Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica reviews
5113 TripAdvisor reviews
Beautiful setting but don’t expect a pool side lounger
anthonyvevans1954 on Mar 23, 2024
A lovey site, well maintained and rooms clean and tidy. The food and drinks were ok The pool area spoiled our experience due to the reserving of beds. In our five days not once were we able to sit around the pool. There were some loungers in the garden but there were no mobile parasols so we could not sit there. Disappointing end to our holiday
Lovely peaceful vacation
Scenic768552 on Mar 22, 2024
We spent 5 nights at Secrets and would highly recommend it. We did a lot of research before booking and have pretty high standards when it comes to places like this so we were very pleased overall. The staff was amazing and fully anticipated our needs with a very fast response to everything. There are nice views and the resort is clean and a lot of the spaces felt private. It's not very walkable since it's spread out and a lot of it is uphill but the 27/7 vans to transport are very timely and easy to get and the drivers are happy to provide tips about the area. We changed rooms because the original room was in the middle of the resort and faced the main pool area so the evening entertainment sounds at the bar were very loud and from 7-11pm. They happily changed our room to a much more quiet area (room 459) and were very happy after that. We had requested a quiet area when originally making the reservation but this didn't really help since it can't be promised at that time. If quiet is important to you then tell them at the hotel itself, not just the reservation line and I'd recommend calling a couple of days early to make sure it's being handled. The beach is nice and we liked that there was a main pool/beach area and a quiet pool/ each area (where we spent most of our time). The only complaint I had was that there are not enough chairs if the hotel is busy so I had to get up earlier than I'd have liked and take a van to the beach to reserve chairs. This seemed extremely unnecessary because there is plenty of room for more. Several guests indicated frustration about this and it was the only thing that added any 'stress' (if you can use that word in relation to a beach chair) during our stay. Overall I'd still go back to this resort as everything else far exceeded our expectations. It was a great time and we left very relaxed, happy, and impressed with the food, drinks, service, and overall experience.
secrets papagayo
Liane F on Mar 22, 2024
we had an excellent time at secrets papagayo, the best bartender is eduardo at the rendezvous bar in the lobby. that guy knows how to make a proper drink. all the staff we very friendly and helpful we saw a lot of wildlife just walking around the resort. definitly got some exercise this vacation. great experience
Underwhelmed, Tired & dated.
pwill64 (wales) on Mar 21, 2024
Did not live up to expectations. Food, the main buffet (Market Grill) little to no food cooked in front of you (as in other hotels), it was mostly served in food warmers. If you look around its in dire need of updating. The curtains are dirty, the planters are dirty & falling apart, the floor needs a deep clean. The desert cart has seen better days & all the deserts are bought in. Service was hit & miss, Cristian was by far the most professional waiter there. They clearly have not received any formal training. Staff help themselves to food & drinks, I witnessed this on several occasions. The Italian & Thai restaurants keep people waiting when there are empty tables, they don't seem to be able to clear tables & serve. They seem to wait for people to leave then clear several tables, regardless of how many people waiting for tables. There is a lack of places to sit in the evenings to relax with people resorting to sitting on the poolside sunbeds, we ended up going back yo our room after dinner. There is only 1 main bar & a bar at the Sugar Reef both by the pool so will only serve drinks in plastic glasses. The music at the pool was repetitive with garage music blasting most afternoons, even tho the average age was over 50's. The beach area was unloved by the Hotel even tho it was a lovely beach, very few sunbed & no umbrellas. The sunbeds had padded cushions that were badly stained & the umbrella bases were filthy. The wait for the bus is hit & miss & the walk to the top rooms (room numbers >400) is very steep. Our room was lovely, clean & the air con was great. The mini bar is basic, the hairdryer is fine & there was a good clothes steamer. I left my phone & camera in the room charging one morning & room service left me a note to say its not acceptable to leave valuable items in the room & to put them in the safe. We made the best of our week, we have been to other Secrets resorts but would not recommend or return to this one. Costa Rica is amazing tho, spent a whole week touring, staying in 5 different hotels before arriving at Secrets Papagayo.
We’ll be back
Colleen H on Mar 20, 2024
Our first time here. Yes, it is hilly. My husband loved the workout. I’m waiting for a knee replacement and found the transportation largely timely, and the drivers always friendly and helpful. The food here is outstanding. The best we’ve had at any Secrets ( we’ve been to two others in Mexico and a Zoetry). The people are also outstanding: many thanks to Ely and Omar with UVC; Maria and Mauricio at breakfast and lunch; Erick and Yesner; Armando; Benali and Jose around the pool; Ricardo (waiter) and Ricardo (chef); Naidy; Efrain; Leonadis; Jennifer. Special shout out to Claudia at the spa; and to Henry at the pool bar. To paraphrase Billy Joel, “ Henry at the bar is a friend of ours, he gets us our drinks for free, he’s quick with a joke and we don’t smoke, and there’s no where else he’d rather be!” Muchos gracias! Pura vida