4 Seasons CR
Jan 23rd, 2004, 03:19 PM
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4 Seasons CR
I KNOW it just opened, but has anyone been or heard anything about this place? How is the beach? Is the WHOLE hotel open or just the basics to say they are opened...any and all details are welcomed!
Feb 16th, 2004, 11:11 AM
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I got back yesterday from the FS Costa Rica. It was great!!! We stayed in a Four Seasons Executive Suite and had family who stayed in a Deluxe Room. The Suite is on a hillside, actually a pretty steep walk, but golf carts are available for transporation. It had its own private patio with an ocean view, separate living room and bedroom. Also had a nice walk in closet.
The deluxe room, along with the premium and standard rooms are in three four story building around the pools. I must admit that these are sort of holiday inn-ish looking from the outside, but were very nice inside. They have a living area that is screened in from the outdoors, and is separated by sliding doors from the bedroom. If you have been to the FS in Punta Mita, it is a little more interesting from an architectural point of view.
I think that it is hard to justify the price difference, $445 for Deluxe Room, $895 for suite, I would probably go for Deluxe room next time, unless privacy was an issue.
The food was very good, especially lunch, lots of fresh fish. But it did get a little repetitive, as we were there for a week. We bought the meal plan at $92/per person for 3 meals/a/day. This ended up being a good deal, as it include non-alcoholic beverages. If you eat breakfast, lunch, and a three course dinner, it is worth it to buy the plan.
The beaches, there are two, as it is a Penninsula, were gorgeous. White sand, turquoise water, and they are well staffed with people to get you beach chairs, towels, drinks, etc. However, there are no facilities for shade i.e. umbrellas, on the beach, near the water. If you need shade, you have to get chairs under the trees, which are farther from the water, and a very hot walk through the sand.
There are three pools, all about 3 feet deep. There were alot of families staying there last week, lots of little kids in pools! The kids club facility was nice, but there are not many activities planned, and not many people were using it when we were there.
Gym/spa facilities are very nice, but were crowded early in the morning, and it was difficult to get a massage appt. in afternoon/evening, when we arrived. I would recommend making appts. in advance if you want to take advantage of these facilities.
We did the canopy tour that was 20 minutes away from hotel and that was very fun. I would recommend this, if you are in to that sort of thing.
Also, no noticeable bugs, only had to use bug spray on canopy tour.
One more thing, we used the FS transfer service to/from airport. I didn't notice any better way to get to hotel, and the staff was very helpful getting us through customs, etc.
Let me know if you want to know anything specific!
The deluxe room, along with the premium and standard rooms are in three four story building around the pools. I must admit that these are sort of holiday inn-ish looking from the outside, but were very nice inside. They have a living area that is screened in from the outdoors, and is separated by sliding doors from the bedroom. If you have been to the FS in Punta Mita, it is a little more interesting from an architectural point of view.
I think that it is hard to justify the price difference, $445 for Deluxe Room, $895 for suite, I would probably go for Deluxe room next time, unless privacy was an issue.
The food was very good, especially lunch, lots of fresh fish. But it did get a little repetitive, as we were there for a week. We bought the meal plan at $92/per person for 3 meals/a/day. This ended up being a good deal, as it include non-alcoholic beverages. If you eat breakfast, lunch, and a three course dinner, it is worth it to buy the plan.
The beaches, there are two, as it is a Penninsula, were gorgeous. White sand, turquoise water, and they are well staffed with people to get you beach chairs, towels, drinks, etc. However, there are no facilities for shade i.e. umbrellas, on the beach, near the water. If you need shade, you have to get chairs under the trees, which are farther from the water, and a very hot walk through the sand.
There are three pools, all about 3 feet deep. There were alot of families staying there last week, lots of little kids in pools! The kids club facility was nice, but there are not many activities planned, and not many people were using it when we were there.
Gym/spa facilities are very nice, but were crowded early in the morning, and it was difficult to get a massage appt. in afternoon/evening, when we arrived. I would recommend making appts. in advance if you want to take advantage of these facilities.
We did the canopy tour that was 20 minutes away from hotel and that was very fun. I would recommend this, if you are in to that sort of thing.
Also, no noticeable bugs, only had to use bug spray on canopy tour.
One more thing, we used the FS transfer service to/from airport. I didn't notice any better way to get to hotel, and the staff was very helpful getting us through customs, etc.
Let me know if you want to know anything specific!
