Riu Guanacaste: Fantastic Resort!

This was a beautiful, lush property with all the amenities you can think of. Only 45 minutes from Airport. Staff was friendly and (mostly) accommodating. If you want to go somewhere (other than on a scheduled tour), they have a transportation desk to help you get to where you want to go. They run everything like clockwork! - this resort is a bit remote. Buffet Food was exceptional and plenty of it. Other restaurants are ok but difficult to get into. They are on a first-come-first-serve basi [... read more]s. The Sports Bar has 24 hour service with snacks and is the only place to get coffee in the morning before the buffet opens. Pool area was beautiful. Beach is ok. Not like Caribbean island beaches. Sand is black so it's super hot - Wear shoes on it unless you are walking in the water. Water was very warm. Room was spacious and clean. All taps , shower, toilet worked perfectly and a/c was good. Nice balcony with towel rack outside! My only complaints (and they are minor) are: 1)Bed and pillows weren't comfortable - thinking they use polyester sheets - was sweaty at night even with AC. 2) it was difficult to get into other restaurants, so we didn't bother 3) No coffee machine in the room - it's a large resort and to get coffee, you have to go pretty far, and pretty much drink it there as there are no microwaves in room either for reheating. Otherwise - Go! it's beautiful.

Hotel Villas Playa Samara: Nice but noisy, rooms very nice, food ok

I did have a good week at this resort, but - Construction - so very noisy - after all i was there to rest. I was disappointed about that. - Food was not the best, and sometimes trying too hard to be "american" when really Costa Rican real food would have been great. - Maybe propose nuts and cereals in the morning rather than cold cuts? - Hard to get coffee/tea/cream sometimes... Plusses - Costa Rican are very nice people, and I found them really honest, which was refreshing - My room w [... read more]as really nice and clean. The odd bug, but nothing serious - Beautiful beach, although the water was not the cleanest... I guess with all the fisherman boats around, it's normal. We went on a different beach one day, and it was simply gorgeous! The bus ride to get to the resort was great, but the bus ride back to the airport was horrible. The driver, a young man, was not feeling well we were told. However, when I complained he was going over the limit and people were getting sick, he basically slowed down a bit and stopped going crazy around the bends. However he ignored the speed limits! i am not usually so sticky about speed limits, but when it says school zone and its says 25km and he goes 60km/h, I get concerned. Or when he goes 80 in a 40 zone, I am worried. Although I told the guide about it, he continued driving like that. I felt it was arrogance that comes with being young... Once he passed someone and got back on the right right on time, with the car coming the other way beeping his horn big time! Taking unnecessary risks really. I feel this driver needs a talk for sure. Thank you. C. Devaud

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Outstanding resort

The food here is 5 star all the way. Always fresh and artfully presented its a pleasing to the eye and the palate. With lots of variety at each venue there's something for everyone. From the pools to the restaurant to the rooms this facility is spotless. The housekeeping staff can be seen at all hours working tirelessly to keep it that way. The only disappointing fact was the water sports equipment was only available for guests 18 years old. We chose the location because kayaking, stand up pa [... read more]ddle boards and wind surfers were part of the package. We had made it clear to our travel agent we wanted these aactivities because we were bringing a 17 year old. The website should indicate the age limit

Riu Guanacaste: Love this resort!

This is our third time at the Riu Guanacaste! Love how the staff is always so friendly and accommodating. Our beds were always decorated with flowers or something cute done with the bedding. Something for us to look forward too after going for a swim in the beautiful pools. The grounds are impeccable. The buffet was always full of amazing food too!

Villas Sol Beach Resort: Not for everyone or maybe anyone.

Spent most of my time waiting for the shuttle bus-like cattle, to take you around this private public resort. NOT recommended for people with mobility issues for sure. Told WiFi included. Was not, cost big. For some reason the resort had nowhere too access cash, had to go to a town 20 minutes plus -away to access a bank or ATM. The beach is a full of sellers of Time Share properties, even if they don't call it that!! My dress was bleached from the chemicals used in the pool. Towels at one pool  [... read more]and not the other and such a pain to get to either pool, which is used by the family of the owners. No entertainment, your stranded in that any trips to rainforest, is hours away. There is one restaurant to eat in, so if you are hungry or want something to drink after hours forget it. The rooms were clean. Not recommended if you are a smoker, have to wait for a shuttle bus to have a smoke, which is either at the beach or outside the gate. Could take up too half hour to get to either. Has turned me off Costa Rica all together.

