Andaz Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

We had an incredible stay at the Andaz! Everything was perfect, the food was delicious, and the kids club was top notch! We enjoyed going to the pools, Casa de Playa beach and looking at all of the wildlife from the resort. I had a medical issue come up while we were there and the on-site doctor was very helpful and attentive. The entire staff went above and beyond to make our trip memorable!

Here’s a coherent and polished version of your review: ⸻ We were disappointed with our stay, especially given the premium price point. The overall execution felt more budget than luxury, with a noticeable decline in quality across many areas of the property. The resort is wedged between a hillside and nearby buildings, creating narrow walkways, limited airflow, and an abundance of heat-retaining concrete—which made walking around in 90–100°F weather uncomfortable. Transportation around the property was slow, with golf carts typically taking 5–10 minutes to arrive. The waiting times felt especially long in the heat. The resort was also very busy during our stay. Although Staff seemed well covered, they forgot basic items like forks or spoons with meals, and even after asking multiple times, we experienced long waits with no resolution. Accessing the beach required navigating many steep wooden stairs, and once there, the experience felt rough and uninviting. Unfortunately, the food didn’t redeem the stay either—it was bland and lacked flavor. Out of all the places we stayed in Costa Rica, this was the one we regretted most.

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Andaz Papagayo Resort in Costa Rica, and overall, it was an unforgettable experience—though not without a few hiccups. Let's break it down: The Good: The resort itself is absolutely gorgeous. From the moment you step onto the property, you’re immersed in the beauty of the landscape. The views, the lush greenery, and the design of the resort are all stunning. It feels like a perfect blend of modern luxury and natural beauty. You’ll find yourself just wanting to take in the surroundings for hours. The staff were another highlight of my stay. From the front desk to the housekeeping team, everyone was incredibly friendly and professional. They go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and welcome, and you can really tell that they genuinely care about your experience. Their customer service was top-notch and truly made the stay feel special. As for the rooms and accommodations, they were wonderful. Spacious, clean, and beautifully designed. The beds were incredibly comfortable, and the rooms had everything you could need for a relaxing stay—plus, the view from the balcony was breathtaking. It’s clear that the resort puts a lot of effort into making sure their rooms are not only functional but also a part of the overall experience. Dining at Chao Pascao was an absolute highlight. The food was out of this world. If you're a foodie, this is definitely a must-visit. Every meal I had there was flavorful, beautifully presented, and just flat-out delicious. The quality of the ingredients was evident in every bite, and the flavors were unique, making it an experience in itself. The Not So Good: Unfortunately, not everything was perfect. The beach cabana—while it sounds like a luxury experience—didn’t feel worth the price. For what you’re paying, the amenities and service didn’t quite match up to the expectation. It’s a nice touch for a day of relaxation, but there are definitely more affordable ways to enjoy the beach without splurging on a cabana. Also, excursions offered at the resort were significantly more expensive than those in other parts of Costa Rica. While I understand that resorts tend to charge a premium for convenience, the prices felt way overpriced in comparison to other local providers. If you’re planning on booking excursions, I'd highly recommend looking into alternatives outside the resort—it'll save you a fair amount of money. One major tip: steer clear of the all-inclusive package. It may seem like a good deal initially, but it’s actually about 30% cheaper to pay as you go. The all-inclusive price didn’t feel like it offered enough value for what’s included, so unless you’re looking to be pampered with every meal and drink at the resort, I’d suggest avoiding it. Overall: The Andaz Papagayo Resort is a gorgeous spot with outstanding staff and stunning accommodations. The dining is phenomenal, especially at Chao Pascao. Just be cautious with add-ons like the beach cabana, and don’t buy into the all-inclusive option. You can still enjoy the resort without spending a fortune on extras, and there are more affordable excursions just outside the resort. Would I return? Definitely. But I’d plan a little differently next time.

Nice hotel. Good views. Wish we had received more information when we checked in. For example, we did not know we could rent a car from the lobby to explore the peninsula or nearby beaches. Other than that, it was a good experience.

Beautiful resort with nice amenities. Well maintained. Staff are very responsive to needs and very friendly without exception. Highly recommend. If you decide to go, say hi to Badr, the manager of the Rio Bhongo restaurant, for me.