W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal Review

Overview of the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal

The W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal is a standout destination in the beautiful province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This resort beautifully marries the vibrant, bold spirit of the W brand (owned by Marriott) with the breathtaking natural beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Set against a backdrop of lush forests and a stunning beach, it offers a unique fusion of ecological wonder and modern luxury, making it the perfect getaway for anyone seeking an exclusive and memorable vacation without traveling too far from the U.S.

How I Booked the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal

We selected the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal for its promise of luxury and unparalleled ocean views, booking the Spectacular Ocean Escape Room. Do note: This hotel is a splurge, whether you book on points or with cash. During peak season cash rates are typically around $1,000 per night, while points rates are typically between 64,000 and 94,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Even at the high end of the point cost range, this hotel was still a good deal on points when we traveled.

The W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal is a splurge, whether you book with points or cash, but you won’t regret your stay.

During the low season, you can find cash rates as low as the mid $500s and points rates as low as 53,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, which still means this hotel will typically offer good value for your points—though you should always do the math before you book.

We don’t usually splurge quite so hard on hotels, but after spending a bunch of time with our families over the holidays, we had a few days to spare and decided to treat ourselves to a luxury getaway.

Due to the high points cost of this hotel, you won’t always be able to use the certificates offered by various Marriott credit cards. These cards offer certificates worth up to 35,000, 50,000 and 85,000 points, depending on the card, with the option to top-up your certificate with up to 15,000 additional Bonvoy points. That means, depending on the season and the points rates, you will sometimes be able to use 50,000-point certificates with a top-up and you can usually use 85,000-point certificates with or without a top-up.

• Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal Location

Tucked away in the majestic landscapes of Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast, the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal is a hidden gem. Its location in the Reserva Conchal, an area known for pristine beaches and rich biodiversity, offers guests an intimate connection with nature. The resort is conveniently situated to provide a sense of secluded luxury, yet it remains within reach of some of the region’s most iconic attractions, offering a perfect balance for exploration and relaxation. Reserva Conchal is a gated area with other hotels, condos and houses, so it’s not the best place to get a local Costa Rica vibe, though you will be able to walk along the beach to a nearby town if you’re up for an adventure.

Best Parts of the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal

The W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal has some clear highlights:

• Spectacular Ocean Escape Room: Our stay in this room category was nothing short of spectacular. The uninterrupted ocean views were a daily luxury, with the room’s floor-to-ceiling windows and large balcony ensuring that we were constantly immersed in the scenic beauty of Costa Rica’s coast.
• Vibrant Resort Atmosphere: The resort is imbued with the energetic and lively ambiance characteristic of the W brand. From the contemporary design elements to the upbeat music and engaging activities, the resort offered a dynamic yet sophisticated holiday experience.

• Exclusive Beachfront: The resort’s beachfront location is one of its most enticing features. The private stretch of beach provided a tranquil escape, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or simply unwinding by the ocean.
• Spa: We enjoyed a lovely and relaxing massage at the spa, which also offers various saunas, a secluded pool and a cold plunge.
• On-Resort Activities: Various activities are offered right at the resort, some of which have an extra charge and some of which are included.

W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal Drawbacks

There are not many drawbacks to staying at the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal:

• Remote Location: While the resort’s secluded setting adds to its charm, it also means that access to some local attractions requires transportation. The lack of walkable destinations may necessitate planning for excursions or day trips to experience the broader region.
• Price: There’s no way around it: The W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal isn’t cheap. Even during off-season or booking with points, you’ll have to shell out a chunk of change or a boat load of points.

Getting to the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal

Our journey to the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal began with a flight into Liberia International Airport (LIR), followed by a convenient and comfortable hotel-arranged transfer to the resort which we had arranged in advance due to the nighttime arrival of our flight. This smooth transition allowed us to relax and get a little bit of work done in the car before we signed off for a relaxing few days.

For our departure, we chose to fly out from San Jose (SJO), taking advantage of the wider range of flight options available from this larger airport—but that means we had to take a domestic flight on Sansa Airways from Tamarindo to San Jose the night before. We elected to stay at the convenient Courtyard By Marriott San Jose Airport for our quick overnight stop.

Check-In

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the friendly and professional staff, who made our check-in process seamless and enjoyable. The warm reception, coupled with the stunning lobby design that reflected the vibrant culture and nature of Costa Rica, made us feel instantly welcome and set a high standard for our stay. The front desk staff recognized my Titanium status and informed us that breakfast was included. We were also offered a deliciously refreshing welcome drink.

The Room at W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal

Our stay in the Spectacular Ocean Escape Room at the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal was an experience defined by luxury, comfort, and stunning aesthetics. This room is a blend of modern chic and tropical elegance, providing an ideal setting for a relaxing and memorable stay.

