Riu Guanacaste: Beautiful resort!

We recently visited the Riu Guanacaste and had an amazing time! No complaints at all! The grounds were beautiful, food was great and the room was perfect! One of our favorite things were the monkeys that were just a short walk off the beach. They were usually there around 7 am and 5 pm every day. These little guys were so sweet and playful! We would definitely return.

Riu Guanacaste: Not bad, but not amazing.

The resort it beautiful and clean. Unfortunately it rained non stop for 5 out of the 7 days we were there, so we tried to make the best of it. Our room was great, room was clean, fridge was always stocked and amazing WIFI systems throughout the resort. However, food was great but I felt like I was eating the same thing everyday, a la cart restaurants were always busy as they do not make reservations it's first come first serve. Having small children made it difficult to line up at 5:45 to ge [... read more]t in for a 7pm dinner. I would say 95% of the hotel staff do not speak much English so it was difficult to communication your needs and wants. There were also a lot of bugs and mosquitos, so lots of repellent is needed night and day. We enjoyed waking up to the monkeys in the mornings, even though we didn't see them you could still here them in the morning and a lot at night. The pool area was great, had something for everyone and liked that it wasn't too deep. The beach is something to be desired, I didn't enjoy it as I prefer white sand and clear blue water. just something about walking into the ocean and not being able to see your feet as you walk in. but my children enjoyed feeding the fish if you take a few slices of bread and throw it in beautiful and colorful fish will emerge, a great experience for the kids. The nightly show was great as well, got the children involved and then the entertainment was well put together. We missed Michael Jackson though, our sunwing rep said that we would see a famous Michael Jackson show and to our disappointment it never happened LOL next time I guess. overall my experience was good, would I go back to this resort, I don't think so but I would visit Costa Rica again.

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica: Wonderful vacation

W just back from our trip to planet Hollywood in Costa Rica We had an amazing experience The resort is very nice and everyone who works there smiled at us The rooms were nice and elegantly sat up The food was excellent, the buffet wasn’t big as other resorts, however the taste was really good and food was mostly freshly made. The Japanese restaurant was really good. The beach was clean and the water was warm all the time. Even though the sand was black because of the volcanos, walking [... read more] on it was extremely relaxing. Just to keep in mind the resort is not built on a flat land it on a mountain so if you are using a stroller it would be really hard but the shuttles are there almost every 5 minutes to move people around and you can a stroller between the chairs. The cafe offers very yummy gelatos and my favourite was the pistachio. Over all the resort was really nice but you found a lot of insects since were in Costa Rica. The staff was really friendly and very well trained The worst experience was finding a scorpion twice in our room but it was taken care of immediately and their scorpions are not poisonous Have a great time and I would love to visit again

Riu Guanacaste: Great family resort

Just spent a week at the Riu Guanacaste and had a fabulous time. We had adjoining rooms which worked out great for us. Balcony was a good size. Bathroom finishes were a little dated but the room was large and clean. The staff were very attentive and polite. The grounds are beautiful! A little walk along the trees by the beach is teaming with wildlife...crabs, iguanas, lizards, birds and monkeys. A great place for families to spend time together and reconnect!

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica: Great Stay in Costa Rica!

My husband and I stayed at Planet Hollywood Beach Resort in Costa Rica for our honeymoon from June 17-24. The resort is located about 30 minutes from the Liberia airport. We were warmly greeted by staff, who handed us a cool towel and signature cocktail upon arrival. The check-in process was quick and easy, although I would recommend that more information be provided regarding resort amenities and the shuttle service at check-in. We were able to find most information through the TV menu.  [... read more] Our room was just as advertised, very modern and spacious with a great view of the Papagayo Gulf! This resort is fairly new (open since fall 2018) and was only at about 35% capacity when we stayed (due to it being the rainy season). The resort was generally pretty quiet, we never had to wait to be seated at the restaurants and the pool generally only had about 10-20 other people at any given time. The weather was very hot and humid! We stayed comfortable by the pool. There were lots of towels, chairs and umbrellas available. The bar staff at the pool were super friendly and prompt. I would say that all restaurants were good. We particularly enjoyed the Italian restaurant (Gusto) and the Teppanyaki restaurant. In terms of nightlife, there was some type of show or activity every night. The Queen tribute band was good! We also enjoyed going to OT bar for late night drinks and karaoke. We also enjoyed a couple's massage and hydrotherapy as part of a complimentary honeymoon package for staying more than 5 days. The massage was great! I would highly recommend the spa. I would note that the resort is located next to the beach. It's a volcanic black sand beach, but don't shy away from it! The sand was so soft and the water was lovely. The only real downside to this resort is that it is very hilly! Everything is a steep climb. There are golf cart shuttles available to take you around, but you have to wait sometimes. Overall, we had a lovely and relaxing time. We met some wonderful people. Costa Rica is a beautiful country! I would recommend this destination for anyone who is looking to branch off from the regular Caribbean destinations. The scenery and the people are AMAZING! Pura Vida!

