Costa Rica- Gene

Located in the Northwest area of Guanacaste it's where you go to swim in tropical warm waters on palm lined beaches. Lots of adventures tours such as aerial tram tours of the rain forest, cloud forests, zip lining and national parks full of beautiful birds & flowers and the Arenal Volcano. Huge amounts of unique wildlife such as howler monkeys, leatherback turtles and more. A great place to experience history, culture and natural beauty you can also combine a stay in the San Jose area and Monteverde area.

Costa Rica is a great destination for everyone; honeymooners, couples, families & singles.

FLAMINO BEACH RESORT & SPA, 3-Star EP, Breakfast Plan & AI- 1 hour from LIR airport- Good for all travelers:

Green property, beautiful grounds, white sand beach known for surfing, no swimming. Very nice pool area. Family Center with ping pong, pool tables & movie theater. Nice water sports center, small but nice spa & electric gambling machines.  Standard room nice with lots of closets; studio room sleeps 6; Corner Suites ocean view. 1 restaurant is NOT part of the AI plan. Had a delicious lunch here.

WESTIN GOLF RESORT & SPA, PLAYA CONCHAL, 4-1/2 Star, AI - We stayed at this pretty four 2 nights. Only AI Westin in the world, used to be Paradisis. 1 hour from LIR airport:

Gorgeous property, great for any traveler but especially for golfers. VERY large property with shuttles to rooms, gorgeous beach and is all about wellness. They have lots of weddings here. Service is fantastic and had breakfast in the buffet which was great. The rooms are typical Westin, on the small side and these need some updating. Royal Beach Club rooms need and will be renovated 2015/21016. Gorgeous pool area.

RIU GUANACASTE  ,4-Star, AI-Typical RIU:

Village with 2 properties, huge and laid out the same as all RIU's. No shuttles so must be able to walk long distances. Gorgeous grounds & beautiful golden sand beach. Standard rooms small but nicely appointed and the suites are beautiful.

RIU PALACE-4-Star, AI:

More modern property. Standard rooms lovely, Standard Jacuzzi Suites gorgeous, also have 2 bedroom units.

ANDAZ PENINSULA PAPAGAYO- 5-Star,EP Hyatt property-Andaz in Hindu means "Pleasure  Style":

Amazing,inspiring,stress free, reserve setting, unique, open air,free flowing. Very flexible, whatever the traveler wants the traveler gets! Gorgeous, unique setting overlooking the water, jungle like, peaceful, lots of butterfly’s, kid/family friendly. Infinity pool, rooms very uniquely laid out, open showers overlooking the bay, golf, gorgeous spa, intimate, gorgeous rooms. Offers a very unique experience.

OCCIDENTAL GRAND PAPAGAYO, 4-Star, AI, ADT only:

We stayed at this property for 2 nights and I was not totally impressed. Gorgeous grounds beautiful setting and views. HUGE property with lots of walking up and down hills  but did offer shuttles. Cheap toiletries, AC and safes did not work in some rooms and WIFI was horrible-hardly ever worked. Food was very good in the buffet and we ate at the Asian restaurant the last night and it was delicious. Only problem was that there was Norovirus going around the area and 3 of us became deathly ill after eating there so I question the food handling. Was the only property we ate at that we had an issue. I would be very careful to whom you recommend this property. Perhaps someone who has never traveled or traveled little so they have nothing to make a comparison.

JW MARRIOTT GUANACASTE RESORT & SPA, 4-Star, EP, Good property for everyone:

Gorgeous grounds  on 1300 acres. Huge state of the art gym, business center  and award winning spa. Very little rain in this area. Golf and Avis car rental on-sit. Largest infinity pool in Central America. Very nice secluded beach but the ocean is rough so not good for swimming. The rooms were beautiful. Great kids club. Unique separate check-in room.

TAMARINDO DIRIA BEACH RESORT, 3-STAR, EP – Good for any clients:

Located in the charming town of Tamarindo on Tamarindo Beach which offers miles of beach and is the most popular beach in Costa Rica. Great property for everyone who wants to be in a town with dining, shopping, bars and night life. Very nice grounds. The rooms are of average size with small bathrooms and the hotel is  in the process of renovations s which are needed. Across the street is a section that is Adults Only with gorgeous, Tropicana rooms, large terraces and beautiful views of the gorgeous gardens and beautiful pool area. This property is all about the location. We had lunch here and the food was fantastic!

ALLEGRO PAPAGAYO BY OCCIDENTAL, 3-Star, AI – Good for younger clientele, couples and singles & families:

No elevators, fairly large property, close to LIR airport, long walk form rooms to the beach. 2 beautiful black sand beaches, Manzanillo Beach, made out of volcanic rock and there is swimming on the beaches. There is also a 20 minute boat ride to the Private Beach Club which is another beach option with a white sand beach. Rooms were average and nothing special.