Costa Rica All Inclusive
Jan 11th, 2005, 05:38 AM
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Costa Rica All Inclusive
All Inclusive in Costa Rica
Author: conjon ([email protected])
Date: 01/10/2005, 09:31 am
Message: Any suggestions for an all-inclusive in Costa Rica. Want good food, clean and large rooms facing the ocean. We will be 6 adults and 2 preteens. Thx.
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Author: last_mango
Date: 01/10/2005, 07:18 pm
Message: You might want to try posting this on the Latin American board.
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Jan 11th, 2005, 07:10 AM
#2
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Although I would not travel half way around the world for an all inclusive, following are some AI's in Costa Rica.
Are you sure you don't want to experience the country and culture rather than just see a resort?
Paradisus Playa Conchal Beach & Golf Resort
Barcelo Playa Langosta Resort
Barcelo Playa Tambor Resort
Fiesta Resort
Occidental Papagayo Resort
web site
http://www.sunvacations.org/COSTARICO.htm
Are you sure you don't want to experience the country and culture rather than just see a resort?
Paradisus Playa Conchal Beach & Golf Resort
Barcelo Playa Langosta Resort
Barcelo Playa Tambor Resort
Fiesta Resort
Occidental Papagayo Resort
web site
http://www.sunvacations.org/COSTARICO.htm
Jan 11th, 2005, 08:32 AM
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I can UNrecommend Barcelo Playa Tambor. Well, it all depends on what you are looking for. We went there and disliked the place--we felt like we were treated like criminals because we dared want a pool towel, and because we booked on the internet for a rate that was--get this--two dollars a day less than their posted rate (they hemmed and hawed for over a half hour at check in about whether to honor it or not, meanwhile our overtired daughter was having a fit because she wanted to go to bed). I didn't feel they had any respect for the environment--they offered ATV tours of the sensitive forest for goodness sake! And they had scarlet macaws with clipped wings which was just about the saddest thing I ever saw. You can read more at my trip report at http://www.markandmonica.com/Travel/...rica%207-4.htm
Jan 11th, 2005, 10:05 AM
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Thanks for the info. We are just starting to investigate where to go in Costa Rica and needed some input. the reason for the all inclusive is that we are such a varied group (includes 2 kids) that with their eating habits we though all inclusive was the best way to go.
Jan 11th, 2005, 11:50 AM
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Hi,
Depending on when you are going you might be able to book a house. We had a varied group last year 6 adults and 8 kids.
We stayed in a house in Manuel Antonio overlooking the pacific. The house included a local tica to cook and clean for you,(She'll cook whatever you want when you want it,this is great for the kids) and a local tico that cleaned the pool, kept the grounds, did the shopping, and organized tours. Great people. We are going back to the same place this Thurs. just because of them.
I know there are several houses for rent on the internet through VRBO.com
Some have the help (cooking, cleaning, etc.) that I mentioned above. The one we stay at is Villa La Macha.
http://www.vrbo.com/8747
Have fun whatever you do,
TRIP
Depending on when you are going you might be able to book a house. We had a varied group last year 6 adults and 8 kids.
We stayed in a house in Manuel Antonio overlooking the pacific. The house included a local tica to cook and clean for you,(She'll cook whatever you want when you want it,this is great for the kids) and a local tico that cleaned the pool, kept the grounds, did the shopping, and organized tours. Great people. We are going back to the same place this Thurs. just because of them.
I know there are several houses for rent on the internet through VRBO.com
Some have the help (cooking, cleaning, etc.) that I mentioned above. The one we stay at is Villa La Macha.
http://www.vrbo.com/8747
Have fun whatever you do,
TRIP
Jan 11th, 2005, 12:07 PM
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If you've got picky eaters than an all inclusive is NOT the way to go (at least in Costa Rica). It was all Costa Rica cuisine there, the locals are their main customers. I think you'd do better getting a place with a kitchen and cooking yourselves. They set the all-inclusives up so that you won't leave (we left when we stayed at one but we were the only ones that did).
Jan 11th, 2005, 12:08 PM
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Unfortunately, the Barcelo properties have a reputation all over of not being kind to the environment. ATVing is becoming quite popular and I hate to see it happening. It pollutes the air, makes a lot of noise, and tears up the ground. Not things I equate with Costa Rica.
Trippies idea of staying in a house with a cook, etc might be a good solution for you.
Trippies idea of staying in a house with a cook, etc might be a good solution for you.
Jan 11th, 2005, 12:15 PM
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I don't like all inclusives, but from what I heard Paradisus Playa Conchal may be your best option. It is geared more towards foreigners than locals and it is located on a pretty beach. If you do a search on this forum you will get a few (favorable) reviews.
Jan 11th, 2005, 12:43 PM
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My parents, with 22 year old son, are going to the Fiesta Premier AI next week (I have to work so can't go!). It was recently taken over by new owners and they've read many positive reviews on Fodors and on tripadvisor.com. Although someone's suggestion of a house does sound fun too. My parents just wanted an easy trip where they weren't trying to find somewhere to eat every night.
