Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5524 reviews

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  Fun Blackjack Event

  Edward was amazing! Great experience! Edward was a fun Blackjack dealer and made the event very enjoyable! I would recommend him to anyone looking for solid resort entertainment and an overall pleasant person! Really great time playing Blackjack!

  Feb 19, 2025
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  Tropical Vegas

  The hotel is nestled in a beautiful Pacific bay, rooms built up into the hillside. As we were in the 400's we had to take the shuttle up and down each time, meaning once down by the pool/beach it would take half an hour to go back up and down each time. We couldnt fault the service, cleanliness and standard of the hotel, however, it really wasn't for us. If you want a relaxing beach holiday don't go there! There are two pools; one full on party pool and one relaxing, however, almost impossible to get sunbeds at either unless you are there before 7.30am to put towels down. Why put signs on the beds 'do not reserve' if no-one manages it? There seemed to be plenty of watersports although reports of many people being stung by jellyfish was off-putting for a dip in the sea. There are several restaurants on site, none of which was outstanding, but plenty of choice, and fine for all inclusive. Nowhere else to go in walking distance.

  Feb 18, 2025
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  Bracelet making fun

  Francis was amazing! She first helped me make a bracelet for my wife then she helped me make a bracelet for my 2 daughters! She was super patient with me even when I got it wrong she said just get another drink and take your time! She is FAM! I can’t wait to be back and hang again.

  Feb 18, 2025
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  All around perfection!

  Just an overall amazing vacation experience! Terrific in every way. Make it a quiet and peaceful trip and/or an action packed day full of fun by the pool. Whatever your preference, Secrets Papagayo can provide it. The staff is SO friendly and helpful 24/7.

  Feb 17, 2025
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  It was amazing but it could have been out of this world. It is very hilly!! 4.5/5

  If you want a beach. Do not go here. If you enjoy pools but get up early go here. If you want to see authentic Costa Rica. Go here. Use Frank the Tank for excursions. The beach: Understand that you are on volcanic rock. Also understand that the Costa Rican government owns the beach. The beach here is beautiful but it is not walkable. If you are looking for white sand you will be dissatisfied. There are really no chairs but this is no the essence of this resort. The pool: You need to get up early and get a chair. Not an issue for us. Actually between 6:30 and 7:30am was great. Not too hot and very quiet. Excellent time to unwind and prepare for the wonderful day that would come. Servers were very good and came around often. The entertainment and activities were fine. Pool volleyball is in the wrong place because the water is too deep. It is fun nonetheless. The pool though is fantastic. Restaurants: the Market Cafe was always good. I have read some reviews that state that it is boring and the same thing. Perhaps, but there are so many items. The Specialty restaurants were inconsistent. The Portofino had a new menu and it was not that good. Asian Restaurant was excellent.Expect to invest time at the specialty restaurant. I you do not want to spend the time then use the buffet. Preferred Club: I upgraded to get a better room and that was pretty good. The resort itself is older. You are not going to get shiny and new. Overall experience. I was a little afraid after looking thru the reviews but we enjoyed our time. Make sure you do an excursion and see the glorious countryside. We went thru Frank The Tank and it was simply amazing. Never thought I would see what I saw. Up close to sloths, snakes and dart frogs. Just incredible. The Costa Rican people are incredible. Bottom Line: If you do not enjoy walking steep hills...stay away. (The shuttle drivers were amazing!) If you are always in a hurry stay away. If you are bothered by everything not being perfect stay away. But....if you want to see beauty, see African parrots flying in the wild, iguanas roaming the grounds but not in the pool, being treated wonderfully by the staff (they all were amazing), having good not incredible food at every meal, want a relaxing resort with incredible warm weather and great drinks, visiting a wonderful spa....then go here. We loved the resort. It was an incredible experience and would go back. If they could update the place a little bit and be more consistent with the food it would be a 7 out of 5. Otherwise it is a 4.5 for us.

  Feb 16, 2025