The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal is a four-pearl all-inclusive resort located in the northeastern part of Guanacaste. The resort’s 326 guest rooms are understated and contemporary, with many featuring a smart split-level design to separate the bedroom and living area. With 11 restaurants, two enormous pools, access to an idyllic beach, and a nonstop entertainment line-up, there's plenty to keep guests busy. The property’s forested grounds attract wildlife, giving guests a glimpse of the “real” Costa Rica, but ocean views are few and far between. For those who are fans of big, all-inclusive properties, the Westin is a top-notch choice, but it might be worth comparing rates and amenities with the Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica on Playa Matapalo.
The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal is a four-pearl all-inclusive resort located in the northeastern part of Guanacaste. The resort’s 326 guest rooms are understated and contemporary, with many featuring a smart split-level design to separate the bedroom and living area. With 11 restaurants, two enormous pools, access to an idyllic beach, and a nonstop entertainment line-up, there's plenty to keep guests busy. The property’s forested grounds attract wildlife, giving guests a glimpse of the “real” Costa Rica, but ocean views are few and far between. For those who are fans of big, all-inclusive properties, the Westin is a top-notch choice, but it might be worth comparing rates and amenities with the Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica on Playa Matapalo.
This intimate luxury hotel located a 10-minute drive from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the area's top options. Tucked into the hillside of a 14-acre nature reserve, Gaia feels appropriately exclusive and private, and has the attentive, personalized service to match. Freebies abound: a terrific a la carte breakfast, tours of the reserve, a mini spa treatment, and Wi-Fi, to name a few. The hotel’s 22 rooms, which include suites, studios, and villas, are stylishly decorated with lots of natural materials like stone, wood, and wicker. Jungle and ocean views claim the spotlight from almost every corner -- highlighted by the multi-tiered infinity pool and open-air restaurant. The hotel has a spa and a small gym. Note that only Loft and Loft Deluxe Suites allow children under 13. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities -- and rules regarding children -- with Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort.
This intimate luxury hotel located a 10-minute drive from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the area's top options. Tucked into the hillside of a 14-acre nature reserve, Gaia feels appropriately exclusive and private, and has the attentive, personalized service to match. Freebies abound: a terrific a la carte breakfast, tours of the reserve, a mini spa treatment, and Wi-Fi, to name a few. The hotel’s 22 rooms, which include suites, studios, and villas, are stylishly decorated with lots of natural materials like stone, wood, and wicker. Jungle and ocean views claim the spotlight from almost every corner -- highlighted by the multi-tiered infinity pool and open-air restaurant. The hotel has a spa and a small gym. Note that only Loft and Loft Deluxe Suites allow children under 13. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities -- and rules regarding children -- with Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort.
Occidental Papagayo is an adult-only, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on the Gulf of Papagayo. The resort’s 163 rooms aren’t especially chic, but they’re nonetheless adequate, offering coffeemakers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Occidental’s all-inclusive package covers food, drinks, and entertainment. Guests also have access to a solid roster of amenities that includes a picturesque pool, four restaurants and numerous bars, as well as beach access. While this resort lacks wow factor, travelers looking for a fun, all-inclusive vacation are likely to be satisfied. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica has sleeker facilities and a better beach, but its rates are generally higher.
Occidental Papagayo is an adult-only, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on the Gulf of Papagayo. The resort’s 163 rooms aren’t especially chic, but they’re nonetheless adequate, offering coffeemakers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Occidental’s all-inclusive package covers food, drinks, and entertainment. Guests also have access to a solid roster of amenities that includes a picturesque pool, four restaurants and numerous bars, as well as beach access. While this resort lacks wow factor, travelers looking for a fun, all-inclusive vacation are likely to be satisfied. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica has sleeker facilities and a better beach, but its rates are generally higher.
