This resort is very nice and clean. Most of the staff is very friendly, some will even go out of their way to help you with your needs. The buffet is pretty repetitive but there is a variety of foods, mostly national. Something that shocked us and we've never seen at any other Barcelo Resort is that the tourism at this resort was mostly national. Since Costa Rica is a volcanic country, the sand at the beach is brown and it has some beautiful rocks, but the water is clear. The tours they offer are pretty inexpensive compared to other Barcelo Resorts. The Isla Tortuga, Montezuma Falls and the ATV(4-wheelers) ride are a must do. We also took the Curu tour; is a rain forest tour. This tour I do not recommed, the mosquitoes attack you like they've never eaten, there is a lot of walking involved and all you really see is 3 different kinds of monkey and lots of trees. The 5 hour car and ferry ride is not bad because the driver explains things about the country and you get to ask questions. All drivers are pretty knowledgeable. ADVISE: bring spray for mosquitoes if you travel during their rainy season. Now let's talk TRANSFER; DO NOT book transfer with CAT(the company bookit offers). We paid the $175 per person for 6 of us, almost $1000. THey are the most unprofessional people I've ever had to deal with. Because of them we almost missed our flight back home. They were supposed to pick us up from the resort at 9:00am, at 9:40 we called because they hadn't shown up. They said they will be there at 10:10, at 10:30 I called again. THey said the Ferry broke and they would pick us up at 12:30, they never came, they sent an independent driver who took us to the Ferry and left us there with all our luggage to wait for someone from CAT to show up and pay for our Ferry ride. This person never showed up and when we saw that the Ferry was about to leave we had no other choice than to pay for the Ferry ourselves(something that was included in our original $175). We also had to carry our luggage up 2 long flights of narrow stairs, something that could have been avoided if the driver would have crossed with us in his car. After crossing the bay, again we had to take our luggage down 2 long flights of stairs. Outside there was another independent driver waiting for us. Thank God this guy was very responsible and flew all the way to the airport, if not we would have missed our flight home. All week long we told the different drivers (for tours and other things) about the amount of money we paid CAT and they couln't believe it. They all said the same thing, for half of that money we could've had better service. The guy that saved us from missing our flights works for another company his name is Didier Flores (flotur@ice.co.cr). I will definitely call him on my next visit.

We just returned from Costa Rica, actually at 2:00 this morning, but I wanted to write this while I still have it fresh in my head. My husband and I went there to celebrate our 20th anniversary and after some thinking we decided on Costa Rica. I was warned that this was their rainy season but it seems we lucked out since it only rained at night. The hotel was really nice but a bit remote from everything. You had to drive, a lot and on many bad roads, to see anything, although the hotel had a lot of things on its property. It had the ecologoical park, which was amazing. They also had a casino, which was really, really small (I'll stick to Atlantic City). They had an amazing pool, beach, shows and a few other things. A few things that I have to say about the hotel that's not very nice: check-in was horrendous. We were on line for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The line was insane and totally disorganized. We have stayed in a lot of other countries and a few Barcelo properties and never have we experienced something like this. Also they need more staff; the hotel is Huge, with a capital H. But otherwise, it was great and you are so close to nature it's unbelievable.

Had a very nice stay. The hotel is laid out well and the manicured grounds are lovely and very well maintained. Clean room, nice balcony and AC worked GREAT! Not a lot of English spoken, but enough. Food at buffet was good and had a nice variety. Service was actually better at the buffet than the a la carte restaurant. At the a la carte, seafood was good, steak was a little tough, atmosphere was good. Very quiet during the week, much busier on the weekend. Ticos came in droves for the weekend. Shows every night are in Spanish. The beach is definitely different. A little rocky, then brown sand, but a terrific view and very uncrowded. Plenty of chairs under the shade of palms and beach almond trees. Really enjoyed the peace and quiet of the beach with only the sound of the surf. Lots of wildlife on the property and it has a nature park adjoining it. Lots of Iguanas, big lizards, raccoons, squirrels and birds, including a group of wild Scarlet Mccaws which is the most beautiful bird I've ever seen. If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, a good family location and great scenery, you might just like this place. It also has the biggest swimming pool I've ever seen and it was never crowded and always had available chairs with shade. Pretty sure that we'll go back , it was an excellent value

A wee bit late at writing this review but as the saying goes better late then never. Absolutely no complaints with the Barcelo hotel located in Tambor, Costa Rica. Our holiday (booked through Nolitours) was flawless from start to finish. My suggestion to anyone considering their next vacation here, TAKE THE SMALL PLANE INTO TAMBOR VS. THE FERRY. If its not included in your package its well worth the extra expense. The turbulance mind you can be a bit unsetteling for those with a weak stomach like myself but you soon get over it when you arrive in paradise. Hotel grounds are very well maintained, good size pool ( links of pools with a variety of depths which cater to all ages), and a good selection of food to choose from. Rooms are clean and what you'd expect for a 3-4 star hotel. Air conditioning works well, almost too well. Our room was located next to the nature park at which I suggest to those who like it a little more quiet. I heard through others that it can be a bit loud in the evenings with the disco on site. We also had a hammock which was nice to lounge in with a good book. Wild life is plenty including multi-coloured squirrels, iguannas, raccoons, monkeys, crocodiles (2 we counted), and some of the most beautiful variety of birds on this planet. The buffet is your typical buffet that included a good selection. You can't go wrong with the breakfast so if buffets aren't your style at least give the morning a try. We don't eat seafood so I cannot comment on the ala carte restaurant. We did try the steak house which was so so. My boyfriends steak was awesome, mine a wee bit tough but I've had alot worse! The central bar/snack place (the name has slipped my mind) is great for those afternoon munchies and again a good selection. Try the chicken, fresh & juicy! Don't be disappointed when you see the beach. There are alot of rocks but once you get down to the DARK sand its like walking on silk. Go for a stroll early in the morning, its so peaceful and relaxing. What's also cool is to stand and watch as the plane comes in for a landing, you literally feel as if you need to duck...it's quite funny to watch. There are a few things to do in and around the area but don't expect the hustle and bustle of somewhere like Cancun. Tambor is a wonderful place to get away from it all for a week or two and just relax. Horseback riding, 4 wheelers, zip lines, and snorkling tours are just a few to mention. Overall a fantastic place, pleasant staff, awesome weather, and for sure a hotel we'll be returning to. Yes it helps that I have a son who's lucky to have the opportunity to presently live in Tambor so all the more reason for me to go back. Two thumbs up!