Costa Rica, Spring 2017, Part 2
Greetings all! Sorry for the delay on Part 2. I’ll blame an overly active travel agenda and copious domestic demands that burned through the better part of a week.
This post will focus on various updates regarding lodging and eating establishments. I hope you will enjoy.
J&J
JW Marriott, Guanacaste
Now that our week has come to a close, it seemed appropriate to share some observations and comments.
First, accommodations. It seems most rooms, with the exception of a variety of suites, are more or less the same size, most with either a pool view, an ocean view or both. So a king room is the same size as a room with two doubles. The latter room came as a bit of a surprise since the rooms appeared large enough to accommodate the incrementally larger queen beds instead of the cramped double beds (at least for most adults).
You can see from the photos, a wonderfully large bathroom with a large soaking tub and an assortment of towels and goodies within easy reach. There is a comfortable stall shower with dual water options, a telescoping panel that allows for either privacy or a full view of the terrace and view beyond.
All rooms also have an over sized terrace with a table and chairs along with a settee, side table and a lap blanket. The balconies also come equipped with multiple speed ceiling fans and a retractable wall to wall, floor to ceiling perforated mesh screen that keeps bugs and birds at bay.
Food options were somewhat disappointing at the hotel. While there were several options available, i.e. Steakhouse, Italian, Asian, and poolside, much of the offerings were limited or repeated on many menus. The breakfast offerings, however, were extensive and satisfying with a wide choice of baked goods, juices, fruits, an egg station and all the usual morning goodies. Much to our surprise, the room service menu was also quite extensive and the food quality very good.
The bar service, as you might expect, was very good, plenty of staff and stations at hand to satisfy the large number of guests during peek service hours.
And speaking of service, the staff were well trained seasoned professionals. There were a couple of bad eggs. I will share that shortfall with the hotel directly in due time.
Eateries
Green Papaya Taco, #40, 50309, Corona Street, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
This cozy and casual taco bar is slightly off the main drag but has a loyal following of customers. There is an air conditioned inside space and a popular outside space with swings. But it is the quality of the ingredients that makes the food shine. Portions are generous and prices are very reasonable.
Nari Pizza and Pasta, Calle Central, Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, Tamarindo 50309, Costa Rica
This pizza and pasta restaurant is on the main street of Tamarindo serving excellent wafer thin pizzas and authentic pastas. We also liked their bruschetta and salads. The pizzas are cooked in a wood burning oven. There is a small air conditioned room downstairs but most tables are open air. The large upstairs area is popular in the evenings. Beer, wine and a full bar are available.
Walter’s Place, Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica
This popular beach restaurant serves more customers on the beach than inside. It is very popular around sunset and hosts excellent live music evenings. We stopped for cocktails and nachos that were excellent. The main courses we saw from the kitchen looked great but we already reserved a table elsewhere. Next time!
Volcano Brewing Company, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
This is another popular beach front restaurant with a very popular bar. Cocktails, wine and beer are served inside or out (mostly out). The food was delicious, moist roast chicken with crispy skin, awesome soft or crispy tacos filled with your choice of ingredients. Again, very reasonable prices.
Beach Box, Playa Avellenas, Costa Rica (sorry, no picture)
Hands down, this was our favorite spot for tacos and burritos. This tiny beach side cafe served killer tacos, burritos, chips and salsa, fresh fruit juices and ice cold beer. It’s a bit off the beaten path but worth the rough road ride.
Last but not least…what could be better than the sheer joy of being with the ones we love?!
Awesome review! Covered all the bases.
You are wonderful, telling me about all the tasty places on the beach. Here we sit in the desert and we are still trying to findTHE TACO PLACE!
D. says:
April 22, 2017 at 6:18 pm
You are wonderful, telling me about all the tasty places on the beach. Here we sit in the desert and we are still trying to findTHE TACO PLACE!
REPLY
I’m salivating! I want you to adopt me. You guys have such fun wherever you are. It must be love. Xoxox
Family, beach, beer and tacos! Perfect!