JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa

We just returned from a lovely stay at the JW Guanacaste. We felt welcomed before we even arrived, thanks to the kindness of Front Desk Manager Laura Perez. She and her staff (Yesenia and Adrian especially) were incredibly accommodating with our schedule and offered us an upgrade and breakfast as...

We just returned from a lovely stay at the JW Guanacaste. We felt welcomed before we even arrived, thanks to the kindness of Front Desk Manager Laura Perez. She and her staff (Yesenia and Adrian especially) were incredibly accommodating with our schedule and offered us an upgrade and breakfast as gold level members. The breakfast buffet is not to be missed -- a generous array of all things tropical and Costa Rican, along with omelet, chilaquiles and carved meat stands to complement the usual buffet favorites. Chef Alan was so generous in finding more costillas when they ran out, personally delivering them to our table. Jessica and Yubelka provided the most friendly service every morning. And Luis, who served us at La Palapa and Tamarine, was yet another genuinely friendly and attentive staff member. Our room was a delight, with a bed like a cloud and a balcony overlooking the pools. We enjoyed our visit to the Club de Playa for a more intimate beach experience (Marriott guests can visit for an additional $5pp/day.) Our favorite daily activity was walking around the headland and across the river mouth to Playa Avellanas and Lola's. Such a gorgeous wild beach. All in all, a fantastic stay.

We were with a tour group and didn’t have any option of where to stay. We were here for three nights. If you are looking to stay in an inconvenient location, near a subpar beach, have access to restaurants with overpriced mediocre food, and be isolated from Costa Rican culture...

We were with a tour group and didn’t have any option of where to stay. We were here for three nights. If you are looking to stay in an inconvenient location, near a subpar beach, have access to restaurants with overpriced mediocre food, and be isolated from Costa Rican culture and cuisine: this is the place for you. The room was fine (two double beds—queen would have been nice). Only one side table and lamp between the beds. Nice balcony. We had a 5th floor room with a view of the pool. Speaking of the pool. It opens at six. Would be nice if there were towels available at that time. Most of the staff we interacted with were very nice and helpful. Most were very overworked. Unless you have a car, it is VERY inconvenient and expensive to get anywhere. Hey, Marriott!! Fix the road to your driveway. There are better, cheaper, more convenient options in the area.

I came here on my honeymoon. The whole staff was AMAZING!!!!! I particularly LOVED my experience at Pomodoros. Minor, Joseph and Izamara were the best ever!!!! they made us feel so special! It is 5 star associates like them that I will return!

Our first meal in Costa Rica came at the end of a very long, albeit non-stressful, travel day that began in the U.S. at 3 a.m., so we were looking for something casual and simple. The Palapa Grill at the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, just around the corner...

Our first meal in Costa Rica came at the end of a very long, albeit non-stressful, travel day that began in the U.S. at 3 a.m., so we were looking for something casual and simple. The Palapa Grill at the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, just around the corner from our host’s home, was the perfect answer. It offered casual, relaxed outdoor seating on a porch, with a casual menu. After an obligatory round of beverages, we began with several shared appetizers: BBQ chicken wings, and Nachos with guacamole. The wings were appropriately cooked and dressed, and the guacamole accompanying the nachos was excellent. Ginny chose the Classic Burger entrée, while Jean & Paul opted for the Chicken Quesadilla, and a side order of French Fries and Catherine selected the Beef Burrito. It was a healthy sized burrito, served with salsa and guacamole. Joe, a veteran of this establishment, went for the Pork Belly Bowl, which was a bowl of flavorful Spanish rice, with substantial pieces of fried pork belly, chunks of avocado and tomato, garnished with nachos. It was an excellent dish, and we recommend it. I picked the BBQ ribs, and received a slab of approximately four (4) well-cooked ribs, accompanied by French fries and cole slaw – a classic casual meal. (See photos.) We enjoyed the casual, but elegant, ambiance of the Marriott, and pronounced the meal, and the evening, to be a success.

The JW Marriott at Hacienda Pinilla is in a relatively remote location. The nearest town, Tamarindo, is a 30 minute drive to the north. The closest off-premises restaurant or bar is a 35 min walk down the beach to the south. That being said, the hotel offers a broad variety...

The JW Marriott at Hacienda Pinilla is in a relatively remote location. The nearest town, Tamarindo, is a 30 minute drive to the north. The closest off-premises restaurant or bar is a 35 min walk down the beach to the south. That being said, the hotel offers a broad variety of experiences that made for a very enjoyable week. Now that I've got that out of the way .... The hotel layout is very well planned and architecturally interesting. The Hacienda style is fits nicely into the Costa Rican vernacular. The staff was plentiful, very attentive and appeared to take great pride in their work. This all was evident in how well maintained the hotel is - a testament to both the hotel staff and management. Our room was large with a second floor balcony overlooking the pool. Being from a cold climate, we enjoyed sleeping with the AC off and the balcony doors open, awakening to bird songs each morning (except the night when they forgot to turn-off the music in the pool courtyard). We really enjoyed the large buffet breakfast spread each morning, noontime Mojitos at the pool and cocktails at the Sandbar Lounge for sunset each evening. We visited each of the restaurants for dinner and were never disappointed. Three of the days we made the 35 min. walk down the beach to Lola's at Playa Avellanas for exercise, great people watching, and to take in the surfer vibe over a cerveza frio. Our one piece of advice on that front is to get back before sunset and high tide as there are a couple minor rock scrambles and a small estuary to cross along the way. On one night, we took the shuttle into Tamarindo to change things up a bit. We had drinks at the Green Papaya (cash only) and dinner at La Oveja Surf House. The environment in Tamarindo is the total opposite to the JW Marriott and felt like we had been transported into the Wild West. It was a worthwhile experience nonetheless. We opted out of the excursion tours offered through an affiliate of the hotel as the photos and descriptions made them seem like we'd be taking an expensive and long drive to either the equivalent of an adult waterpark or a curated zoo. This being our first (but not last) trip to Costa Rica, we agreed that we'll need to do our homework if we hoped to experience the unspoiled natural beauty of the Costa Rican Rainforest. We truly enjoyed our stay at JW Marriott, Hacienda Pinilla and hope to go back as part of a longer trip to explore more of this beautiful country. My only advice to the hotel is that they should make their shuttle service more accessible (lower cost or free). The hotel is a jewel and need not feel isolated.

