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
Jun 2, 2019, 7:02 am
#1081
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: Hyatt
Posts: 100
Just a quick checkin. I paid to upgrade for some nights into an Andaz Large suite. Just paid difference from a suite. If its available, go for it. Its huge. Check out VR room tour on the Andaz website. Better than any pics I could post. Pics on website dont show nice wetbar and second restroom. Also the suite has built in speakers and and a bluetooth ready Onkyo receiver so you can blast your favorite tunes.
No plastic water bottles in room. Now Andaz branded glass water bottles in minibar.
Food and drinks at Chao Pescao good.
Will do a longer write up when I am back home in a few days.
Cheers
No plastic water bottles in room. Now Andaz branded glass water bottles in minibar.
Food and drinks at Chao Pescao good.
Will do a longer write up when I am back home in a few days.
Cheers
Jun 16, 2019, 2:14 pm
#1082
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: Hyatt
Posts: 100
Great for Globalists. Rent a car. Beware of mosquitoes.
My family and I had a glorious two week vacation in Costa Rica. We stayed at the Four Seasons. Drove to Tabacon and soaked and hiked for a few days and capped it off with a wonderful stay at the Andaz. I highly recommend this resort. They really gave a warm welcome and upgrade in acknowledgement of my Globalist status. I believed it helped that I was staying during a very low period. Luck would have it that I checked out on the day that a large corporate group checked in.
There dozens of pages on reviews on here already. What more can I add? I will try to keep it to the greatest hits and avoid redundancy when possible.
Globalist Status:
Reports are true. Globalist treatment is good. Was greeted during checkin by a supervisor who was the WOH specialist. I asked for my standard suite to be upgraded to bayview and they obliged. Nice bottle of champagne and cake and cookies send to room with a note. Was told during slow season one or two Globalists a week. During high seasons, one or two a day.
Globalist Breakfast:
Breakfast is whatever you want. Try the affogato and frappucino from the coffee bar. So good. The eggs benedict and coconut french toast great as well. Surprised at the quality of the baked goods at buffet. No check presented after meal. I just brought cash to leave a little extra for the waitstaff on subsequent mornings.
The Large suite:
If you can swing it, do it. Great suite. Large. (no surprise). Very private. Short staircase leads down to the front door. Bedroom has separate balcony. Large living area. Plunge pool. Wet bar. Dining area. Check out the VR tour on the Andaz website. Great sound system.
Chao Pescao:
Some of the best food we had in Costa Rica. Arepas and pork belly were yum yum. Tried several of their cocktails. All tasty. I asked for them to be made fuerte and they didn't disappoint. Happy hour on select days. Beautiful sunset views.
Rio Bhongo Pool:
With the installation of the VW bar, service is basically self service. The waitstaff congregate around it and just walk around occasionally to pick up empty glasses. Guests just walk up and serve themselves. I don't mind, but it was a stark contrast to the service I received at the other areas of the resort and at the Four Seasons. No one asking if you want help with finding a seat or even a drink.
Rent a car:
Driving is not hard here. Especially with Waze/Google maps. And the main roads are 99% paved. Much easier than when I first came 13 years ago. We used Adobe. Would recommend. Not much traffic. If you want to do more than just relax at the pool then rent a car for a few days.
Shopping:
Most of the the tourist junk I bought was available at all the major towns and were nearly the same junk. Got best deal at the Walmart in Liberia. Seriously. Nearly the same junk minus some hand carved wood. If you stop at the Walmart. BUY THE LOCAL CRAFT BEER. IT WAS EXCELLENT. I bought several and most were good and a few great. Booze at the duty free and walmart was a good value as well.
Papgayo:
Check out the rest of the peninsula. It has really developed over the years and there are great walking and hiking trails throughout. I went from the four seasons to playa virador and it was a cool hike. The walking/jogging trails lead to some amazing vistas. If you don't leave the resort, this is a great way to experience "nature" while in Costa Rica. Not as cool as the Hanging Bridges, but better scenery than any jog I've had a home.
Four Seasons & Tabacon: Go if you can
Four Seasons is in a sick location. Amazing crescent beach with rocky, tree lined cliffs at each end. Killer views of the bay and the Pacific. Tasty food at the bar. Liked Rio Bhongo breakfast better. Excellent service and the view from our suite overlooking the bay made me almost forget that price tag. Its a special resort and I recommend staying there if you can. Its twice the price of the Andaz. But is it twice a good. Better but not double.
