4 Nights
with Air
from
$1369
was $1729 - All Inclusive
Rooms starting at
$240.00
per person/night - All Inclusive
InfoCustomer ReviewsQuestions & Answers
Want to tie the knot in style? Occidental Grand Aruba is the all inclusive hotspot for nuptial bliss. The unmistakble be
...
More
Want to tie the knot in style? Occidental Grand Aruba is the all inclusive hotspot for nuptial bliss. The unmistakble beauty of Aruba is the backdrop for every bride's fantasy wedding, brought to life by the resort's wedding planner. If you really want to take your honeymoon to the next level, the resort offers The Royal Club upgrade: private check-in, room service, private lounge and concierge are just a few perks of the perfect package.
Less
"We returned from our 10th trip to Aruba... having stayed at the Occidental 8 times now. From the friendly staff to the beautiful beach, it is a wonderful vacation!" – RickfromMichigan
57 out of 70 (81%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.Read All Reviews
All Customer Reviews
Loading...1-4 of 59 reviews. Sort by
February 28, 2012
Great vacation
We completely enjoyed every minute of our stay here.....It may not be the "nicest looking" of all the resorts but it was very clean, comfortable, and a great time....every morning they were up cleaning the pool area and you could smell the clean smell of chlorine...same with all the eating areas....We were only able to make 2 dinner reservations because they were so busy that week. We ate in the buffet most of the time and really enjoyed all the food there. The staff was very nice.... everyone was friendly and helpful....the beach does get crowded during the day and you need to get up very early to get a good spot (which we were not able to do) but we did get rafts from the Da palm store by the beach (they loan them to u with a credit card on file for security) and would float in the water most of the time ...which lead to a good sunburn.....SPF 75 or 85 is recommended!!!! I would def go back here tomorrow if I could!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh and the swim up bartenders make the best Mojitos EVER!!!!!!!!!!
Stayed at he Occidental 1/28 to Feb.4th and I have to say it was a great all around trip.From the first moment I booked this trip through Cheap Carribean everything went smoothly they were very honest and gave everything asked for even phone calls and emails were handled promptly! I booked the Grand Concierge option for the Occidental which is well worth it, you can ask for certain rooms which I did but remeber you are in Aruba dont stay in your room! The Resturants are plentiful you will not go hungry and the staff are some of the most hospitabile people you will ever meet. Walking around Aruba is very convenient Store and shopping all around the Hotel itself. this Hotel is well worth the price paid
Some tips: Bring Slacks at least 1 pair- the specialty resturants want men to wear long pants'
Tip- not necessary but well worth it and they are great people
Bring Sun block
Have a great time
Second visit to this resort. Went in 2010 as well. Great place to spend a nice relaxing vacation, however, nothing has changed in the past year including the dinner menu's. Staff is top rate and i found the resort clean and comfortable. you always see people cleaning and wiping up. Beach is clean and free of seaweed. take a walk along the beach and you'll see seaweed on other resorts beachline. overall, definetly worth going to.
This was my first trip to Aruba - definately best beach compared to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, Rivera Maya, Hawaii. I would not go back in November since it is the island's raining season - did not know that - rained 50% of the time I was there - including upon my arrival & my departure dates. I loved the fact that this resort was on Palm Beach which was gorgeous with white sand - there was a nice boardwalk all along the beach and resort area, couple of nice piers with restaurants for outside eating, and cute shops - lot of ships & sailboats to stare at while your on the beach. This resort was not so packed of people as compared to the Riu and Westin which was nice - you had your space. It was nice to sit outside for breakfast in front of the mini waterfalls, beautiful shrubs, live birds, iguanas - very tranquil setting; however, this was the only eating option for breakfast with the same eating option for lunch - it was tiring eating the same food every day & not very temperature hot - I was disappointed in the food quality. It was also disappointing not to have outside eating for lunch and dinner with the all inclusive plan - I would highly recommend not taking the all inclusive plan since there are so many great restaurants within walking distance from the resort area. The food was nothing to speak highly about besides the Italian restaurant, but the restaurant service is excellent. Wish there would have been better nightlife - the casino is very small and plain looking. The few theatre shows they had for the 9 nights I was there were great - but wish the resort had more evening shows with outside shows & consider having some afternoon shows. The gym is filthy, (floor has not been washed in months) small & has extremely old equipment. Their gym is not facing the ocean compared to the other resorts. The spa is only open until 5 p.m. with no steam room, sauna or hot tub & the prices are extremely high. The shopping though is reasonable. If you have a room facing the pool/ocean view, it does get very loud at night & can be difficult to fall asleep. Also, I booked the deluxe ocean view room & received a room on the 6th floor facing the parking lot & a slight view of the ocean. I did ask for a better view since that is what I thought I paid for - I had to wait 2 days until I was changed to the 5th floor facing the pool area with an ocean view which was nicer. However the balcony & bathroom is way too small. The balcony only fits 2 chairs and small table tightly - no room to lay out. The resort is very limited as far as having a # of rooms facing the ocean directly. If you are going to buy a calling card from this resort - do not make your call from your room. The resort charged me an extra $5.00 per call to use my calling card & not one employee told me that I had to make the call from the pay phone and not the room. I talked to the resort manager about this & told her that they should have told me that when I purchased the calling card from their store, but she still held me accountable for 50% of the connection charges. Also it costs $13 per hour to use the internet. I would definately go back to Aruba; however I would consider staying at the Marriott Ocean/ Surf Club (they have a lazy river, large beach area, super sports bar & casino) - just beautiful inside or the Riu even though Riu was crowded on their beach area & the pool area was smaller.