This Marriott exceeded our expectations. From Gabriel at reception to the entire breakfast crew and bike guide, the staff was wonderful! We enjoyed the mixology class at the rum bar, the delicious welcome drink, the free bikes and of course our guestroom with the large balcony! We would definitely return...

This Marriott exceeded our expectations. From Gabriel at reception to the entire breakfast crew and bike guide, the staff was wonderful! We enjoyed the mixology class at the rum bar, the delicious welcome drink, the free bikes and of course our guestroom with the large balcony! We would definitely return again! Thank you..Pura Vida!

Very nice resort on the beach at Costa Rica. As others have reviewed it is a very big resort. Just getting to the main road is a 10-15 minute drive. So if you stay here you are probably going to get all your meals at the restaurant. The beach is...

Very nice resort on the beach at Costa Rica. As others have reviewed it is a very big resort. Just getting to the main road is a 10-15 minute drive. So if you stay here you are probably going to get all your meals at the restaurant. The beach is nice (not very big) but also not very crowded. The pool is very big but can get very crowded. Rooms are nice. Restaurants are good, not amazing. Breakfast can get over crowded. Other reviewers have complained about service at the restaurants. It is slow but i think the restaurants down there are struggling getting help. Restaurants are on the pricey side but i found that throughout Costa Rica. Rooms are big, clean and well appointed. i would definitely recommend this place but if i went back i would probably try something different.

Don't book here. I stayed there from 11/10 to 11/16 2024. I checked out on the 16th and paid my final bill, 100% paid. When I returned to the USA I noticed two charges on the 17th and 18th for $1,637 on my VISA! After 5 phone calls, they agree...

Don't book here. I stayed there from 11/10 to 11/16 2024. I checked out on the 16th and paid my final bill, 100% paid. When I returned to the USA I noticed two charges on the 17th and 18th for $1,637 on my VISA! After 5 phone calls, they agree they are bogus charges, after more calls and several calls and emails from the Costco trip rep I still do not have a credit 69 frustrating days later, They will lie to you. The latest is they can't credit me until the local bank in Costa Rica releases the funds, JW Marriott - really? I now have $200 in additional phone calls, never in my life has this happened! Beware ! Joe G.

The hotel is beautiful and the staff is very friendly and helpful! We had a great time at this property. Everything was clean and well kept! The only thing I would recommend is to rent a car if you plan on getting away from the property. I understand that its...

The hotel is beautiful and the staff is very friendly and helpful! We had a great time at this property. Everything was clean and well kept! The only thing I would recommend is to rent a car if you plan on getting away from the property. I understand that its difficult to get an uber or a taxi into the property. So we rented a car. So glad we did. Make sure to take of the their bikes out on the property for a nice ride! Food was just ok. Not bad.

I would love to give this resort a 4. Pros: 1. Beautiful location 2. Nice clean rooms: maid service went above and beyond to be sure our room was stocked and clean! 3. travel service Destination explores agent Owen is fantastic. I never felt pressure to book but he gave...

I would love to give this resort a 4. Pros: 1. Beautiful location 2. Nice clean rooms: maid service went above and beyond to be sure our room was stocked and clean! 3. travel service Destination explores agent Owen is fantastic. I never felt pressure to book but he gave great info and helped us pick a tour we absolutely loved. He also gave us tips and places to visit on our own. He followed up with us the next day to be sure we had a great time. 4. Saberano steak house restaurant was so good. Great service and so worth the money!! Why a 3: we were asked to change rooms because we extended our trip. We had just returned to our room for the day. We were going to the spa for massages and they said they would send someone. My husband wanted to have the new room keys and escort our bags to the new room. We went to front desk as instructed to pick up. While getting our keys the bell boy entered our room which we did not give permission and during that time of maybe 5-7 min got into my husbands wallet and stole 2 credit cards and cash. We are a 100 % positive this is when it happened as we had just paid for lunch prior and all was in the wallet. Went to give tip for massage about 3 hours later all was gone. We immediately reported to management. They said they would check security cameras and get back to us. Followed up as we checked out the next day and the new manager was so rude and condescending. She clear has no customer service training. We asked for nothing just awareness for them. We lost $400 and 2 credit cards charged on each $4000 or more. The wallet was in his backpack as we had just returned to the room. The experience with this manager is what truly made us understand how little this hotel establishment is run. 2. I would agree many food items are very overpriced. We did not do the all inclusive. 3. Understaffed pool grill and bar. But waiters and bartenders still keep a great attitude!