Occidental Hotels & Resorts Continues Expansion with Addition of Grand Papagayo in Costa Rica

January 11, 2005

MIAMI -- Occidental Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading resort companies and all-inclusive hoteliers in the Americas, announced today its newest resort, Grand Papagayo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The Grand Papagayo marks the third property in the company's Costa Rica portfolio and underscores Occidental's growth strategy to be the most luxurious resort brand in Costa Rica offering customized all-inclusive vacation experiences for a range of travelers.

Located on Costa Rica's northwest Pacific coast overlooking the Bay of Papagayo and Playa Buena beach, the 169-room Grand Papagayo Resort was designed to provide the upscale traveler and family with the kind of personal attention found at a boutique hotel while enjoying all the amenities and activities of a full-service resort.

Rates for the Grand Papagayo begin as low as $115 per person, per night, based on double occupancy, depending upon the season. Through January 2005, a free upgrade from Deluxe to Ocean View Deluxe is available upon request in celebration of the addition of Grand Papagayo to Occidental's Costa Rica portfolio.

A fusion of Old World design and New World convenience, Grand Papagayo is nestled along a golden sand beach and emulates its natural setting with beautifully appointed Central American architecture and design. Guest rooms provide visitors with amenities including satellite television, private balconies, garden or ocean views, telephones with data ports, and mini bars that are replenished on a daily basis. Guests can experience a range of activities including a constantly expanding list of water sports, enjoy the use of two swimming pools and tennis courts, relax on Playa Buena beach, or take part in optional scuba diving and fishing outings, among other activities.

Also featured at Grand Papagayo are a boutique and gift shop, spa and beauty parlor services, business center, tour desk, and child care services.

True to its history of providing guests with the highest standards of luxury all-inclusive service, Grand Papagayo indulges vacationers with the choice of three restaurants including an Asian eatery, an international buffet-style restaurant and an Italian bistro. For those preferring something simpler, a snack bar is available and cocktails and entertainment can be had at The Disco and Lobby Bar.

Just 35 minutes from Daniel Oduber International Airport, guests staying at the Grand Papagayo will enjoy a custom all-inclusive vacation package that features accommodations in designer decorated rooms from the Deluxe or Royal Club room categories; full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks; unlimited beverages, cocktails and wine with dinner; daily activities and Fun Club programs; unlimited non-motorized water sports; scuba clinics in the pool; Costa Rican themed days; and all taxes and gratuities applicable to the package.

For meetings or corporate retreats, Grand Papagayo can accommodate groups in several meeting facilities that can accommodate up to 100 people in a variety of settings as well as three smaller rooms with space for up to 20 people each. Wedding, honeymoon and group event packages are available upon request.

For more information about Grand Papagayo, visit http://www.occidentalhotels.com or call 800-858-2258.

One of the world's leading hotel companies and the largest all-inclusive resort chain in the Americas, Occidental Hotels & Resorts has 22 resorts in key destinations under its Allegro, Grand and Royal Hideaway brands. With more than 20 years in the travel industry, Occidental Hotels & Resorts has recently earned bragging rights by being named one of the most popular all-inclusive brands by Liberty Travel. For more information, please visit http://www.occidentalhotels.com.

Copyright 2005 Business Wire