Galwhotravelsalot Top 500 Contributor From:Wisconsin Age:35-44 Travel:3-6 trips/year
Ask questions. Share answers. Get advice.
What's the best excursion? How much should you tip?
Ask a question about Occidental Grand Aruba or help someone else answer theirs.
Can you answer these questions?
3 questions, 14 answers.
Is there any bed bugs history in this hotel - Aruba Occidental11 answers
10 months ago
MW
CheapCaribbean is not familiar with any bed bug issues/complaints at this particular resort.
DanielleCC
Not sure about the history, but I just got back and certainly didn't experience any while I was there.
Beaches175
None... we researched the same thing. Just got back last Saturday and it was wonderful!
ArubaRules2012
Don't know if this is of any help but the resort was very clean and constantly maintained (housekeeping was everywhere).
itud
I can't definitively answer your question about bed bugs, but I will say that we just returned last week and I didn't see a bug of any kind the whole week -- not even a mosquito.
AnneL
I didn't see any. But their food had flies all over it, and birds would eat off on your plate the second you turn your head away from your plate
MLois
I personally can say no, as I did not experience any problem of this type during my 7 day stay.
Pepsi
no
mrfink
We just got back from the Occidental hotel last Sunday Oct 2 2011. The room was very clean and there were no bed bugs at all.
France
NO
SUNBUNNY
Not to my knowledge. We have stayed at Occidental Grand several times and always found it to be clean and bug free.
ArubaArriba
iS THE HOLIDAY INN SUNSPREE ALL INCLUSIVE AND WILL IT BE CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS IN MARCH 20122 answers
5 months ago
World Travler
The Holiday Inn Sunspree Aruba is not a completely all-inclusive resort, however you can book the resort with an all-inclusive package. To do so, you would need to choose the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Aruba All Inclusive on our web site. The all-inclusive package includes meals, drinks, entertainment and activities. As of right now, we have not received any communication stating that the resort is closing for renovations. If we do receive any such information, we would immediately contact and alert all affected clients.
KristinCC
I just came home from Aruba this past Sunday November 4th and the Holiday Inn Sunspree was still under construction - the lobby could use a lot of help - very dark and plain.
Galwhotravelsalot
Ocean or Garden1 answer
We want to stay at the Occidental.What does the garden room view look like?
2 months ago
Maine
Upon reviewing the room categories on our website, it does not list a Garden room view as an option.
MariaCC
Is Your Question for CheapCaribbean.com?
Contact our Customer Support team.
Room Information
The Grand Aruba has 398 elegantly appointed suites and rooms with sophisticated amenities for the discerning guest. They are all well appointed with modern amenities, and they are all air-conditioned and equipped with private balconies. The Deluxe rooms offer guests either one King bed or two double beds, marble floors, balcony or terrace, mini-fridge (on request), ceiling fan, hair dryer, satellite TV, alarm clock/radio, telephone with data port, high speed Internet or Wi-Fi access, iron and ironing board, in-room safe and full bath with shower and tub.
Want to feel like royalty in your Caribbean hotel? Occidental Grand Aruba has a Royal Club upgrade that makes it happen: private check-in, lounge and concierge make kings and queens of everyone.
