Saidoh

I haven't looked online at the pictures recently, but the beach directly behind the hotel sucks so it doesn't surprise me that there's no indication on the website of what it's like. But don't worry, the pool makes up for it. For the beach you're better off heading to Jaco, which is just a short cab ride, around 15 minutes IIRC.

trebol42

This hotel is advertised like the best one in Costa Rica by airports and media. We travelled on November last year.
The staff at the office were incredibly professional, friendly and service oriented. They anticipated and responded to our needs. The grounds and marina are beautiful. There is everything here you need if you are looking for a place to chill out. I have read other reviews of this property and read people complaining about the prices. It's a resort. You are going to pay resort prices. I did not think the restaurant prices were bad at all and the Hook Up offers burgers and bar food at a reasonable price. Especially their breakfast. Great options and good prices. I spent one day of fishing and we had a great day. Prices and options for the boats can be all over the place. Use a local if possible. Our condo was perfect and clean as could be. Had everything we needed. We enjoyed the pool. Pool side service was a little slow but maybe we were just drinking fast! We went in to Jaco a time or two but didn't find anything special about the place and just enjoyed the resort better. I would definitely come back and stay here.







I attached pictures of the sunset in the VIP terrace, this is a must!!!!!!!!!!!!
<a href="https://ibb.co/hotHZn"><img src="https://thumb.ibb.co/hotHZn/IMG_6594.jpg" alt="IMG_6594" border="0"></a> <a href="https://ibb.co/k014En"><img src="https://thumb.ibb.co/k014En/IMG_6579.jpg" alt="IMG_6579" border="0"></a> <a href="https://ibb.co/c3AxZn"><img src="https://thumb.ibb.co/c3AxZn/IMG_6576.jpg" alt="IMG_6576" border="0"></a> <a href="https://ibb.co/cCeD77"><img src="https://thumb.ibb.co/cCeD77/IMG_6572.jpg" alt="IMG_6572" border="0"></a> <a href="https://ibb.co/jdEfn7"><img src="https://thumb.ibb.co/jdEfn7/IMG_6564.jpg" alt="IMG_6564" border="0"></a> <a href="https://ibb.co/haXY77"><img src="https://thumb.ibb.co/haXY77/IMG_6558.jpg" alt="IMG_6558" border="0"></a> <a href="https://ibb.co/fBRFLS"><img src="https://thumb.ibb.co/fBRFLS/IMG_6546.jpg" alt="IMG_6546" border="0"></a>

UpgradeMe

It would benefit everyone if you would add your reviews to existing property threads like this one:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...osta-rica.html

SkiAdcock

Thanks for the update. Much appreciated.

Cheers.

hockeyinsider

I'm told the rooms will be 100% renovated by September-October.

trebol42

When I was there last December, there were people working in rooms and lobby.

hockeyinsider

I really hope they don't do the rooms in the generic Marriott style. The property is too unique. The architecture reminds me of a colonial Spanish palace -- definitely one of the nicer properties in the Marriott brand portfolio.

I actually didn't think the rooms were that bad. The bathrooms totally need replacing as do the televisions, but the room itself was fine.

trebol42

I agree with you unique property with unique features. Marriot designs in Centro America and South America are in some cases horrible.

hockeyinsider

This is one of the things I like about the Marriott County Hall in London. Marriott incorporated a lot of unique design elements into guest rooms when the the property was renovated head-to-toe a couple years ago.

bigshooter

Has anyone been to this resort recently? I will be there 12/28-1/2 and just noticed the resort fee (staying on points). Do they provide any extra amenities for Platinum/Plat Premier?

Also what have been the upgrade experiences in the past over busy periods? All I really care about is water view, but am mostly concerned with a window facing a dumpster.

hockeyinsider

Most or all of the rooms, at least on upper floors, face the ocean. I was there in December 2017 and they said their high season isn't until after Christmas.

HRS, Los Suenos Vacation Coordinator (Share) <[email protected]>

Flying for Fun

Beautiful Resort! I have been twice. I was Marriott Gold on my first visit and upgraded from a garden view to an oceanview suite. I was also upgraded to the same suite as a Platinum on my second visit. They go above & beyond in Elite Recognition and were offering discounts in the giftshop.

December is the end of the rainy season. Peak season starts in January. Be sure to visit Manuel Antonio while you are there.

James

bigshooter

Thanks Hockeyinsider. I'll email to see if they can guarantee a room with a ocean view in advance. I reserved a Rainforest view on points.

They appear to be sold out of regular rooms, only suites available for >$1000/night. I assume it's because of New Years Eve.

James, is the drive down to Manuel Antonio worth it? I was going to go there for a few days at the start of my trip but am going up to La Fortuna instead.

Saidoh

PHL

Wrapping a trip here now. Very much enjoyed the resort, staff, ambience, etc. I did an online check-in, and as the place was full they pre-assigned me the room I booked (rainforest King). I asked if there were maybe some cancellations that would allow an ocean view upgrade and the receptionist was able to put me in one if I could wait 90 minutes until 430. No problem. We went to the pool and lounged for a while with some adult beverages.

Throughout the stay, the staff were all incredibly friendly. Anytime purchasing items and assigning to the room bill, they were sure to thank me for my loyalty as a "Bonvoy Titanium Elite Member". Only once did someone refer to Platinum Premier, which led to a conversation about the program and it's evolution to Bonvoy. He told me the staff has all been fully trained and briefed on the new program and his reference to Platinum Premiere was just him still getting used to the new Titanium reference.

The breakfast buffet in the Hacienda Restaurant was very filling and had just about all one could want(no seafood, though). If you choose just the complimentary continental (as a Plat/Titanium), it's no extra charge. We opted for the full buffet(hot food) upgrade, so with tax and automatic 10% service fee, it came to about $18 pp.

Titanium benefits at this property include:

• Welcome gift - points or continental breakfast. We chose the breakfast.
• 10% off gift shop items
• 20% off greens fee (for golfers)
• Complementary golf club rentals + bucket of balls for first round per day
• Late Checkout upon availability (they were able to give us 4pm when we inquired on day of checkout)
• 10% off spa services
• Complimentary internet

The daily $30 resort fee includes:

• High speed internet upgrade
• Valet parking
• 15 minutes free long distance calling to USA
• 2 hours tennis court and racket rental
• Driving range with clubs and bucket of balls
• Kids souvenir activity
• Pool floats
• beach bonfire and marshmallow roast
• sauna, steam room and jacuzzi access in the Spa
• La Iguana eco tour
• Framed Family picture

Getting to/From the resort:
The ride from SJO airport is about 90 minutes on a mix of 4 lane and 2 lane highway. I was actually in central San Jose and checked Uber pricing, which came out to about $65. When I was taking Uber for a different local errand, I inquired with the driver and he said he would do it for 40,000CRC (~$65) cash, off the uber clock. Made sense because then he wasn't paying their fee. And he agreed to come back to get me on the return for the same price.

There are other shuttle like services from SJO as well for less $$, and of course you can rent a car but when you add in the mandatory coverages you're looking at about $40-$50/day plus gas, tolls and a $1000-$2000 hold on your credit/debit card that may not fall off for a week or so after return.