Occidental Tamarindo: great family oriented resort

We have been back multiple times to this resort as it is not a large resort making everything within comfortable walking distance. Great surfing beach although we just love being bashed by the waves and watching those that surf! The great beach is all yours, not crowded and great for long walks. All the excursions are at your door step so you can explore Costa Rica till your hearts content! The food leans more to Costa Rican food with great selection so you will be sure to find something that p [... read more]leases you. Over the years the staff have made great advancement with incorporating the English language but they should try to do so more on the entertainment side to make all feel more welcome.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: best vacation ever

everything about this trip was fantastic. couldnt have been better. hotel and staff are wonderful. food excellent beach is perfect. great country cant wait to go back there is nowhere that i'd rather go.

Riu Guanacaste: Resort

Hotel room and cleanliness was great. Beach was great and long. Bars, good, buffet great, a la carte just okay but buffet was always there. free monkey viewing close walk down the beach. REsort is 30min but with bumpy road 45 from Liberia. Lots of day trips but mostly $100 usa each.

Riu Guanacaste: Beautiful romantic getaway!

We visited in March 2018 and had the loveliest time. The staff were awesome, the place was clean and fancy, and the food at the resort was delicious, fresh, and varied. If you are dreaming of a white sand beach this isn't the resort for you. However, the pool area is absolutely amazing, and for myself and my fiance we were looking for a gorgeous place to RELAX with food that wasn't terrible and this resort did that and then some. There is a beach that you can sit on but the sand is not white  [... read more]and the water is quite rocky, not easy to access for swimming. At night though the beach lit up with beautiful phosphorescence so that was a real treat. One thing that you can do - and that we did - was take an ATV excursion that brought us to white sand beaches where we swam for a day. This area of Costa Rica is quite dry and arid, not full of lush rainforest, during the time we were there (March). It's hard to tell this because the resort itself is so lush and lovely. So we ended up taking an excursion to visit the rainforest and swam in a waterfall and soaked in natural hotsprings and this was absolutely amazing. This resort is quite small, which we loved. There were not a lot of children there, which we also loved (though it is child friendly). It was calm, relaxed, and the drinks were delicious. I want to go back today (especially because there's an ice storm right now in Toronto - yuck). Totally recommend.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Fanatastic Time

We have been there twice now and have yet to be disappointed. The service is exceptional. Staff is very friendly and bend over backwards to help you with any issues. The rooms get cleaned right away. The food is delicious and the staff waits on you hand and foot. Telling all my friends and family to go there! Great relaxing time!

Azura Beach Resort Samara: Azura Beach Resort Samara is not open and won't be for another YEAR!

I don't know why Tripcentral is advertising it at all or Air Canada Tours. We were sent to Hotel Villas Playa Samara. We never received the automatic upgrade stated in our 1 (a) choice and we were never refunded our difference in the pirce package which is at least $300.00 each. I felt sorry for the poor hotel manager who had to deal with us. I had all the paper work with me, it's a good thing because they said they were unaware of the upgrade.......who to believe. The Hotel Villas Playa Sam [... read more]ara is a small resort, very quiet if you get a villa in the back of the property. We were in a bottom floor of a quad duplex. Room was nice and clean and in working order. The people there were very nice and friendly. We went on the fishing trip excursion twice and brought back our catch of the day. The chef at the restaurant prepared our fish and both times it was amazing. I would go back because I know what to expect, it's my first all inclusive but my friend who has been to a few all inclusive bigger resort would not return. I was trouble with the service I got from Tripcentral in returning my calls seemed like once we paid the trip I had to talk to someone new it's unfortunate. I have a few more trips planned this year so I think I will deal with a travel agent face to face from now on.

Occidental Papagayo: Great all adult resort

The food was excellent as was the staff. The grounds make you feel like you are in Paradise . Was quite pleased that trip central sent out numbers in case there were issues. Peace of mind. Great trip.

Hotel Villas Playa Samara: Absolutely Amazing

Loved this place. Very small resort, easy walk from our cute little villa to the pool and the ocean. Our room and the resort were kept very clean. The food was great! Always a good selection and variety. Chicken, beef and fish always tasted great and were cooked in different ways. Lots of fresh fruit and salad selections. We have been to many resorts, but the staff at this resort went above and beyond any resort we have been to. Fransella and Danni at the front desk, Sergio from Monkey  [... read more]Tours, Remi from Monkey Tours, Marcos the bartender at the swim up bar and many others that I just can't remember their names. We had a few glitches with our air conditioner and safe and they came within 15 minutes and had things fixed up. We loved the beach. Water was clear and warm. We were able to walk the beach into the little town of Samara. Beautiful walk along the ocean. A few rocky patches, but I was still able to walk in my bare feet. The beach in front of resort was beautiful sand and waves for swimming. We walked 10 minutes down the road from the resort to another beautiful beach. Very peaceful place to relax and fall in love with Costa Rica.

Hotel Villas Playa Samara: Perfect for us!