The hot springs at Tabacon literally had me gawking like a slack-jawed fool. Photos on the web don't do justice to it. Sitting it the hot rushing water was something I have never experienced. Stay a few days. Luckily the skies were clear and we had great view of Arenal volcano as well. Enjoyed the national park and hanging bridges. Had lunch at a local bakery and dinner at local soda. Tasted so-so but not complaining because prices were low and service friendly. (NOTE: there is restaurant on highway 142 on the way to Arenal. Macadamia y Cafe. Don't let the tourists vans dissuade you. This place was legit. It should be a crummy tourist trap but it isn't. Fresh baked breads, pastries, and pizzas. Great view of lake arenal. And first world bathrooms. Also, on the same road lucky bug bed and breakfast has a German restaurant serving bratwurst, spaetzle and schintzel. We had a great meal there.
Last but not least. Bring Deet or DDT even. The mosquitoes were swarming. We all got more than a dozen bites. Saw some poor souls whose legs were massacred. The Andaz has spray everywhere. Wish I had brought something stronger.
Thanks to all on this forum for all the 411 that made this trip great.
There dozens of pages on reviews on here already. What more can I add? I will try to keep it to the greatest hits and avoid redundancy when possible.
Globalist Status:
Reports are true. Globalist treatment is good. Was greeted during checkin by a supervisor who was the WOH specialist. I asked for my standard suite to be upgraded to bayview and they obliged. Nice bottle of champagne and cake and cookies send to room with a note. Was told during slow season one or two Globalists a week. During high seasons, one or two a day.
Globalist Breakfast:
Breakfast is whatever you want. Try the affogato and frappucino from the coffee bar. So good. The eggs benedict and coconut french toast great as well. Surprised at the quality of the baked goods at buffet. No check presented after meal. I just brought cash to leave a little extra for the waitstaff on subsequent mornings.
The Large suite:
If you can swing it, do it. Great suite. Large. (no surprise). Very private. Short staircase leads down to the front door. Bedroom has separate balcony. Large living area. Plunge pool. Wet bar. Dining area. Check out the VR tour on the Andaz website. Great sound system.
Chao Pescao:
Some of the best food we had in Costa Rica. Arepas and pork belly were yum yum. Tried several of their cocktails. All tasty. I asked for them to be made fuerte and they didn't disappoint. Happy hour on select days. Beautiful sunset views.
Rio Bhongo Pool:
With the installation of the VW bar, service is basically self service. The waitstaff congregate around it and just walk around occasionally to pick up empty glasses. Guests just walk up and serve themselves. I don't mind, but it was a stark contrast to the service I received at the other areas of the resort and at the Four Seasons. No one asking if you want help with finding a seat or even a drink.
Rent a car:
Driving is not hard here. Especially with Waze/Google maps. And the main roads are 99% paved. Much easier than when I first came 13 years ago. We used Adobe. Would recommend. Not much traffic. If you want to do more than just relax at the pool then rent a car for a few days.
Shopping:
Most of the the tourist junk I bought was available at all the major towns and were nearly the same junk. Got best deal at the Walmart in Liberia. Seriously. Nearly the same junk minus some hand carved wood. If you stop at the Walmart. BUY THE LOCAL CRAFT BEER. IT WAS EXCELLENT. I bought several and most were good and a few great. Booze at the duty free and walmart was a good value as well.
Papgayo:
Check out the rest of the peninsula. It has really developed over the years and there are great walking and hiking trails throughout. I went from the four seasons to playa virador and it was a cool hike. The walking/jogging trails lead to some amazing vistas. If you don't leave the resort, this is a great way to experience "nature" while in Costa Rica. Not as cool as the Hanging Bridges, but better scenery than any jog I've had a home.
Four Seasons & Tabacon: Go if you can
Four Seasons is in a sick location. Amazing crescent beach with rocky, tree lined cliffs at each end. Killer views of the bay and the Pacific. Tasty food at the bar. Liked Rio Bhongo breakfast better. Excellent service and the view from our suite overlooking the bay made me almost forget that price tag. Its a special resort and I recommend staying there if you can. Its twice the price of the Andaz. But is it twice a good. Better but not double.
The hot springs at Tabacon literally had me gawking like a slack-jawed fool. Photos on the web don't do justice to it. Sitting it the hot rushing water was something I have never experienced. Stay a few days. Luckily the skies were clear and we had great view of Arenal volcano as well. Enjoyed the national park and hanging bridges. Had lunch at a local bakery and dinner at local soda. Tasted so-so but not complaining because prices were low and service friendly. (NOTE: there is restaurant on highway 142 on the way to Arenal. Macadamia y Cafe. Don't let the tourists vans dissuade you. This place was legit. It should be a crummy tourist trap but it isn't. Fresh baked breads, pastries, and pizzas. Great view of lake arenal. And first world bathrooms. Also, on the same road lucky bug bed and breakfast has a German restaurant serving bratwurst, spaetzle and schintzel. We had a great meal there.
Last but not least. Bring Deet or DDT even. The mosquitoes were swarming. We all got more than a dozen bites. Saw some poor souls whose legs were massacred. The Andaz has spray everywhere. Wish I had brought something stronger.
Thanks to all on this forum for all the 411 that made this trip great.
