Occidental Papagayo: Don’t go there

Extremely hilly and shuttle only comes if you call it from room lobby or bar. No benches to sit on while awaiting shuttle. Not great as 75% of people were over 60. so basically you had to walk a lot of hills. I changed rooms 3 times. Every time the next room was worse. No hot water patio doors wouldn’t lock Safe not working Bar fridge not working. Always a long lineup of people complaining about the same thing. Sand crabs and bugs galore in room. Gross and large bugs. Raccoon got into my room o [... read more]ne night because patio door would not lock. Do I need to say anymore

Riu Guanacaste: Amazing vacation

Great hotel and staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The hotel rooms are a little dated but clean and all amenities you need, beside your not in the room often but if you are you’ll find a well stocked bar. The grounds ,pools and beach are amazing our family never had an issue getting chairs pool side or on the beach. There a lot of options for food from pool side bbq for lunch to a/c buffet or open air dinning . Flight was pretty good over all minor delays on both ends which were fe [... read more]ared from last years with Sunwing. The only issue this year was our bags took almost an hour from landing in Toronto. Customs was smooth. Would highly recommended this resort as well as trip central for your travel needs .

Occidental Papagayo: Old Resort, Poorly Run

The grounds of this resort are beautiful. There is wildlife on the grounds plenty of birds, Howler Monkeys, etc. The major problem with this resort is that it truly is poorly run. Management is non existed and if you have a problem it is never dealt with throughout the week. They blamed Trip central for our booking mistakes and would never address the problem. When we checked in there was no one in the lobby it took over an hour for us to get into our rooms. The resort is big in area and [... read more] they had placed my elderly parents far away from us which was a huge concerns. They kept blaming TripCentral for this mistake. The food was always the same and the booze is all no name if that means anything to a traveler. I speak Spanish and spoke to one of the bartenders he told me the staff changes all the time looking to get to better resorts. The staff looks tired, you see during the week all the issues they have to deal with. The sad thing is the manager Raul (From Spain) will not deal with anyone, he sends out his lower staff to deal with angry customers which during our week was consistent. Sad this resort has a lot to offer just not run well and you see it from the top down as the staff (many of them) do not care.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Pretty good resort

Let's start with a few major positives. The SERVICE was OUTSTANDING. The staff really could not have been more attentive and friendly and did a great job. The FOOD was what I would call GOOD. The buffets for breakfast and lunch were fresh with lots and lots of variety. We did stop by the dinner buffet for a quick desert a few times and it seemed fine but we can't really comment on that as we didn't eat there for dinner. The restaurants were ok. We ate at the Italian restaurant a couple of  [... read more]times and both times there was a very heavy handed use of salt. The Japanese restaurant was pretty good. We didn't particularly care for the steakhouse it was just ok. Lastly on the sit down restaurants we weren't really a fan of the system to get a table. Service for dinners started at 6PM (great for kids but way too early for us as adults). The 'system' for getting a later seating was that you would have to wait until the restaurants would fill up with the first seating and then you put your name on a list with a beeper. It's just odd. At 6PM you would literally have to line up, wait for restaurant to fill up, put your name on a list to get into the second seating. The beeper system did work well. BAR SERVICE and drink quality everywhere was EXCELLENT. The 24 hour food area was bad. Our 4 hour delayed flight landed us at the hotel at 1:00AM and everyone needed something to eat so we tried to grab something and really it was just plain bad. On the resort overall it's pretty tired. We had two rooms between us and our adult children. Both rooms looked pretty used up. Our room as an example had a purple glass block divider between the room and the bathroom and multiple blocks were cracked. Both sinks barely drained (for sure the housekeeper should have noticed that), the safe didn't work, there was no lock on the sliding glass door and some other stuff. In fairness we didn't say anything and give them a chance to fix stuff but still I guess our expectation is that someone would be looking. Overall service and quality of food did make up for the tiredness but Riu definitely needs to plan a remodel to update this property. Do take the 10 min walk over to the off resort Monkey Bar. That was neat. Diamonte Park next door was great for ziplining and horseback riding and seeing some of the animals. We did a full day excursion combo to see a rainforest, waterfall and a cocoa/coffee plantation. That was fun but a full 2.25 hours ride there and we had major traffic back so it took over 3 hours to get back (departed 730AM and back at 630PM). Beautiful country and wonderful people.

Occidental Papagayo: Amazing resort!

Super clean, the food was great except for The Grill, (the meat was way over cooked for everyone at the table). Service was fantastic and friendly. The room was clean and well cleaned on a daily basis but a litle on the old side with some broken tile. The bed and pillows super comfortable. The excursions were all well organized and interesting however, a little bit on the expensive side and all in American Dollars. We are Canadian. The resort outside was incredibly beautiful and  [... read more]lush. The monkeys and other wildlife were really great to see. The pools were also fantastic with great service. My husband and I like to keep fit so the walking up and down and through the resort was a good thing for us. We are planning on going back this year hopefully around the same time.