Feb 16th, 2004, 12:31 PM
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Daisy:
So glad to finally hear from someone about the Four Seasons! Glad you had a great trip. We will be going in about three weeks. We decided to stay in the Standard room with the garden view. We have two young boys and I thought being able to run right out the door would be nice. Will we be missing some great views by staying on the bottom floor? Also, are some buildings better located than others? If so, which ones? Can't wait to get where it's warm!!!
So glad to finally hear from someone about the Four Seasons! Glad you had a great trip. We will be going in about three weeks. We decided to stay in the Standard room with the garden view. We have two young boys and I thought being able to run right out the door would be nice. Will we be missing some great views by staying on the bottom floor? Also, are some buildings better located than others? If so, which ones? Can't wait to get where it's warm!!!
Feb 17th, 2004, 04:53 AM
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There is one building facing north. Two buildings facing south. The north facing building is adjacent to swimming pools, so if you really want to walk out of your door and into pool, this would be the correct building. This building is also shortest walk to restaurants and spa. It also has the most pedestrian traffic passing it as well as golf carts. I would also say that this building has the clearest views. They have left up some trees/brush in some areas.
The two south facing buildings are just past swimming pool area.
I know you'll have a great trip. I miss the warm already!
I only saw the view from a third floor room, which was picturesque. I really think that you will be able to see and certainly hear the ocean from all floors.
The two south facing buildings are just past swimming pool area.
I know you'll have a great trip. I miss the warm already!
I only saw the view from a third floor room, which was picturesque. I really think that you will be able to see and certainly hear the ocean from all floors.
Feb 17th, 2004, 06:44 AM
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I would say that it was in the high 80's to low 90's each day. There was a breeze each day, and some days, a very stiff breeze. Especially at the beach.
I like warm weather, but I thought it was very comfortable. Not very humid.
I like warm weather, but I thought it was very comfortable. Not very humid.
Feb 17th, 2004, 01:27 PM
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Hi, one more question as it sounds like you have also been to FS Punta Mita (we are going there the first week in April). Can you compare the resorts for me? (That way we'll know what to expect if we decide to do FS Costa Rica next year) What did you like best about Punta Mita, what did you like the least? Did you play golf at either resort? My husband is really looking forward to the Tail of the Whale. Did you eat off property at FS Punta Mita? Any info appreciated. Thanks.
Feb 18th, 2004, 04:54 AM
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First of all, we did not golf at either resort, but both courses look beautiful.
Punta Mita is architecturally more pleasing than Costa Rica, and honestly, I think Punta Mita is a little more luxurious. We stayed in a one bedroom suite there and it was much nicer than the suites at CR, but there is a big price difference, too. Also, if you can snag a "beach front" room, you will love it.
The beaches are nicer at Costa Rica, nicer sand, clearer water, etc. At Punta Mita, there were beach chairs with canopies, so you could get some shade at the beach. At CR, no beach umbrellas or canopies were available. The pool decking is more extensive at CR (more pool chairs), at Punta Mita, if you wanted a chair at the pool, you had to get up early to snag one.
The kids club at Punta Mita seemed much more organized, although they had been open longer, so maybe CR will catch up.
We rented a car in Puerta Vallarta, so we did drive into town for dinner one night, but it is a long way - 45-60 minutes, on a not very well lit or marked road, and I wouldn't do it again.
There are more dining options at Punta Mita than there are at CR. The golf club has a restaurant, there is the pool restaurant and the fine dining restaurant. The Aramara restaurant has a beautiful ocean view if you sit outside. On certain days of the week, the local fishermen bring their catch up on the beach, and the chef comes out and you can pick out the fish you want for dinner, and discuss how you want him to prepare it! The restaurants at CR to not have a view, but if you sit outside at Di Mare, you can hear the ocean. And I do think that Di Mare has the best food for dinner. Also, at Punta Mita, they will set up a table on the beach, and you can dine there. That is not the case at CR.
At CR, even though there are three restaurants, they are all right next to each other, and they pretty much serve the same things.
So, to sum it up, Costa Rica has great beaches and seemed to have more consistent weather, and is less expensive. Punta Mita has nicer rooms and the buildings are prettier to look at, as are the common facilities.
We are going back to CR in November.
Punta Mita is architecturally more pleasing than Costa Rica, and honestly, I think Punta Mita is a little more luxurious. We stayed in a one bedroom suite there and it was much nicer than the suites at CR, but there is a big price difference, too. Also, if you can snag a "beach front" room, you will love it.
The beaches are nicer at Costa Rica, nicer sand, clearer water, etc. At Punta Mita, there were beach chairs with canopies, so you could get some shade at the beach. At CR, no beach umbrellas or canopies were available. The pool decking is more extensive at CR (more pool chairs), at Punta Mita, if you wanted a chair at the pool, you had to get up early to snag one.
