The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort: A Travel-Hacker’s Dream
One of the worst-kept secrets in the world of travel-hacking is the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Like the Park Hyatt Maldives or the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome, this Hyatt property is an obligatory “must-visit” resort for every travel-hacker.
Why? There Are 3 Main Reasons
#1: As a Hyatt Category 4 hotel, The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort provides outsize point redemption value, as a night here can be redeemed for as little as 15,000 Hyatt points.
#2: For holders of the Chase Hyatt credit card that received either the sign-up bonus of two-free nights anywhere [certificate] or the 40,000 point bonus, the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort is one of the best options in the world (and certainly the closest to the U.S.) to redeem these bonuses.
#3 This hotel can be redeemed with the Hyatt credit card’s “free night award every year” card-member anniversary benefit (as a Category 1-4 hotel resort).
The Resort’s Location
The beautiful Guanacaste region is located in the dry northwestern corner of Costa Rica, on the Pacific Ocean side of country.
The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort is located about 35 minutes from the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), Aeropuerto Liberia, Provincia de Guanacaste, Liberia, Costa Rica.
Many major US airlines service LIR with non-stop flights like Delta and Southwest.
I picked up my SUV rental with GPS navigation and headed to the resort. The drive to the resort seems way longer than it is. Once you leave highway 21 and head north on 253, it seems as if you are driving to the middle of nowhere, but don’t worry – you are going the right way.
Note: Beware of driving this road at night – unless you don’t mind becoming a mass murderer of large toads on the road – very large toads (they are everywhere).Â
Almost there
Once you make it to the top of the hill, you will follow a winding road that passes through a series of security gates. When you see the parking lot, you’ve made it.
Welcome To The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort: The Check-In
Checking in was a breeze. The hotel provides free valet parking, but I was able to find parking in the tiny lot every night. Once you make your way into the reception hall of the lobby, you can’t help but feel impressed by the elegant natural design that compliments the richness of the surrounding natural environment. I was immediately served a welcome drink and notified that I’d been given a room upgrade.
The Entrance
First glimpse of Papagayo Bay
The Lobby at Night
Walking the Andaz Papagayo Property
The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort is a wonderland of nature to walk through. You’ll see amazing Costa Rican flora and fauna everywhere. There were tropical birds, gardens full of giant butterflies, large iguanas, and troops of Howler Monkeys that passed through the trees throughout the day; each time being a “camera-worthy event” for the guests of the resort.
One of the coolest experiences I had was when some White-faced Capuchin monkeys came down from the jungle canopy to the adults-only pool to play, drink and splash around.
Artwork of some of the critters you may spot
Stone and wood walking paths traverse the property
The bamboo-lined hallways evoke the surrounding environment
This beautiful guest was just hanging out
The Room
The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort has several types of room options. Hyatt upgraded me to a large Bay View King room. The bedroom area was separated from the rest of the room by a central island armory that contained the mini-bar and closet.
Outside was very hot and humid, but inside was cool, dry and comfortable (dare I even say “chilly”).
The bedroom – and yes, the flip-flops come included with the room
The headboard and wall artwork
The small-ish flat screen television on the back of the island armory (but you shouldn’t be watching TV anyway)
Decorative lighting, nest style of the indigenous Montezuma Oropendola bird
The Bathroom, Sink And Shower
The large sink area
The walk-in shower with ‘raining’ ceiling shower head, window shade, and direct access to the outside balcony
The Outside Balcony Area
Many nighttime hours were spent here watching the sensational lightning storms swirling above (and the resident geckos)
Balcony with a view
The Mini-bars at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort come with complimentary drinks and local snacks (refreshed everyday).
Wait, how did those Imperial Beers get in there!?
Costa Rica’s own Britt Coffee is served at the Andaz, along with various other tea and snacks
The hats come with the room, your souvenirs to keep!
You can also keep the beach bag – but unlike the hats, this will cost you $25 US (this one was a little frayed)
Closet with the [essential] umbrella and iron
The master switch
The AmenitiesÂ
As you could probably imagine, the swimming pools at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort are immaculate and awesomely relaxing. Next time I’m there, I’m making it a point to spend two full days lounging at the pools. Be sure to try the Costa Rican style fruit smoothies (made of blended fresh fruit and milk).
The secluded adults-only infinity pool
The family pool
The family pool
The family pool
The Restaurants
The Rio Bhongo Restaurant is the main spot for casual dining – open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is also a great little coffee shop there
There are also two other restaurant choices for fine dining:
(images courtesy of Hyatt.com)
FHOP-tip: For other food options near the resort try the Panaderia Alemana, German Bakery (off Highway 21 just west of the airport). Do yourself a favor and get the meat lover’s pizza with some German beer to wash it down.
There is also an amazing little hole-in-the-wall restaurant that specializes in Mexican food called Soda Tempisque (Highway 21 in Guardia). It’s the best (and cheapest) food you can find close by.Â
Activities
Another one of the many things that makes the resort so great is the variety of awesome activities you can do – many for free, some like snorkeling and kayaking come with nominal fees of $10 a person. Choose group activities from swimming, hiking, snorkeling, walking, and kayaking. I did the snorkeling and the kayaking [my first time]. Both were amazing and fun – I saw rays, fish, lobsters, and a nurse shark!
The resort’s beach provides opportunities to swim, snorkel, and kayak
FHOP-tip: In the Culebra Bay, the waters that surround Papagayo, there may be jellyfish present. Be sure to ask the hotel if it is safe to go in.
When I went snorkeling, I noticed the guide was wearing a wet suit; she said it was “because she was tired of getting stung by jellyfish”. Apparently, this bay is home to an invisible jellyfish called “Hilos de Oro”, or “Golden Thread”. You can’t see them, but you can feel them. I personally got stung about 5 times, it feels like a little pin-prick and the minor pain lasts for only about 3 minutes. “Golden Threads” are nothing to worry about as they leave no marks or lasting damage – just know they are out there.Â
Final Thoughts On The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort:
The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort is a “must-do” when exploring the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. If you have Hyatt points to burn, or Hyatt free night certificates to use up, this is an absolute a no-brainer. It is luxurious, exotic, secluded and anything but boring.
The only slight negative to the resort, is its extremely secluded location. You are about 45 minutes (at a minimum) from anywhere else (like Coco Beach or Playa Conchal). You are also far from restaurants and stores and the food at the resort can be a little pricey.
But the seclusion is also the reason for staying there. So just know what you are getting into. I made the mistake of using it as a “home base” for several Costa Rican day trips (like Rincon Volcano and Arenal Volcano). In retrospect, I would have spent more time at the Andaz resort.
Overall, I loved the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort. I’ll be returning there next time I’m in the Guanacaste.
Highly Recommended.
Cheers!
