We stayed at the Barcelo end of July through first week in August 2008. We traveled with our 16 year son and 14 year old daughter. We booked through Delta vacations . Swiss tours provided a luxury air conditioned van to and from the hotel. We got to
more +see other hotels along the way.
The hotel resort is an all inclusive. Take the free kayak tour of the actuary and mangroves and eco-walking tour of the beach. Boogie boards are also included .There are fun nightly show family friendly with lots of audience participation. Beautiful landscaping. There are Howler monkeys you hear early in the morning and can be seen munching on the leaves of the trees by the pool and rooms; there is no need to take an outside monkey tour. Very international clientele.Loved to hear all the different languages. A variety of people like singles,families, honeymooners.
Please make effort to speak Spanish with staff as a cultural courtesy.. Most know English since English classes are provided to staff. Please be patient with customer service. Remember you are on vacation and set your selves at a slower relaxed pace. The staff was very friendly and accommodating.
The room was spacious for the four of us .All the toiletries like shampoo conditioner and body gel are in a dispenser in the shower. A beautiful balcony. Listen for the sounds of tropical bird and the waves .Make sure you ask for a room away from the stage for the nightly shows gets very loud.
It rained every day for about 1-2 hours in the late afternoon. It was very refreshing.
The food was served buffet style three meals a day and a snack bar by the pool in between meals. We enjoyed the tropical juices. delicious coffee and super desserts. The buffet consisted of a variety of different international and local dishes. All drinks were included. There is an a la carte restaurant.
The staff was very accommodating to help us celebrate my Husband's birthday. We paid to have them bake a delicious birthday cake. The wait staff sang Happy Birthday and during the show they had him come on stage with another person celebrating their birthday. They each received a bottle of Spanish wine and a souvenir hat.
The kids had plenty to do on the grounds . A pool table by the pool ,giant chess set , tennis court, beach volleyball and soccer.The activities directors organized water aerobics, bingo and you learn the local hotel dance. They want to make sure everyone is happy. The hotel property is private and secure so the kids can wander with Independence.The grounds are nice and flat and easy to walk. The beach constantly changes with the tides.
There are about 5 different tours groups on the grounds of the hotel. Visit each one because they offer different prices for different excursions.. You can negotiate between them . You also can get better deals if you pay in American currency. Bring small denominations such as $1,$5. and $10. There is no need to exchange to Costa Rican currency.
We took a Zipline tour. Make sure you do not wear shorts because the harness can be abrasive against bare skin. We had the kids take a Surf lesson in Tamarindo. Be aware of jelly fish after rain storms.
Tamarindo is a $5.00 cab ride about ten minutes from the hotel. It is the main surfing town. There are no paved roads because of the constant construction of condos. It is dusty and smelly town due to the garbage that is left out in outdoor raised wire baskets. We tried to find a place for lunch and were limited to outdoor restaurants. We ate all our meals at the hotel which was dependable and cost effective. There are many overpriced t-shirt and souvenir shops. There are some unique arts and crafts stores.
The hotel has a gift shop,beauty salon,spa,fitness center and very small casino.
The airport has a small restaurant and new gift shop and duty free store.
We had a great family getaway with excitement, relaxation and laughter. We lived the Puda Vida way of Costa Ricans.
Liked - that everything was included and it had a great pool on was right on the ocean
Disliked - Service was a little slow. lack of a English speaking concierge
My ratings for this hotel
Value Rooms Location Cleanliness Check in / front desk Service Business service (e.g., Internet access)
Date of stay July 2008
Traveled with Family with teenagers
Age group 50's
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
I recommend this hotel for An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure
Date of Stay: 07/28/2008
Children in Party: 2
Accommodations Dining Kids Play Area Money Value Pool & Water Fun Staff
See what Family Vacation Critic has to say about the
Barcelo Langosta Beach