The kids club at Punta Mita seemed much more organized, although they had been open longer, so maybe CR will catch up.
We rented a car in Puerta Vallarta, so we did drive into town for dinner one night, but it is a long way - 45-60 minutes, on a not very well lit or marked road, and I wouldn't do it again.
There are more dining options at Punta Mita than there are at CR. The golf club has a restaurant, there is the pool restaurant and the fine dining restaurant. The Aramara restaurant has a beautiful ocean view if you sit outside. On certain days of the week, the local fishermen bring their catch up on the beach, and the chef comes out and you can pick out the fish you want for dinner, and discuss how you want him to prepare it! The restaurants at CR to not have a view, but if you sit outside at Di Mare, you can hear the ocean. And I do think that Di Mare has the best food for dinner. Also, at Punta Mita, they will set up a table on the beach, and you can dine there. That is not the case at CR.
At CR, even though there are three restaurants, they are all right next to each other, and they pretty much serve the same things.
So, to sum it up, Costa Rica has great beaches and seemed to have more consistent weather, and is less expensive. Punta Mita has nicer rooms and the buildings are prettier to look at, as are the common facilities.
We are going back to CR in November.
Feb 18th, 2004, 05:34 AM
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Thanks for all this very useful info. We are really looking forward to our trip to FS Punta Mita and Costa Rica seems a worthwhile destination for the future. Perhaps they will eventually put something on the beach for shade, they are still brand new so maybe when they get that feedback from guests they will be responsive.
Feb 18th, 2004, 07:36 AM
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Thanks so much for the information on the Four Seasons CR. I'm spending part of my honeymoon there in a few months and have heard concerns about construction, since there is more building planned. I also read some reviews that complained about this at the FS Exuma which opened in Nov. 2003. Did you see or hear any of this once you reached the resort? Thanks so much!
Feb 18th, 2004, 07:44 AM
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We are staying again at the Four Seasons in November. I can't wait.
There was some minor construction ongoing while we were there. They were putting up a canopy on a pool deck to provide some additional shade. There is still lots of landscaping going on, and they are still working on the roads in the area. I did not find any of this work instrusive.
I would also say that only 50% of the accomodations were actually available at this point. They were still working on the a/c and stuff. Alot of the suites did not appear finished. I will be anxious to see how the additional capacity effects the availability of the facilities.
There was some minor construction ongoing while we were there. They were putting up a canopy on a pool deck to provide some additional shade. There is still lots of landscaping going on, and they are still working on the roads in the area. I did not find any of this work instrusive.
I would also say that only 50% of the accomodations were actually available at this point. They were still working on the a/c and stuff. Alot of the suites did not appear finished. I will be anxious to see how the additional capacity effects the availability of the facilities.
Feb 19th, 2004, 04:17 AM
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There were not any restaurants/bars neaby, but I understand that many more hotels are being built in the area, so someday, I would imagine there will be more choices.
The FS has a special, buy 4 nights, get one free. I think that goes through April.
The FS has a special, buy 4 nights, get one free. I think that goes through April.
Feb 24th, 2004, 11:52 AM
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My husband and I just visited the Four Seasons in Costa Rica earlier this month (2/9/2004-2/15/2004).
First of all, we are HUGE fans of the Four Seasons and have never been disappointed with any of their resorts, including this one. Having said that, we didn't think the Costa Rica Fours Seasons was quite the well-oiled machine it usually is.
The hotel is well-staffed (in terms of numbers), and everyone is super friendly and gracious. However, we did notice that the staff is still learning. For example, sometimes it is difficult to communicate if you are not fluent in Spanish (e.g., we had problems with wrong food/drink orders at the pool and with Room Service). Also, Room Service is still working out the kinks. When it works, it works fantastic. The rooms each have a private patio, which they will set up for you with a table cloth and fresh flowers when you order in. But sometimes it didn't work smoothly. We waited over 1 hour one evening for a bowl of soup and ice cream. That same night, they came to our room twice with someone else's order! So be prepared to be a bit patient.
Everything in the hotel was opened but maybe not at 100%. The gym, we thought, was very nice. But unlike the Big Island, this Four Seasons' hadn't yet coordinated any exercise classes, etc. We didn't get any spa treatments, but the facilities were beautiful. Some of the showers don't drain well becuase of faulty workmanship (e.g., the shower doesn't slope down to the drain!), but I guess that will be a punch list item for them to deal with. The resort also had a "computer" room (separate from the business center) where you can access/surf the web free of charge. Very conveniently located next to the spa. Finally, the gift shop exists, but there isn't much in there. This means bring your own magazines, books and snacks (there is a limited assortment in your mini bar that is well-priced, but we got tired of the same stuff for a week).