Occidental Papagayo: Three star hotel

Just returned from a10 day trip to occidental papagayo ……. I give it 3 out of 5 stars …….. the good …… beautiful property , food was average to good …. the pools were good …… the shuttles were very available …… the staff , for the most part were very helpful and accommodating …… the room was sufficient …… The not so good ….. no atms , or money changing at the hotel , so you have to cab it to a nearby town ( approx $50 return ) if you need cash …… you can only book one ala cart restaurant for  [... read more]every three days of your stay …… the whole resort could use better lighting on the pathways …… the regular bar doesn’t have a good selection ….. the premium bar upstairs is better , for approx 25usd a day more , yet I wouldn’t call it premium liquor , outside the Johnny walker black …… Would I come back to this resort ? …. I would , if the price were right ….. apparently , other resorts in the same bay are much better , at a much heavier price tag …… you do need to keep an eye on the wildlife ….. unfortunately , I saw people feeding the raccoons , which renders them unafraid …… I actually had a couple in my room one night , after forgetting to lock my patio door ….. somewhat of an adventure chasing them around the room naked , but I managed , everything intact lol ….. the one thing I found unnerving , was one afternoon at the smaller swimup bar pool ….. on a weekend , there were a group of younger locals , that pounding down shots , until one guy puked all over the deck around the washroom area , while another had trouble getting out of the pool , to the point where he needed assistance ….. they really should have been cut off , but weren’t ….. To conclude , if you want a reasonably priced vacation in Costa Rica , this may be your place …… oh , and great fishing , camping got 4 dorado , and an albacore tuna ….. delicious ! …..as the hotel cooked them up for us …… an older crowd , of really awesome people ! ….. cheers !

Riu Guanacaste: Great Resort

Rui hotel is very well laid out. With restaurants on one side and bars and entertainment on other. Beach is nice sand is hot on feet. No shade shelters on beach but some trees. Pool is good has plenty of shade spots. Food was very good, lots of variety. A la carte we’re very good, had to line up early to get in. Rooms were good, a little out dated old sink taps and leaky shower nozzle. Nice room darking blinds.

Occidental Tamarindo: tragic

give it one star, black mold dirt filth rooms poor drainage, pool furniture filthy black mold serious cleaning power wash and bleach. Never towels, when you get one old bad condition. Food selection very limited and poor mostly same daily , no plates utensils napkins mugs, tables linens never replaced you eat over mess, coffee machine empty, along with many other things no staff, ensuring a positive experience. 2 specialty restraunts lacked the same food quality and service.  [... read more]poor training and lack of staff. door keys never worked and this is was your fault rude vile ignorant front desk staff with attitude dont care, nor really know english. 3 hr ride from airport then 1.5 hr to check in. 30 min walk into Tamarindo very hot, beach town , tours you needed to 12 hr or more to do a tour as it very far distance to do anything. very tired resort, corporate greed on Baracelo providing less than minimum for an all inclusive I know where covid came from Think again sadly others we met felt the same way. would never go back nor entertain staying at any other resorts they own

JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort and Spa: Top Shelf

Honestly we don't like to go back to the same resort twice but it will be hard to compete with this one. Food, booze, staff, room all top notch. The animal life in and around the resort was epic. If you have young kids, I'd suggest giving them gravol for the bus ride; it's a bit long and windy.

Riu Guanacaste: Amazing

Very very clean, we had an awesome maid that cleaned our room. Enjoy our trip very much. Sooooo much food Drinks were so good. We went to feed the moneys down by the monkey bar it was so much fun, they are very friendly.

Occidental Papagayo: Realy Nice Resort

Very nice resort, placed in area surounded with very rich vegetation, lots of exotic birds and animals, people around us were very friendly and relaxed. Stuff in resort was doing everything to meet our needs.

Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo: Average resort

The hotel grounds are very nice, not too large a resort. The soft sandy beach is adjacent to the hotel, however is not private and as such there’s a charge for chairs, etc. Some locals there attempting to sell goods, massages, tours, etc. The room was well furnished and comfortable, excellent bed. There was a number of minor issues, and although the front desk told us that someone had come by the next day, nothing was done, and after we complained again were they fixed (after 2 days). The pool [... read more] was excellent, however shaded spots were limited, so getting them early in the day was required. The 3 main restaurants/bars have very similar offerings, some dishes are hit or miss (the ropa vieja was pretty good). The Italian resto (you need to reserve in the morning) had better food quality (although not spectacular), presentation and service; there was no a/c there for the week, so it was uncomfortably hot. Beverage choices are good as are the quality of drinks. No organized activities in the evenings. Some of the staff have difficulties understanding & speaking English. There is an excursion desk in the lobby, we took one to the Monteverde cloud forest/coffee plantation; it was excellent (great tour guide Carlos), although due to much of the roads being single lane (barely) and in poor condition, the 3-1/2 hour trip (each way) made for a long day.

