Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in Costa Rica [In-Depth Hotel Review]

^{The author stayed as an invited guest of Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort. All opinions are the author’s own, and Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort had no input in any part of this review.}

The last time I visited Costa Rica, I stayed in the Guanacaste province at the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, one of my favorite hotels worldwide. I enjoy the country’s Pacific coast because of its great biodiversity, tropical rainforests, national parks, and unspoiled beaches.

This time, my goal was to visit Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, venturing further south of the Guanacaste region and closer to the capital city of San José. I spent 2 nights at Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in the coastal town of Herradura, which is just a short drive from the famed party town of Jaco and the popular surf beach town of Playa Hermosa.

Let’s look at my 2-night stay at Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in June 2024 to get a sense of what you can expect when you arrive.

Booking Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort

The family-friendly Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort features 201 spacious rooms and suites that were newly remodeled in 2019. The resort’s accommodations all feature balconies with rainforest, garden, or ocean views, though some have a Juliet balcony.

I had the opportunity to visit the resort as part of a media stay, but I researched dates for each month of the year and discovered reasonable cash rates for this hotel. Rates begin at $146 per night for 2 guests during off-peak dates and just north of $300 per night during peak seasons.

Families or groups of up to 4 people should budget somewhat more for a room. Nonrefundable, prepaid rates start at $205 per night for a room with 2 double beds.

If you prefer to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points, plan to spend between 30,000 and 60,000 per night for a stay at Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, depending on when you’re visiting.

If you’re paying cash rates, try using one of our recommended credit cards for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists to earn more points on your hotel expenses.

Hot Tip:

If you’re a cardholder of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card or Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card, you could take advantage of Marriott’s 35,000-point and 50,000-point free night certificates to book a stay at Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort when rates are high. If your certificate doesn’t cover the total amount, you can always top it off with up to 15,000 points to redeem for a free night’s stay.

Resort Fee

The nightly rate has a $30 resort fee which includes:

• 1 eco tour at La Iguana Golf Course
• 1 professional digital photograph per stay
• 15 minutes of free long-distance calls (U.S. and international)
• 2 tennis rackets and basketball (for 2 hours)
• 30 minutes of use each of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bicycles
• Daily use of campfire with marshmallows
• Floats for pools
• Golf practice range with clubs and 2 baskets of balls
• High-speed internet
• Use of tennis courts (for 2 hours)
• Valet parking — 1 car per room

Location of Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort

Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is on Playa Herradura, a serene beach with tranquil waters along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Herradura is the nearest seaside town to San José, making it a popular vacation destination for both locals and visitors from the U.S. and other countries.

Travelers arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, the country’s largest and busiest airport (and closest to Los Suenos), can make the 59-mile journey to the resort by car or taxi. Typically, getting to the resort from SJO takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. If you’re flying into Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR), the journey will take a bit longer, typically around 2.5 hours.

Given the distance between both airports and the resort, most guests rent a car, hire a taxi, or prebook a private transfer. The cost for a taxi from SJO to the resort can range from $110 to $150, depending on the traffic conditions.

If you want to experience the best of what Costa Rica offers, a must-visit destination is the Manuel Antonio National Park. Just a short hour’s drive from the resort, this incredible park allows you to immerse yourself in lush rainforests and encounter a wide variety of wildlife, such as monkeys, sloths, and toucans.

The hotel’s location is perfect for those seeking adventure and exploration, as well as those looking for rest and relaxation.

There are plenty of activities and attractions both on the premises and in the nearby towns. Travelers can embark on a fun hike, engage in thrilling adventure activities such as horseback riding and zip lining, or simply relax on Playa Herradura at the property or in one of the charming beach towns nearby.

Checking In

I arrived at the resort in the early afternoon and passed through the guard gate.

Upon entering the vast grounds of the resort and navigating the winding roads, I eventually reached the prominent Marriott sign marking the entrance.

Upon pulling up, I instantly noticed the open-air concept throughout the entryway that led out to the rest of the property.

I couldn’t help but take in the resort’s Spanish Colonial architecture and welcoming faces, even though I had only just arrived.

The resort resembled a sprawling hacienda more than a big chain hotel.

I didn’t have to wait long to be checked in, as a courteous front desk member greeted me as I approached the front desk.

As is common when checking into a hotel outside of the U.S., I was asked for my passport and a credit card for incidentals. After processing my check-in, the representative went over the resort essentials and showed me the various spaces from the lobby area, pointing out the restaurants, pool, and beach.

My room was on the fourth floor, the highest in the hotel, so I rode the elevator directly from the lobby on the second floor to the top floor and made my way to my room.

