of equipment for no charge. 

Evening performances (one for kids and one for adults) are offered in the 200-seat theatre, which evolves into a disco until just after midnight. Babysitting service is available. A 60-seat conference center occasionally hosts business groups. It should be noted that Wi-Fi is not reliable or free, so those who need to get work done might have a frustrating time.