Frommer's Review
This is the closest large-scale resort to San José and is one of the nicest in the country. The hotel is a massive, four-story horseshoe facing the beach. The entire thing is done in a Spanish colonial style, with stucco walls, heavy wooden doors, and red-clay roof tiles. The rooms are all spacious and tastefully done. They come with one king-size or two queen-size beds, a large armoire, a desk, and a sitting chair with an ottoman. The bathrooms are large and have plenty of counter space. Every room has a balcony, but all are not created equal. Most have only small Juliet-style balconies. Those facing the ocean are clearly superior, and a few of the ocean-facing rooms even have large, comfortable balconies with chaise longues and tables and chairs. (You'll have to specifically request these.)
The expansive lobby area opens out onto a large terrace and the Puesta del Sol bar, with its panoramic views of the beach and the bluffs bordering Playa Herradura. The pool is a vast, intricate maze built to imitate the canals of Venice (in miniature), with private nooks and grottos; kids love exploring it. Parents will appreciate the excellent children's program. The beach here is calm and good for swimming, although it's one of the least attractive beaches on this coast, with a mix of rocks and hard-packed, dark-brown sand. The Ted Robinson-designed 18-hole golf course winds through some of the neighboring forest and is an excellent, if not particularly challenging, resort course. The Stellaris Casino is the largest and most comfortable I've found at a beach resort in Costa Rica.
Facilities:4 restaurants; coffee shop; 2 bars; lounge; large pool; golf course and pro shop; 9-hole miniature golf course; 4 outdoor lit tennis courts; large health club and spa; children's program; game room; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; salon; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; nonsmoking rooms; Wi-Fi (for a fee) in most public areas.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