The restaurants were great. DiMare, the more formal Italian restaurant, was great. Reasonable prices as well. It is open for dinner and not too crowded, but make a reservation if you want a table outside. The casual restaurant is great for breakfast. There is a breakfast buffet for about $17/person which was great - Fresh fruit, omelettes, fresh OJ, etc. Very good. On certain nights, there is a pool-side buffet. Not much seafood... on the night we went, they basically set up one chicken dish, beef dish, seafood dish and pork dish. The food was good. But, like some of the other posts, we got a bit tired of the food after a week.
We highly recommend the tours. Keep in mind that most of the tours are 2 hours away (each way). So be prepared for long drives. Still, we thought the tours were one of the best things we did. We went on three: (1) the Mega Combo Tour; (2) the Corobici River Tour; and (3) the Walk In The Clouds' Rainforest Tour. We loved the Mega Combo Tour - You go horseback riding, canopy swinging (w/ the ropes), water sliding and spa-ing (mud bath and hot springs in the forest). This one was more expensive ($200/person) but well worth it. It is all day. The Corobici River Tour was a bit slow for us. If we could pick all over again, we would have skipped this one. You basically sit on a raft and go down the river for 2.5 hours. Finally, we liked the rain forest tour. You hike through a rain forest. There isn't much animal life, but it is a great experience. You walk over suspension bridges and explore the rain forests. This one we enjoyed. FYI, all the tours at the Four Seasons were through Swiss Travel. Swiss Travel has great buses for Four Seasons' guests and provides "fancier" meal options than their other hotels. Our guides were Jose and Alejandro, both of whom we liked very much. Jose is more outgoing; Alejandro a bit more academic. Depends what you like and want from a tour guide. We enjoyed both guides.
No bugs at the resort area, but DEFINITELY take bug spray with you on the tours. We got eaten alive, especially after the mud baths.
The weather was perfect. The resort is in the drier areas of Costa Rica. Not humid at all when we were there. Probably 85 degrees. Warm evenings and no need for warmer clothing at night, even in the air conditioned areas which they kept at a very comfortable temperature.
There were lots of children. At the Four Seasons on the Big Island, they had a separate "adult only" pool. I'm not sure if they had one in Costa Rica. And, if they did, I'm not sure they really enforced the rule. If you want a more quiet experience by the pool, try the small pool on the Pacific Ocean side. We discovered that this was the most quiet spot and that kids didn't really play in this pool. (Smallest of the 3.)
Finally, as to other activities at the hotel, there are free water sports available for rent. You can get snorket gear, canoes, etc. for free on the Peninsula side. When we went, they said they hadn't received all the equipment and were getting more in every day. For example, they got a new motor boat the day we left. So I suspect they will have more when you go. Water is warm and nice. I don't think there are any other resort-sponsored activities.
Finally, when we went, they didn't have Pay-Per-View in the rooms yet (on its way, they said). They have DVD players in each room and you can rent DVDs for free. But the selection is VERY WEAK. We were forced to watch Blue Crush one night!
Also, there is only 1 of each DVD, so you won't get a great selection. If you have kids, I'd rec'd taking your own DVDs. Also, if you don't plan on going out of the resort (which may be a drive... and which we didn't do), then plan your evenings (e.g., do you want to watch DVDs, read books, etc.). There is no night life at the resort. It's very quiet.
All in all, we LOVED our visit to Costa Rica. I think this resort will be perfect in about 4 months or so. Right now, they are going through some growing pains, as would any other hotel. Still, it is beautiful and well worth the trip.
P.S. Take the trek up to the suites. Great location for the beautiful sunsets! Enjoy!!
First of all, we are HUGE fans of the Four Seasons and have never been disappointed with any of their resorts, including this one. Having said that, we didn't think the Costa Rica Fours Seasons was quite the well-oiled machine it usually is.
The hotel is well-staffed (in terms of numbers), and everyone is super friendly and gracious. However, we did notice that the staff is still learning. For example, sometimes it is difficult to communicate if you are not fluent in Spanish (e.g., we had problems with wrong food/drink orders at the pool and with Room Service). Also, Room Service is still working out the kinks. When it works, it works fantastic. The rooms each have a private patio, which they will set up for you with a table cloth and fresh flowers when you order in. But sometimes it didn't work smoothly. We waited over 1 hour one evening for a bowl of soup and ice cream. That same night, they came to our room twice with someone else's order! So be prepared to be a bit patient.