What We'd Change
The pool isn't quite as huge as we'd like, but the free form beauty and swim-up Splash Bar more than make up for it.
Why You Should Go
Couples and newlyweds love the balance of romance and fun: the Honeymoon Package is amazing, and the five bars and on-site casino make for a happening nightlife.
Available Amenities
Activities/Tours Assistance
Car Rental Available
Banquet Facilities
Beach
Beach Bar
Business Center ($)
Casino ($)
Child Care/Babysitting Services ($)
Children's Activities
Conference Facilities
Cribs Available on Request
Dive Shop
Fitness/Exercise Room
Gift Shop
Kayaks
Kids Club
Laundry Services ($)
Lounge Chairs/Umbrellas
Nightly Entertainment
Room Service ($)
Snorkeling
Swim-Up Bar(s)
Internet Access ($)
Swimming Pool(s)
Tennis Court(s)
Tropical Gardens
Spa ($)
Sailing
Aerobics
Parking On-Site
Safe Deposit Box
Medical Services ($)
Water Polo
Non-Smoking Rooms Available
6 Restaurants
5 Bars/Lounges
Porter/Bellhop
Shopping
Multilingual Staff
Massage ($)
Elevators
Meeting Rooms ($)
Beach Towels
Handicap Room Available
Wedding Services $$ -- Pre-arrange directly with resort
Honeymoon Packages $$ -- Pre-arrange directly with resort
Wireless Hi-Speed Internet Access ($)
Amenities Subject to Change, with or without notice
Complimentary Full American Breakfast
Free Parking
Roll Away Bed Available Upon Request ($)
Additional Fees for some amenities may be required
Nearby Excursions & Attractions
Bars in the Area
Dive Shop Close by
Golf Nearby
Horseback Riding Nearby
Jet Ski Rental Nearby
Medical Facilities Nearby
Sailing Nearby
Scuba Diving Nearby
Water Skiing Nearby
Map of Local Area
The perfect weather and world famous white sand beaches make Aruba the ideal destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Numerous casinos, great shopping and many restaurants are the island's other attractions.
Occidental Grand Aruba
83 JE Irausquin Blvd, PO Box 218
+297 586 4500
Hotel Description
Occidental Grand Aruba: the Caribbean Couples Paradise
Want to tie the knot in style? Occidental Grand Aruba is the all inclusive hotspot for nuptial bliss. The unmistakble beauty of Aruba is the backdrop for every bride's fantasy wedding, brought to life by the resort's wedding planner. If you really want to take your honeymoon to the next level, the resort offers The Royal Club upgrade: private check-in, room service, private lounge and concierge are just a few perks of the perfect package.
Kick off your honeymoon by swimming up to the Splash Bar for a couple of margaritas, without ever losing sight of the waterfall at the freeform pool. Take in the sounds of the surf under a beach palapa while sipping a daiquiri from the Bikini Beach Bar (make sure you get there early; shady Palm Beach real estate is a hot commodity). When the rumble starts coming from your tummy instead of the beach, check out one of the six fabulous restaurants on the grounds of Occidental Grand Aruba. All inclusive dining at L'Olio scores you authentic Italian dishes and an outstanding international-wine list. Sample the sushi and channel your inner peace with Tatami-style private dining at Zen. After dinner, the risky hands of Black Jack at the on-site casino keep the party going long after the sun goes down, and club Sound gives couples the soundtrack to dance the night away while the DJ spins island hits.
Party by night, play by day with the all inclusive perks: work up a sweat at the fitness room or one of two tennis courts, then cool off with aqua aerobics or a friendly game of water polo. Aruba's pristine waters are perfect for a night dive, and you should also plan a tour of Antilla, a sunken pre-WWII German freighter.
When you need to rest after swimming, sunning and shopping, the Grand Romance Deluxe Ocean View guestroom is the choice for newlyweds looking for a special honeymoon package: breakfast in bed on your first morning in Aruba, a couples massage, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Other Details
Location
Located on the Palm Beach just minutes away from Queen Beatrix Airport.
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in: 3pm. Check-out: noon.
There is a three-night minimum stay required for travel April 13 - June 23, 2012 and again Sept 1 - Dec 22, 2012 for all rooms except the Royal Club category.
A five-night minimum stay is required for travel Dec 24-31 of each year. Reservations falling within the travel dates of Dec 23-Jan 3 are 100% non-refundable.
