The hype
Beautiful grounds, amazing pool, and incredibly friendly staff, but the dining falls short of five-star expectations.
The Westin Reserva Conchal
$700-$900/ night
Book this if You want a sprawling, all-inclusive mega-resort with a massive pool, golf course, and direct access to one of Costa Rica's most beautiful shell-sand beaches without ever needing to leave the property.
Why People Love It
- Massive lagoon-style pool with swim-up bars
- Stunning white-shell beach (Playa Conchal)
- Abundant wildlife on the 2,400-acre property like monkeys and iguanas
Quick Take: The grounds are gorgeous and the beach is stunning, but the food is aggressively mediocre and the sheer size of the resort means you'll be waiting for golf carts to get anywhere.
Reviewed by @poshinprogress: I stayed in this Junior Suite and the layout was so spacious! Loved having a separate living area, and the daily restocked minibar was such a treat. Sitting on the balcony rocking chairs was the perfect way to end the day.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You have to wake up early to secure dinner reservations and pool chairs, and the standard rooms are starting to feel a bit dated.
- Families wanting a safe, enclosed resort with a kids' club
- Golfers looking to play an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones II course
- Travelers who prefer the convenience of an all-inclusive over exploring local towns
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Some guests report immaculate daily service, while others complain about missed days, late afternoon cleanings, and dust.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, but older rooms show wear with reports of toilet water rings, dirty grout, and occasional pubic hairs.
- Maintenance: The property is well-kept overall, but some standard rooms feel dated, with loud AC units and minor wear and tear.
- Linens & towels: Westin Heavenly beds feature crisp, clean linens, though some guests noted lumpy pillows or a stray dirt mark on bed skirts.
- Odors & scents: Mostly fresh tropical breezes, but a few isolated reports of musty smells in older rooms or occasional bug/ant issues.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud, jet-engine-like HVAC/AC units in some rooms
- Howler monkeys in the early morning
- Golf carts and hallway noise in high-traffic areas
Before you book
Good to know
- The beach is made of crushed shells, not soft sand, so water shoes are highly recommended.
- Download the Marriott app to try and book dinner reservations the second you check in.
- The all-inclusive package covers most things, but premium liquor and certain menu items cost extra.
What to pack
- Water shoes or sturdy sandals - the crushed shells on Playa Conchal can be tough on bare feet.
- Insulated travel mug - to keep your poolside drinks cold in the Guanacaste heat.
- Earplugs - to block out the loud in-room AC units or early morning howler monkeys.
Room Genie
Best picks
- Westin Club Rooms (Adults Only) for access to a private, quieter pool, premium drinks, and the exclusive Club Lounge.
- Premium Junior Suites for families needing more space and a separate bedroom.
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Deluxe Junior Suites far from the lobby or pool, as the walk is long and uphill.
- Rooms near the main pool if you want to avoid daytime activity noise and music.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hello, I would love to request a room in the Westin Club adults-only section, preferably on an upper floor to minimize foot traffic noise, with a recently updated AC unit. Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach private?
No, all beaches in Costa Rica are public. You will see local vendors selling souvenirs and massages, though a polite 'no gracias' usually works.
Do I need to make restaurant reservations?
Yes, absolutely. The à la carte restaurants require reservations and they book up incredibly fast. Do this immediately upon arrival.
Is the food good?
It's acceptable for an all-inclusive, but don't expect five-star gourmet dining. Many guests find the food mediocre and repetitive.
Is the resort walkable?
It's a massive 2,400-acre property. While you can walk, it's very spread out and hilly, so most guests rely on the resort's golf cart shuttles.
Is the Westin Club worth the upgrade?
Yes. It gets you access to a much quieter adults-only pool, better towels, premium liquors, and a private lounge.
Are there hidden fees?
While it's all-inclusive, things like spa treatments, golf, premium alcohol, and a second daily minibar refill cost extra.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk 15 minutes down the beach to the local town of Brasilito for authentic, cheap Costa Rican food at Soda Brasilito or Papaya Restaurant.
- ✨
The best snorkeling is at the far north/east end of Playa Conchal near the rocks, where the water is clearest.
- ✨
If you want a massage but don't want to pay resort spa prices, locals offer $25/hour massages right on the beach.
5 things to know before you go
💡The sand isn't actually sand—it's millions of tiny crushed white shells that can be rough on sensitive feet.
💡The resort shares its grounds with the W Costa Rica, and Westin guests can use a free zipline/canopy cable to get to the W's Zona Azul beach club.
💡The in-room air conditioning units can be aggressively loud, sounding like a jet engine starting up.
💡You might get a knock on your door at 5:30 PM from housekeeping trying to catch up on missed daily cleanings.
💡The main pool has a darker bottom, which means the water temperature can get surprisingly hot in the afternoon sun.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Westin Reserva Conchal is located and what's nearby.