We didn't receive any WoH benefits (like late checkout) at Tabacon either. They said they needed the room.

It's certainly a nice hotel. The benefit of staying here is obviously the thermal pools. Not too crowded, as non-guest admission is now up to about $100. The pools are very nice, especially the tropical landscaping.

The breakfast buffet was good, but nothing exceptional. Of course, exceptional food isn't common in Costa Rica -- it's not a culinary hotspot.

If I were back in the area, and I could book an award stay, I would definitely return for a night.

In general, though, I think Costa Rica is a bit overrated and expensive for what it is. It's a developing country with almost first world prices. Tabacon gets closer to a first world experience than most of the country.