I need Pro's vs. Con's for my Top 4 choices...

[AmyG]

                                                                                                                             

I have been doing research for a few months now for my destination wedding in Costa Rica for the beginning of 2012.  Since I knew I wanted to fly into Liberia and stay in an all-inclusive resort along the North Pacific Coast, I have narrowed it down to these four resorts based on their location, price and their wedding packages.  Please give me any positive & negative feedback you have on weddings there or any experience you have had with their staff...I need the help!  

 

- Flamingo Beach Resort (Guanacaste)

- Riu (Guanacaste)

- Barcelo (Langosta Beach, Tamarindo)

- Occidental Grand Papagayo

 

My only 'requirements' is that we are near a good surfing area and the resort must have a beautiful beach for our ceremony.  I appreciate any help anyone can give me. 

 

 

[futuremrsJ]

We also are deciding between RUI and Grand for January 2012!! Let me know what you decide or find out any reasns to choose one in particular.  Our travel agent is looking into group rate bookings.  How many people will be going to CR for your wedding?  We are think 20-25.

[AmyG]

Hi futuremrsj,

 

I had a local travel agent (in New Jersey) already look into group hotel/airline rates so that is one of the factors that helped narrowed down my search.  She did tell me that the rates are not definite though since some of the resorts are not releasing exact rates and airlines are not booking yet for 2012, so I got estimates.

I definitely have at least 15 going to CR, but it is possible I will have approximately 25...perhaps 30 at the most.  I also think I am looking more towards March of 2012.  Please let me know if you hear anything further as well.

Thanks!!!  & Congrats!

[futuremrsJ]

Congrats to you too!  Were you able to get group rates for the rooms on anything?  You don't have to give prices if you don't want to, I was just wondering if that was even a plausible thought on saving money!  haha

 

I've also heard mixed reviews of RUI.  We have a friend that stayed there and loved it.  However, I've seen some questionable reviews of wedding there and heard issues. But I think the RUI is our top pick so far because of the resort itself... Decisions, decisions....

[remdog]

I would highly recommend checking trip advisor if you haven't already. Everyone on there is full of great information and super helpful. The added bonus is there are a few locals who are experts on the area so if you have specific questions they are always willing to answer. Good luck. Wish I could be more help but when we were down there we loved the Paradisus property so much we never went to look at another resorts.

[Ask.CostaRica]

Amy G,

 

If you want good surfing it narrows down to one choice, Barcelo Langosta. Barrels peeling off out front.

The Riu and OccGPap are about an 1 and 20min away from surf. Flamingo would be about 30 min from surf spots.

 

Unfortunately we are not big fans of the Riu (many other photographers express the same), they treat us really badly (no bathroom or even a glass of water and this is after an $80 charge just to enter).

Occidental is a beautiful location but a high tide can be an issue, check your tides.

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/jennifer_%26_donald.html

Flamingo Beach Resort has amazing sunsets and it is a really pretty beach. Try not to have your wedding on a weekend, a lot of locals hit the beach during this time. They have a nice set up above the restaurant.

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/shene_%26_micha.html

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/stephanie_%26_jedd.html

 

[kjw]

We have just booked into Barcelo Langosta Beach for our wedding this April - we have booked about 20-25 guests and may have a few last minuters as well.  We choose this place for accessibility to Tamarindo and the good beach for surfing, also, it was far less expensive than the other choice we had for an AI in this area and we wanted to keep costs down as we are all coming from Canada so flights are bit more expensive.  I have heard lots of good things about Barcelo and some bad - but I don't think you can look at any hotel and not find some bad!  We have decided it might not be the best of the best, but it will be what we make of it and I'm sure that we and are guest's will have a blast!! 

 

I'm still working on a wedding coordinator and whether or not to go with outside coordination - if anyone has any advise on this, I would love to hear it.  Seems to be creeping up really quickly, getting so excited and so nervous!

[jana297]

Never heard of this resort! Just checked it out online. Looks beautiful!

[OceanWonderland]

I would pick Tamarindo over Guanacaste if you like to surf. The beaches there are beautiful. Guanacaste is more 'desert'ish, but there are white faced monkeys...Hmmmm...I'd still choose Tamarindo. You are within a 10 mile drive from the most gorgeous beaches.

 

Also, you can do a day trip to Monteverde too and see the lush, 'cloud' forest. Soooo beautiful, I definitely recommend that if you have time. One of the prettiest spots in the world.

[Melissalea]

I'm also starting to research for my wedding in early 2012.  My parents are insistant that we go to an all-inclusive. I've narrowed it down to 6 on the Pacific coast.  If anyone has any input I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

Barcelo-Langosta Beach (www.barcelolangostabeach.com) in Tamarindo
Flamingo Beach Resort (www.resortflamingobeach.com) in Guanacaste
Paradisus in Playa Conchal (www.paradisus-playa-conchal.com)
2 hotels by Occidental: Allagaro Papagayo and Grand Papagayo
(www.occidentalhotels.com)

Hilton Papagayo in Gaunacaste

Doubletree Resort in Puntarenas

 

I really want the ceremony to be in a garden type of area that is surrounded by colorful plants and flowers. We need a beach nearby because we'd like pictures at sunset on the beach and we want to be able to relax on the beach during the day. 

 

We are also looking for a wedding coordinator in Costa Rica...so far I've only contacted Weddings Costa Rica (www.weddingscostarica.com).

 

Looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say about all things Costa Rica.