Located on the northern outer fringe of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the Occidental Costa Cancun caters mostly to families with children. The beach is relatively small and unimpressive by Cancun standards (this factor has a somewhat negative effect on the Overall Beach Resort Rating), the food is lackluster with only average dining variety for an all-inclusive (four restaurants), there’s no swim-up bar, the rooms are somewhat basic (though very clean), and some room balconies are quite small; but the property offers a newly renovated swimming pool area with in-water loungers, decent spa and fitness facilities, a good kids club for smaller children, plenty of loungers and palm trees for shade on the beach (maybe too much shade for some), and a friendly staff. Activities include jet skiing, beach volleyball, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, water polo, sailing, and excursions (to nearby Isla Mujeres, Mayan ruins, jungles, and cenotes). Transportation to Xcaret Park near Playa del Carmen, where a sister hotel is located, is also available. It’s over an hour away, but the park offers caves and underground rivers, Mayan ruins, a kids area with waterslides and cenotes, a wine cellar, original chapels, a genuine Mexican cemetery, a 19th century Mexican mansion, and more; activities include scuba diving, snorkeling with stingrays and nurse sharks, swimming with dolphins and other marine life, parasailing at 600 feet above the water, temazcal spa rituals, speedboat rides, deep sea fishing, and 7-course dinner shows, to name a few.
On-site COVID-19 testing is offered prior to departure, but it isn’t complimentary.