Apr 5, 2015, 12:32 pm
Last edit by: ehallison
(2022 RENOVATIONS) Major reductions in service and facilities August 1 to October 31 2022 The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo will undergo renovations August 1, 2022 through October 31, 2022. The renovations will take place daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The hotel will renovate the Ostra restaurant, however, Rio Bhongo, Chao Pescao and the Beach House will be available for dining.
The hotel will expand the fitness center and upgrade the spa’s reception area. The fitness center will operate at an alternate location and spa services will be offered at that location. The adults-only pool will not be available during renovations. All guests will use the main pool area.
Overview of hotel, restaurants, menus, activities, pretty much everything you need to know: (Link)
Buildings 1, 2, 3 ,4 on higher level and will have steps or you can call for a shuttle
Buildings 5, 6, 7 will be at pool/restaurant level
Property Map (click here)
Parking: valet and self parking included in 10% resort fee
Free shuttle: was until 6pm, now extended to 10pm. Please check for the specifics. Shuttle from 6pm has a charge of $25 USD to Four Season. (2/18 - sign only spoke of shuttle to 6pm)
Vaccination:
Hepatits A and Typhoid vaccine before travel.
Mosquito repellent, especially at night and during rainy season due to Dengue fever.
Complimentary poolside and beachside sunscreen and ice water with citrus in it
Complimentary in the rooms- Sun hats and flip flops, as well as a modest minibar including chips and nuts
If you plan to drive:
1. Strongly recommend GPS, or iPhone app
2. About 30-35minutes from airport
3. 20-25 minutes from hotel to major road (route 21)
4. Road is 2 lane paved road
5. There are no shoulders, just ditches (for rain to drain)
6. Roads in small towns may be unpaved.
7. Roads are not lit. Scariest part about driving at night is not getting lost, but pedestrians walking or a cyclist right on the edge of the road.
8. Another guest at Andaz turned over a car on the first day out with a rental…and this is during the dry season!! (I have no idea how this is possible, unless the driver was incompetent. I rented a car and drove my family several times into town. No problems. Was considering not doing so based on the above sentence. if you have common sense, you will be fine.- Bikeguy)
9. Consider rent from hotel a couple of days instead of getting rental for your entire trip : $90 smaller car, $120 Toyota RAV, $190 Toyota Prado seats 7
Worthwhile activities:
1. At hotel: complimentary kayak, snorkels, paddle board
2. Golf at Four Seasons
3. Witch’s Rock: very close to hotel. Canopy (zipline- $75 pp), horseback riding, quad rental
4. Palo Verde:
• Boat tours are worthwhile
• Chose one that has sun protections or bring an umbrella for sun protection
• Best approach from the south end (eg Palo Verde Boat Tour in Ortega) since it is only an hour away from hotel (vs 2hours from the north entrance.) Stop by Guaitil and pick up some famous Chorotega pottery for souvenir/gifts.
• If approaching it from the north side, stop at nearby Llanos de Cortez waterfall for a dip.
• For bird lovers, consider a Palo Verde boat tour that includes Isla Parajos that can be seen with a tour from Puerto Humo (2 hours from the hotel)
5. Rincon de Vieja
6. Fishing, surfing in Tamarindo
Nearby dining:
At hotel:
• Rio Bhongo: great breakfast (especially for diamonds), recommend casado for lunch. Diamond can also get room service breakfast instead of at restaurant.
• Chao Pescao: recommend chicken arepas, apple cake (apple pie with crème brulee like custard and vanilla ice cream)
• Ostra
Four Seasons
Dive Bar
• at Marina
• A value for happy hour and Tuesday tacos and other specials, otherwise food were similarly priced as at the hotel and not as good.
Cambi:
• 8-5 free childcare, but with a 1 hour break at noon (so you can't do a full day trip while leaving the kids in Cambi). There is a charge for some activities
• Evening:
a. 6-10pm: $50 with meals served
b. Up to 3 hrs: $40 with meals served.
Miscellaneous:
• There is a supermarket right as you enter “larger” cities like Liberia, Playa de Coco, Santa Cruz. See if guide will make a stop if you are by a “larger” city. For example, if taking a tour to Rincon de Vieja or north end of Palo Verde, see if they will stop in Liberia for meal at Café Liberia (excellent well priced food, serving lunch and dinner but only snacks from 2- 5pm) and to pick up items at the supermarket
• Do It Center
• at 21 and 253
• Can pick up Sim card:
a. Need unlocked phone.
b. Kolbi at the pharmacy
c. Movistar in the Monge electronic store in the hardware store
• Pharmacy
• Pizza place
• Bank
d. Gas Station is across from airport, adjacent to Hilton Garden Inn
The hotel will renovate the Ostra restaurant, however, Rio Bhongo, Chao Pescao and the Beach House will be available for dining.
The hotel will expand the fitness center and upgrade the spa’s reception area. The fitness center will operate at an alternate location and spa services will be offered at that location. The adults-only pool will not be available during renovations. All guests will use the main pool area.
