I know that when you read “yourcostaricaadventure.com” some you might hope to find a site full of extreme adventures (we will have those soon, I promise!) but the fact is, an adventure is different for everyone, for some of you could be in fact extreme adventures like bungee jumping or rafting but for others could spend some relaxing time in an all-inclusive hotel.
All-Inclusive Hotel in Conchal, Guanacaste
Costa Rica has several all-inclusive hotels, most of which are in Guanacaste Province in the Pacific Ocean. On this occasion we will dive into one of them, we will explore Westin Conchal by Marriott.
This hotel is located right in front of Conchal Beach, 4 hours away by car from Costa Rica’s capital city San José. I have visited this hotel twice in my life, one before the pandemic and another one during the pandemic, so I will create a mix from everything I experienced on both trips.
Getting to Westin Conchal Costa Rica
If you are planning to start your Costa Rica adventure from Guanacaste and you have the option to fly directly to Daniel Oduber Airport in Guanacaste, I strongly suggest you do that, you will save around 3 hours instead of traveling from San José to the hotel. If you are already in San José or had to arrive through Juan Santamaría Airport, you could still find a domestic flight from there to Daniel Oduber Airport or Tamarindo Airport and also save some time that way, but if you don’t mind the 4 hours trip, you could rent a car, the route is very calm and offers beautiful panoramic views (click here to get Google Maps route) or ask the hotel for shuttle busses.
Enjoying the All-Inclusive Hotel
Once you arrive at the hotel, the first thing you will think about how is this thing so huge! But that is mainly because this hotel has a private 18-hole, par 71 golf course. One that you can have access to, the hotel has several packages in case you want to practice your swing. After passing the golf course, you will find the reception desk (because of the pandemic they had to move the reception from their original location) where a cocktail will be likely waiting for you.’
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After they finish telling you everything you need to know about your stay, you will probably hop into a minibus that will take you to your room. Since the hotel is so big, the best way to move around is with these mini busses.
There are different rooms you can get, there are villas spread all over the hotel and there are also a couple of 3-floor buildings named Royal Beach Club where you can have access to some exclusive pools.
Pandemic note: When I visited this hotel during the pandemic, the villas were closed and everyone was staying in the Royal Beach Club. According to the hotel, by December 2020, they will be back receiving people in all rooms.
Conchal Beach
As you might think, there are several things you can do in this all-inclusive hotel in Costa Rica. The hotel has a well-equipped gym where you can exercise, few tennis courts, a basketball court perfect for a pickup game, a spa where you will definitely have some relaxing time, rent bikes and explore the enormous property, enjoy a cocktail in the pool, but what I recommend the most is the beach that is right in front of the hotel.
Many people consider the conchal beach one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. If you come across a “Top 10 Costa Rica beaches” you will definitely find Conchal Beach there. Right next to the pools, there is an entrance that gives you access to the beach. Get a towel in the gate and off you go!
The beach has white sand, crystal water but the coolest fact is that it’s full of shells, they are all over the place (Conchal comes from “concha” which means shell in Spanish). The tide is usually not that strong, so anyone can enjoy the warm ocean, warm ocean, which is enough to refresh yourself. Just beware of possible sandbanks that could trip you on your way into the ocean. If for some reason you tire of sunbathing or swimming in the ocean, the hotel offers paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, and more equipment that will keep you entertained for sure.
Another thing that I strongly recommend you take the most advantage of possible during your time there is food! Remember, you are in an all-inclusive hotel; I don’t say eat like if there is no tomorrow but; the hotel has 9 different restaurants so if you are few days there; I suggest you pick wisely.
- Spirula Trattoria (Italian cuisine)
- Mitra (International cuisine, perfect for breakfasts)
- Manglar (Seafood restaurant)
- La Sabana (Fire-roasted regional and international meats)
- Caracola (Costa Rican and American menu, perfect for a quick meal)
- Cauri Lobby Bar & Bistro (International cuisine)
- Faisanela (Italian cuisine, offers superb pizzas)
- Bamboo (Asian cuisine)
- El Ranchito (Snacks next to the pool)
During the night, if you are in the mood for a beer or you want to watch the game of your team, the Imperial Bar is a great option, it’s an American Sports Bar but with local beer (your drinks here are also included, so, free drinks on me!)
Funny how I showed more dedication to the food than the exercise activities, huh?
Things to do Nearby Westin Conchal
Usually, when I go to an all-inclusive, I try to take the most advantage of my time there, but I understand that most of you want to explore as much as you can from Costa Rica (you are definitely right with this). But if for some reason the hotel doesn’t absorb you, there are plenty of things you can do nearby. Just right next to Conchal Beach you can go walking through the beach to Brasilito Beach, which might not be as beautiful as Conchal but it still has some charm, if you keep walking you will find the center of Brasilito town, over there you can dive into Costa Rica’s culture a bit more (in the all-inclusive hotel you are like in a bubble).
If you rented a car, I recommend going beach hopping, some interesting options are Playa Minas, Playa Flamingo, Playa Avellanas or the famous Playa Tamarindo. In Tamarindo Beach there are plenty of things to do besides visiting the beach, the town center is one of the most developed around the zone. Another interesting option is visiting the Rincon de la Vieja volcano where you will find some nice trails in case you are in that mood.
Westin Conchal is a beautiful hotel but the zone where is located is even more beautiful so any decision you make during your time there will definitely have some pros. Hope you enjoy your time in this amazing hotel and have yourself an adventure!
