Costa Rica, Guanacaste, Occidental Allegro Papagayo

My husband and I just got back from Guanacaste on an Apple Vacation. We have taken several Apple Vacations in the past and have NEVER been disappointed! This vacation was absolutely no different! I read the reviews before we left Ohio and was just a little hesitant but we went with an open mind and were never unhappy from the moment we stepped off the plane. Our driver picked us up at the airport and took us to the hotel - about a half hour ride. We were very tired from traveling most of the day but when we woke up to sunshine and 90 plus degree days, it was definitely going to be fantastic. We went the first day to sign up for the Italian restaurant and waited until Sunday to sign up for the Mexican. The other two evenings we ate in the main buffet. The employees in the buffet were always smiling and helpful with aqua and wine or any other drink suited your interest. The pool was cleaned every day and so were are rooms. The room was a superior room overlooking the pool. The people we met were from Canada, Argentina, Minnesota and Arizona. We hope to keep in touch with the couple from Arizona...

Overall, my husband and I enjoyed our stay here.

Positive: Excellent food, service, and day trip options

Negative: Our room got flooded out 2 nights, due to heavy rain storms - do not get a ground-level hotel room!

On arrival at the resort after a long flight from Scotland. My wife and I were met by a wave of friendlness by the manager super ? Mario and his staff which set the tone for the next two wks. Nothing was to much trouble our rooms were bright, clean, well maintained etc. The gardens were immaculate too. There was wildlife everywhere in abundance. The restaurants and including the themed ones were well presented. The meals and snacks went from exotic to plain and at times mouthwatering. We liked the swim up bar and sampled the entire cocktail list just for research of course! All the staff were friendly. We went on seven excursions taking in a lot of Costa Rica, including live volcanoes, rainforests, etc. The guides who took us on these trips knew their stuff inside out . Would we go again? you bet!....... Costa Rica was good value for money.

Everyone was so friendly, even all the other guests and the staff did everything to make you enjoy everything about your stay! I will definitely be going back as soon as I can

In my opinion several issues described above need to be addressed to bring it any where near the standard of Riu Hotels which are superb. I would not recommend.

Swiss Travel that has an office at this resort was fantastic. The tours, especially the evening bull riding, cultural dancing, dinner event was wonderful. We even got to learn some traditional Costa Rican dances.

Our tour guide was fantastic. A biologist and university professor, he was knowledgeable and kind. Patient considering all the questions we asked.

It was a pleasant stay at the Guanacaste, Occidental Allegro Papagayo..

Although there was no bath in the room, only a shower and the food was excellent..

Was really let down from arrival to departure throughout the trip. I would never go here again.

Our group of 11 on our pre-announced arrival was greeted by a counter staff that was rude and unhappy that we all arrived 40 minutes before check in time and while we waited were told by the bar staff that they hear that a lot.

When we finally got to our room we found it still in it's "used" state from the last guests and were told we had to go back up the hill to reception for another room and when I say up the hill, I mean up the hill it's got to be a 10% winding grade and is a work out especially with luggage.

When I went to the Manager directly he was attentive and solved the problem immediately. We did come across many great individuals but overall it just seemed like a bad cruise the food was blah and entertainment was blah.

Did a 1/2 day fishing tour caught Dorado and 1 rooster, the sunset cruise which sucked when we were offered free liquor but had to buy beer for a negotiated price starting at $6 US and the ATV tour..

Charlie's Adventures runs the best operation (shame they don't run the hotel).Great staff that made fishing and ATVs awesome but the sunset cruise leaves alot to offer.

Bottom line if your getting a good deal and getting the rate on the cheap go, you can do other stuff outside the hotel but if your looking for a quality experience look elsewhere.

I had my wedding at Allegro Papagayo on February 8th, 2006 with my 'husband'.

When we arrived the wedding was planned, the day day before the wedding we were advised we had no photographer all of a sudden. because of this we had a friend take photo's, although they were not professional quality.

At the dinner we did not receive a wedding cake, as was also in our agreement and part of our payment.

On top of all this we were advised during the ceremony by the lawyer that married us that we would soon receive our wedding certificate. One and a half years later, many guest services co-ordinators and general assistants, and a huge run a around later, I was advised by the most recent general assistant that we should just get married here in Canada as they cannot get our license from the original lawyer who married us.

If this isn't bad enough, we never received one phone call back after making many expensive calls there, we rarely received an email back and when I enquired as to getting just the wedding portion of our vacation back ($1200 US), all communication halted completely. Even though we were not requesting anything huge such as a refund for the forty people that stayed at the resort with us to see us getting married!

So I will not recommend this hotel to any of my friends, family, co-workers, etc. I am saddened and disheartened by the treatment I received by the staff and hotel (since staying there), and the lack of response I have received from anyone working at or for this hotel. All I would like is a refund to get re-married legally, and get on with my married life.

I would not recommend this place to anyone. Next time I will pay extra to stay at the 4 Seasons or Villa Sol in Condovac, the beach is also much nicer in Villa Sol.