360guy

In the next two months, The Hilton Papagayo Resort will no longer be an all- inclusive resort.

marlin

I am really interested in booking this on points if they become a non inclusive.
I've called HH and they show it to be inclusive until October. Can you give us any further info?

360guy

Yes, they changed the date to October 2008 to train the staff. I just returned from a six day stay at this resort at 60,000 HHpoints/night.Its a great resort, however check for low rates before booking on points.

Bondiboy

360guy

I have reservations at the three Hilton/Doubletree properties early next June and I would be grateful if you would share the details of your travel/transfer arrangements/costs from San Jose and/or Liberia; and/or Puntarenas.

Do you have any recommendations/suggestions regarding which room to request?

omegadeal

Yes, I just got the DT for ~$150/night which is below the threshold which I use points. I only chose the DT over the Hilton because it is much less expensive for me to fly into San Jose than Liberia, and it is my first trip to CR.

The reviews on the DT on tripadvisor.com look fantastic since Hilton took over.

Bondiboy

And I just got the Doubletree Puntarenas for $130 a night (Go for Gold Rate) incl tax.

360guy

We flew into SJO and overnighted at the Hampton Inn($168/n), free 24 hour shuttle to the hotel (5 minutes). The next morning we took Sansa Air to Liberia(LIB)30 minute flight ($100). Natureair also flys SJO-LIB for about $70.
At the LIB airport, we rented a Avis Car ($27/day) and drove to the Hilton Papagayo hotel (20 minutes). You need a car at this hotel, it is cheaper than taxis. AA,CO and DL fly direct into LIB daily. US air flies in on Saturday and out on Sunday.Natureair also flies LIB to La Fontona ($45/each way) and then it is a short 20 min ride to the volcano. If you drive from the hotel, it is a 4 hour ride in each direction 70%on dirt road.
Hilton Papagayo Hotel Rooms:The best rooms are the 7 suites with pools.
I think the room numbers are 500-506. You DO NOT want to stay in rooms #200 to#300 . No views and are near the spa.
You might want to rent a cell phone from cellular rentals. Telephone (800) 769-7137. $10/day, free incoming and local calls, $1.25/min outgoing to the US.and Canada.. Well worth it. They deliver to the airport. The Hilton is a great property with a caring staff., however 60,000 points/ night is high.

marlin

I would like to go in early 2009 (to the Papagayo). Do you think it will be a category 6 when it goes non inclusive and when can I book? HHs has no clue. Thanks!

Bondiboy

Thank you for your comprehensive and helpful advice - especially your mention of Nature Air and the (seemingly VERY expensive) Hampton at the airport.

$168 for a Hampton seems high when compared with the $130 per night (incl tax) at the Doubletree and $159 per night (incl tax) at the Hilton.

360guy

I have no idea.

pcsanity

While these are all inclusive, will my 5-10-15 and BMG certificates work?

Might make those a really great value.

PC

Bondiboy

See

http://hhonors1.hilton.com/en_US/hh/.../incresorts.do


Doubletree Resort by Hilton Puntarenas

Guests HHonors Points
1 - 2 adults 50,000
1 supplementary adult 22,500
OR 1 supplementary child 6,000

(children ages of 7 and under are free)

Hilton Papagayo Resort

Guests HHonors Points
1 - 2 adults 60,000
1 supplementary adult 22,500
OR 1 supplementary child 6,000

(children ages of 7 and under are free)


Terms: Only one supplementary person maximum can be added to the making it a total of three persons (adult and/or child combination) maximum occupying one room at one time. Spouse stays free benefit does not apply for all-inclusive rewards. Children the age of seven and under are free.

360guy

I stayed at the Papagayo Resort in February.I was the first Hilton Honors Guest. Six nights was 360,000 points (2 people). Great staff and property, however some couples were paying $205/night(2 people).Check the promotion rates first before booking an award stay.

K_M_McMahon

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8830/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

I'm considering booking a trip in the fall at the all-inclusive hilton in costa rica (I can't remember the name right now) but it is near san jose.

Anyone have any experience here? Are the beaches clean? Is it family friendly? I have a 2 year old that will be almost 3 when we travel.

Thanks,
-Kevin

3Cforme

San Jose has no ocean beaches. Is this what you had in mind?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...at-resort.html