The Retreat Costa Rica - Wellness Resort & Spa is a top-notch destination for those seeking relaxation, rejuvenation and self-discovery. The exceptional staff is a standout feature, going above and beyond to ensure guests feel welcomed and cared for. Guests rave about the friendly and nurturing nature of the staff, who create a professional yet loving environment. Special recognition was given to Emerson and Luis for making guest stays even more enjoyable and personal. The staff takes pride in providing a warm, hospitable environment that allows guests to truly unwind and leave feeling renewed. Overall, The Retreat Costa Rica is a must-visit destination with exceptional customer service.
Rancho Pacifico is a luxury boutique hotel for adults in Costa Rica. With incredible Pacific Ocean views and personal 5-star service, it is perfect for romance, adventure and wellness vacations.
Secrets Papagayo All-Inclusive - Adults Only is an excellent choice for those seeking a top-notch all-inclusive resort. While some guests may not consider it a five-star resort, it still exceeds expectations with its superb facilities and exceptional services. The staff is friendly and attentive, making guests feel special while ensuring privacy and enjoyment as a couple. The food is delicious and the service is impressive, especially at the Himatsu restaurant with Eric Aguilera's excellent service. The hotel is highly recommended for a perfect anniversary getaway with standout restaurants such as the Italian cuisine. Doña Aida deserves a special shoutout for her high-quality attention and warmth towards guests. Overall, Secrets Papagayo All-Inclusive - Adults Only is a fantastic and enjoyable place to stay, fulfilling your expectations and going beyond them.
This 5-star resort is located on a hill overlooking the golden shores of the Pacific Ocean and is an ideal destination for guests who wish to spend some quiet time away from their daily routine, as well as for couples who seek a private retreat to relax and unwind. Its rooms and suites are tastefully appointed and comfortable, reflecting the eco-luxury character of the resort, while there are also various wellness and spa treatments available for guests to rejuvenate their body and mind.
Aves Resort Montezuma emerges as a serene refuge nestled in the lush, tranquil heights of Montezuma, offering a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. The hotel is set in an idyllic location surrounded by beautiful gardens, in close proximity to Montezuma's waterfalls and beaches, making it an ideal base for exploring the area's natural beauty. Although reaching the hotel requires navigating a steep road, especially during the rainy season, this challenge is outweighed by the exceptional experience awaiting guests.
One of the hotel's standout features is its consistently praised breakfast service. Offering a variety of a la carte options, the breakfast is highlighted for its quality and delicious taste, with many guests considering it the best they have experienced. Though not served as a buffet, the fresh ingredients and artful presentation make it a delightful start to the day.
Accommodations at Aves Resort Montezuma are modern, spacious, and meticulously clean, providing a luxurious yet comfortable environment. With amenities such as well-equipped kitchenettes, private terraces, and large bathrooms, the rooms cater to a range of preferences, from family visits to romantic getaways. The immaculate condition of the rooms and facilities, alongside impressive views and comfortable beds, enhances the overall stay.
The staff at Aves Resort Montezuma plays a crucial role in elevating the guest experience. Noted for their friendliness and attentiveness, the staff is described as accommodating and eager to tailor the stay to meet visitors' needs, leaving a lasting impression of warmth and hospitality.
The hotel's pool facilities are another highlight, with two beautiful pools set against a verdant garden backdrop. Guests appreciate the clean, chlorine-free swimming experience and the opportunity to relax in a picturesque setting. Complementing the family-friendly atmosphere, these pools offer enjoyment for both adults and children.
For those interested in yoga, Aves Resort Montezuma provides an exceptional environment with its stunning yoga shala boasting ocean and forest views. Guests can partake in classes led by skilled instructors like Leah, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere of their stay.
Overall, Aves Resort Montezuma offers a sublime, almost five-star experience. Its combination of stunning natural surroundings, exquisite amenities, attentive service, and a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere makes it highly recommended for anyone looking to unwind in an unforgettable Costa Rican retreat.
This luxurious 5-star resort is located right in front of the sandy Tamarindo Beach and offers a large outdoor free form pool surrounded by palm trees and sunbeds, refined and comfortable rooms and suites, signature wellness treatments, as well as various activities and sports at and around the beach, providing a relaxing yet fun-filled place for all guests.
Summary of reviews
The JW Marriott Guanacaste Beach Resort is a highly recommended hotel with exceptional staff who are friendly, attentive and go above and beyond to meet guests' needs. The bilingual team is always willing to help and provide excellent service. The pool is a standout feature of the hotel with guests praising its beauty and great features. It is open 24/7 and a complimentary shuttle service is provided to a nearby beach club. While some guests suggested improvements in maintenance and concerns about crowding with children, overall, the pool is considered nice and beautiful. Guests found the pool to be heavenly and divine.