We had an amazing family vacation here. It was the perfect spot for 21 of us aged 7 months to 64 years old. After a bit of confusion with the rooms when checking in, Andreas went out of his way to make sure it got settled promptly. We soon found our way around the resort which is the perfect size and very well laid out. The pool is a very good size and never was terribly busy. The wet bar was great except the bartender, Marcos was at times overworked. Though he never hesitated to serv [... read more]e you your drink with a smile. Marcos was awesome. His drinks were over the top! Our villa was absolutely perfect for what we needed. The bed was very comfy and the a/c was much appreciated and needed to sleep. We were happy with the dining room. Food was good and even sometimes great. Always plenty to go around. The staff were excellent, especially Eduardo who always seemed to go out of his way to please us. At times they seemed a bit overworked but they always served you with a smile. I don't think I have ever seen such hard working staff that were so happy. The entertainment in the evenings was very good. Unfortunately it ended a bit early at 9pm. We went out to the bar The Flying Taco in Samara a few times as we weren't ready to stop the party at 9pm. It was lots of fun and just a short 7$ taxi ride away. The beach was always clean. The water, although nice and warm was a bit murky I found. We much preferred to take the 5 minute bus ride to Carillo where the beach is amazing and the waves a lot of fun to play in. The security guard at the beach front area (I believe his name was Brenev) was the nicest guy. He was quick to answer all our questions, joked around with us and always had a smile. My family did a few excursions. One was off shore fishing and the other was zip lining. Both were very good and worth the price. Also huge shout out to Raphael who does the kayak tours. He was so kind and helpful when it came to educating us about Costa Rica. His knowledge of the area abundant and was much appreciated. In general I would say I was completely satisfied with my stay here. We were all sad to leave and hope to go back maybe even next year. It was worth the 2 hour drive from Liberia which was part of the adventure! The staff really made it a great experience but it is also a beautiful location. We felt extremely safe and travelled many times off the resort to Carillo and to Samara. I never felt uncomfortable and the locals were always friendly and accommodating. I would give our vacation a 5*+ because of the resort/staff and location. I would give the resort a 3.5 - 4*

Azura Beach Resort Samara: Epic resort

Everything was pretty good we have no complaints , people were very nice ,guides were awesome and so helpful , meals very good , love the pool it was kept very clean ,the ocean was amazing , loved the wild horses walking along the beach ,the sunset was epic ,our villa was the best of everything #1 on the ocean front , felt comfortable and safe and would consider going back someday

Hotel Villas Playa Samara: Good resort, needs more bartenders

Staff are super friendly and helpful, however there is only one bartender at the pool bar which means that he is constantly working like crazy to cater to everyone's needs, the very least would be to have 2. Villa was nice , however didn't get new towels on 2 of the days. Food was ok, considering it's a resort. Atmosphere was good however there lacked activities during the days , they should have someone animating or something to get people moving and meeting one another , rather than just every [... read more]one drinking in the pool . I could see water aerobics in the morning due to the average age of clientele . They had big fires on two occasions on the beach, however I think most guests were not made aware which resulted in a handful of people going . Pool was very hot. Final and most important remark, there is a big resort addition being built right next door , so there is noise all day from construction. We also met guests that were duped and had booked rooms in the new addition, even though it hadn't been finished. Ownership seems to be misleading people...

Hotel Villas Playa Samara: Amazing Hotel

During our stay the visit was so pleasant - the room was very clean and spacious - we were in 3505 villa and outstanding staff that cleaned our room - we really enjoyed the food and there was plenty of it for everyone - the variety was very good - the a la carte restaurant was also very good - the grounds were so clean and very nice to see how the staff looked after the grounds - we both love small resorts and this had everything that we needed and then some

Wyndham Tamarindo: Amazing hotel, great staff.

Staff was very attentive and we're very helpful with any questions or when we needed a hand. Beautiful, clean hotel in tamarindo and from what we hear from other people is possibly the best in the area. I would absolutely book with these guys again.

Riu Guanacaste: Resort for everybody!

Good size of the rooms and nice location on the beach. Convenient with all facilities on the resort premises; such as scuba/water sports center, spa/wellness, disco, small shops. And an adventure park close by. Very good setup for a la carte restaurants with first come first served principle and the buzzer if you are waiting, telling you when the table is ready for you. And the buffé food was very tasty and huge variation. Service was excellent! From clean room to clean pool and beach. Easy [... read more] to book tours as all the representatives have their desk at the lobby where you can ask about the excursions and book directly. The closest town is Coco, and it has a nice beach and a main street with plenty of souvenir shops. Overall great resort with excellent service. I'll be back :-)

Occidental Tamarindo: Not what I was expecting

Food was the same every night, small selection and to be honest I didn't eat at the resort it was so bad. Even restaurant food was not quality. Mixed drinks were disgusting and not made properly. Beach was very rough (waves and rock) and couldn't swim. Hotel was far from the town of taramindo (30min walk or $5 Cab ride). Would not recommend this hotel to anyone.