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Bad Food in the Middle of Nowhere
01/06/2008When you read the description of the occidental notice how they carefully avoid telling you where it is located. it is a two to three-hour grueling drive from san ...
When you read the description of the Occidental notice how they carefully avoid telling you where it is located. It is a two to three-hour grueling drive from San Jose on two-lane roads.
It is at least an hour's drive from Arenal and Poas Volcanoes. It is not near anything of interest. Be prepared to rent a car and spend a large part of each day on the road if you want to see Costa Rica. The alternative is taxis and buses. Check out the costs for these ahead of time.
As for the Occidental as a destination unless you are looking for a large swimming pool, a steam bath and mud packs at a spa, this place gets old fast.
And the food can be most generously described as institutional. The "buffet" is repetitive and bland with vegetables cooked the way Grandma liked with all the color boiled out. We found salads ordered from the menu to be more expensive than the guest buffet but substantially better than the alternative.
Because we had a car we ventured out. Take a left out the main gate towards Aguas Zarcas. Pass the first eating place on the right (Imperial Beer sign/Montana) and in about two miles you will see another Imperial Beer sign for Cafe Tilajaca. It's a very nice and clean restaurant, the menu is understandable though the waiter spoke no English. We recommend the local specialty, Tilapia fish and the prices are very reasonable.
We made the best of a bad hotel choice and would not recommend the Occidental El Tucano.
Four stars? Who's kidding whom?
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