JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort and Spa: The resort

The rooms were great but the mountain view was not the best. We would have preferred a view of the beach. The service was exceptional, and the people were kind and helpful. The buffet had a great variety of food. Could have had more steamed veggies for those who are wary of eating raw foods.

JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort and Spa: Dreams Las Mareas beauty, service and solitude

Dreams Las Mareas is a fine resort in the remote mountains of Costa Rica. Service was excellent and amenities just fine for a smaller resort. Given the resort is away from the hustle and bustle of other areas and a bit smaller than we are used to, the entertainment was adequate but nothing special lacking full shows and 24 hour party. Tennis courts and more entertainment engaging the guests together would be appealing. We did see alot of private parties and weddings etc... and they were wel [... read more]l done!! Daily activities were just average with the slide and trampoline open for limited times. Other than the entertainment or the lack of a warm Caribbean beach, the resort is amazing. Pools were beautiful, food and gardens abundant. We were there for 10 days with an 11 year old and did 3 full day excursions. Deep sea fishing was awesone. The areas of Jobo and La Cruz quite stunning and remote as is the day at Buena Vista. Dreams does not cater to a busy Caribbean vacation if you are looking for that. We did do a full day tour down to Tarmindo, Flamingo and Coco beaches and found the water was much warmer but the traffic and garbage a bit distracting and very touristy..... Dreams is a quality resort and the service, location (other than blue warm water), food and did I say service? was excellent. Staff do say It's a Pleasure. which is nice.. but Dreams is a newer resort and needs to find something that makes them "special" or "stand out" from others.....like focusing on the uniqueness of the area maybe...eco -boutique hotel in the mountains and maybe cater to environmental conscious people by offering recycling and not using straws or plastic and wasting so many dishes etc.. Great place to visit!

Riu Guanacaste: Loved the resort.

The grounds were very well kept and beautiful. Pool area also well kept and stunning. Lobby and restaurants well kept. One issue is with the booking of dinner reservations. System they use is horrible. You end up having to line up in your bathing suit at 6 pm in order to get an 8 pm reservation. There must be a better way so one can enjoy the sun/sunset and then get ready for the evening.

Riu Guanacaste: Beautiful resort

Very nice hotel, room was ok. Promised a king bed, got 2 doubles put together. Restaurants were very good, lots of variety in the buffets. There was 4 ala carts which had reservations, we ate at 3 of them, all very good. Grounds were very well kept someone was always around trimming grounds or cleaning up. Nightly entertainment was ok, nothing special. Awesome Pool, grounds around the pool where excellent. Plenty of bars throughout the hotel. Staff was very friendly. Entertainment staff were ve [... read more]ry good and friendly. Could have used a few more restrooms around the hotel, had to walk along way at times. Beach was ok for the area.

Secrets Papagayo Resort: Excellent Resort

Secrets Papayago is an incredible resort to stay in Costa Rica! Great scenery, excellent rooms that are very clean and well stocked. The service at the resort is first rate. A wide variety of food is offered at the 5 restaurants that is fresh and delicious. Beach areas are very short walk and easily accessible. Great spa facilities as well.

Riu Guanacaste: Third visit - will return again

Love this hotel - the food is great, rooms are comfortable, the staff is great. One of our favorite places to stay. Also we prefer the Spanish style of this resort - not a big fan of the new modern Rius.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Amazing service beautiful resort

We went to this riu palace last week for a 7 day trip, we were not sure what to expect never having stayed at a riu resort before . Our overall experience turned out to be a great one. The servers and hotel staff were so friendly ,helpful, and on top of everything. Every day starting at 10am waiting staff is taking drink orders all over the pool area , (the pool bar area could use some music) the pool bar staff is bar none the best I’ve seen hats off to our #1 bartender Cesar for keeping up wi [... read more]th the crowds and our rowdy group. He kept the party in the pool bar "hydrated" . The food in the resort was good no complaints , the hotel has automatic espresso machines that make espresso drinks located in several areas of the hotel , available 24/7 in the lounge 24. The lounge 24 was a 24 hour snack bar that’s very well stocked with soft drinks ,mini bar , snacks hot and cold, it’s where you can get your first and your last drink ,snack or beer. The grounds and the building were always in tip top shape and clean. Our 1 and only complaint seemed to be a common complaint from everyone at the pool areas, there is no washroom at the pool area you have to walk to the papagayo which is the lunch buffet restaurant.