The 447-room Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica is an upscale all-inclusive resort with a quiet and secluded beachfront location. Contemporary decor complements the natural beauty of the rainforest and beach surrounding the resort. Rooms have views of either the pool, ocean, or gardens, plus terraces with whirlpools, minibars refilled daily, AC, and flat-screen TVs. The comprehensive all-inclusive plan covers nearly everything, including meals at five specialty restaurants and three eateries, top-shelf drinks at seven bars (including a swim-up bar), activities and entertainment, and even tips. Note that long pants are required for men at some restaurants, but reservations are not. Expect several pools, including an adults-only pool and waterslide pool, kids' and teens' clubs, and water sports. Note that the airport is a 90-minute drive away. Couples may prefer the adults-only Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica, which is also closer to Liberia.
The 447-room Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica is an upscale all-inclusive resort with a quiet and secluded beachfront location. Contemporary decor complements the natural beauty of the rainforest and beach surrounding the resort. Rooms have views of either the pool, ocean, or gardens, plus terraces with whirlpools, minibars refilled daily, AC, and flat-screen TVs. The comprehensive all-inclusive plan covers nearly everything, including meals at five specialty restaurants and three eateries, top-shelf drinks at seven bars (including a swim-up bar), activities and entertainment, and even tips. Note that long pants are required for men at some restaurants, but reservations are not. Expect several pools, including an adults-only pool and waterslide pool, kids' and teens' clubs, and water sports. Note that the airport is a 90-minute drive away. Couples may prefer the adults-only Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica, which is also closer to Liberia.
The four-pearl Tulemar Resort is one of the largest, most full-featured resorts in Manuel Antonio. The lush, 33-acre grounds are abundant with tropical wildlife and beautiful flora. Plus, with four infinity pools, a secluded beach, and an all-day, ocean-view restaurant, most guests won’t need to leave the property -- though it's an eight-minute drive to Manuel Antonio National Park for those who want to hike to the beach there. All 38 rooms are spacious and full-featured with kitchens/kitchenettes, multiple living areas, and water-view balconies. However, the steep, hilly grounds and somewhat rocky beach may have some guests looking elsewhere. For around the same rates, The Preserve at Los Altos shares a less-equipped section of beach but offers more sophisticated rooms.
The four-pearl Tulemar Resort is one of the largest, most full-featured resorts in Manuel Antonio. The lush, 33-acre grounds are abundant with tropical wildlife and beautiful flora. Plus, with four infinity pools, a secluded beach, and an all-day, ocean-view restaurant, most guests won’t need to leave the property -- though it's an eight-minute drive to Manuel Antonio National Park for those who want to hike to the beach there. All 38 rooms are spacious and full-featured with kitchens/kitchenettes, multiple living areas, and water-view balconies. However, the steep, hilly grounds and somewhat rocky beach may have some guests looking elsewhere. For around the same rates, The Preserve at Los Altos shares a less-equipped section of beach but offers more sophisticated rooms.
Hacienda Pinilla is a sprawling, estate-like, gated community of private
homes and villas. It is packed with features: Guests
Hacienda Pinilla is a sprawling, estate-like, gated community of private
homes and villas. It is packed with features: Guests
Hotel Costa Verde and its three off-site restaurants are a bit of an anomaly in otherwise low-key Manuel Antonio. Banners, billboards, and a roadside cargo plane turned restaurant look ridiculous or fun, depending on who you ask. The 20-acre, upper-mid-range resort borders Manuel Antonio National Park, but doesn't offer private beach access. Rates are low for ordinary rooms with few frills, but go up for units with kitchens and beach views, and way up for a 717 Fuselage airplane that's been converted into a one-of-a-kind luxury suite with two bathrooms and gorgeous ocean views from the cockpit. There are three swimming pools; the adult-only pool has the best ocean views and a bar. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking are included with the room price. The similarly priced Karahe Hotel is also low-frills but offers direct beach access.