Riu Guanacaste: Warm, Friendly Resort

The beach was really nice and clean. I especially liked how close everything is, the rooms are close to the beach and dining areas. The staff is warm and welcoming, the hotel is beautiful and the excursion was amazing!

Occidental Papagayo: Great vacation!!!

Beautiful grounds(well taken care of) great pools (very clean) and the beach was a wonderful Costa Rica beach with great views. High Tide early afternoon a few days when we were there... so we just hopped on over to one of the pools. Food was good, breakfast was similar each morning but a lot of variety and I'm not sure what else could be added, it was all there and yummy! Buffet is in a small space so there can be a bit of a line at busy times to get your food. Room was nice, clean but time for [... read more] an update or a freshening up. Two little things we think need work over all; towels for the pool and beach- our first day it took us 4 visits to the towel area to get a towel because they didnt know when they would be clean? This was first thing in the morning... maybe purchase more towels? The other would be more shuttles and smaller maybe, like a golf cart? The drivers were very professional and know those narrow roads like the back of their hands... might help them to have more driving staff and smaller vehicles. We've been to Costa Rica twice and we come for the heat, beach and relaxation. We had a very great vacation at Occidental. It's a lovely resort over all and the staff are great!!!

Riu Guanacaste: Love this resort even more the second time around

This resort is amazing! So clean. The garden is beautiful the scenery is gorgeous and the people were so friendly. I went with my mom who uses a Walker to get around and the staff took the time to help her when needed. I would definitely go back a third time. Maybe to get married

Riu Guanacaste: Wonderful stay at Riu Guanacaste!

Riu Guanacaste is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush forest. The beach is breath taking. All the area of the hotel is extremely clean and well kept. The grounds are amazing and well manicured. Dinning areas are also well looked after. Very tasty food and good selection of fruit and vegetable. Service in the dinning rooms are excellent. The staff in all the areas are friendly, courteous, eager to help with a smile. The negative is the pillows are uncomfortable and the bath ro [... read more]om is bit worn. We had a wonderful time at this Hotel. We enjoyed our stay very much.

Hotel Villas Playa Samara: Not a great resort

The hotel is a dump pulling up... the lobby is small so there's no where to hang out.. the town is way too small.. not enough restaurants/ shops. The food/drinks are good and the staff are very nice... they won't let you smoke there and they will try to rip you off left and right. Avoid this place.

Riu Guanacaste: Would not go back

I was truly disappointed in the resort and in sunwing We booked more than four months out asked for a room close to the elevators as I just had surgery and was put on the fourth floor room 4019 facing the trees so no view and half way between both elevators Grounds where kept up beautifully Rooms where clean but nothing over the top Food well I can say was just ok There was no place to get a snack inbetween meals Any music that was played was always so loud and there was very little day [... read more]time entertainment and the night entertainment was way below par As for sunwing we where more than 60 out and the price than started dropping and they would not even consider price match or room up grade when all was said and done one week before we left the price was more than $ 500.00 down each person This was not one of my best vacations with rui and sunwing

Riu Guanacaste: Not a 5 star at all

Everything about this resort was average or below. Food you could live on it but that was all. There was 3 or 4 hotel staff that was really good..the rest of them never smiled or said really anything. The entertainment staff was non existent and the nightly show where pathetic. I have stayed at 3 other Rui and enjoyed them very much. I was looking so forward to Costa Rica and this hotel never even came close to a 4 star. I will probably never go to another Rui because of this hotel

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Great few days.

We had a great trip. The resort is wonderful, the service was friendly and attentive. Food was good and the coffee was wonderful. Pool had its share of floating bugs but these things happen, nothing that ruined the trip.

JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort and Spa: beyond amazing

everything was beyond amazing, no complaints. we wish we could have stayed a bit longer. Staff was extremely friendly. Food was excellent, and the guest were very well behaved. Activities were awesome. will do it in a flash anytime.

JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort and Spa: Most incredible vacation!

Nothing but amazing things to say about this place. Food is beyond incredible, staff is always ready to help and WANTS to help. Rooms are gorgeous and very clean. Views are spectacular! 100% best resort we've ever stayed at! Only thing to note is the beach isn't your typical beach, a little rocky. The pool and sunset make up for the only small percent it's lacking!

