Hi has anyone stayed here yet or seen the location of this new marriott?
Is guancaste a good base in costa rica to sit on the beach and then explore some of the adventures?
I am just starting to look at this for a vacation.
thanks.

We love Guanacaste because of the weather but I would not say it is an especially good base. Do you want to visit Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Osa? Many popular destinations are a number of hours (unless you fly) from Guanacaste. If you want to explore around the Pacific beaches, then you will probably be fine. What time of year are you planning to go? Guanacaste will tend to be drier during the rainy months. It really just depends on what you are looking for.

Thanks Linda. Not sure what we want to do.
I was looking at Marriotts for vacations because we save the points and so does our friends. I spotted the new JW and thought CR may be a fun adventure. I read about it a couple of years ago and I forget the locations of everything. So, I am guessing that I need to research a lot more if we are serious.
Thanks.

Why not consider splitting your time time a few days at JW and a few days at Arenal? You could fly into Liberia and be within 3 hours of Arenal and 1.5 of JW. . .

My opinion, both are good locations. There is quite a bit for you to do from the JW area, especially if you haven't been to CR before. The beaches, yes, (although not Caribbean quality) are sometimes almost deserted and pretty in their own right; but also the little pottery making town of Guayitil, the bustling "metropolis" of Tamarindo (can't believe how it has developed, but it is fun for restaurants and shopping), short drives to the north and south to other beaches such as Flamingo, Conchal, Grande, etc.,

Arenal in inland, north central, an active volcano. Hot springs are a big draw as well as ziplines, waterfalls, Hanging Bridges, Cano Negro boating tour (a don't miss, my opinion), rappelling, just to mention a few.

Costa Rica is beautiful, the people warm and friendly. Definitely encourage you to go, go, go!

Very nice new Nicoya hotel...

Getting good reviews

Definitely book it

if you have the points

also book Mariott Los Suenos

to split your time.

Have done points with Mariotts in CR

worked great saved a lot...

Tour or rent a car and self guide

from there based on what works for you

Hotels beautiful but remote location

so that for me freedom flexibility

of cheap car rental is a must

also save money...have fun,