The hype
Great pools and wildlife make it memorable, but the food is hit-or-miss and the rooms feel damp and worn.
Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
$450-700/ night
Book this if You want a final spring fling in a remote Costa Rican jungle cove before this resort closes for a massive Marriott rebrand in mid-2025.
Why People Love It
- Monkeys and raccoons literally roam the balconies and pool decks
- Two massive infinity pools that cascade toward a dark-sand beach
- Remote location near the Nicaraguan border feels truly 'off the grid'
Quick Take: A beautiful but aging 'lame duck' resort that is visibly tired and coasting until its scheduled closure in June 2025.
Reviewed by @ienvy_travel: I stayed in the Junior Suite at Dreams Las Mareas and the swim-out pool was a game changer in this heat! The room is spacious with a huge King bed, though the bathroom curtain was a bit odd. Definitely use the safe provided. Perfect spot for a week of relaxing.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Preferred Club' upgrade is largely considered a waste of money—the lounge is underwhelming and the 'exclusive' pool is often unenforced.
- You prioritize pool time and wildlife sightings over gourmet dining
- You want a family-friendly resort that isn't a high-rise concrete block
- You are booking a last-minute trip before June 2025
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Some guests report daily perfection, others mention missed trash and sandy floors.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major complaint area. Reports of musty smells, slow drains, and mold in grout lines are common.
- Maintenance: Visibly aging. Peeling paint, flickering lights, and worn furniture are signs of the pending renovation.
- Linens & towels: Towels can be scratchy and graying. Linens are standard hotel grade, nothing luxe.
- Odors & scents: Strong 'damp' or 'mildew' smell in ground-floor rooms and some hallways.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud 'party music' from the main pool drifting into nearby blocks
- Thin walls letting in hallway chatter and housekeeping noise early in the morning
Before you book
Good to know
- The resort is leaving Hyatt on June 30, 2025; World of Hyatt points/benefits may not apply or be honored during the transition period.
- The beach is public, meaning locals will sell souvenirs, but they are generally polite.
- Room service can take 60-90 minutes during peak times.
What to pack
- Biodegradable sunscreen (expensive at the resort shop)
- Insulated tumbler (keeps drinks cold in the heat)
- US Dollars in small bills for tips (staff prefer cash over credit)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Ocean View Junior Suites on higher floors for actual views and more privacy
- Building 5 for proximity to the spa and quieter vibe
Rooms to avoid
- Swim-out suites (unless you want zero privacy; they face the main walking paths)
- Ground floor 'Jungle View' rooms (often just a view of dead branches and passersby)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Request a room in Building 5 or 6 on an upper floor, facing away from the main pool to avoid the DJ noise. Please ensure the AC has been recently serviced.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach white sand?
No. It is volcanic dark sand, which can get very hot. The water is calm but not the crystal-clear turquoise of the Caribbean.
Is it safe to swim in the ocean?
Yes, the bay is generally calm and swimmable, but watch out for stingrays (shuffle your feet).
How far is the airport?
Liberia (LIR) is about 90 minutes away. San Jose (SJO) is a brutal 4-5 hour drive—do not fly into SJO.
Is the Preferred Club worth it?
Consensus says no. The 'exclusive' areas aren't strictly policed, and the lounge food is just a smaller version of the buffet.
Are there hidden fees?
Generally no for direct bookings, but third-party bookings (like RCI) may trigger a ~$25/stay resort fee. Romantic dinners cost $150+.
Is the resort closing?
Yes. It closes July 2025 for a full renovation and will reopen as a JW Marriott in Spring 2026.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Coco Cafe' is the only place to get decent coffee; the buffet coffee is watery sludge.
- ✨
Monkeys are most active in the trees near Building 2 and 3 in the early morning.
- ✨
You can kayak for free in the bay—ask the water sports hut early before they run out of gear.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Jungle View' is often just a view of a dry, brown hill during the dry season (Dec-April).
💡The pizza at the poolside grill is universally reviled—stick to the nachos.
💡There is no town within walking distance; you are captive to resort pricing.
💡The 'adults-only' pool is often invaded by kids because staff rarely enforce the rule.
💡The drive to the resort involves a final stretch of bumpy, winding road that can induce motion sickness.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica is located and what's nearby.