I wanted to quickly weigh in on SteveinA2's experience, having just returned from the Four Seasons Costa Rica. OK, I recognize Westin vs. FS might not be a totally fair fight, as FS is positioned closer to St Regis and is not all-inclusive. But having agonized over my decision to "defect" from Starwood in this single instance, I figured I'd chime in. I basically opted to skip the Westin after learning that families with kids <18 can't be upgraded. After reading SteveinA2's report, it is clear I made the right decision.

FS room rate was $676 with the 5th night free promo, so close to the Westin ex-food/wine. But consider the following:

Check-in - 10 minute drive from front gate to lobby, meaning by the time I arrived, a FS team member was waiting for me with cold drinks, cold towels, and a battery-powered golf cart to take us to our room. Oh, and two stuffed animals for my kids. We were taken DIRECTLY to our room, where milk and cookies were waiting. We were told that we should swing by the lobby with a charge card and our passports AT OUR LEISURE, and there was no hurry. Compare that to the litany of complaints re Westin check-in.

600 square foot room, with an enormous balcony that had a screen that would electronically raise/lower to keep bugs out. 2nd floor, facing the water. Keep in mind, this is their "basic" room. Monkeys, iguanas, all within view.

Little things: I noticed in the public bathrooms throughout the resort that there were changing tables for babies. No biggie. But I also noticed they were stocked with diapers and wipes. Nice touch.

While swimming, somebody came by and folded my shirt for me, which I had simply left crumpled on my beach chair. Staff members routinely make the rounds with ice cream, cold water, misters, frozen fruit, etc. Complimentary sunscreen stations. Somebody also circulates to see if anyone would like assistance making dinner reservations. Compare that to the Westin experience of trying to procure food. Three pools total and stocked with inflatable toys, it is the smallest pool that is reserved for grown-ups.

Beaches are private and clean, with complimentary non-motorized equipment. They do allow some crafts to be sold, but they are in designated areas so it is up to you whether you want to check them out.

Every restaurant features the SAME kids menu, so adults can dine on sushi while kids get grilled cheese, for example. Granted, food & wine aren't included - I GET THAT - but with this exception the FS otherwise feels all-inclusive.

Lest anyone think I can't be picky - coffee maker in the room sucked, I get wonderful pod-coffee makers at the Westin Frankfurt but have to settle for a $10 unit from K-Mart at FS Costa Rica. And wifi did require a fee, I think that's tacky, though coverage throughout the resort was flawless.

So, depending on how much you plan to eat and drink, I would personally think hard about whether the Westin experience is worth it. $300/night, sure, but in the $600-$700 night range for both properties, I'd rather dig a bit deeper in my pocket and pay for high quality meals in exchange for incredibly gracious service levels, a clean and stress-free beach experience, hassle-free check-in/check-out, ample room size, and beautifully-designed intimate resort.

Safe travels - Jamie