Room

Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort comprises 201 rooms and suites that provide views of the ocean, garden, or rainforest. Each room is equipped with either a Juliet balcony or a small balcony.

If I were traveling with my wife and daughters, the 1-bedroom suite that I was assigned would have been ideal, as it was large and had a separate living room that could be used to partition the space.

Additionally, it was equipped with a half bath, which would be incredibly convenient when traveling with kids.

The room was decorated in the same Spanish Colonial style as the rest of the hotel, with a mix of earthy colors that complemented the wooden furniture.

Living Room

In the living room, a futon served as both a sitting and sleeping space. The futon didn’t transform into a sofabed but could be made comfortable with sheets and a pillow to provide an extra sleeping area. Rollaway beds were also available.

There was a small dining table and a sideboard in the living room.

The sideboard had a coffee machine, coffee pods, sugar, and mugs on it.

Some rooms have a minibar with a variety of drinks (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and snacks available for purchase, but my room did not.

Most room types include a snack bar and beverages for purchase.

The suite featured decorative elements crafted by talented local artisans, showcasing various facets of Costa Rican culture. For instance, the bedroom and living room were adorned with beautifully crafted handmade hammocks, adding a distinctive touch to the room. I couldn’t resist taking some time to unwind and relax in them.

In the living room, a wall-mounted television and a coffee table were positioned right in front of the futon.

My room boasted 2 spacious balconies, complete with lounge chairs and a swing seat, offering breathtaking ocean views.

From there, I could also take in the panorama of the hotel’s expansive pool and the mountains in the distance.

Bedroom

The bed was comfy, with a range of pillows to suit my preferences.

The only concern I had in the bedroom was the placement of the AC vent.

While I enjoy a cold hotel room, I prefer that the vents not be directly in my face when I’m lying in bed. Whoever designed this probably did not test the AC while lying on the bed first.

The presence of USB outlets on the nightstands on both sides of the bed provided a high level of convenience for charging multiple devices.

A desk inside the bedroom provided extra outlets for charging, plus a nice space to work and an additional television.

The room contained 2 huge closets, 1 with a robe, an umbrella, and a safe.

Master Bathroom

The main bathroom was incredibly spacious, featuring a tub in the center beside the separate toilet stall.

The shower’s green mosaic tile was visually stunning, and having both a rainshower head and handheld option added convenience. However, I couldn’t help but feel let down by the lackluster water pressure.

A double vanity sink in the main bathroom was big enough for 2 or more people to get ready for the day.

Bathroom toiletries were sourced from La Boticá, a candle and fragrance studio based in New York City.

Additional Room Types

I also got to take a glance at a few non-suite rooms and was impressed by the generous sizes. The rooms were furnished with a single closet, spacious desk area, single TV, and a comfortable couch.

The resort featured 13 swim-up adults-only rooms with a semi-private pool shared among multiple rooms.

These rooms offered a range of exclusive perks, such as a floating breakfast served daily, complimentary beach hats for guests to enjoy, and generous discounts at the spa.

Amenities

The resort offered a wide range of amenities for guests. Although there was a $30 resort fee, the many useful amenities provided more than justified the cost.

Pools

The resort had 2 pools available to guests.

Each pool had a unique size and purpose.

The main pool was a massive, interconnected resort pool with sections divided by bridges and tunnels.

It featured a small kiddle pool, perfect for younger guests.

Guests could enjoy personal space in this beautifully designed pool that was shaped like a lazy river.

There were various pool activities, but there was always the option to simply relax and unwind in one of the many comfortable chairs offered.

Poolside food and beverages were available from ZOE, one of the on-site restaurants.

There were sunscreen stations all throughout the pool deck for guests to lather up freely.

The other pool on the property was smaller with a more peaceful atmosphere. It was on the Marriott Vacation Club side of the resort, conveniently close to the larger pool.

However, if you prefer some privacy and want to avoid the crowds, this pool offers a secluded option.

The pools were open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Beach

With “Ocean & Golf” in the resort name, you might notice it doesn’t promise a beach. While Playa Herradura offered a calm beach on-site, it was rocky with black sand and more suited for activities such as paddleboarding or fishing than swimming or lounging around.

While the beach wasn’t great for swimming and unwinding, the resort encouraged guests to pick up waste as part of its commitment to conservation. Costa Rican beaches are public and sometimes attract trash.

Guests could do a good deed and toss beach waste in the resort’s turtle-shaped trash bin.

Guests who wanted to spend time in the sand or learn how to surf could go to nearby Playa Jaco or drive 20 minutes to Playa Hermosa, which literally translates to “Beautiful Beach.” Playa Hermosa is known for its beautiful waters and reputation as a renowned beach that hosts international surfing events.