Barceló San José receives glowing reviews for its favorable location, quality service and expansive amenities, making it a top choice for visitors to San José. Situated conveniently between the city center and the airport, the hotel offers a peaceful escape with beautifully maintained gardens and a pool, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
One of the hotel's standout features is the breakfast, praised for its variety and quality, offering extensive selections of Costa Rican and international cuisines. Despite minor critiques about freshness and variety, the breakfast experience is generally positive. Guests also appreciate the friendly staff and the early start time, which is particularly convenient for those with morning plans.
The dining experience, however, is somewhat mixed. While some guests enjoyed the variety and quality of the food, others found it inconsistent and overpriced, especially at the Japanese restaurant. Room service also received criticism for its speed and quality. Nonetheless, the buffet meals included with stays often receive positive remarks for their value.
The rooms at Barceló San José are widely appreciated for their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort. Many guests commend the large, well-appointed rooms, modern bathrooms and scenic views from balconies. While some aspects such as old carpets and dated amenities need updating, the overall impression is favorable. The hotel maintains high standards of cleanliness, though occasional lapses in housekeeping are noted.
Service at Barceló San José is often highlighted for its excellence. The staff is described as friendly, professional and accommodating, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay. Specific employees are frequently commended for their helpfulness and warm demeanor, though minor inconsistencies in service quality are occasionally mentioned.
Wi-Fi service at the hotel is a point of contention. While some guests found the connection reliable and sufficient in common areas, others reported issues with speed and stability, particularly in guest rooms. The use of vouchers for Wi-Fi access was also seen as cumbersome.
The hotel's spa is highly recommended, offering a relaxing atmosphere with facilities like a jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish baths, complemented by quality massages. The gym receives mixed feedback; it is appreciated for being well-equipped and clean but is noted as outdated and in need of maintenance. Limited hours of operation also detract from the overall experience.
The pool area is celebrated for its beauty and maintenance. Guests enjoy the spacious, well-maintained pool and its surrounding gardens, which provide a tranquil place to relax. However, some note the pool's cold temperature and early closing time as minor drawbacks.
Additionally, the hotel features impressive tennis facilities with excellent upkeep and professional coaching available, enhancing the recreational options for guests.
In summary, Barceló San José is praised for its quality service, comfortable accommodations and convenient location, particularly for those needing airport access. Minor areas for improvement such as inconsistent dining experiences, Wi-Fi reliability and outdated amenities do not significantly detract from its overall appeal as a top choice for travelers seeking a relaxing and accommodating stay in San José.
Adventure Inn is celebrated for its outstanding location and services, making it an ideal choice for travelers visiting Costa Rica, particularly those flying in or out of San Jose. Located just a short drive from the airport, the hotel offers a peaceful respite in a quiet and safe residential area. Its close proximity to local attractions, cozy restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping malls provides convenience and accessibility. The hotel's reliable shuttle service to the airport further enhances the ease of transit for guests.
The amenities at Adventure Inn are highly regarded, with a lovely pool and hot tub, as well as a fantastic breakfast selection that includes fresh local fruits. The breakfast, included in the room rate, offers great value with its delicious and varied options, making it a highlight of many guests' stay. The calming room atmosphere, combined with spacious and clean accommodations, is frequently praised for its comfort. The rooms are noted for their size and well-maintained furnishings, with some even featuring luxury touches like jacuzzis.
Dining at the hotel's restaurant is another aspect eagerly mentioned by guests, with the dinner menu providing both local specialties and international flavors that are freshly prepared and tasty. Guests enjoy dining in the cozy and inviting ambiance, complemented by friendly and attentive staff who enhance the overall experience.
The staff at Adventure Inn are consistently praised for their friendliness, professionalism, and willingness to accommodate guests' needs, contributing to a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The hotel's excellent cleanliness further elevates the guest experience, with both indoor and outdoor areas being well-kept. The free Wi-Fi is appreciated for its speed and reliability, along with added perks like free international calls and a capable business center.
Adventure Inn is particularly accommodating for families, offering spacious rooms, a family-friendly pool, and other child-friendly amenities. The hotel also caters to pet owners, ensuring every member of the family, including furry ones, is welcome. Comfortable beds and bedding are another highlight, contributing to restful nights for guests.
Overall, Adventure Inn presents as a charming and convenient boutique hotel, offering a high level of comfort, excellent service, and affordability. Its strategic location near the airport and city, together with the wide range of appealing amenities, makes it highly recommended for travelers seeking relaxation or an easy start to their Costa Rican adventure.