The Westin Reserva Conchal Golf Resort & Spa: Outstanding Resort

We recently returned from this resort and cannot say enough about the great quality of the food, accommodations, service and surroundings. The weather was a bit windy but a welcome relief from the heat. The beach was clean and water a beautiful temperature. Vendors selling their wares kept a very respectful distance so we didn’t feel like we were being overwhelmed. Although we had a flight delay on our last day our concierge went above and beyond to arrange our shuttle to the airport. All that s [... read more]aid we are already planning our return trip to beautiful Costa Rica.

Occidental Papagayo: Amazing Resort!

This hotel was great! My first time here. It was recommended by a friend. The grounds were beautiful. I loved all the wild life on this resort. My room was large and clean. Housekeeping did an awesome job everyday. Except for replenishing my alcohol in the minifridge and replacing the coffee in my room. When I first arrived my safe was not in working order and I had to call twice and wait two hours for two people to finally fix it. The food was awesome! The excursions i did were so fun and infor [... read more]mative. I would definately recommend this resort and I will definitely be coming back for sure.

Occidental Papagayo: Exceeded Our Expectations

The grounds, although hilly, are beautiful. Glad there was a shuttle available to get from point A to point B. Staff all had smiles even though they were running their feet off. Our needs were met throughout the week. Very clean & lush resort with many great views of the bay. Very few people on the beach. Had a marvellous massage from Maria on the beach. On The Beach Tours had very appealing options to explore the area. They have a desk in the lobby. We booked a private Catamaran for 4 hours for [... read more] 11 people that was well run and informative by Executive Tours. Tasty snacks and wide range of cocktails, beer, etc. Snorkeled in a calm bay and visited a remote beach. Lots of shade on the Cat if you wanted it. Buffet was pretty good overall. A la carte choices included Asian and Italian 4 course selections. The beef was amazing! Drinks from the bars did their job! If it isn't strong enough, just ask for "mucho rum". At night it was essential to keep the patio door locked to avoid raccoons from opening the door to check for food inside your room. A little unnerving at first. Iguanas, monkeys, birds through the property.

Azura Beach Resort Samara: Total relaxation bea

Beautiful resort on a beautiful quiet beach. Lots of beach and pool chairs. Very handicap friendly areas and pool. Bar has nice selection of drinks. Restaurants serve great foods with sit down service Only breakfast is self serve. Staff working long hours so service may be slow at times Beach slopes gently with great sunsets nights have limited entertainment.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Beautiful Resort

The property is beautiful. The room and beds are good. The food was very good. The staff are outstanding. More shaded areas are needed. The entertainment was mediocre. The beach and views are stunning.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Great resort!

The hotel was great, staff were amazing! If you are booking with Sunwing, their reps are amazing especially Sharley- she was very helpful. If you are debating which resort to book with from Riu palace and Riu Guanacaste, choose Riu Palace if you want room service and a chilled resort. Not sure if it was the time I went- end of November or if it’s always like that, but the pools weren’t busy and it was chilled with great entertainment at night. I booked my vacation with trip central, reps nam [... read more]e was Susan. She booked based on my needs and I was satisfied!

CC Beach Front Papagayo: Beautiful Resort

It is a lovely resort with beautiful scenery. We stayed for 7 days and enjoyed it very much. It is so very clean. Each and every one of the staff members were so very courteous and friendly and made our stay very comfortable. As we are vegetarians, they went the extra mile to accommodate us and cooked special meals for us which we really appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you all for making our stay a memorable one.

CC Beach Front Papagayo: Excellent property

We stayed at CC beach front resort from Nov 24th to Dec 1st 2023. We have stayed at many all inclusive resorts before and wanted to experience a stay at a smaller boutique style resort. We were hesitant before, but after our stay we were so glad we chose this resort. The property was well maintained. The beach was clean and close to the rooms. Did not have to rush to catch spots at the beach. There were two pools both well maintained. The dining area was not enclosed. It was open on all sides w [... read more]hich we really liked especially considering the viral situation. No big line ups for the buffet. We cannot say enough good things about the staff. They were so friendly and accommodative. We were all vegetarians and the chef went out of his way to prepare something special for us every night. There were no phones in the room. All communications were via WhatsApp. Which was fine. Any request responses were quick.