While the resort didn’t provide chairs or umbrellas directly on the beach, guests could use lounge chairs in the sand just off the pool area facing the beach.

Cabanas were also available for extra privacy.

Private cabanas were available for as little as $100 per day.

Kids Club and Playground

I realized early on that Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is a great place for kids, but it wasn’t clear to me how kid-friendly it was until I saw the kids club and playground.

The kids club was in its own building next to the kiddie pool. It was filled with a ton of toys and books with tables set up for arts and crafts and other activities.

Kids from 4 to 11 could get dropped off at the kids club during scheduled activities. Outside of scheduled activities, kids had to be accompanied by an adult.

Water toys were also available to borrow from the kids club and take to the pool.

For the big kids, there was a soccer field and sand volleyball court to enjoy some sporting events.

To add to that, there was miniature golf, and kids could ask the staff for a club and balls.

For the big kids, there was a foosbol table, ping-pong table, and other activities to remain occupied.

Every afternoon, kids could roast marshmallows on the fire pit and enjoy a movie at the kids club.

There was also a fantastic outdoor playground complete with sand for the little ones to enjoy when they needed a break from the indoor kids club.

The resort’s entertaining M Passport program for children was the cherry on top. Children could pick up a passport at the front desk or kids club and receive stamps in their passports for each activity completed at the resort.

Among the prizes kids could win were toys, slushies, milkshakes, gelato, and chicken fingers. The more stamps they acquired, the bigger the prizes. This would be a big hit with my daughters.

Experience Center

Guests had the option to rent bicycles, kayaks, or paddleboards from the Experience Center, which was directly across from the main pool and in front of the kids club. The rentals were included in the resort fee.

This was also where guests could arrange excursions, including nature tours, zip-lining, and rent Jet Skis.

Spa

Sibö Rainforest Spa & Retreat offered a wide range of massage and body treatments, including massages, couples massages, facials, and body scrubs.

Guests with Gold Elite status or higher in the Marriott Bonvoy program could enjoy the spa’s amenities, such as the steam room, sauna, and Jacuzzi, even without booking a spa treatment.

Having access to some of the spa’s amenities is a great perk for resort guests who aren’t paying for a spa treatment.

Sibö Rainforest Spa & Retreat was open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily, and appointments are required for services.

Fitness Center

The resort’s fitness center was conveniently located inside the Sibö Rainforest Spa & Retreat.

The facility offered a wide range of equipment, including free weights, elliptical machines, and cardio equipment.

Although the area inside the fitness center is not overly spacious, it was still adequate to comfortably exercise without bumping into others.

The fitness center was open every day of the week, 24 hours a day.

Golf

If you play golf, you’re in luck here because the resort features one of Costa Rica’s finest golf courses. La Iguana Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course that is a visual feast. The Ted Robinson-designed layout presents a challenge to both experts and novices.

I took an eco-tour around the golf course, and some of the holes were magnificent, with sounds and sights of exotic birds, sloths, and monkeys aplenty.

Rates vary, but as a resort guest, you are likely to pay between $139 and $179 for a round of golf, depending on the time of year and your tee time.

Eco-Tour

Every day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., guests could join a guided eco-tour on golf carts. This 1-hour eco-tour took guests around the rainforest on golf carts along the golf course’s path.

The eco-tour guide paused at spots where species such as sloths, toucans, anteaters, and monkeys could be found and provided context for them.

At the end of the tour, I was surprised to learn that it was included in the resort fee because it was an experience I would have expected to pay for. I’m glad it was complimentary.

Parking

Parking was included in the resort fee. Guests could self-park or take advantage of the complimentary valet service.

Wi-Fi

The Wi-Fi speeds during my stay were more than enough to accomplish work tasks and enjoy streaming content on both my phone and laptop.

Although it wasn’t the quickest, it was completely satisfactory and functioned well enough to be productive.

Food and Beverage

There were 7 indoor and outdoor dining venues at the resort with something for everyone’s taste. Beyond the on-site eateries, there were plenty of options within a 10-minute drive to the lively beach town of Jaco or a short stroll from the resort to the adjacent marina.

Hacienda Kitchen

Hacienda Kitchen is the resort’s signature restaurant, serving authentic Costa Rican cuisine.

Breakfast and dinner were offered here, which is where I ate breakfast every morning.

Guests can opt to sit at one of the poolside tables or inside in the air conditioning.

The buffet included an omelet station and some local favorites such as gallo pinto, Costa Rican rice, and beans.