Riu Guanacaste: Great Small Resort

Overall great resort for couples and families. Friendly staff, good food and overall a positive vibe all around. If you’re looking for a large resort with tons of bars then go to another resort. I liked this one a lot because everything is within walking distance. Restaurants are open at 6 pm everyday and you aren't able to reserve a table you have to wait outside. I recommend getting in like about 5:30-5:40 for a slot. Lots of Iguanas around the pool area but there harmless. I highly recom [... read more]mend doing the buena vista excursion. Worth every penny. Its a full day. One of the best things I really liked about this resort is the fact that they are environmentally friendly. Not many resorts attempt it but they pull it off really well. No straws, reuse towels, re useable cups, and signs that attempt to get the guest to turn off the lights when the room is vacant. I will give this resort an overall great rating because of this factor alone.

Riu Guanacaste: A 4 star

The hotel was beautifully kept. Walls were being painted and grounds we being landscaped daily. Food was amazing. Cant beat guacamole at every meal. The A La Cartes were above expectations but I was not impressed by their daily 6:00 reservation system. I hated waiting in line each night when I could be napping or getting ready for the evening. We went to the casino. Go to the cashier first to get 10 dollars free when you spend 10 dollars at the slots. Bonus. We liked the variety of tours they of [... read more]fered. Although it would have been nice to have bicycles to use to go to the nearby town. The pool was amazing and the drinks were so good. I was happy with my choice. The beach needs more huts a closer toilet and a bar. We didnt spend enough time there as the amenities weren't available.

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica: Best so far

We comeback from Planet Hollywood last week. It is an amazing resort. The staff is well trained in customer service and genuinely friendly. The grounds are beautifully located on the hill and very well kept. You must be prepared for very steep hills to walk down and up, they have golf carts running all the time but we actually were challanging ourself to keep in shape. There are 4 a la carte restaurants and buffet, coffee place (amazing) with ice cream bar. You do not need reservations for [... read more] any restaurants and there is no limit how many times you dine were. Our favourite was Japanese and steak house. Reservation is only required in tapenaki show dinner at Japanese restaurant, and that you have to do right at 8 am, on the day you want to go, it fills up rather quicly. Italian and Mexican were good as well. For lunches all restaurant are open as well as barbaque by the pool and also there is burger joint. (Very good burgers and chicken fingers). This was my very first Resort that I actually was not bored with food for breakfast. As long as you do not take every day everything at once. I had omelet only twice in nine days becouse there was a variety to choose from. Rooms are very modern and clean, very comfortable beds, only complain the air conditioner is blowing straight on your bed. I actually was cold at night. Finally we were turning it off for the night and sleeping with fan on low setting and actually we were perfect. This resort is very technologicaly advanced. Your room key is on you hand bracelet so you do not have to worry about it at all. Room service (included, no extra charge) you can order through your TV, and all the entertainment and activities are listed on your TV, very convenient. Safe in the room, coffee maker and mini fridge replanished daily. Nice swimming pool, not the nicest that ever have seen but nice. There are cabanas for rent (very expensive and I really do not understand why would you like to be there, but this is me). Beach. Lots of people did not like it becouse of dark sand. We loved it! It is dark, different then everywhere else but beautiful. It has big tides, with low tide water is shallow and perfect for kids, you can walk on the beach for an hour. When tide is high it becomes dip and the beach is much smaller. And the monkeys on the beach, we loved them and were waiting for them every day. Not for everyone but definitely for us it was huge attraction. White faced cappuccinos and occasionally howler monkeys. No excursion necessary to see them. This resort has lots of families with kids and also mature guests. At night the entertainment / parties were not very well attended (early sleepers). The sport bar was the most attended at nightS but younger crowd. We did not upgrade to star class, just regulars. They had few additional perks but not sure if it was worth. Summarizing, we loved the stay at Planet Hollywood in Costa Rica. Highly recommended. Would like to mention few stars from the staff: Cenene, you are genuine hospitality star, from day one you were filling my pink cup the way I like it, you run to other bar to bring me brandy when someone told you there is no more, you definitely deserve recognition, your customer service skills are shining. Diego and Victoria, you never were tired (maybe you were but did not show it)and was tirelessly coming to us on the beach to make sure we are OK, and alway got our order right (maybe becouse Cenene remembered our pink and blue cups ☺). Edwin, we loved your attitude when you served us. Barbara from Japanese restaurant, I feel like your friend not only a guest (Basia) There are many more people that we should mention, but not possible to remember. The young gentlemen in Fuel, he always made for me cappuccino with heart on it and served with big smile. Planet Hollywood you definitely have the right people working for you.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Palace is the right name for this place!

Beautiful and well maintained grounds and pools, beach is nice, entertainment is good, food is great, restaurant service was very good. The staff work very hard to keep things in good order, and the level of service is very good. Great location, not too far from the airport. A thoroughly enjoyable (second) stay at this resort.

JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort and Spa: Highly recommend

My husband and I just returned and we had an amazing time. Loved the resort but the beach is not the greatest because of volcanic sand and the ocean was cold and we are ocean swimmers. Having said that the pools were very good so it worked out. Food was plentiful and fairly good. Rooms were very clean and staff friendly.