Experience with Iberostar and Occidental Grand?

[cvchief]

Hey all!! Going back to the island in December. I have been to the Occidental twice. Was going to rent a condo or something this time, but they seem to be giving away rooms at the AIs so I gotta do it. Has anyone been to both the Occidental and the Iberostar lately? I am thinking about trying the Ibero just for something different, but we are taking bubble watching family along, so I dont want to foul it up. They liked the Occidental. I have my own dive op, (props to Alison) so that isnt a consideration. How about the beach at the Ibero compared to Occidental? The reviews sort of made me think the BWer might not like the beach?

Thanks!!

Rick

 

[Divingdogdr]

Very nice beach at the OG. I was there in Sept. Dont' know about the Ibero. I was disappointed with the food though. Yes I know all about how the AI's have to try to please everyone but I have been to several AI's in the q roo area and the OGs left a lot to be desired. I actually was very pleased with the food at most of the other AIs.

 

[cicopo]

I've stayed at both but not at the Iberostar recently. I was at the Grand in Feb, and there's a link to my comments about that stay in the post on the food at Hotel Cozumel. The beach at the Iberostar isn't as nice as at the Grand once you get to the waterline but on shore it's very nice. My wife & I both prefer the Iberostar now that we've finally tried both. When recommending either of them I suggest going with the cheaper of the 2 because they aren't that different all things considered, but I'd pay up to 10% more to stay at the Iberostar. That's a personal choice, and I don't think I could fully explain it without writing a book. Maybe it's my unusual tastes in food, but the Grand was a let down. A photo tour of the Iberostar is here.

Picasa Web Albums - Larry - Iberostar Coz...

 

[Tailspin]

I'm staying at the Iberostar in January.

Your picture tour just made my anticipation grow a bit!

Thanks.

 

[1KWIK_69]

I know what you mean about them giving the AI trips away. OC Grand and Iberostar both lowered their prices right after we booked with Wyndham. I wish they would have done it earlier because I've stayed at Wyndham before and would like to try something different.....

 

[cicopo]

You're both very welcome. I have photo tours of the grounds at several of the resorts south of downtowntown, but not all of them here.
Picasa Web Albums - Larry
unfortunately they are mixed in with many other albums so you may need to go slow when looking for a specific one.

 

[cvchief]

Wow. that is really helpful batch of pics, cicopo. Thanks!!

 

[kwest]

Has anyone found AI deals that continue into January? I've found that the deals stop midway through December, and we are going January 11 - January 20. I've been holding off booking until I find a better deal.

Thanks (((kevin)))

 

[Jax]

I personally liked the Occidental Allegro better than the Occidental Grand. The Grand may have nice rooms, but we spent our time diving and in the hot tub at the beach. The dive shop is RIGHT THERE, while it picked up from the Grand pier, and I think the Allegro food is much better. You might try getting into the Royal Club - slightly more private and away from the theater. March 2009.

 

[cvchief]

We went ahead and booked the Iberostar, thanks cicopo. Be there 12/14-22. I let you know how it goes. Can't beat $738 pp out of BWI.