Overview of hotel, restaurants, menus, activities, pretty much everything you need to know: (Link)
Buildings 1, 2, 3 ,4 on higher level and will have steps or you can call for a shuttle
Buildings 5, 6, 7 will be at pool/restaurant level
Property Map (click here)
Parking: valet and self parking included in 10% resort fee
Free shuttle: was until 6pm, now extended to 10pm. Please check for the specifics. Shuttle from 6pm has a charge of $25 USD to Four Season. (2/18 - sign only spoke of shuttle to 6pm)
Vaccination:
Hepatits A and Typhoid vaccine before travel.
Mosquito repellent, especially at night and during rainy season due to Dengue fever.
Complimentary poolside and beachside sunscreen and ice water with citrus in it
Complimentary in the rooms- Sun hats and flip flops, as well as a modest minibar including chips and nuts
If you plan to drive:
1. Strongly recommend GPS, or iPhone app
2. About 30-35minutes from airport
3. 20-25 minutes from hotel to major road (route 21)
4. Road is 2 lane paved road
5. There are no shoulders, just ditches (for rain to drain)
6. Roads in small towns may be unpaved.
7. Roads are not lit. Scariest part about driving at night is not getting lost, but pedestrians walking or a cyclist right on the edge of the road.
8. Another guest at Andaz turned over a car on the first day out with a rental…and this is during the dry season!! (I have no idea how this is possible, unless the driver was incompetent. I rented a car and drove my family several times into town. No problems. Was considering not doing so based on the above sentence. if you have common sense, you will be fine.- Bikeguy)
9. Consider rent from hotel a couple of days instead of getting rental for your entire trip : $90 smaller car, $120 Toyota RAV, $190 Toyota Prado seats 7
Worthwhile activities:
1. At hotel: complimentary kayak, snorkels, paddle board
2. Golf at Four Seasons
3. Witch’s Rock: very close to hotel. Canopy (zipline- $75 pp), horseback riding, quad rental
4. Palo Verde:
• Boat tours are worthwhile
• Chose one that has sun protections or bring an umbrella for sun protection
• Best approach from the south end (eg Palo Verde Boat Tour in Ortega) since it is only an hour away from hotel (vs 2hours from the north entrance.) Stop by Guaitil and pick up some famous Chorotega pottery for souvenir/gifts.
• If approaching it from the north side, stop at nearby Llanos de Cortez waterfall for a dip.
• For bird lovers, consider a Palo Verde boat tour that includes Isla Parajos that can be seen with a tour from Puerto Humo (2 hours from the hotel)
5. Rincon de Vieja
6. Fishing, surfing in Tamarindo
Nearby dining:
At hotel:
• Rio Bhongo: great breakfast (especially for diamonds), recommend casado for lunch. Diamond can also get room service breakfast instead of at restaurant.
• Chao Pescao: recommend chicken arepas, apple cake (apple pie with crème brulee like custard and vanilla ice cream)
• Ostra
Four Seasons
Dive Bar
• at Marina
• A value for happy hour and Tuesday tacos and other specials, otherwise food were similarly priced as at the hotel and not as good.
Cambi:
• 8-5 free childcare, but with a 1 hour break at noon (so you can't do a full day trip while leaving the kids in Cambi). There is a charge for some activities
• Evening:
a. 6-10pm: $50 with meals served
b. Up to 3 hrs: $40 with meals served.
Miscellaneous:
• There is a supermarket right as you enter “larger” cities like Liberia, Playa de Coco, Santa Cruz. See if guide will make a stop if you are by a “larger” city. For example, if taking a tour to Rincon de Vieja or north end of Palo Verde, see if they will stop in Liberia for meal at Café Liberia (excellent well priced food, serving lunch and dinner but only snacks from 2- 5pm) and to pick up items at the supermarket
• Do It Center
• at 21 and 253
• Can pick up Sim card:
a. Need unlocked phone.
b. Kolbi at the pharmacy
c. Movistar in the Monge electronic store in the hardware store
• Pharmacy
• Pizza place
• Bank
d. Gas Station is across from airport, adjacent to Hilton Garden Inn
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo (Costa Rica) REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Oct 23, 2022, 1:51 pm
#1457
Join Date: Mar 2022
Programs: WOH Glob
Posts: 48
we did the coffee barista class which was great.
Nov 11, 2022, 7:58 pm
#1458
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 57
Incredible stay!
I finally uploaded my detailed review for this Andaz Papagayo resort from my last Christmas trip. It was totally beyond my expectation. The resort itself is very beautiful and it includes everything you would want for a relaxing escape - beach, infinity pool, water sports, delicious food ... The staff here are exceptional. They really tried their best to make us have a memorable vacation (Not like a lot of luxury resorts in Mexico who try hard to make money). Hope the recent renovation will make it even better! And I will definitely go there again and maybe try one more resort in Papagayo.
Nov 16, 2022, 2:30 am
#1459
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,867
I don’t know if this is just an IT glitch or what.
I can’t seem to find an “Andaz Suite” which is their standard suite available at all from June through December 2023.
It’s quite bizarre as I’ve checked the last 3 days in a row even to the latest possible date to be booked and can’t find even a single night with one bookable for points or cash.
I’ve checked and all dates have the Andaz Bay View or Andaz Large Suite available though.