Jan 11th, 2005, 02:18 PM
#10
I would think that your best bet for an All - Inclusive and beach at the same time is The Fiesta Premier Resort on the Playa Panama area of the Papagayo Coast.
I just returned from there and I also looked into the other places before I went.
If anybody wants to play a lot of golf then there is the Playa Conchal Resort.
As for the Fiesta Premier resort,
I would highly recommend that you e -mail them and ask for cabins number # 100 & 102 or 104 & 106...these are the most handy and the nearest to all the activities.
Of course all the cabins are lovely and they are built into the hillside ,so the higher up you go, the better the view BUT not always.
Also unless you always like walking up the hills, you willhave to wait for the little golf carts to come and pick you up , but they come pretty quickly.
Here the beach is nice the resort is lovely ,the suites are great and the amenities are all at your finger tips.
The food is good and there is an ala carte that you can go to every night if you want.
There is also a "Theme" dinner and show every night.
Across the bay you can clearly see the Allegro Papagayo.
If you want to go to Coco Beach for some browsing and shopping ,it is only a 20 minute taxi ride for $15.00.
here you can have lunch also if you want a change of scenery and atmosphere.
You are about 25 minutes from the Liberia Airport.
I cannot think of one bad thing to say about ther Fiesta Premier Resort.
There are many tours you can take from here and I would very highly recommend Vargas Tours.
Do NOT confuse the Fiesta Premier Resort with the Fiesta Resort and Casino, the latter is at Puntarenas.
Percy
I just returned from there and I also looked into the other places before I went.
If anybody wants to play a lot of golf then there is the Playa Conchal Resort.
As for the Fiesta Premier resort,
I would highly recommend that you e -mail them and ask for cabins number # 100 & 102 or 104 & 106...these are the most handy and the nearest to all the activities.
Of course all the cabins are lovely and they are built into the hillside ,so the higher up you go, the better the view BUT not always.
Also unless you always like walking up the hills, you willhave to wait for the little golf carts to come and pick you up , but they come pretty quickly.
Here the beach is nice the resort is lovely ,the suites are great and the amenities are all at your finger tips.
The food is good and there is an ala carte that you can go to every night if you want.
There is also a "Theme" dinner and show every night.
Across the bay you can clearly see the Allegro Papagayo.
If you want to go to Coco Beach for some browsing and shopping ,it is only a 20 minute taxi ride for $15.00.
here you can have lunch also if you want a change of scenery and atmosphere.
You are about 25 minutes from the Liberia Airport.
I cannot think of one bad thing to say about ther Fiesta Premier Resort.
There are many tours you can take from here and I would very highly recommend Vargas Tours.
Do NOT confuse the Fiesta Premier Resort with the Fiesta Resort and Casino, the latter is at Puntarenas.
Percy
Jan 11th, 2005, 02:43 PM
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We have enjoyed spending time at both Allegro Papagayo and Paradisus Playa Conchal. Stayed at Barcelo Playa Tambor once and have felt guilty since! 
We had a wonderful time 4 years ago at Allegro--our first time in the country. Even from an all-inclusive with just a couple of day trips, we fell hard for the country and haven't recovered since!
We stay at the Paradisus occasionally (2-3 days at a time) just to enjoy some very nice pool time, excellent evening dance revues which are very professional, an excellent band playing dance music, a couple of excellent restaurants(Italian and Asian fusion), and a fun (usually) disco. We don't play golf, but we always have a car, and the Paradisus is located perfectly for exploring the area--from Tamarindo 20 minutes south to Playa Flamingo 10 minutes north.
Personally, although the idea of a condo or house rental appeals to me, I don't want to shop and cook when in Costa Rica. Period. We enjoy the local cuisine and they do a much better job than I ever could!
The Paradisus is pricey, but not as much as the new Four Seasons on the Papagayo Gulf--next door to Allegro. We've been shown around the property and it didn't appeal at all. Would hate the 10 or 15 minute drive just to get onto and off of the property on that winding brick road right out of the Wizard of Oz!
We had a wonderful time 4 years ago at Allegro--our first time in the country. Even from an all-inclusive with just a couple of day trips, we fell hard for the country and haven't recovered since!
We stay at the Paradisus occasionally (2-3 days at a time) just to enjoy some very nice pool time, excellent evening dance revues which are very professional, an excellent band playing dance music, a couple of excellent restaurants(Italian and Asian fusion), and a fun (usually) disco. We don't play golf, but we always have a car, and the Paradisus is located perfectly for exploring the area--from Tamarindo 20 minutes south to Playa Flamingo 10 minutes north.
Personally, although the idea of a condo or house rental appeals to me, I don't want to shop and cook when in Costa Rica. Period. We enjoy the local cuisine and they do a much better job than I ever could!
The Paradisus is pricey, but not as much as the new Four Seasons on the Papagayo Gulf--next door to Allegro. We've been shown around the property and it didn't appeal at all. Would hate the 10 or 15 minute drive just to get onto and off of the property on that winding brick road right out of the Wizard of Oz!
