At a glance: 

The JW Marriott Guanacaste is a large hacienda-style resort tucked away in a gated community near Tamarindo. It offers all the amenities for an enjoyable beach vacation on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast.

What it actually is: A sprawling hacienda style low-rise beach resort built around a giant pool and surrounded by golf courses in a private residential area between Tamarindo and Playa Avellanas.

What it is not:  Small and intimate – the hotel’s 310 rooms make it one of the largest in Costa Rica. Combined with a somewhat secluded location the hotel can have a slightly “compound” like feel, which is disconnected from more unique local experiences. At initial glance, it looks like an all-inclusive resort, but it is not.

Room: Deluxe Guest room, pool view, 1 balcony **upgraded from a Deluxe, garden view room.

Time of year: winter (Holiday season)

Scores:

Hotel Design: 85 – The hotel is large, but despite this, it never felt crowded even during a busy time of year. It’s important to note that many rooms are not ocean-front, so keep that in mind.

Location: 82 – Situated on what feels like a private stretch of rugged coastline, the JW is about a 20 minute drive to Tamarindo or a 20 minute walk down the beach to a couple restaurants in Playa Avellanas. 

Sleep: 95 – A great bed, ceiling fan, and screen doors (along with no noticeable sound issues) in our room all made for a great night of sleep.

Service: 93 – Very good. We felt that they went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our stay.

Room Design: 87 – While the rooms felt slightly dated and in need of some minor maintenance, the space itself was still very comfortable. Thoughtful extras like screen doors really set this room apart from other similar hotels.

Room Amenities: 82 – Brand standards for all the basics, along with a very nice balcony. Our pool view room still had a partial ocean view.

Hotel Amenities: 82 – Everything you would expect from a high-end brand beach resort. The pool is gigantic and the gym is spacious. There are a variety of on-site dining options that are pretty standard: price is high, but expected at a resort of this caliber. Tip: go to the hidden rum bar, and ask them to bring over appies from the steakhouse.

Vibe: 77 – American families on vacation; upscale casual.

Cleanliness / Maintenance: 80 – Above average. No issues. Could use some small touch-ups.

Value / Extras & Perks: 90 – Our experience was very good, but as usual the rate you pay and room you receive will likely significantly impact the value you perceive at this properly. Marriott Elite members had a dedicate space with an impressive complimentary breakfast. Welcome drinks and branded refillable water bottles were also offered, as was a room upgrade.

OVERALL: 85.3

Would we stay again? Yes