Everything in the hotel was opened but maybe not at 100%. The gym, we thought, was very nice. But unlike the Big Island, this Four Seasons' hadn't yet coordinated any exercise classes, etc. We didn't get any spa treatments, but the facilities were beautiful. Some of the showers don't drain well becuase of faulty workmanship (e.g., the shower doesn't slope down to the drain!), but I guess that will be a punch list item for them to deal with. The resort also had a "computer" room (separate from the business center) where you can access/surf the web free of charge. Very conveniently located next to the spa. Finally, the gift shop exists, but there isn't much in there. This means bring your own magazines, books and snacks (there is a limited assortment in your mini bar that is well-priced, but we got tired of the same stuff for a week).
The restaurants were great. DiMare, the more formal Italian restaurant, was great. Reasonable prices as well. It is open for dinner and not too crowded, but make a reservation if you want a table outside. The casual restaurant is great for breakfast. There is a breakfast buffet for about $17/person which was great - Fresh fruit, omelettes, fresh OJ, etc. Very good. On certain nights, there is a pool-side buffet. Not much seafood... on the night we went, they basically set up one chicken dish, beef dish, seafood dish and pork dish. The food was good. But, like some of the other posts, we got a bit tired of the food after a week.
We highly recommend the tours. Keep in mind that most of the tours are 2 hours away (each way). So be prepared for long drives. Still, we thought the tours were one of the best things we did. We went on three: (1) the Mega Combo Tour; (2) the Corobici River Tour; and (3) the Walk In The Clouds' Rainforest Tour. We loved the Mega Combo Tour - You go horseback riding, canopy swinging (w/ the ropes), water sliding and spa-ing (mud bath and hot springs in the forest). This one was more expensive ($200/person) but well worth it. It is all day. The Corobici River Tour was a bit slow for us. If we could pick all over again, we would have skipped this one. You basically sit on a raft and go down the river for 2.5 hours. Finally, we liked the rain forest tour. You hike through a rain forest. There isn't much animal life, but it is a great experience. You walk over suspension bridges and explore the rain forests. This one we enjoyed. FYI, all the tours at the Four Seasons were through Swiss Travel. Swiss Travel has great buses for Four Seasons' guests and provides "fancier" meal options than their other hotels. Our guides were Jose and Alejandro, both of whom we liked very much. Jose is more outgoing; Alejandro a bit more academic. Depends what you like and want from a tour guide. We enjoyed both guides.
No bugs at the resort area, but DEFINITELY take bug spray with you on the tours. We got eaten alive, especially after the mud baths.
The weather was perfect. The resort is in the drier areas of Costa Rica. Not humid at all when we were there. Probably 85 degrees. Warm evenings and no need for warmer clothing at night, even in the air conditioned areas which they kept at a very comfortable temperature.
There were lots of children. At the Four Seasons on the Big Island, they had a separate "adult only" pool. I'm not sure if they had one in Costa Rica. And, if they did, I'm not sure they really enforced the rule. If you want a more quiet experience by the pool, try the small pool on the Pacific Ocean side. We discovered that this was the most quiet spot and that kids didn't really play in this pool. (Smallest of the 3.)
Finally, as to other activities at the hotel, there are free water sports available for rent. You can get snorket gear, canoes, etc. for free on the Peninsula side. When we went, they said they hadn't received all the equipment and were getting more in every day. For example, they got a new motor boat the day we left. So I suspect they will have more when you go. Water is warm and nice. I don't think there are any other resort-sponsored activities.
Finally, when we went, they didn't have Pay-Per-View in the rooms yet (on its way, they said). They have DVD players in each room and you can rent DVDs for free. But the selection is VERY WEAK. We were forced to watch Blue Crush one night!
Also, there is only 1 of each DVD, so you won't get a great selection. If you have kids, I'd rec'd taking your own DVDs. Also, if you don't plan on going out of the resort (which may be a drive... and which we didn't do), then plan your evenings (e.g., do you want to watch DVDs, read books, etc.). There is no night life at the resort. It's very quiet.All in all, we LOVED our visit to Costa Rica. I think this resort will be perfect in about 4 months or so. Right now, they are going through some growing pains, as would any other hotel. Still, it is beautiful and well worth the trip.
P.S. Take the trek up to the suites. Great location for the beautiful sunsets! Enjoy!!