An impressive spread of bagels, breads, and other baked treats was in the center of the buffet area.

Every morning, I enjoyed a delicious breakfast of fresh sliced mango and papaya.

I also had a made-to-order omelet with some guacamole on top.

Guests can anticipate a cost of around $30 for the buffet unless it’s included in their rate or they hold a Platinum Elite status or higher with the Marriott Bonvoy program. The breakfast buffet for kids 6 to 12 is about $12, and kids 6 and under are complimentary.

Hacienda Kitchen serves breakfast from 6:30 to 11 a.m. and dinner from 5 to 10 p.m.

ZOE

ZOE offers Mediterranean food with a Costa Rican twist.

ZOE is just beside the pool and overlooks Herradura Bay. The restaurant houses the swim-up bar, and guests who order meals from their pool lounger will receive it from ZOE.

I had a delicious ceviche with flattened and fried green plantain pieces as my appetizer, followed by fried octopus and calamari for lunch. Both were quite good.

This casual restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner seasonally, features a selection of fresh seafood, excellent ceviche, cocktails, and an outdoor casual setting.

ZOE is open daily for snacks and lunch from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bar Ocho

Bar Ocho is the resort’s take on the American sports bar, with indoor and outdoor seating.

On my first evening at the resort, I ate dinner at Bar Ocho because the restaurant had TV screens throughout, and I wanted to watch some Copa América soccer.

Guests can sit outside and marvel at the ocean views from the restaurant’s terrace, or they can sit inside where it’s a little cooler on steamy evenings.

I sat inside and ordered the fish tacos to go with fresh pineapple juice. The tacos were adequate but not particularly memorable. However, I liked the sports bar ambiance because I wanted something informal and quick.

Bar Ocho is available for late lunch and dinner every day from 2 to 10 p.m.

Casa del Café

Casa del Cafe is the resort’s 24-hour coffee shop, providing a variety of grab-and-go treats such as pastries, sandwiches, salads, and fresh coffee. During the mid-afternoon, I decided to stop by for a latte, which was priced at $4.

Guests who prefer a light breakfast or need to fuel up before an early tour or excursion can stop by and grab a quick croissant and a cup of coffee to start their day off right.

The coffee shop also had a gift shop for picking up souvenirs or gifts to bring home.

18 & Greene

The resort’s upscale steakhouse, 18 & Greene, is next to the golf pro shop and offers stunning views of the well-kept golf course.

The steakhouse offers various cuts of beef, as well as fish dishes and traditional side dishes.

18 & Greene is only open on weekends from Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visiting during the week, I didn’t get a chance to dine there.

Diverso

Diverso, the resort’s sushi restaurant, is conveniently right in front of the check-in desk. Guests can enjoy live music on select evenings and indulge in fresh sushi from the sushi bar.

Diverso’s dinner service is available every night from 6 to 9 p.m.

La Panga

La Panga is the resort’s twist on Latin American street food served from a food truck in front of the Marriott Vacation Club pool. Guests can order Latin American street cuisine classics such as Argentine Choripán and Venezuelan empanadas.

I love street cuisine and food trucks, but unfortunately, La Panga was closed during my stay. Check with the front desk to see when it is open; there were no indicators of operating days or hours when I looked.

Room Service

For my final evening, I decided to stay in and order room service while I took care of some work and watched sports.

I chose the seabass and a burger from the room service menu, conveniently accessible by scanning the QR code on the resort’s TV channel. The room service food was exceptional, and I was pleasantly surprised by how good the meal was, making it the highlight of my stay.

The food was delivered piping hot and fresh, and the service was quick and efficient.

Service

Costa Rica is known for its frequent use of the phrase “Pura Vida” in everyday conversations. This phrase conveys a positive outlook on life, emphasizing gratitude and happiness. The staff at Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort truly embodies the essence of exceptional service not just through this phrase, but their actions as well. Everywhere you go in the resort, you’ll find the same warm hospitality and friendliness from the staff.

Final Thoughts

Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is a stunning property enveloped by the lush rainforest and is the nearest coastal resort area to San José. The resort maintains its Spanish Colonial style and Costa Rican heritage, which was evident in the open spaces throughout the property as well as in the design of all the rooms and suites.

The resort’s prime location serves as an ideal starting point for exploring renowned national parks, including Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s also convenient to world-class beaches, including Playa Hermosa, and offers guests easy access to a plethora of adventure activities such as surfing, rainforest tours, zip-lining, hiking, and much more.

Whenever I return to Costa Rica, I’ll likely visit the Guanacaste province. However, if I happen to be in the San José area, I will definitely opt to stay at Los Suenos again.