As we entered the room, we were immediately struck by its stylish and contemporary design. The decor featured a vibrant yet sophisticated color palette, with bold, artistic touches that reflected the spirit of the W brand. The furnishings were both stylish and comfortable, including a plush couch in an eye-catching lime green.

The most breathtaking aspect of the room was undoubtedly the panoramic view of the Costa Rican jungle and the Pacific Ocean from our large balcony. The view could be appreciated from inside the room, too, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing us to soak in the spectacular views from dawn until dusk.

The private balcony was furnished with comfortable seating and was a haven for enjoying the fresh sea air and the ocean views. It was the perfect spot for a morning coffee or an evening cocktail with or without a good book.

Central to the room was the luxurious king-sized bed, featuring the signature W bedding. The bed was an oasis of comfort with its plush pillows and high-quality linens, meaning we got a deep and restful sleep each night.

The bathroom in the Spectacular Ocean Escape Room was spacious and elegantly designed, featuring modern fixtures and luxurious amenities. The rain shower (with a view!) provided a refreshing and spa-like experience. Premium bath products added an extra touch of luxury, enhancing the overall sense of pampering.

The room was equipped with state-of-the-art technology and amenities. A large flat-screen TV offered a wide range of entertainment options, while the high-speed Wi-Fi ensured we stayed connected (even though this was a proper vacation and we weren’t working like we usually do while traveling). The room also featured a minibar stocked with an assortment of refreshments and snacks.

Food and Drink

The resort’s culinary offerings were a delightful exploration of flavors. From local Costa Rican dishes to international cuisine, each restaurant and bar on the property provided a unique dining experience. The fresh, high-quality ingredients, combined with the skilled preparation by the chefs, made every meal an adventure. And it’s a good thing the food is good here, because with the location of the W Costa Rica, it’s not really practical to dine elsewhere. We especially enjoyed the seven-course tasting menu and wine pairing, and eating ceviche for lunch.

Amenities

The W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal excels in offering a wide range of amenities:

• Wellness and Spa Facilities: The AWAY Spa offers a comprehensive array of treatments, from rejuvenating massages to bespoke skincare services, all using high-quality, natural products. The serene ambiance of the spa, combined with the expertise of the therapists, makes for an unparalleled relaxation experience. Within the spa, there’s also a pool, cold plunge and multiple saunas.

• Fitness and Recreation: For those looking to stay active, the FIT gym is equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, catering to a variety of workout preferences. Additionally, the resort offers an array of outdoor activities, including water sports, to take full advantage of its stunning beachfront location.

• Swimming Pools: The outdoor pool area is a focal point of leisure at the resort. The pools, including a main pool and a separate children’s pool, are set in a lush, tropical landscape. The poolside service ensures that every comfort is catered to, from refreshing beverages to light snacks.
• Beach: If you want a break from the freshwater, you can head down to the stunning Playa Conchal, one of the best beaches in Costa Rica.
• Activities: The hotel offers various activities, including a mixology class (which is the only one we elected to do). Some activities have no additional cost, while others do cost extra.
• Dining Experiences: With several on-site restaurants and bars, the resort offers diverse dining options. Guests can indulge in everything from local Costa Rican cuisine to international dishes, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The vibrant atmosphere of the dining venues, combined with exquisite culinary creations, makes each meal a delightful experience.

W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal – Family Friendliness

The resort is an excellent destination for families, offering a range of amenities and activities tailored to guests of all ages.

• Kid-Friendly Activities: The resort provides numerous activities that are perfect for younger guests. The children’s pool offers a safe and fun environment for kids to enjoy the water. Additionally, the resort organizes family-friendly activities and events, ensuring that there’s always something exciting for children to do.
• Accommodations for Families: The spacious rooms and suites at the resort are ideal for families, providing ample space and comfort. The resort can also cater to the specific needs of families, such as providing cribs or rollaway beds for young children.
• Dining Options for Children: The restaurants at the resort offer kid-friendly menus, ensuring that even the youngest guests have a variety of delicious and nutritious dining options.

Final Thoughts on the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal

The W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal stands out as one of the most luxurious resorts I’ve stayed at in Central America. The blend of modern luxury with the natural beauty of Costa Rica creates a unique and relaxing experience. From the exquisite comfort of the Spectacular Ocean Escape Room to the plethora of amenities and dining experiences, every aspect of the resort contributes to a memorable stay. The resort’s commitment to providing an enjoyable experience for guests of all ages makes it a versatile destination, ideal for romantic getaways or family vacations. Whether seeking relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal offers an unforgettable Costa Rican escape.