Marriott Hotels in Costa Rica:
Marriott has five properties in Costa Rica, each unique from the others in style, locale and spirit. Two are all-inclusive resorts where guests come to swim, sun and participate in outdoor activities. The other three cater more to business travelers, locals, and medical tourists. Each differs in price range and vibe as well, though there are a few elements consistently "Marriott" throughout.
Pros of Staying at a Marriott Hotel in Costa Rica:
- All properties are exceptionally clean, well-designed, and well-maintained.
- The larger resorts have extensive spas (think couples treatments) and can arrange a full complement of activities both on- and off-site.
- Almost all staff are fluent in and comfortable speaking English.
- Amenities will feel familiar and comfortable to American travelers.
- Travelers who belong to the Marriott Rewards frequent-guest program can pay for all or a portion of their trip with accrued points.
Cons of Staying at a Marriott Hotel in Costa Rica:
- None of the properties cater exclusively to couples. While some honeymoon and romance-themed services and experiences are available, families with children, corporate groups and singles all lodge here.
- A certain kind of corporate homogeneity seals guests off from the local culture and spirit. Depending on the couple, this could be the sort of comforts-of-home trip they appreciate... or they might regret missing out on having an authentic Costa Rican experience.
- Food and drinks are expensive for the location.
- Wi-fi is undependable.
Top of the Line: JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa:
Guanacaste is perhaps the most popular vacation region in Costa Rica. Famous for its endless stretches of Pacific beach and well-developed coastline, Guanacaste draws American tourists, some of whom decide life is better here and become dedicated ex-pats. JW Marriott Guanacaste is the largest of Marriott’s Costa Rica properties, with close to 300 rooms, and its most amenity-rich. Guests appreciate the pool, the beach, their balcony, and the beautiful sunsets.
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All-Inclusive: Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort:
Located just over one hour from San Jose by car, Los Sueños is a sprawling, thousand-acre resort where guests can take advantage of a variety of all-inclusive packages. The property has a unique rainforest golf course (watch out for monkeys!), multiple different dining options, a large pool and lounge area. The beach itself is rocky and not very scenic but the water of the Pacific Bay is warm, clean, and calm.
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Extended Hotel Profile
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Capital City: Costa Rica Marriott Hotel, San Jose:
Marriott's flagship property in Costa Rica is located just twenty minutes north of San Jose. Appointed in an ornate city-Colonial style, this property boasts a comfortable pool with lounge area and a top spa. Its centralized location provides couples the opportunity to make the capital their base of operations, explore all that nearby San Jose has to offer (including a coffee plantation), and then make excursions to other locations in the country.
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Extended Hotel Profile
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Gringo Town: Residence Inn by Marriott, Escazu, San Jose:
Escazu, located about 15 minutes from the capital, is referred to by locals as "gringo town." Indeed, it's easy to forget you're in a foreign country here. This property is adjacent to a shopping mall with places that include Colombia Sports and Subway heroes. It's also steps from business centers and a hospital. As such, it’s popular with business travelers and those in town for medical and dental treatments, which are less expensive in Costa Rica than in the USA. Each guest room has a kitchen. There is a swimming pool, but it is murky and condos tower above it, producing a fishbowl effect.
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Budget Hotel: Courtyard Inn by Marriott, Escazu, San Jose:
The Courtyard Inn stands across a busy intersection from the Residence Inn. Suitable for a brief layover, this Marriott is the least luxurious, but most affordable, on Marriott’s Costa Rica roster. But if you're a pair of nearly-broke honeymooners who've been camping out and staying at backpacker hotels, a night here may feel like a little bit of heaven.
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Find Out More About Marriott Hotels:
Reserve a Marriott Hotel Anywhere in the World
Order Marriott's Escape® Romance Package Online
Search for a Flight to San Jose, Costa Rica
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and meals for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
