Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica, by Hyatt

The beach house boasts fantastic pools, pleasant staff, well-equipped rooms, and excellent AC. Guests appreciate the comfortable and cozy atmosphere. However, some mention the need for improved communication methods.

Quick version: Our stay at Andaz exceeded our expectations in every way. One morning we awakened to find it was raining. On the way out the door we found that the staff had already placed umbrella stands and umbrellas outside each door. This exemplifies the way the hotel anticipated the needs of the guests and eliminates hassle. The long version: Our pre-arranged transportation from the airport (Relaxury, booked through the Andaz) was exactly as expected. Tony was friendly and professional-a great ambassador for Costa Rica. Check-in was friendly and efficient. We were surprised to find we had been upgraded to a full ocean view room. The room was meticulously clean, centrally located but still felt secluded. Air conditioning and water pressure were up to our standards. Beds and pillows were super comfortable. The pools were clean and had a nice mix of shade and sun. Attentive service at the pool. The beaches (at the hotel and the nearby beach club) were super clean, safe, and were just magical! Kids Club was clean and engaging, even for our 11 year old. He was on the older side for their activities, but really bonded with Ariana. Restaurants: Rio Bonhgo is typical resort food. We found the eggs to be especially good. Most mornings we skipped the full meal at Rio Bongho and instead visited Luis at Coffee & Vinyls. He was so knowledgeable and welcoming-always with a strong coffee recommendation and quick to put on whatever record we wanted. He’s an asset to the resort! The food at Ostra is good, and the service was even better. We had Santiago as our server twice and he was absolutely exceptional. Not only an attentive waiter, but truly a kind person. Our son even made a special trip back to take a goodbye photo with him. He made us feel like family! Chao Pescao was our favorite restaurant on property. Every dish we tried was very good to excellent! We enjoyed service by Andrea and Jeffrey. Spa: The spa was so nice, especially the steam room. Our child experienced his first massage (helpfully set up in the same room as mom). The masseuses made him feel like a king! Totally comfortable. I also did a passage on the beach at the Beach Club with an independent provider, Sisters Massage. It was top notch! Wildlife: We saw howler monkeys at the beach club, iguanas and small lizards everywhere, lots of bird life, and bats at dusk near Chao Pascao. This trip was so magical. We are already planning to come back next year.

Andaz is a lovely property but overall underwhelming and overpriced. We stayed in a Bay View double room in building 5. The air conditioning was loud and did not adequately cool the room. We did contact maintenance and it was not addressed. The beds were squeaky and uncomfortable. Positives- the pool was lovely and the pastries and coffee at Coffee and Vinyl were delicious l. Breakfast was also a highlight. We did enjoy the boat trip to the beach house. I would not consider this a 5 star property.