Where to Book Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, an Autograph Collection...:
Booking.com
Hotels.com
Expedia.com
What’s Special About This Resort
There’s no better choice for this category than Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, an all-iclusive resort that literally describes itself as entertainment-themed. It’s well-executed, too, finding a surprisingly satisfying balance of serene Costa Rican nature and a-list experiences.
It’s perched on a hill above Culebra Bay, right at the base of the Papagayo Peninsula. That gives it exceptional views, easy access to diving and watersports, and convenient placement among lush greenery. Watersports, kids splash zones, daytime and nighttime entertainment, and much more make sure everyone is entertained all the time, while a lovely spa is perfect for the opposite kind of day.
Off-property adventures and idyllic beaches are other options to enjoy in between star-studded dining and accommodations fit for celebrities.
The all-inclusive experience of Planet Hollywood Costa Rica includes all à-la-carte and buffet dining as well as all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinking. Non-motorized water sports, fun events, and lots of other Hollywood-inspired amenities are other benefits.
Things we like:
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Great location on the Papagayo Peninsula and just 30 minutes from the airport
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Hollywood entertainment theme incorporated in every touch of the resort
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Daytime and nighttime resort-led shows, themes, games, and performances, plus a sports bar-night club
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Peaceful, scenic swimming pools and kid’s splash zone
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Star Class upgrade makes it possible to access even more exclusive areas and benefits
Things we don't like:
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The service here can be quite slow and inattentive when the resort is busy, even if you upgrade to Star Class
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Different restaurants open on different days, making dining more complicated
Where to Book Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, an Autograph Collection...:
Booking.com
Hotels.com
Expedia.com
➞ What to Do
As an entertainment-themed resort, it shouldn’t be hard to find something to do at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica. There’s a small beach area with watersports equipment available to take, like stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. Two swimming pools on the hillside have stunning views of the bay, and there’s an additional pool exclusively for Star Class guests.
But that’s not all. The entertainment team is always hosting some kind of game, class, performance, or show by the pool or elsewhere, day and night. Kids have their own versions, including acting classes – an idea you probably won’t find at other Costa Rica resorts, and one very appropriate for this one!
Scuba introduction lessons are offered in the pool, and certified guests can easily plan a dive in the waters of and around Culebra Bay. Ziplining, river floating, hiking, and all kinds of other backcountry activities can be done from here.
In the evenings, your room’s TV is equipped with all the best Hollywood blockbusters, the latest entertainment industry news, and even kid-specific content. But if you’d rather enjoy the warm Costa Rican air, the rooftop firepit with panoramic views is a pretty great alternative, too.
➞ What to Eat & Drink
More than a dozen bars and restaurants are available to guests of Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, and they’re all all-inclusive. The main place to eat is the So Cal Gourmet Food Emporium, offering buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll find the famous flavors of the southern part of the state on the menu, which include influences from Mexican, Korean, and Japanese cuisine, to name a few.
The best alternative for lunch is Guys! Burger Joint, where Guy Fieri brings the best burger flavors he’s found on his hit TV show. Quicker snacks can be found at bars like the Green Room Lounge or Fuel Coffee Co., while there are even more bars around for drinking – like Point Break’s swim-up bar.
Many more options open up for dinner. Blue Star Tex-Mex Cantina is a casual, saloon-style spot famous for fajitas and tequilas. You can see awesome hibachi shows at East Sushi & Teppanyaki Bar, or simply take a few sushi rolls. Gusto Italian Trattoria serves comfort food that everyone loves, and Sunset Strip Steakhouse & Grill pairs high-quality cuts with an extensive list of wines.
Finally, there’s Overtime Sports Bar, which always has a game on the screen or in person – including trivia, billiards, or DJ dance parties. Numerous other Hollywood-themed bars can be found around the resort, including one for Star Class guests only.
➞ Room Guide
Rooms at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica are meant to be fit for A-listers. We agree that they follow through. However, there’s only one room category that isn’t in Star Class, which seriously limits your options if you don’t want to pay for that extra level of service. Either way, accommodations are quality, and many find the upgrade to be worth it.
Junior Suites: This is the only non-Star Class option available. You don’t sacrifice much, as these are about double the size of a typical hotel room, offering one king or two queen beds, plus a lounge area with a sofa bed. Views may be of the gardens or the ocean.
Star Class Junior Suites: The rooms described above can be Star Class for those who want a higher level of service without breaking the bank. Butler service, preferential room locations, priority dining reservations, special lounges and dining, and private pool and beach areas are just a few of the many benefits.
Director’s Suites & Producer’s Suites: Only available in Star Class, these suites may be one or two bedrooms, adding spacious living and dining areas. Jacuzzis, pool tables, and gigantic balconies are some of the extras, depending on which one you choose.
➞ Special Experiences
The wellness amenities of Planet Hollywood Costa Rica can make for excellent special experiences, continuing the careful balance of entertainment and relaxation. Indulge at the PH Spa’s indoor pool or with one of its massage treatments, or take a fitness class like Zumba, Bootcamp, or TRX for something more lively.
If your idea of wellness is out in the Costa Rican jungle, Rincón de la Vieja National Park is the place to find it, and this unbelievable piece of nature is less than 90 minutes away. See exotic wildlife, discover hidden waterfalls, and hike trails ranging from easy to expert-only in this beautiful preserve.
Things we like:
-
Great location on the Papagayo Peninsula and just 30 minutes from the airport
-
Hollywood entertainment theme incorporated in every touch of the resort
-
Daytime and nighttime resort-led shows, themes, games, and performances, plus a sports bar-night club
-
Peaceful, scenic swimming pools and kid’s splash zone
-
Star Class upgrade makes it possible to access even more exclusive areas and benefits
Things we don't like:
-
The service here can be quite slow and inattentive when the resort is busy, even if you upgrade to Star Class
-
Different restaurants open on different days, making dining more complicated
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