Il Diria Tamarindo vs JW Marriot
 

Any thoughts on which to stay at? I have been told that JW will not give me an Authentic costa rica experience - that I will feel like I am at any USA Marriot. Diria was recommended but some websites have scared me away as they mention crime. Any thoughts?

Diria Tamarindo is in the middle of town - actually, BETWEEN town and the beach. So if you get a room on the beach side, you will be golden - unobstructed view and easy access to the beach. Plus you will have access to everything in Tamarindo - shopping, restaurants, nightlife.

If you stay at JW Marriott, it is in a remote location so not easy to get to shopping or nightlife.

I don't think you will get "an authentic Costa Rica experience" with either one of these. They are just big resort hotels that could be anywhere in the world.

If you want to stay in a nice but typical Costa Rican hotel, neither of these are it.

Playa Paradisus Conchal is an AI that is near several little towns that are "authentic" such as Brasilito.

If you have a car, you can do a lot of exploring on your own to find that "authentic experience." Check out the soccer fields in small towns, look for signs of fairs, check for dances in the local community center or events such as a "cabalgata" (horse show kind of thing) or parade of oxen. These are authentic Costa Rican experiences.

Well, the JW would probably be cleaner and nicer (hotel and water conditions) but as previous poster mentioned, neither will give a very authentic feel. If you want to be close to town for more nightlife and restaurant choices, Yet 'slighty' out of the 'hub' how about looking at a place that is a bit smaller? Have you looked at Capitan Suizo? I have not been there in awhile but it was smaller than the other two, and closer to south end of town with a bit less crowds. I'm sure someone here can help with some other choices since you seem determined to stay in Tamarindo area.
I'm sure you'll find something!

Allylam's suggestion for Capitan Suizo is a good one. We stayed there - an 8 minute walk by beach to Tamarindo. IT is paradise. A swimmable beach, great staff, beautiful grounds. Pura Vida.

I'm from the states but I live here in Tamarindo right now. So from my stand point.. the jW marriott is in the middle of now where it's located in Hacienda Pinilla which is like a gated community and all the roads leading to it are all dirty roads and signage is bad. So if you plan on staying in the hotel 24/7 i wouldn't suggest it. Also their beach front is very small. and yes you are right it's more like a USA resort and not going to give you the "real" cr experience. Now in Tamarindo it's a bigger town and has LOTS to do and places to see. More locals live here and run all the shops buinesses and such. Tour companies are all over the place so you can get a better deal than you would at the marriott. Also the beach is 10 times larger than what you'll find at the JW. But if you're over the age of 60 then the JW might we what your looking for.
Any way you go if you need more help ask these people with Costa Rica Vacation Rentals. http://www.horizonpacificvacations.com

O and don't worry about crime. As long as you aren't out at late hours behind buildings or asking for drugs you are fine. Not to worry. There are too many people around here everyday and all of them tourist, and all the locals are nice and peaceful people. If anyone was to do anything it'd be if you invited them into your hotel room or went somewhere sketchy with them. SO DON'T WORRY:)

and please... playa paridius in conchal is over priced and full of pretentious ritzy people. Also if you want to talk about crime.. ya go to brasilito

Luis29surf - and which business in Tamarindo do you own?

There is nothing wrong with the JW Marriott - it is just in an isolated area. If you like a remote, quiet resort, it would be fine. If you want something where you can walk to town and walk around, this is not it. Captain Suizo is another good place to stay in Tamarindo.

And, let's get real, there aren't that many native Costa Ricans in Tamarindo - mostly you will see Costa Ricans heading into town in the morning to work.

Playa Paradisus Conchal is not overpriced nor is it full of pretentious, ritzy people. When was the last time you stayed there, Luis?

As for your gratuitous insult to people over 60, I won't even bother to answer that but the 80-year-old who wrote of his experience zip-lining comes to mind.

????? I don't own anything. I just work here and have been married to a "native" tica here in Costa Rica for 14 years now. I'm giving my opinion, and yes I am entitled to to have one hsmith:) just take my word for it, if you want hard core native go to stay with my inlaws in santa rosa. otherwise i'm just telling you what i recommend