Riu Guanacaste: Good vacation with some disappointments

Our flight was delayed due to weather, however the hotel did keep a restaurant open to feed us which was nice. The first full day I reported that the safe was locked, the shower was broken and the hair dryer was barely hanging onto the wall. They did come and fix these items. All the furniture is covered with a glass sheet. I did not report a chip in the glass and a hairline crack in the other glass. Hard to believe, but I saw it with my own eyes...my husband opened the tablet and the glass [... read more] with the crack split in two. I reported it and they said that was impossible, and wanted to charge me $40.00, I said no we did not do anything wrong, well I had not reported the chip or crack so I must have done it....I only reported what was needed to be repaired for our stay, then she asked me if I took a picture of the crack. I said no, I did not know a room inspection was required, so they said they would reduce the fine to $20.00, I said I would not pay it because we did nothing wrong, it I would have broken it I would have paid for. They then proceeded to tell me that they would call the police if it was not paid on departure. So I inquired if the police would speak English, she said no they would translate for me. I emailed our travel agent, she suggested I speak with the Sunwing agent (Hugo) and he ended up taking care of it. We would recommend "Allan" on the beach who booked our 4 wheeler and boat excursion. Most of the wait staff were very good.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Definitely going back - but for two weeks!!!

We were thoroughly impressed by the well-kept grounds, spacious and clean rooms, excellent service, large variety of food and restaurants. While lounging by the pool, we had impeccable service from the staff. Always friendly, humble and accommodating. The entire staff went above and beyond for us. This is one of the best experiences that we have had at a resort (and we have been to many). Definitely going back - but for two weeks next time. There is so much to see in this beautiful eco/env [... read more]ironmental country. Can honestly say that we have no negative feedback with The Riu Palace Costa Rica. The Costa Ricans really know how to enjoy life. Pura Vida. Recommend to anyone looking for a beautiful time away.

Riu Guanacaste: Beautiful

We loved the resort. Our room looked over the front of the resort and the ocean so perfect view. Food was good and lots of it but after about 4 days, we were a bit sick of the buffet food. Ate at the Steak restaurant a couple of times and went into Coco Beach for dinner for a change. Bathrooms had a slight smell that never went away but otherwise, the resort was beautifully kept and always clean. The beach was wonderful and not busy. Morning walks everyday with only the residents of the R [... read more]iu hotels which was nice. The massage on the beach was great and inexpensive. Lots of activities to do. Great vacation.

Riu Guanacaste: Great holiday!

The hotel was beautiful. The staff was amazing. Food was good and there was lot’s of it. The daily activities were very loud - announcers and bands had amplifiers turned up to the max. We had a problems with our first room. We were given a new room for the second week.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Amazing Resort!

Definitely an A+ resort. Service, food, rooms and pools are all superb. The entertainment was great as well, very talented dancers. Wide selection of food, no one goes without something. The buffet has a tremendous selection and you never get tired of it. Removing the reservation requirements at the restaurants was a great bonus, no more being disappointed or not getting in to a spot. The beach was okay, no white sand. Lots of excursions to choose from.

CC Beach Front Papagayo: Great Food, Beds and Pool

Grounds are well-kept. The monkeys visited us the first day we were there and once again before we left. The service in the restaurant was touch and go, whether we tipped or not. The food was gourmet, not a huge selection, But very delicious. There are no chairs on the beach as it is public, which we didn't mind because we don't spend a lot of time at the beach. There is no nighttime entertainment also. I did not find the staff to be very friendly in any area of the resort. Unlike Cuba, where  [... read more]they welcome you with open arms. Overall, we did enjoy our stay there.