Jan 11th, 2005, 02:53 PM
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I think your advice about a house is great, I too am looking for a family vacation in CR. We will probably go early next year. Can you give me a ball park figure on what we can expect to pay for one week with cook, pool man, etc.? Thanks.
Jan 11th, 2005, 06:09 PM
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Hi Jonmadd,
Im not sure about all the other places, but Villa La Macha goes for $3500 low low season,$4500 low season, and $6000 in high season. When we first rented it was considerably less, I think 2500 and 4000. It is in high demand and stays booked several months in advance. This is one few houses that sleeps 12.
I know Villa La Macha is a little high but well worth it in my opinion. From my searches a couple years ago I saw that there were quite a few houses in all price ranges. Check out VRBO.com and look for Costa Rica under Central America.
TRIP
Im not sure about all the other places, but Villa La Macha goes for $3500 low low season,$4500 low season, and $6000 in high season. When we first rented it was considerably less, I think 2500 and 4000. It is in high demand and stays booked several months in advance. This is one few houses that sleeps 12.
I know Villa La Macha is a little high but well worth it in my opinion. From my searches a couple years ago I saw that there were quite a few houses in all price ranges. Check out VRBO.com and look for Costa Rica under Central America.
TRIP
Jan 11th, 2005, 06:21 PM
#14
shillmac
You should NOT feel guilty about being at the Barcelo at Playa Tambor.
Many Costa Ricans have told me it is a "lovely place."
When it comes right down to it , the Costa Rican Government is to blame, it set the rules for Barcelo, Barcelo did not comply and a piddly fine was imposed.
A construction contractor build something here in my city against the rules imposed by the City....know what happened!?...
The City TORE it down!!
What a lasting lesson that might have been for Barcelo.!!
Yes I know all about that winding road to the four seasons and it is about 7 miles long,just to get as far as the Allegro.
There is this nice long row of planted Palm Trees as you enter , to make it look more impressive !!
Taake Care
Percy
You should NOT feel guilty about being at the Barcelo at Playa Tambor.
Many Costa Ricans have told me it is a "lovely place."
When it comes right down to it , the Costa Rican Government is to blame, it set the rules for Barcelo, Barcelo did not comply and a piddly fine was imposed.
A construction contractor build something here in my city against the rules imposed by the City....know what happened!?...
The City TORE it down!!
What a lasting lesson that might have been for Barcelo.!!
Yes I know all about that winding road to the four seasons and it is about 7 miles long,just to get as far as the Allegro.
There is this nice long row of planted Palm Trees as you enter , to make it look more impressive !!
Taake Care
Percy
Jan 11th, 2005, 07:34 PM
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Thanks, Percy. I'll let it go after all this time! 
We knew the controversy when we went there (it was only our second trip to CR), but opted to stay anyway for 3 nights. We had a good time, I have to admit. You would be interested to know that we were there in 2002, the summer after we had met Roberto at Allegro in 2001 while traveling with our family. He and our kids and some of the other young locals and a group of kids from Ft. Worth, TX had a ball all week.
Imagine how amazed we were the next year at Barcelo when we arrived, check in, walked down to the pool to get towels and there was Roberto sitting at the Activity Center. I knew him instantly, but it was hilarious. He meets so many people, and I could see the Rodolex whirring in his head before his eyes finally lit up! Since that time, we've visited him at CondaVac (Playa Hermosa) as well as Fiesta near Puntarenas. Costa Rica is, after all, such a small place!
We knew the controversy when we went there (it was only our second trip to CR), but opted to stay anyway for 3 nights. We had a good time, I have to admit. You would be interested to know that we were there in 2002, the summer after we had met Roberto at Allegro in 2001 while traveling with our family. He and our kids and some of the other young locals and a group of kids from Ft. Worth, TX had a ball all week.
Imagine how amazed we were the next year at Barcelo when we arrived, check in, walked down to the pool to get towels and there was Roberto sitting at the Activity Center. I knew him instantly, but it was hilarious. He meets so many people, and I could see the Rodolex whirring in his head before his eyes finally lit up! Since that time, we've visited him at CondaVac (Playa Hermosa) as well as Fiesta near Puntarenas. Costa Rica is, after all, such a small place!
Jan 11th, 2005, 07:44 PM
#16
No wonder Roberto said,"yes,but I am trying to forget ,now the pain has to start all over again."!!!!!!!!
I just could not resist ...sorry!
Percy
I just could not resist ...sorry!
Percy
Jan 12th, 2005, 04:10 AM
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Percy, I know what you look like, and I can see some sort of evil little gleam in your eye right about now! You are bad!
Of yes, of course, we older women have to have our "boy toys"--good grief--wish I just had the energy!
Of yes, of course, we older women have to have our "boy toys"--good grief--wish I just had the energy!
Jan 12th, 2005, 06:23 PM
#19
shillmac
I know what you mean and I will leave it at that!!!
percy
I know what you mean and I will leave it at that!!!
percy
Jan 12th, 2005, 10:35 PM
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Here, here, any more of this nonsense and I'll be forced to bring up the subject of that photo of you and the entertainment staffer (now what was her name?) who wasn't wearing a large enough swimsuit to dress a cockroach!
