Another update regarding these three properties. My wife and I flew into PVR on a redeye and drove to Tamarindo two weeks ago. It was a rough day, but nothing quite woke us up like Tamarindo's infinity pool opening up to the ocean and no one around. Spent five days here on an award stay. We never me the spa director during that time so I'm unsure if he was no longer performing his sales pitch or if he was away for the week. The golf course and the restaurant at Hole 9 are actually worth a trip. This resort was probably the nicest, most luxurious place I've ever stayed in. I wouldn't have been surprised if the staff came into our villa in the middle of the night to turn over our pillow to make sure we were sleeping on the cool side. Fantastic property, and as much as I'd like to travel to other parts of Mexico, it's tough to pass up a return visit here.
After checking out of Tamarindo, we drive up to Careyes. Got a nice room (131, close TakingChances' referenced room 129), but I wsa unimpressed by it if only because the bathroom was really small, especially considering we just came from Tamarindo where the bathroom is the size of a studio apartment. The service was nice, but I didn't experience the same level that other posters have commented on. Maybe Tamarindo ruined Careyes for me. The weather didn't help either as it was cloudy/rainy most every day there. I'd go back, but it wouldn't be a first choice. I don't know if they've had major work in the pool, but I don't believe they had an infinity pool at Careyes as TakingChances points out. Don't know if this is a typo or if they changed the layout. Also, there is now a dedicated business center with two machines although since there are many more children at this resort, chances are you'll find them playing games on the machines. Both resorts had a hub, however so I suppose if you come with a notebook, you can plug in and surf.
After five days at Careyes we finished out the trip with a three night stay at Buganvilia. We've stayed here before so we knew what to expect and were fine with everything.
TakingChances, again, tremendous write up.