I've heard good things about that hotel, too. But if we go beyond hotel loyalty programs, then the sky is the limit Last year I rented a modern ocean-front 3-bedroom condo in Miraflores, 10 minutes from Mariott and Larcomar, with a huge jacuzzi and free wireless for less than $500 a week.

Then again, nice full-service hotels have their own appeal. Different strokes...