Iberostar vrs. Occidental Grand

[cvchief]

Both were decent. But in the Occidental Grand, you are second class citizen because the timeshare people have more perks than you.

That was absolutely NOT my experience. They could not have been nicer.

 

[redacted]

Both were decent. But in the Occidental Grand, you are second class citizen because the timeshare people have more perks than you.

We have been going to the OG at least once a year since they opened. I was approached early on about time-share and explained that I was not interested in such a commitment. They must record that because they do not continue to approach me. but the do seem to remember me each year and often augment their excellent service with additional things like special dinners, wine and fruits in my room, and souvenirs. they do offer some special services to their club members and to guests staying in select luxury (expensive) accommodations. But, in no way are others treated as 2nd class guests just because they may be paying quite a bit less for their stay.

 

[cvchief]

We have been going to the OG at least once a year since they opened. I was approached early on about time-share and explained that I was not interested in such a commitment. They must record that because they do not continue to approach me. but the do seem to remember me each year and often augment their excellent service with additional things like special dinners, wine and fruits in my room, and souvenirs. they do offer some special services to their club members and to guests staying in select luxury (expensive) accommodations. But, in no way are others treated as 2nd class guests just because they may be paying quite a bit less for their stay.

That is a good point. From a timeshare perspective, they, I think, were relatively low key about it. I mean they did do the sneaky free gift thing to get the chance to try to sign you up for a session. We bit and went to one. Nicest guy from TX was the sales guy. He was a raging Alkie though, hip flask and all. I am glad I went to it. I never did a timeshare thing and I have to admit I was REALLY impressed with the procedure. Psychologically very well designed to sell you a timeshare. We didn't buy and got some free liquor and all.

That being said, they never bothered us about it a bit. On subsequent trips, the front man was very friendly without trying to sell us anything and helped me with some question and all. And you are right OG has that special EXPENSIVE area there in the middle. Sort of a higher end resort in the resort. Wasn't timeshares only at least. Anyone could book it for like 3 times the price. As it was, I had ALL my service needs met in the regular rooms.

 

[DazedAndConfuzed]

That was absolutely NOT my experience. They could not have been nicer.

I never said you were not treated nice, but the timeshare people are treated nicer. I noticed the people in that walled off area hanging out in the patio in matching robes, and once lingered into the timeshare area and noticed they got their own private pool, private spa, private restaurant.

 

[redacted]

I never said you were not treated nice, but the timeshare people are treated nicer. I noticed the people in that walled off area hanging out in the patio in matching robes, and once lingered into the timeshare area and noticed they got their own private pool, private spa, private restaurant.

OK. You are talking about the Royal Club. It is not really "time-share". Rather it is upscale accommodations for any guests who elects to pay the extra. Occidental Grand Cozumel, All Inclusive Mexico Resort I did get a couple free trips to the Royal Club restaurant and it is a cut above all the others.

They also offer a Vacation Club (Occidental Vacation Club | All Inclusive Vacation Ownership Club) which is more like a time share. I sent some neighbors to the OG and they liked it so much that they did buy into the vacation club. As I understand it, they get some special discounts, a handful of certificates for free diving, Access to the "name brand" bar up by the pizza place, and free alcohol in the room. The rest id no different and it does not cover the Royal Club without additional expense. We enjoyed one trip with them on their vacation club membership. It was good but not that different. We were diving (who isn't) so the upscale drinks were of little interest.

 

[cvchief]

I never said you were not treated nice, but the timeshare people are treated nicer. I noticed the people in that walled off area hanging out in the patio in matching robes, and once lingered into the timeshare area and noticed they got their own private pool, private spa, private restaurant.

I feel strangely like I am repeating myself, but you too, WITHOUT BUYING A TIMESHARE can have ALL OF THAT. Just pay the extra money for the Royal Club:

Occidental Grand Cozumel, All Inclusive Mexico Resort

OCCIDENTAL GRAND COZUMEL

The Royal Club

The exclusive club-like atmosphere of The Royal Club offers executive level service within the Occidental Grand Cozumel resort experience. Discerning guests seeking superior service and highly personalized attention within the privacy of the resort can enhance their business or vacation experience with plush accommodations, elegant facilities and added amenities. Guests of The Royal Club will enjoy spacious rooms and suites with luxury accommodations including hydro-massage bathtubs, luxurious linens and pillows, Etro toiletries, nightly turndown service, fruit basket and plush bath robes.

• Private check-in and check-out reception
• Personal concierge service
• Luxury accommodations
• Hydro-massage bathtubs
• DVD player
• Luxurious linens and pillows
• Etro toiletries
• Pillow menu
• Nightly turndown service
• Fruit basket
• Plush bath robes
• In-room dining
• Private restaurant
• Pool with solarium
• Private areas
• Preferred seating at a la carte restaurants
• Complimentary high speed Internet desk

The Royal Club Dining

Upgrading to The Royal Club allows resort guests special access to The Royal Club restaurant serving a premium selection of local and international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

[Jax]

I never said you were not treated nice, but the timeshare people are treated nicer. I noticed the people in that walled off area hanging out in the patio in matching robes, and once lingered into the timeshare area and noticed they got their own private pool, private spa, private restaurant.

L,

As chief said, anyone can get the 'special' treatment, you just have to upgrade to it.

The time share owners paid for that special treatment. What is wrong with that?

 

[Karibelle]

• Pillow menu

In my experience travelling in Mexico, this would be the ultimate perk.

 

[cvchief]

L,

As chief said, anyone can get the 'special' treatment, you just have to upgrade to it.

The time share owners paid for that special treatment. What is wrong with that?

I honestly doubt they were timeshare owners. I guess some timeshare owners might pay that additional cost to get into Royal, though, but after what they paid for the timeshare, plus the added AI fee for the trip, then they would have to pay MORE on top for Royal.

 

[Jax]

Actually, chief, the timeshare owners get the equivalent of the Royal Club. That's what you buy into.