Any insight?
I can’t seem to find an “Andaz Suite” which is their standard suite available at all from June through December 2023.
It’s quite bizarre as I’ve checked the last 3 days in a row even to the latest possible date to be booked and can’t find even a single night with one bookable for points or cash.
I’ve checked and all dates have the Andaz Bay View or Andaz Large Suite available though.
Any insight?
Nov 16, 2022, 5:48 am
#1460
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,041
I don’t know if this is just an IT glitch or what.
I can’t seem to find an “Andaz Suite” which is their standard suite available at all from June through December 2023.
It’s quite bizarre as I’ve checked the last 3 days in a row even to the latest possible date to be booked and can’t find even a single night with one bookable for points or cash.
I’ve checked and all dates have the Andaz Bay View or Andaz Large Suite available though.
Any insight?
I can’t seem to find an “Andaz Suite” which is their standard suite available at all from June through December 2023.
It’s quite bizarre as I’ve checked the last 3 days in a row even to the latest possible date to be booked and can’t find even a single night with one bookable for points or cash.
I’ve checked and all dates have the Andaz Bay View or Andaz Large Suite available though.
Any insight?
Regards
Nov 16, 2022, 2:09 pm
#1461
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,867
Very strange as I’ve spent hours checking July, August, Most dates in September, October, November even a 1 night stay 12/14-12/15 which is the last possible date on the calendar. I mean I just don’t see how the last possible date could even be booked as I checked as soon as it was bookable.
Nov 16, 2022, 2:17 pm
#1462
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: MCO, YEG
Posts: 1,182
Very strange as I’ve spent hours checking July, August, Most dates in September, October, November even a 1 night stay 12/14-12/15 which is the last possible date on the calendar. I mean I just don’t see how the last possible date could even be booked as I checked as soon as it was bookable.
Nov 16, 2022, 2:30 pm
#1463
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,867
So the last available 3 nights bookable is 12/12-12/15 which still shows no Andaz Suites available.
I’ve never heard of a minimum night requirement for suites though. It can exist to book overall like any room, but to basically hide one single room type unless you book X amount of days seems very odd.
Nov 16, 2022, 3:04 pm
#1464
Company Representative: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: World of Hyatt
Posts: 118
Matt.
I am sorry that you are not able to find a Suite available for Andaz Papagayo. I did check fo you. The next availabledates for the Andaz suite is May25-28 2023. Both the suite and point nights for the standard room ar available for those dates. You can contact us directly at @Hyattconcierge to assist you with that reservation.
Gale
Social Media Specialist
Hyatt
I am sorry that you are not able to find a Suite available for Andaz Papagayo. I did check fo you. The next availabledates for the Andaz suite is May25-28 2023. Both the suite and point nights for the standard room ar available for those dates. You can contact us directly at @Hyattconcierge to assist you with that reservation.
Gale
Social Media Specialist
Hyatt
Nov 16, 2022, 3:13 pm
#1465
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,867
Matt.
I am sorry that you are not able to find a Suite available for Andaz Papagayo. I did check fo you. The next availabledates for the Andaz suite is May25-28 2023. Both the suite and point nights for the standard room ar available for those dates. You can contact us directly at @Hyattconcierge to assist you with that reservation.
Gale
Social Media Specialist
Hyatt
I am sorry that you are not able to find a Suite available for Andaz Papagayo. I did check fo you. The next availabledates for the Andaz suite is May25-28 2023. Both the suite and point nights for the standard room ar available for those dates. You can contact us directly at @Hyattconcierge to assist you with that reservation.
Gale
Social Media Specialist
Hyatt
Nov 27, 2022, 12:22 pm
#1466
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: Yes.
Posts: 516
We are going in a couple weeks with three young kids (4,6,9). We have two rooms booked with a request for connecting rooms.
- Is there a building we should request as well. I saw previously building 4 was preferred, but now there is construction noise from Ostra.
- Maybe something closer to the pool?
- Can you see the water from the lower buildings?
Nov 28, 2022, 10:56 am
#1467
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: WN CP & A-List, National ES
Posts: 164
We are going in a couple weeks with three young kids (4,6,9). We have two rooms booked with a request for connecting rooms.
- Is there a building we should request as well. I saw previously building 4 was preferred, but now there is construction noise from Ostra.
- Maybe something closer to the pool?
- Can you see the water from the lower buildings?
I like building 7 and I have kids same ages. Views are still good and it’s far from construction. Convenient to kids club and kid friendly pool.
Nov 28, 2022, 10:40 pm
#1468
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: Yes.
Posts: 516
Dec 5, 2022, 8:52 am
#1470
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Northport, NY
Posts: 1,732
I’m at this property until Saturday. Beautiful property and staff is wonderful. Construction is complete and Ostra is set to open Wednesday. Time will tell. There is some construction noise from the Residences, but not enough to bother us and we are in building #1 which is closest. I’d be happy to answer any questions while I’m here.
ETA Ostra is now open, food was very good, renovation is beautiful
ETA Ostra is now open, food was very good, renovation is beautiful
Last edited by Schutzee; Dec 8, 2022 at 7:30 pm Reason: Update