Costa Rica

[Mr Cancun]

Here are some pics of the pool area from the main lobby.





And here are some pics of the drive to the resort





And I would like everyone to know that the roads are NO longer bumpy leaving the airport to your resort. They have all been paved and new roads are starting to be constructed with all the building of new resorts down there. There are about 2-3 big name resorts being built in the Papagayo beach area.

[Just Lucky]

Nice photos. What were the people like? Did you have the time to interact much with the general population or more just folks at the hotel?

[Mr Cancun]

Originally Posted by Just Lucky

Nice photos. What were the people like? Did you have the time to interact much with the general population or more just folks at the hotel?

The most informative person I met was our driver who picked us up at the Occidental to take us to the next resort, Gustavo. He turned a one hour drive into a two and a half hour drive while showing us the country. Non stop talker, full of useful information. Everyone we met were extremely nice. From the workers at the resort to some we met while off the resort. Our stay was rather short so we did not get to hit the towns like we wanted to. That will be next February when we return.

[Mr Cancun]

Here are a few more pics from the OGP





The Occidental Grand is not a large resort but there are quite a few steps to walk up at. Not really built in mind for those who might need wheelchair access.

Here is the view looking up from the pool are to the main lobby.



If looking up from the pool, the second level to the far left was a nice air conditioned bar area with comfy furniture. You could sit inside or out on the deck. Next to it was the sports bar/disco.

On the far right where there are no windows, that was where the VIP guests registered and it had a bartender, large screen TV, and pool table up there.





We ended up going to the Disco early and they were letting us choose whatever music we wanted to hear.

[Thor Henning]

Looks great!

[Mr Cancun]

Thanks Thor !!

The next resort blows this one out of the water.

I hope I can finish a report, I started 3 so far on here and have never finished. I guess I was working for a Playa Award, "Person Most Likely to Bore an Audience with a Unfinished Trip Report". Can I claim that one ?? I lost to Stew on Spooner Award year before last. Still have never recovered.

[Just Lucky]

Originally Posted by Mr Cancun

Thanks Thor !!

The next resort blows this one out of the water.

I hope I can finish a report, I started 3 so far on here and have never finished. I guess I was working for a Playa Award, "Person Most Likely to Bore an Audience with a Unfinished Trip Report". Can I claim that one ?? I lost to Stew on Spooner Award year before last. Still have never recovered.

If it makes you feel any better, your early mention of Ollie North in this thread had me sitting on my hands to keep me from typing.

[Mr Cancun]

Originally Posted by Just Lucky

If it makes you feel any better, your early mention of Ollie North in this thread had me sitting on my hands to keep me from typing.

Just testing the waters there on 8lb. test

I knew it would be killing someone here not to pipe up !!!

[ZAEM]

Thanks for sharing. If the next resort blows this one out of the water it must be amazing.
Can't wait to take a peek!

[Rissask]

Yes, keep going, that resort looks beautiful. I would really like to see some beach pictures or any others you might have of the area. I love that rugged Pacific coast.

[Jacko]

Originally Posted by Mr Cancun

Thanks Thor !!

The next resort blows this one out of the water.

I hope I can finish a report, I started 3 so far on here and have never finished. I guess I was working for a Playa Award, "Person Most Likely to Bore an Audience with a Unfinished Trip Report". Can I claim that one ?? I lost to Stew on Spooner Award year before last. Still have never recovered.

Nice, slow start! I can't wait to see the next resort!

[Jan&Chas]

How would you compare the cost of going to Costa Rica to PDC?

[pslucky]

Ohhhh, thanks for the photos!! Please post more!

[Mr Cancun]

Here are some walking to the beach pics at the Occidental

[Mr Cancun]

Originally Posted by Jan&Chas

How would you compare the cost of going to Costa Rica to PDC?

From Dallas, lets use the Barcelo for a comparison, it would cost us maybe $400pp more for a week.