Was nice enough. Food was just okay. Not sure where the non-motorized water sports were. First time to Aruba, beautiful place. The weather wasn't great but we all had a good time. The concierge was very helpful and booked a great ATV tour of the Island for us. The buffet meals were just okay. The Asian and Italian restaurants were the best meals of the trip. Room was good size for 3 of us and they did upgrade us to a larger room just by asking. Ended up with a partial ocean view instead of garden view, which was very nice of Stacy at the front desk. The hotel changed from Occidental to Barcelo literally while we were there. Not sure if changes are coming because of that.

I consider my husband and I well-traveled and felt this resort was average or below average. We stayed in the royal club and were not thrilled with the concierge service. I called ahead to notify them via phone at Barcelo that it was my husbands birthday on arrival and our anniversary while there and they had NO record of this. I had to sneak out of the room after check in to talk to concierge and they put some rose petals on the bed when we got back that evening and after my husband fell asleep at 9:40pm someone walked into the room (no knocking) with our "free" bottle of champagne (newsflash it's all inclusive.... It's ALL free). The Royal club food was just ok. Buffet was ok not great. We ate off the resort for most dinners but did manage to get reservations at the hibachi and it was fun but definitely not the best hibachi food I've had. The room was acceptable but nothing special. If you were not in Royal club the beer selection was very limited. Lobby bar was cheesy to say the least. Most bars closed by 6/7pm except lobby. We struggled to get a palapa in am (despite waking up at 6am and holding towels to run down and place early) and then later learned a beach attendant takes tips from regulars and reserves them himself putting towels down and special chairs before 5/6am. What a bummer. They have floats for the ocean free but not widely advertised just down the beach. Spa was the worst I've ever experienced. Took us back 40 min past our appt time and had us lay on cold wet towels for massages (yuck!!!!). Maybe just the time of year we went but most customers were 60+ and they were partying like rock stars. Example - one lady (? In her 60/70's) was so drunk she started drowning in the ocean. My husband and two other men and another female friend literally pulled her from the ocean. No staff to help. Then someone said this was the second time she did that this week. Another older gentleman went into cardiac arrest on the beach (as in Cpr was almost initiated due to no pulse) and they threw cold ice on his neck and he magically revived. Of note - staff did not come to help for 15 min. A 3rd woman was so drunk she started vomiting in the afternoon on the beach and they carried her off the beach in her beach chair. Seriously people? I was woke up at 1am multiple nights by couples in their 60/70's bouncing off hallway walls and doors trying to find their room. Craziness. All in all Aruba is beautiful. This resort was average. We did manage to meet an awesome couple who we had a blast with which saved the trip. Will we stay here again - prob not. Will we return to Aruba - absolutely.

Renato was our waiter every morning for breakfast....absolutely loved this man! Hardest working man in the facility. He was so entertaining and pleasant. We looked forward to seeing him every day. Also Cedrick in security personally saw to our every need and made sure that myself and my daughter were well taken care of every evening. A true gentleman!! Alexis in the Mexican restaurant (sometimes in the Arubian seafood restaurant) was absolutely delightful and made our experiences with "Rudy" especially memorable. All of the staff, from the front desk to the housekeepers were the absolute best!!!! I would highly recommend this hotel. Best vacation I have ever had. I love Aruba and I love the Barcelo/Occidental Grand.