Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica reviews
5905 TripAdvisor reviews
Definitely not what we expected
erika f (maine) on Jan 03, 2026
Definitely not a 5 star as Secrets advertise. 3.5 stars at the most..the resort needs TLC the grounds, the missing tiles in the pool, broken pool bathroom window glass, and taking better care of cleaning it and updating it fixing walls changing door handles. One of the door handles was stuck and people were getting trapped inside till we adressed the issue and they change the knob. the outside of ocean view rooms have overgrown weeds that look so unattractive. Our bathroom shower handle fell of and we were told to turn it to a certain point to stay on, the sliding door corner had a towel in it to prevent the gap between the glass and the frame, the bathroom towels definitely need to be upgraded to a better quality and their house wines should be a better brands as well as serving bottom shelf alcohol for drinks..if you wanna luxury that Secrets advertise for this resort you will be very disappointed as we were..the best thing was the staff and entertainment..they were really good..
Perfect for romantic getaway or with family and friends!
kristi j on Jan 03, 2026
Friendliest and most attentive staff with wonderful, diverse food and great amenities. Perfect for couples or families and friends. Highly recommend!
Secrets Papagayo – A Peaceful Retreat with a Few Shortcomings
mrrobbie (Vienna, Austria) on Jan 03, 2026
**Location & Setting** Secrets Papagayo is beautifully situated in a secluded bay, surrounded by lush tropical greenery and tranquil hillside landscapes. The setting feels intimate and far removed from busy tourist areas, making it an excellent escape for travelers seeking rest and relaxation. A long, gently sloping beach stretches along the property, ideal for leisurely walks or soaking in the peaceful coastal scenery. Since most guests tend to gather around the pool areas, the beach often feels wonderfully quiet — at times almost private — which greatly enhances the sense of serenity. **Atmosphere & Relaxation** The resort offers a calm and unhurried environment that is perfectly suited for those looking to unwind. Whether enjoying the warm ocean breeze or relaxing under the shade of trees, there is a genuine feeling of being immersed in nature. For relaxation-oriented vacations, Secrets Papagayo is certainly a good choice. **Service & Staff** The staff at the resort is exceptionally dedicated and consistently strives to provide warm and attentive service. A few team members truly stood out during our stay. The wonderful lady from the coffee shop deserves special recognition — she treated us daily with delicious coffee and a bright, welcoming smile. Another highlight was Joheidy, whose sincere, friendly personality left a lasting impression on us. Her positive energy and authenticity made every interaction memorable — keep going, girl! **Dining Experience** We spent ten days at the resort, and while the food quality was generally good, the dining selection eventually felt somewhat repetitive. After a longer stay, the variety of available dishes becomes limited, and a bit more culinary diversity would be appreciated to enhance the overall experience for returning or extended-stay guests. **Room Service** Room service, while convenient in theory, did not always meet expectations. On several occasions, the orders we placed were delivered only partially or missing items. Although the staff remained courteous, greater attention to accuracy and consistency would significantly improve this service. **Overall Impression** Overall, Secrets Papagayo offers a peaceful and scenic getaway in a truly beautiful natural setting. The relaxing atmosphere, nearly secluded beach, and outstanding staff hospitality make it a strong choice for travelers seeking tranquility and personal comfort. With a few improvements in dining variety and room service reliability, this resort has the potential to deliver an even more exceptional experience. Unfortunately, the most disappointing incident involved the disappearance of a transparent dental guard from our room — a medical item that is necessary for health reasons. The hotel’s attempts to resolve the situation were limited and rather disheartening. Instead of taking the issue seriously from the beginning, we were offered a bottle of wine with a listed value of €100, which in reality costs only around €5 at purchase price. This gesture felt neither appropriate nor respectful given the circumstances. The hotel has stated that the case will be forwarded to their insurance, and we will see whether the promised reimbursement will actually be fulfilled.
Would not recommend if you are expecting a 5 Star Resort
Axay D on Jan 02, 2026
We just got back from vacationing this resort. I must say this is not a 5 star resort. At best it is a 3.5 star. We booked two rooms for two adults each. During the check-in, they said each room was booked for only one person. We were charged for two people additional, which should have never been the case. The rooms are kind of rundown and needs significant upgrade. They also tricked us into getting into Hyatt Vacation Club program presentation. On top of it, the person who helped us during the check-in as well as who tried to sell us Hyatt Vacation Club membership were very rude. During our stay, they also started doing roof maintenance at 8AM right on the top of the room we were staying and they didn't bother to inform or notify us. This happened two days in a row. All in all, I would avoid this resort. Maybe we had high expectations since we have been to other much nicer resorts at other places.
Even better the second time!
Barb K (London, Canada) on Jan 02, 2026
This was our second visit to Secrets Papagayo, and it was even better than our first visit. We spent the holidays over Christmas and New Years here. The entertainment and evening shows were spectacular, and the fireworks for New Year’s Eve were amazing. The fireworks went on for 12 minutes or so. We loved the food! We experienced excellent service in all restaurants. Staff are friendly and efficient. The Entertainment team made sure everyone was having a great time. The housekeeping was the best we have ever experienced at any resort (our room was always made up first thing in the morning - clean and tidy.). The grounds are stunning and the Spa area is very relaxing. I hope to return one day…staff are like family. Thank for a great two weeks!