All Inclusive Costa Rica Resort - Hilton Papagayo Resort & Spa
Dec 15th, 2010, 10:05 AM
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All Inclusive Costa Rica Resort - Hilton Papagayo Resort & Spa
Hi everyone! My fiance and I are intersted in this resort as a honeymoon location for July 2011. Anyone stayed here? Thoughts? Also, do you recommend waiting until arrival to book day excursions from resort? Or book beforehand through private companies for a better price?
Cheers!
From Vancouver, BC
Cheers!
From Vancouver, BC
Dec 16th, 2010, 02:52 AM
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Congrats!
Mixed reviews on the boards have stayed there years ago
remote location not too great beach you can do a tonne better.
rent a car and/or www.papagayovargastours.com
if you stay there which I would not
www.paradisus-playa-conchal.com good sales on
www.costarica.bookit.com Royal Service best AI in CR.
For best non AI HM options in that area
Four Seasons CR (Brad/Angelina stayed there)
www.losaltosdeeros.com
www.hotelpuntaislita.com
are all great...
Happy Hunting,
Mixed reviews on the boards have stayed there years ago
remote location not too great beach you can do a tonne better.
rent a car and/or www.papagayovargastours.com
if you stay there which I would not
www.paradisus-playa-conchal.com good sales on
www.costarica.bookit.com Royal Service best AI in CR.
For best non AI HM options in that area
Four Seasons CR (Brad/Angelina stayed there)
www.losaltosdeeros.com
www.hotelpuntaislita.com
are all great...
Happy Hunting,
Dec 21st, 2010, 11:58 AM
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Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately the 4 seasons are a bit too pricey for us. An additional $500-600 each it looks. Though you are right it looks fab! Thanks for the other links too.
One question: what is HM? i understand AI must mean all inclusive, but "HM"?
Thank you,
Chelsea
One question: what is HM? i understand AI must mean all inclusive, but "HM"?
Thank you,
Chelsea
Thanks!
Dec 28th, 2010, 10:29 AM
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The Paradisus Playa Conchal is closing in May, the new flag will be Westin, which will be nicer, but probably not open by July 11.
Best price for tours will be to book there and negotiate. Look to private guides rather than hotel official operator.
Best price for tours will be to book there and negotiate. Look to private guides rather than hotel official operator.
Jan 4th, 2011, 08:50 AM
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We just came back from four nights there and three in the Arenal area. We loved the hotel although i wouldn't stay more than 3-4 nights as the food gets old. We were there Christmas week and although it was busy it wasn't ridiculously crowded. The El Dorado restaurant is the reservations-only choice and well worth it. we didn't eat there until last night as it was the only night we could get reservations. the food was as good as you'd find in a nice restaurant stateside - skip the bisque but get the mussels and the tenderloin, yum!
The buffet restaurant isn't bad and they have a nice breakfast. El Bocadillo is the poolside/open-air restaurant and the food there isn't bad, esp dinner. Day choices more limited.
We liked how the resort was spread out and blended into the terrain. Lots of walking if you're up for it; take the shuttles if you're not. We walked everywhere. I disagree with whoever said to wait and book your tours. We had a package with a CR tour company and they did a great job of booking everything for us. it was nice to be in small groups or by ourselves vs. the big bus groups.
Everyone at the resort is so friendly and helpful. but if you're looking for nightlife, forget it. It generally consists of a guitar player at the pool or karaoke. but we weren't there for nightlife.
The beach isn't the prettiest but the pool area is lovely and there are lots of chairs there or palapas at the beach with chair-side drink and food service.
Suggest you either rent a car or get a car service from the hotel for a night/dinner in Playa Coco. Papagayo Seafood/Steakhouse is outstanding. the portions were huge and food delicious.
Take advantage of the spa. Massages were great!!
Let me know if you want the name of the tour company and i will forward. made it nice not to have to worry. Oh, and lastly make sure that you reserve your dinner choices as soon as you get there although now that holidays are over i suspect it's not a s busy.
The buffet restaurant isn't bad and they have a nice breakfast. El Bocadillo is the poolside/open-air restaurant and the food there isn't bad, esp dinner. Day choices more limited.
We liked how the resort was spread out and blended into the terrain. Lots of walking if you're up for it; take the shuttles if you're not. We walked everywhere. I disagree with whoever said to wait and book your tours. We had a package with a CR tour company and they did a great job of booking everything for us. it was nice to be in small groups or by ourselves vs. the big bus groups.
Everyone at the resort is so friendly and helpful. but if you're looking for nightlife, forget it. It generally consists of a guitar player at the pool or karaoke. but we weren't there for nightlife.
The beach isn't the prettiest but the pool area is lovely and there are lots of chairs there or palapas at the beach with chair-side drink and food service.
Suggest you either rent a car or get a car service from the hotel for a night/dinner in Playa Coco. Papagayo Seafood/Steakhouse is outstanding. the portions were huge and food delicious.
Take advantage of the spa. Massages were great!!
Let me know if you want the name of the tour company and i will forward. made it nice not to have to worry. Oh, and lastly make sure that you reserve your dinner choices as soon as you get there although now that holidays are over i suspect it's not a s busy.
