Your experience will be based on your expectations.
If you're expecting a full-service, 5-star resort, you'll likely be disappointed. If you're expecting a reasonably comfortable place to stay with food included, you'll likely be a happy customer.

-Resort could definitely use some upgrades: beds are not super comfy, decor is older, pool volleyball net is sagging, shampoo/soap dispensers are old, hot water is sporadic
-Food is basic, but our family (including teenagers) found something we liked; the bread is amazing!
-Majority of the hotel associates speak limited (if any) English--not a problem, just be aware that communication may be challenging--but are very friendly and hard-working
-Most of the guests (75-80%) were from countries other than the U.S.
-Beach is very rocky--not ideal for swimming or surfing--but there are multiple surfing schools on other parts of the beach (20-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride)
-You MUST return your pool towel cards when you check out, which means you have to return your towels on the day before you leave before the towel hut closes, or they can charge you $35/towel (This wasn't explained to us when we checked in)
-Didn't attend any of the entertainment so can't review that

Costa Rica
During rainy season, it's going to rain almost every day, sometimes all day, so be prepared for excursions to be cancelled and take a poncho or an umbrella
Nothing dries outside (unless it's in direct sunlight) because of the humidity
Native's Way is a good option for excursions
Tamarindo Beach Surfing Co by Randall has a great setup for lessons

The Occidental Hotel is a delight to stay at - it is an all inclusive so no worries about food, swimming or walking the beach. There were 5 of us and we stayed a week. The staff were very helpful and the food was a good mixture of local and continental. Our favorite person was Alexandro who made us omelets every morning with a smile and a song! When sitting at the beach we saw monkeys climbing overhead in the trees plus watched the guys surfing the waves.
Our rooms were in the 4th building on the third floor. We moved from that building as it was next to the amphitheater so the music was loud at night plus the elevator did not work. (The staff did haul our suitcases up and down the stairs which was much appreciated). We moved to the first building on the first floor so it was much quieter. Since it was rainy season, the pathways were a little slippery so we had to be careful walking to and from the main building (we’re all over 65 so I guess we were extra careful). We walked to Tamarindo Beach and had a beer on the beach plus did some souvenir shopping.
Since it was the rainy season nothing dries….we thought we could rinse stuff out and it’d be dry in the morning but no such luck - even with the air conditioning on. We took our laundry into Tamarindo and had it done.
Overall the Occidental is a nice, clean, friendly and safe place to stay. The rooms and the building look tired but we we able to overlook that because the staff and location made our stay.

The location of this place is beautiful, but there is much to say about the service. Let’s start by saying we were supposed to be Premium Level, which by the way at this hotel is NOT WORTH IT! They didn’t give us any premium amenities until we asked. Even then it took for ever….! We were given a room with 2 roof leaks. The phone did not work. We had to walk to the front desk quite a few times. Finally after about 3 hours and many visits to the front desk, we were given another room. A much older one but bigger. The shower gel and shampoo in that room stunk like something rotten! We went to town to buy our own shampoo, body wash, and hand soap. Didn’t even care to let the front desk know, but those smelled disgusting!
One rainy night we tried ordering room service, good luck to that! We called the front desk and the room service number many time with no luck. OUR CALLS WERE NEVER ANSWERED!
I must say though that the food at the buffet was tasty. Not many options but what was available was good. We ended up going to town to eat often.
Pools are too warm! You are not able to cool down in them.
Staff is very friendly. Is just seems that they are understaffed.