Coco Beach Hotel and Casino: Good place to stay

Third time at this hotel and love it for its location, Right in the middle of the best little town in Costa Rica. Coconutz (the best bar in town $2.00 drinks) out of dozens is right across the street and a great Italian restaurant right next door. Tour agent right below for best deals on trips (ask for Sean and mention my name, Tommy the wee Scotsman.)

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Average Resort

Resort is average nothing to brag about.Pool area is basic not many activities but lots of chairs to lay on. Food was basically the same every day with the exception of the pool bbq which was great.Lobby bar closed early leaving no place for night life had to go to resort next to us which had a sports bar.pool area was better too spent a lot of days there.Surprising since it was a cheaper resort.Had many problems door key lock did not work had manager replace it,bar fridge did not work,maid did  [... read more]not show up 2 times did not expect this from a Riu.The entertainment was par a lot of my group left early boring.This was my second time at a riu not impressed.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Fabulous resort!

Beautiful resort, amazing food and great customer service!!! Highly recommend this resort and to try the “water sour” cocktail! Gerry our Nexus guide was very informative, professional and provided us with all the necessary info about the resort, Costa Rica and tours.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: A Tropical Oasis

The Riu Palace in Costa Rica was amazing. The resort is secluded between lush mountains, overlooking the Pacific ocean. The grounds were kept immaculate with meticulously trimmed hedges. As well, the hotel and rooms were very clean and well maintained. Our meals were delicious and the restaurant service was wonderful. Staff were very friendly and helpful throughout the resort. Overall, a very pleasant, relaxing experience. Definitely our favorite resort. We'll be returning next year.

JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort and Spa: Not as Good as it Looks!

Upon looking at pictures and upon first arrival, the resort looks amazing. You are greeted with friendly staff at the lobby, however that's really the extent of the friendliness and customer service. The resort lacks lighting at night - especially when you are walking back from the beach area to the your building or buffet. Many guests were using their flashlights on their phones. There are no lifeguards for the family/kids' pool area. Pool chairs are reserved early in the morning by gu [... read more]ests who are not in the immediate area. Because beach towels do not have to be returned in order to get a new one, towels are left on pool loungers even when guests have left the pool. Hence, pool chairs were never available for other users. There was not much selection at the Buffet. Staff were not customer service oriented and did not speak or understand English. At the Buffet, each time you entered, you had to wait in line to be asked your room number and the number of guests, then wait to be seated. Men were not allowed to enter the Buffet in tank tops. We were seated in areas on a number of occasions where the lights were turned off. When we asked for either a different table or for the lights to be turned on, we were told 'No' to another table or that the lights were not working. Housekeeping was minimal. We were a family of four and had requested for four towels, however kept receiving only three. We also requested for extra pillows and did not receive them until the fourth day of our stay. Spa prices were outrageous, even with discount vouchers offered upon check-in. We were advised by our airline rep to check out a day early (express check-out) and when we arrived at the Front Desk requesting to check out, we were questioned as to why. Seemed like they did not know their own hotel processes. Nightly entertainment could use a lot of improvement. Shows were not entertaining and lacked variety. The overall friendliness of staff did not seem sincere and appeared to be extremely forced. The only great service we did receive was when we booked our excursions. Swiss Travel / Air Canada reps were amazing! They explained the trips, offered what would be best suited for our family, provided cost saving opportunities and overall, great customer service. Would definitely travel back to Costa Rica, however would most likely consider a different resort.

Villas Sol Beach Resort: Relaxing getaway.

Other reviews are not kidding, the grounds are very steep, but the frequent shuttles are very helpful for those not willing to walk the hills. It is an older resort, but well maintained. The food was great, the service was excellent, and the scenery was beautiful. We had rooms overlooking the ocean and directly over the smaller of the two pools, and the location was perfect. It was very peaceful and just the relaxing vacation we were looking for. If you are looking for a wild party place this wo [... read more]uld not be a good choice, but if you are looking for a place to simply chill this is it.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: I'm still full of food!

This resort is #1. I have no complaints from beginning to end. They go out of their way to keep all guests happy. I did not see one spot of garbage they are constantly cleaning. They have a lot of staff and place did not feel busy while it was at full capacity. The food is amazing and you can always get food as well. Lots to do and see. Highly recommend.