Jun 16, 2019, 8:16 pm
#1083
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 849
Thank you @alextrips I have a stay later this year. I have a few followup questions if you don't mind.
Is breakfast indoor or outdoor? Do you know if the other restaurants are also indoor or out?
Did you get bit by the pool? I will definitely invest in some deet.
Do you know when low/high season is according to the hotel? Looks like May to Nov is low season from a search in the thread.
Any idea if they do the complimentary wine during the evening? I don't see anything mentioned so I'm not sure if this Andaz participates.
Thank you.
Is breakfast indoor or outdoor? Do you know if the other restaurants are also indoor or out?
Did you get bit by the pool? I will definitely invest in some deet.
Do you know when low/high season is according to the hotel? Looks like May to Nov is low season from a search in the thread.
Any idea if they do the complimentary wine during the evening? I don't see anything mentioned so I'm not sure if this Andaz participates.
Thank you.
Jun 17, 2019, 8:41 am
#1085
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,315
Great review, thanks!
Was your 3.5 hour estimate from Andaz to Tabacon including the impact of all that rain? Or was it actually longer?
Was your 3.5 hour estimate from Andaz to Tabacon including the impact of all that rain? Or was it actually longer?
Jun 17, 2019, 4:32 pm
#1086
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: Hyatt
Posts: 100
Thank you @alextrips I have a stay later this year. I have a few followup questions if you don't mind.
Is breakfast indoor or outdoor? Do you know if the other restaurants are also indoor or out?
Did you get bit by the pool? I will definitely invest in some deet.
Do you know when low/high season is according to the hotel? Looks like May to Nov is low season from a search in the thread.
Any idea if they do the complimentary wine during the evening? I don't see anything mentioned so I'm not sure if this Andaz participates.
Thank you.
Is breakfast indoor or outdoor? Do you know if the other restaurants are also indoor or out?
Did you get bit by the pool? I will definitely invest in some deet.
Do you know when low/high season is according to the hotel? Looks like May to Nov is low season from a search in the thread.
Any idea if they do the complimentary wine during the evening? I don't see anything mentioned so I'm not sure if this Andaz participates.
Thank you.
There are mosquitoes everywhere. Didn't noticed the pool having more than other areas. The wooded area by the pool had more.
Not sure about high and low seasons.
Don't remember any complimentary wine/cocktail hour.
Jun 17, 2019, 4:34 pm
#1087
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: Hyatt
Posts: 100
From Papgayo to Tabacon took about 3.5-4 hours. Did a brief stop for lunch. On the way back, probably 4.5 hrs. We had lunch and stop to look around Liberia. If you drive and don't stop I think 3.5 hrs is about right.
Jun 18, 2019, 8:17 pm
#1088
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: Hyatt
Posts: 100
Forgot to add, we used the laundry service. It is now $30 + tax. It is a blue mesh bag hanging in the closet. It may look small but it holds quite a bit of laundry. If you really cram, I'm sure you can get a lot in there. If you are out of clean clothes, like we were, it helps. The service was done overnight and delivered early afternoon. Everything was laundered and folded. My pants and button down shirts looked to have been pressed.
For the amount of laundry and the fast turn around, I feel that the price is not exorbitant. I would use the service again if needed.
(BTW, the Four Seasons had air conditioned self-service laundry rooms with an adjacent ice machine room. Very convenient. Never saw either in use.)
For the amount of laundry and the fast turn around, I feel that the price is not exorbitant. I would use the service again if needed.
(BTW, the Four Seasons had air conditioned self-service laundry rooms with an adjacent ice machine room. Very convenient. Never saw either in use.)
Last edited by alextrips; Jun 18, 2019 at 8:23 pm
Aug 21, 2019, 8:06 am
#1090
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Huntsville
Posts: 275
Has anyone stayed here over New Years? My wife and I are considering a stay around that time. Minimum stay is 5 nights so that's what we were looking at. Thoughts on any special New Years activities? Cash price is 1300/night so I'll be using points and will have globalist status. Thank you for any opinions!
Aug 21, 2019, 4:02 pm
#1091
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,315
I know any NYE points stay at the Papagayo is non-refundable period. So I am staying from Jan 5 on. On NYE, I will be at the JW Guanacoste which had a 75 day cancellation period.
Aug 21, 2019, 4:36 pm
#1092
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
I (and many others I imagine) would be most curious about your comparison/contrast for those 2 properties after you're back.
Aug 22, 2019, 12:45 am
#1093
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,909
Hotel excluding suites from upgrades (JW Guanacasta Costa Rica)
Aug 22, 2019, 10:00 am
#1094
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,315
Yes, it is.
And I’m confirmed on a suite at the Andaz; so I know which one has an edge before I’m even there.
And I’m confirmed on a suite at the Andaz; so I know which one has an edge before I’m even there.