The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa, is a stunning and luxurious resort located on a beautiful, secluded beach with lush vegetation and wildlife. Guests raved about the quality of the breakfast buffet and praised the dining options and quality, although some had issues with reservations and variety. The spacious and clean rooms received positive reviews with the exception of some small issues that were quickly addressed by the efficient and friendly staff. The resort's cleanliness is outstanding with strict adherence to COVID measures. The staff is a standout feature, praised for their attentiveness, friendliness and exceptional service throughout the resort. The pool area is a highlight with multiple large swimming pools and lush tropical vegetation surrounding it. The beach is truly spectacular, described by guests as one of the best swimming beaches in Costa Rica. The resort is also family-friendly, offering a variety of activities for children. For golf enthusiasts, the resort boasts a lovely golf course that is maintained in pristine condition, although some guests found it to be overpriced. Overall, The Westin Reserva Conchal is a luxurious and exceptional resort that exceeded guests' expectations and provided a superb vacation experience.
The W Costa Rica Resort – Playa Conchal is a luxurious and comfortable resort with exceptional location next to one of the best beaches in Guanacaste. The dinner experience is a highlight for many guests with amazing and flavorful food and drinks, although it can be pricey. The rooms are well-kept, super clean and offer a magnificent ocean view with modern and comfortable facilities. The staff is top-notch, providing extraordinary and pristine service, always going above and beyond to assist guests. The resort boasts two incredible pools and direct beach access with well-maintained facilities and picturesque views. The beach is described as gorgeous, spectacular and appealing with easy access to exotic flora and fauna. Overall, the hotel is a dream come true with an indescribable ambiance and atmosphere that's hard to put into words.
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, promises a generally impressive and memorable stay, predominantly highlighted by its beautiful and secluded location in Papagayo Bay. Guests often appreciate the captivating views and tranquil seaside setting, which provide an ideal retreat for relaxation and picturesque walks.
The resort's facilities are well-regarded, especially the luxurious and clean rooms, many of which offer stunning ocean views. The comfortable beds and stylish design, complete with details like rainfall showers, contribute to a highly enjoyable accommodation experience, although occasional minor maintenance issues and obstructed views were noted.
The hotel's dining aspects earn mostly positive feedback. The breakfast buffet is praised for its variety and quality, albeit with some critiques about occasional cold food and long lines during peak times. Dinner options are widely appreciated for their diversity and taste with guests particularly enjoying the à la carte and themed restaurants. However, securing a table can be a logistical challenge during busy periods and there were a few comments about limited poolside and room service food options.
Cleanliness at the resort is generally commended with many guests describing the premises as impeccably maintained. While there were isolated reports of cleanliness issues, such as unclean beds and hallways, the overall sentiment towards the hotel's upkeep is favorable.
The staff at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica stand out for their exceptional service and friendliness, often going above and beyond to ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Guests frequently mention the animation team and the personalized service provided by the staff, which significantly enhances their stay.
The spa also receives high marks for its relaxing environment and excellent treatments, despite occasional issues with the steam room. The pool area is another highlight, providing a fun and well-maintained environment, although guests noted early closures and quickly occupied chairs as minor drawbacks.
The beach, on the other hand, has mixed reviews. While some appreciate the unique black sand and calm atmosphere, others feel it lacks in maintenance and ideal conditions for swimming. The beach's appearance, likened more to a lake, may not meet all visitors' expectations for a coastal experience.
Overall, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica delivers a highly rated, all-inclusive experience with excellent food, attentive service and a delightful atmosphere. While there are minor areas for improvement, the resort stands out as an attractive destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation and luxury, particularly benefiting from the amenities and convenience offered by its star class services.
Amor Arenal Adults Friendly is the perfect couples' retreat for a luxurious and peaceful vacation. The hotel's adult-only policy ensures a relaxing atmosphere with exceptional amenities. The interior design provides comfort and luxury and the staff are friendly, attentive and always willing to assist with any needs. Guests appreciate the ample space and lack of overcrowding. Overall, Amor Arenal Adults Friendly is highly recommended for a romantic getaway.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo provides a great beachfront vacation experience with exceptional location near the water and walking distance to restaurants and marina. Guests love the variety of breakfast options and rave about the exquisite flavors and reasonable prices of a la carte meals at dinner. The rooms are generally spacious and comfortable with quality amenities, although some might need updates and better soundproofing. The resort is praised for its cleanliness and well-kept facilities with excellent customer service from the staff. While wifi is not always reliable, guests appreciate the lovely pool with a swim-up bar and the easy access to a nice beach. For families, the resort is perfect with its kinderfreundlich facilities and accommodating staff. Overall, although there are some criticisms, Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo still offers a great experience and is worth considering for a beach getaway.
The Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen offers travelers a luxurious and serene retreat conveniently located near San José's main airport, making it an ideal choice for both a stopover and a starting point for exploring Costa Rica. The hotel boasts lush gardens and expansive green spaces, providing guests with a peaceful oasis amidst bustling travel hubs. Exceptional amenities, including a state-of-the-art gym, spa, and well-regarded dining options, contribute to the hotel being a destination in its own right.
Guests consistently praise the breakfast buffet for its rich variety and delicious flavors, despite occasional concerns about pricing. Dinner experiences are similarly well-received, with standout offerings at the steakhouse and Bar 10, complemented by scenic views. The rooms are elegantly designed, clean, and spacious, featuring comfortable beds that ensure a restful stay. While cleanliness reviews are mixed, the hotel generally maintains a well-kept environment supported by its beautiful architecture and facilities.
The staff is frequently commended for their exceptional service, warmth, and attentiveness, significantly enhancing the hospitality experience. The spa is a highlight, providing high-quality treatments that leave guests rejuvenated. The pool impresses with its aesthetic appeal and relaxing atmosphere, adding to the overall enjoyment of the stay despite minor remarks on water temperature.
Luxury is evident throughout the property, from historically rich settings and well-maintained accommodations to the splendid mountain views. Overall, the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen delivers a superb guest experience characterized by comfort, beauty, and excellent service, making it a coveted choice for visitors to Costa Rica.
The Howler Monkey Hotel, located in the serene town of Cabuya, Costa Rica, offers a tranquil retreat for nature lovers and those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle. Nestled along the unspoilt coastline, guests enjoy a prime seafront location with direct beach access and the soothing symphony of the sea and jungle wildlife. The hotel's proximity to charming local restaurants, convenient stores, and natural parks like Cabo Blanco makes it an ideal spot for exploration and adventure.
Guests are welcomed into cozy bungalows that provide comfort with private bathrooms and kitchens, allowing for a homely stay. Despite the rustic charm being a highlight, some accommodations would benefit from refreshing and repairs, as noted by a few visitors. The hotel maintains good cleanliness standards overall, although some areas, particularly the kitchen and bathrooms, could use improvement.
A standout feature of the Howler Monkey Hotel is the exceptional hospitality provided by the owner, Jim, and his attentive staff. Jim's warmth, wealth of local knowledge, and willingness to go above and beyond create a memorable and welcoming experience for guests. The well-maintained pool set amidst a lush garden further enhances the serene atmosphere, allowing guests to relax while spotting local wildlife.
Families are particularly drawn to the hotel's intimate setting, enjoying unique opportunities like breakfasting with howler monkeys—a treat for children and nature enthusiasts. Despite mixed reviews on the comfort of the beds, with some needing updates, the overall experience at the Howler Monkey Hotel is one of comfort, relaxation, and connection with nature, making it a delightful getaway.
El Establo Mountain Hotel in Monteverde captivates guests with its remarkable location, nestled high in the mountains amidst the lush landscape. Offering panoramic views of the cloud forests and Gulf of Nicoya, it provides a stunning visual treat from nearly every corner, making it an ideal base for nature enthusiasts to explore nearby attractions like the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
The hotel impresses with its excellent breakfast spread, acclaimed for its variety and quality. Guests enjoy a range of local and international options, including personalized omelette and pancake stations. Although some note that the breakfast could be pricey, the overall dining experience is enhanced by attentive service and the picturesque setting.
Dining at El Establo features an array of positive feedback, particularly for the Laggus restaurant, praised for its gourmet meals and beautiful ambiance. Guests appreciate the delicious menu, complemented by quality drinks, although there are mixed reviews on pricing. The hotel's dining and spa offerings, including soothing massages, contribute to a rewarding guest experience amidst stunning natural surroundings.
Rooms at the hotel are noted for their spaciousness, cleanliness, and comfort, with large balconies providing exceptional views. While the decor can occasionally feel dated, the natural ventilation and expansive room design compensate for the absence of air conditioning. The hotel's commitment to cleanliness is evident throughout its well-maintained grounds and facilities.
A standout feature of El Establo is its wonderful staff, who are consistently praised for their friendliness and professionalism. The team enhances the stay by accommodating various requests and ensuring guest comfort, significantly contributing to the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere.
Guests note WiFi as an area of improvement, with connectivity stronger in common areas. Despite some logistical challenges due to the property's size, the serene beauty, comfortable rooms, and notable amenities—such as a picturesque pool area, functional gym, and versatile recreational facilities—make El Establo Mountain Hotel a noteworthy choice for those seeking a memorable stay immersed in Costa Rica's natural splendor.
For families, the hotel's ample accommodations, engaging activities, and friendly staff ensure a delightful retreat suitable for all ages. Overall, El Establo Mountain Hotel provides a harmonious blend of relaxation, adventure, and comfort, attracting visitors to repeatedly enjoy its majestic environment.