Hotel Costa Verde and its three off-site restaurants are a bit of an anomaly in otherwise low-key Manuel Antonio. Banners, billboards, and a roadside cargo plane turned restaurant look ridiculous or fun, depending on who you ask. The 20-acre, upper-mid-range resort borders Manuel Antonio National Park, but doesn't offer private beach access. Rates are low for ordinary rooms with few frills, but go up for units with kitchens and beach views, and way up for a 717 Fuselage airplane that's been converted into a one-of-a-kind luxury suite with two bathrooms and gorgeous ocean views from the cockpit. There are three swimming pools; the adult-only pool has the best ocean views and a bar. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking are included with the room price. The similarly priced Karahe Hotel is also low-frills but offers direct beach access.
Hotel Tamarindo Diria is a popular, three-and-a-half-pearl hotel located in downtown Tamarindo. The hotel’s 239 guest rooms are clean and pleasant, although not all have balconies and some lack natural light. Tamarindo Diria’s extensive facilities, which include four pools, six a la carte and buffet restaurants, and dozens of shops, are spread across both sides of Tamarindo’s main street. The hotel offers direct access to scenic Playa Tamarindo beach, but guests with rooms on the far side of the property need to cross the street to get there. Travelers who would prefer a quieter location, off the main strip, might consider Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel.
Hotel Tamarindo Diria is a popular, three-and-a-half-pearl hotel located in downtown Tamarindo. The hotel’s 239 guest rooms are clean and pleasant, although not all have balconies and some lack natural light. Tamarindo Diria’s extensive facilities, which include four pools, six a la carte and buffet restaurants, and dozens of shops, are spread across both sides of Tamarindo’s main street. The hotel offers direct access to scenic Playa Tamarindo beach, but guests with rooms on the far side of the property need to cross the street to get there. Travelers who would prefer a quieter location, off the main strip, might consider Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel.
Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa offers a healthy dose of upscale relaxation and sophistication without a lot of pretense. The pool is a bit small, and there’s nothing within walking distance, but the long list of amenities -- hot spring pools, a large, all-day restaurant with free breakfast, multiple bars, and a full-service spa -- means most guests won’t ever need to leave the property anyway. All 53 rooms feature virtually identical spacious layouts, plus free Wi-Fi, in-room hot tubs, minibars, and two balconies (one with volcano views). The nearby Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa offers the same amenities and a more beautiful thermal pool, but it's hard to beat the quiet natural setting and the views of Arenal Volcano found here.
Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa offers a healthy dose of upscale relaxation and sophistication without a lot of pretense. The pool is a bit small, and there’s nothing within walking distance, but the long list of amenities -- hot spring pools, a large, all-day restaurant with free breakfast, multiple bars, and a full-service spa -- means most guests won’t ever need to leave the property anyway. All 53 rooms feature virtually identical spacious layouts, plus free Wi-Fi, in-room hot tubs, minibars, and two balconies (one with volcano views). The nearby Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa offers the same amenities and a more beautiful thermal pool, but it's hard to beat the quiet natural setting and the views of Arenal Volcano found here.
Croc's Resort & Casino is a four-pearl resort located on the northern end of Jaco Beach. The hotel’s 152 rooms are subtly stylish, and include mini-fridges, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs, but some guests report outside rooms can suffer from nightclub noise and/or musty smells. True to its name, Croc’s showpiece is its casino, but the resort also includes a lagoon-shaped pool with arched wooden bridges, multiple restaurants and bars, a lovely spa, and a modern conference center. It offers little in the way of local character, but guests seeking an upscale resort with plenty of on-site entertainment will likely be satisfied. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities with the nearby all-inclusive Best Western Jaco Beach, which is one of the area’s only other large resorts, but it's less polished overall.
Croc's Resort & Casino is a four-pearl resort located on the northern end of Jaco Beach. The hotel’s 152 rooms are subtly stylish, and include mini-fridges, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs, but some guests report outside rooms can suffer from nightclub noise and/or musty smells. True to its name, Croc’s showpiece is its casino, but the resort also includes a lagoon-shaped pool with arched wooden bridges, multiple restaurants and bars, a lovely spa, and a modern conference center. It offers little in the way of local character, but guests seeking an upscale resort with plenty of on-site entertainment will likely be satisfied. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities with the nearby all-inclusive Best Western Jaco Beach, which is one of the area’s only other large resorts, but it's less polished overall.