JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

3548 reviews

• 

  check your bill carefully

  I went for my 60th bday and had a wonderful time. However, they over charged me 678 dollars. When I got home, I let them know and was told numerous times they would credit my account. This never happened until I filed a dispute with my credit card. THEN, they finally credited my account. This was extremely poor customer service and I hate that I have to give such a poor review because the wait staff at this resort were wonderful and the resort and food were exceptional. The resort just needs to be more honest when a refund is due and get it done ....not just give lip service that it is going to be done.

  Jan 15, 2026
• 

  A wonderful experience in Guanacaste

  We had a wonderful stay at this resort betwen Christmas and New Year. The property is beautiful and well kept. All the staff was extremely pleasant and the service impeccable. We traveled with our teenage kids and they also enjoyed it a lot. The food was very good at all the resort´s restaurants and our waiter´s service at the beach was awesome. Special mention to Luis Vicencio, who made us feel at home.

  Jan 12, 2026
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  DO NOT GO HERE EXPENSIVE FOR NOTHING!

  This hotel was terrible. When we got there we didn't get our welcome drink which isn't much of a big deal however when we got to our rooms we were severally disappointed. We had payed an extra amount of money for an ocean view room and we couldn't see the ocean. We went to the front desk and they were very unhelpful, eventually moving us to a room where we could barely see the ocean. This type of service is completely unacceptable for how much money this "resort" costed. The food was extremely expensive and not even average and the pool was just normal compared to other pools. All pool chairs were reserved by 6:30 AM so you had to get up at the crack of dawn to get a seat. This hotel should be praised for its location, not the actual hotel. The workers were very rude and when I asked where the bathroom was, the worker told me the wrong directions and laughed with her coworker. The hotel felt impersonal and nothing like Costa Rica. Walking around felt like a shopping center with the amount of people and poor service. When we were getting picked up for an excursion they sent us to the wrong car and we almost got taken to the completely wrong area. The food was unbelievably expensive and costing over 10 dollars for water and 35 for chicken wings. At the gift shop, they were selling Sun Bum sunscreen for 50 dollars each. Not a typo. This is extremely cruel considering how some families may be in desperate need of sunscreen so they don't get terribly burned. The resort is also in a very remote location so it is not easy to go to a shop and get some... predatory behavior. All in all this is a completely money hungry organization.

  Jan 08, 2026
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  Simply the best

  We just got back from an incredible 3-day stay at the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort. As a family of 4 (me, my wife, and kids aged 9 & 14), it was a perfect blend of relaxation, fun, and family time. We spent time at the beach, playing in the pool, and exploring the area. We even did one of their free cooking classes! The breakfast buffet was awesome and the restaurants, while expensive, were on-point. Highly highly recommend!

  Jan 06, 2026
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  Average Marriott.

  We stayed at this resort for 5 nights. Hacienda Pinilla is a very nice area however there are some drawbacks. If you take a shuttle from Liberia to the Marriott you will not have any other transportation on the property grounds unless you rent a car or a golf cart, which is about 100/day. The grounds are nicely manicured and service overall is much like the rest of Costa Rica, patient, nice, and willing to help. The resort is likely on the verge of being outdated in next couple of years for a proclaimed 5 star hotel. I think the hotel is a solid 4 star. The price does not reflect the amenities or service of a 5 star hotel. Entire Pool had evidence of mold throughout the backsplashes once up and close. Pricing of beverages and food was very high and quality occasionally was worth the price but, not guaranteed. Italian restaurant had very long wait times, food was decent but not worth the price. Also we had to ask several times to turn the fan or A/C on for dinner. As sweating and drinking red wine was pretty uncomfortable! The steakhouse however was exceptional, food and service were well worth the price. As mentioned, Roaming the property grounds within Hacienda Pinilla to golf or use their beach club requires a bicycle ride (free) or some other form of transportation. The Marriott does not provide free shuttles anywhere. If looking for a true 5 star hotel (which they advertise), this is not the place. Plenty of newer actual 5 stars up in Guanacaste I would rather stay at. If the budget picks the hotel then know this is a solid 4 star, you’ll be content but, not blown away. It’s a safe solid choice.

  Jan 01, 2026