A valid credit card may be required upon check-in for possible incidentals not included in your hotel reservation.
Spring Break/Youth Policy
Individual student bookings are accepted. Minimum age requirement for check-in is 18 years of age. No more than the maximum occupancy per room is allowed. A refundable deposit of $200 per person (cash or credit card) is required upon check-in at the resort. Group student bookings must be requested through the Groups Department. These groups require a chaperon in addition to the refundable deposit.
All Inclusive
All-inclusive includes:
Unlimited meals, snacks & beverages
Full open bar with international brands
Six restaurants, four bars and one disco with bar
Limited in-room dining (continental breakfast from 7am-11am)
Free-form pool with two whirlpools
Fitness room
Tennis and scuba clinics
Daily activities program by the pool and beach area
Chaise lounges and towel service at the pool and beach areas
Sports: two tennis courts, water polo, volleyball, aqua aerobics, snorkeling and kayaking
Nightly shows and entertainment
Kids Club with supervised activities (ages 4-12)
Taxes and gratuities
Optional Features:
Casino on property. (Our fully renovated spectacular casino will reopen in Feb 2011. All our guests are invited to visit the Excelsior Casino, close to the hotel: transfer is included along with a welcome gift, glass of champagne and other exclusive benefits);18-hole golf course nearby; massage services; motorized water sports: scuba diving and deep-sea fishing; tours and execution desk (reservations required); private tennis lessons; car rental; babysitting services (reservation required); newsstand; shops and boutiques; laundry services; telephone calls; fax and copy services; 24-hour medical services (on call); business center with concierge service, computers and Internet access; conference and meeting facilities.
Optional Packages:
Scuba diving (including certification & rentals); wedding, honeymoon packages Occidental Grand Aruba Accommodations Deluxe rooms at the all inclusive Occidental Grand Aruba feature either one king bed or two double beds, along with elegant tile and marble floors and either a balcony or terrace from which to enjoy the sensational view and take in the sweet tropical breezes.
Dining
Name: The Palm
Type: International buffet
Hours: Breakfast, Daily 7am-11am; Lunch, Daily noon-3pm; Dinner, Daily 6pm-10pm
Description: Located on the main floor. Buffet dining along with made-to-order dishes.
Hours subject to change.
Name: L'Olio
Type: Italian
Hours: Daily 6pm-10pm
Description: Italian cuisine matched with an international wine selection.
Hours subject to change.
Name: El Olvido
Type: Mexican
Hours: Daily 6pm-10pm
Description: Mexican cuisine served in traditional Mexican decor.
Hours subject to change.
Name: Zen
Type: Pan-Asian
Hours: Daily 6pm-10pm
Description: Pan-Asian cuisine and tatami-style dining, at the sushi bar or a private table.
Name: The Beach Club
Type: Light Fare
Hours: Lunch, Daily noon-5pm; Dinner, Daily 6:30pm-10pm
Description: Light lunches and snacks.
Hours subject to change.
Water activities
Water polo, sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking are all included in the rate. However, Aruba is perhaps best known for its dive sites. Explore the coral reefs and marine life, or dive to one of the many shipwrecks, such as the Antilla, a pre-World War II freighter.
Bars
Splash Bar:
A swim-up bar at the resort pool, open 10am-7pm.
Bikini Beach Bar:
Located on Palm Beach, open 10am-6pm.
Cocktail Bar:
Tranquil and laid back, open 11am-11pm.
Desires Lounge:
Located on the second floor. Features a romantic setting perfect for couples. Open 7pm-11pm.
Sound:
A dance club featuring live music and DJs nightly, open 7pm-2am.
All hourse are subject to change.
Casinos
On-site casino featuring the latest in slot machines, Blackjack, roulette, poker and craps.
Wedding Services
Celebrate the love of a lifetime at Occidental Grand Aruba. With a breathtaking location along pristine Palm Beach, lavish all inclusive amenities and personalized service, this backdrop is perfect for a picturesque wedding occasion. The Occidental Grand Aruba offers the distinct feature of highly customized, celebrity-style ceremonies and receptions. Contact the resort directly.
Child Care
Parents with children ages 4 to 10 will want to take advantage of the Kids Club's supervised activities.
Honeymoon Bonus
Your honeymoon is a celebration of your new life together, so accent the occasion with Occidental Grand Aruba's Honeymoon Packages. Contact the resort directly.