Note: I’m currently traveling and may not be able to respond to comments/emails immediately.
Last month, my family stayed at Tulemar Resort in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica (see my review here). Four years ago, we visited a different part of Costa Rica and stayed at Hyatt Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo (see my review here). We had a wonderful time at both resorts with fantastic views, pools, beaches and the “pure vida” vibe. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite because they each have different advantages.
Andaz Papagayo Advantages
- The resort is only 35 minutes from Liberia airport (vs. Tulemar is 3 hours from San Jose airport)
- Andaz has a kids’ club that is included (Tulemar doesn’t have a kids’ club)
- The breakfast buffet at Andaz is out-of-this-world amazing!
- Hotel has complimentary hats, flip-flops, sunscreen, bug spray and afternoon pool treats
- You can use World of Hyatt points to book free rooms at Andaz Papagayo (although the price has gone up significantly since we booked our stay for 15,000 points; current price is 30,000 points during regular season dates)
- The on-site spa is phenomenal, with separate treehouses used for treatment rooms (Tulemar does not have an on-site spa but offers traveling masseuses who will come to your villa)
Tulemar Resort Advantages
- Tulemar offers many villas at various price points with washer/dryer, full kitchens and multiple bedrooms that can fit large families (Andaz resort is mostly hotel rooms with a few suites that are extremely expensive)
- Tulemar includes a personal concierge who books everything for you including dinner reservations, taxis, etc.
- We had access to a hot tub on our balcony (no hot tub access at Andaz pools)
- Resort has complimentary boogie boards, kayaks, paddle boards
- Wildlife is more varied and abundant in Manuel Antonio (sloths, toucans, macaws) vs. Papagayo area
- Tulemar is within walking distance to many restaurants in town (Andaz is not)
- Tulemar has more excursions available nearby the resort and at a cheaper price compared to Andaz
Overall Thoughts
Andaz Papagayo and Tulemar are both fantastic resorts, and there is no clear winner. I’d happily return to either place. For families with smaller kids, I think Andaz Papagayo is the way to go since it’s only 35 minutes from the airport and the resort has a kids’ club. But if you want to see sloths right outside your door, Tulemar is the one to pick.
For those who have stayed at both, what is your opinion?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
@Lynn yes, unfortunately 😢
Those were the days! Great memories on many hotel experiences that just aren’t the same anymore.
@Jan thanks for sharing your feedback on the breakfast. It’s been 4 years since I’ve been there and it was pre-Covid. We got a special deal on the buffet that made it a good deal. My kids still talk about that breakfast buffet! The made-to-order smoothies, baked goods…we feasted!
And Lucy, those are nasty remarks!! I so appreciate this blog!
Yes, I agree the breakfast has changed since Nancy was there 4 years ago, but still good. So much has changed since covid!
@Lucy I’m not sure your argument holds since this post has ZERO affiliate links. What exactly is Nancy trying to sell you?
We try to be balanced and not overhype things needlessly. BTW, I’ve had breakfast at this Andaz (and paid cash for it) and thought it was excellent. Was it the best I ever had? Not really. But it was very, very good. Just my opinion and clearly, some readers disagree. Perhaps my standards are low, but that’s just how I feel.
If you ever met Nancy in person, you would see that she is a genuine individual who truly loves to travel and share her passion with others. Not everything is about clicks, and I really doubt you would be willing to work for what me and Nancy make from this blog. It’s mostly a labor of love for both of us, and it’s very off-putting to see folks chime in with accusations. I’m not being thin-skinned and you are obviously welcome to comment here. Just please try to exercise restraint next time.
“ The breakfast buffet at Andaz is out-of-this-world amazing!”
No offense, but I completely disagree. This is highly subjective, of course, but this is what I noticed when I went there in November: the coffee was disappointing, especially for Costa Rica, the coffee frappes were really poor, the cheese selection at the buffet was poor, and the hot and humid air made it really soggy, the cold cuts looked terrible, for the same reason, so I avoided them, the bread selection was okay, the fruit and juice options were very good, the majority of the other food items were, well, North American (sweet, and of mediocre quality). On top of that, the buffet was quite expensive. The restaurant setting is very nice, the monkeys were cute, and the service was generally good.
Definitely not “out of this world” for this reader, though.
They have to write that something has to be out of this world… so they can generate ad clicks, credit card affiliate clicks, views. To say that any breakfast is out of this world is a pretty shallow statement in itself, but sensationalism sells and keeps these bloggers selling.