Rated 2 out of 5 by B2waxman French restaurant has a lot to learn
Food was great. Wait staff below average. The 'Captain' (Tri) told us they needed our table and we needed to leave immediately. in the meantime there was NOBODY waiting, and 5 open tables. we were not loud, drunk, drinking, or a disruption. that would have been understandable. We did not have a chance to ask why. He gave no option, and walked away. We went to the check in desk, and spoke with someone there. All he did was back up his buddy. That's until our fluently Spanish speaking friend changed her language. He stood his ground, and even tried to test her Spanish! She's Mexican! We were told there is a TWO hour time slot for dinner. At no point were we told of this before or warned we were coming up on our time ending. Thirty minutes after, there was still no wait, and still 4 open tables!
The resort is mostly occupied by our company group. My wife and I have also been SPG Gold Owners for over 4 years now. This is by far the worst experience we have ever had at a Westin. We have visited about 10 of them in 5 different countries. This is NOT the customer service we have come to expect from the brand.
There is NO chance we would be owners if this was our first or second experience.
We asked for a manager and were told there was not one on duty. Really? Come on.
There are other issues we've had here, as well. It's hard to complain because this is a free trip. But if it wasn't, I can promise the general manager would have us in their office. Not just at the front desk.
Was iffy all week. Now I'm disappointed.
May 16, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by avesely14 What a Great time!
My husband and I just stayed at the Westin Playa Conchal on our honeymoon (November 18). We had an absolutely fabulous time! The hotel is gorgeous. The pools are amazing and the beach is absolutely stunning. The staff members are so friendly. We were always greeted and called by our names. The staff is so friendly that you almost get to know them during your stay at the hotel. The only disappointment was the restaurants being closed (only 2 were open). Although we only were able to eat at 2 of the 8 restaurants, the means were amazing (especially the Italian restaurant). I have never had a more fabulous vacation and I hope to visit the resort in the future!
December 6, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by gymchick best 1st time in CR!!
I left the Westin resort on 5/9 with fond memories- food, drink ,daily activities are top notch, 7 days is too little time to spend at this resort- once I found out there are personal trainers on the premise I was hooked- from yoga in the beach to spinning to power abs to full body fit- I've enjoyed them all- prop to the 2 instructors Jorge and Kenny- their enthusiasm and energy are contagious- they put in 150% efforts in the class whether there are 10 or 1 participants- they are an asset to the resort-
May 10, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by dickyb Great stay, beautiful resort, and FUN!
We just returned from a weeklong trip with our family and friends (20 of us went) in April 2012.
The resort was beautiful. The rooms were great. The food was tasty! There are also exotic birds, monkeys, iguanas, and coatis seen frequently around the resort (very cool).
I've seen a few reviews mention that there wasn't much to do!?!?! I simply don't understand what exactly they would like to do? The resort publishes their (fully included) daily activities EVERY DAY which include: walking tours, running trips, beach yoga, beach volleyball, pool volleyball, water aerobics, wine tasting, tequila tasting, food tasting, spanish (intro), decorating. The resort also has a daily golf-cart tour around the Reserva Conchal complex (there is a small cost for this) - but we saw lots of animals on the tour and several views that you wouldn't see on your own which made it worth the nominal fee.
Additionally there are MANY other activity options. There are optional tours you can pay for: we went on a "Mega Adventure Tour" which included a full day of activities (zip lining, water slides, horseback riding, and a volcanic mud spa) and we did a private fishing trip one day and caught red snapper . . . THE BEST PART is that the resort arranged to have OUR fish cooked for us that night for FREE (you have to ask for this).
You can walk on the beach to the next town (very small) or you can take a 15-min taxi to the town of Tamarindo which has a beautiful beach with dozens of shops and restaurants to explore. You can take surfing lessons there.
If you find yourself heading to the Westin Playa Conchal . . . you'll be pleased!
April 20, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by April13 Great Experience!
This trip was an excellent experience. We took a senior class on this trip. From check-in to check-out was a breeze. Everyone is so attentive to your needs. The restaurants are delicious. Our favorite was the Bamboo(Thai) Restaurant. It was one of the students' birthday on one night that we were there. I called ahead of time to see if they could make a cake for her. They said "no problem". She was so touched. You should definitely make your dinner reservations the day that you arrive. The pool is an excellent way to relax. It is so big that it never seems crowded. If you want to go out for any excursions, go see Erik on the beach. He will set you up on some excellent trips. Ask about a boat trip with the monkeys and crocodiles. It is so much fun! Ask Erik that Ricardo be your tour guide on this trip. You won't regret it. We did not take advantage of the spa or fitness center. If we return, we would like to do that. The rooms are very spacious and well cleaned. The refrigerators are restocked every day. Everyone is so friendly and just want to help in any way that they can. I would definitely return!!
May 5, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by NancyR A relaxing vacation
The warmth and desire to please of the Costa Rican employees at this resort added to the beautiful surroundings and well maintained facility, make the Westin worthy of many more visits. The food was excellent and the pools beautiful.
March 5, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by SEAZ Great Country....Great Resort
WOW, WOW, WOW.....
My husband and I just returned from 10 days in Costa Rica, and spent every night at this Westin resort.....the staff was tremendous and the Mgr. of Customer Relations has 'schooled' her staff well! This property is a resort, everything you could possibly want is here, and you can be as busy as you want with all the adventure available, or do nothing but enjoy the beach & beautiful surroundings! This property will be fabulous when all renovations are complete. I cannot say enough about the staff…. from the front desk to the shuttle drivers to the maintenance...they are happy people who want you to enjoy their country. I have nothing negative to say about the staff or the resort in general...the food was above average, in particular the breakfast buffet at Fasinella(sp?) was superb and dinner there was excellent. If I am really looking for a negative, it would be not so good food at Bamboo restaurant...a little bland. By far, the best all-inclusive resort we have ever encountered...look forward to a return visit!! And, btw….do not book any tours in advance online, you can do that thru the hotel once you arrive or ck it out yourself with the locals nearby.
December 27, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 THE BEST
THE BEST*****
Spent a week enjoying wonderful service and accommodations at the Westin. Started with Maria Cruz who check us in at the reception desk and from there we had wonderful time at the Westin. Our room in Tower 2 Royal Beach was great and Victor and Nelson are “THE BEST CONSEIOUR” they could not have done more for us, they both do their jobs to the highest standards and taught us so much about their country.
> The pool at Royal Beach is fantastic and Isaac & Jonathan made each day so pleasant, they are “AWESOME”. They were always there bringing us drinks, towels and the best of all 3pm we always got guacamole & chips. They made each day so much fun and were a big reason of why we had such a relaxing and unbelievable vacation.
> The Westin in Costa Rica gets a 5 Star rating from us. We can’t wait to return to where everyone is so proud of their country and their only goal is to share it with you.
> Thank you for everything all of you did for us!
> Debbie & Laurie from New Jersey
April 7, 2012