
Thinking about booking the new Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique in Costa Rica? Here’s our honest review after three nights on the property. What impressed us, what fell flat, and whether it’s actually worth the price tag.
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It all started with a $120 JetBlue flight from New York to Liberia, Costa Rica.
Too good to pass up.
We’d been to Costa Rica before, but we’d never explored Guanacaste, the drier, sunnier region on the northwest coast.
When we heard a brand-new Waldorf Astoria had just opened there, we added it to our points redemption wish list immediately.
The resort had only been open for four months when we visited, but there were already plenty of mixed reviews online, and surprisingly, many of them weren’t great.
We had already booked, so we decided to see for ourselves.

We spent the first part of our trip exploring local Guanacaste life… beaches, waterfalls, cafés, small towns.
During the last two days, we were still out and about in the area, but we also took the time to really experience the Waldorf Astoria itself: the food, the activities, the service… everything people online had been debating.
And yes, whether you treat the resort as the trip or simply use it as a base to explore more of Costa Rica, there’s no wrong way to travel.
This review is here to help you figure out how, or if, this resort fits into your travel style at all.
This trip wasn’t sponsored. We paid with our Hilton Honors points.
So what you’re about to read is a real, comprehensive breakdown with details only someone who actually stayed here would notice: what works, what doesn’t, and whether it might be worth your time and money.
Let’s get right into it!

Quick Overview: Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique
- Luxury resort that’s family-friendly (kids club + teens club)
- Beachfront on Playa Penca with complimentary kayaks, paddleboards & snorkeling
- 10 pools & 4 hot tubs, including an adults-only area
- 24/7 personal concierge
- Local dishes, vegetarian menus, coffee shop, gelato bar
- Full gym + daily wellness classes + upscale spa with unique treatments (expensive)
- Built on cleared land, making some sustainability efforts, but still room for improvement
- Could be a great use of Hilton points or free night awards. Cash rates are ~$1,800–$2,200/night
Best for: A luxury points redemption trip, honeymoon, or once-a-year splurge where service, pools, and relaxation matter more than nightlife or all-inclusive convenience
Personal Concierge & Staff
One of the first things you’ll notice here is that every guest is assigned a personal concierge.
I can’t speak for everyone’s experience, but ours, Ricardo, was excellent.
He called a few days before our trip to check if we were celebrating anything special, had any allergies, or specific requests.
It may have been a formality, but it felt like he genuinely wanted to get to know us before we even arrived.

When we pulled up to the resort, Ricardo was right there to greet us, welcome us, and give us a quick overview of what to expect.
Check-in was handled by Cristopher at the front desk, who was friendly, upbeat, and genuinely seemed excited for us to experience the property.
Esteban then whisked us away in a golf cart for a full tour, which we quickly realized was necessary because this resort is huge.

Specifically, the steep walk from the lobby to the area where the rooms and pools are requires a golf cart ride.
Golf carts are a big help here, and they were easy to arrange during our stay.
Just dial 0 from your room, and someone will meet you at your building and take you anywhere on the property.

Esteban also helped carry our bags to the room, but the great service didn’t end there.
While exploring the resort’s 10 (!) pools, we decided to find the coffee shop, Buena Nota, but got turned around.
We asked another staff member, Yackson, for directions, and instead of just pointing, he personally walked us to the elevator and showed us exactly where to go.
We’d see him again around the pool areas, always checking in with a smile and great conversation.
Luis, another poolside staff member, was equally friendly, quick with drinks and snacks, and happy to share tips about local spots. Plus, he was kind enough to take a bunch of photos of us by the pool.
At Buena Nota, we met Javier, who explained their coffee offerings, kombucha, and other refreshing drinks, and even gave us recommendations for nearby beaches.
On another visit, Angel asked about my drink preferences and created a custom coffee with house-made ginger syrup, not even on the menu yet.

At Tico Tica, Samanta and Eric were funny, approachable, and even helped us practice Spanish without judgment.
Plus, the food they served was memorable and full of flavor.
For sunset, The Terrace Bar is the place to be.

That’s where we met Edward, who told us all about La Finca (the restaurant just below), and even arranged for our dinner reservation to start earlier than planned.
At La Finca, Henry welcomed us warmly and surprised us with a special dessert: a cappuccino pastry paired with gooseberry liqueur, along with the stories behind the flavors.
Back at Tico Tica for breakfast, Yeison and Omar stood out for their attentiveness, from opening the large patio doors to bringing extra chairs for our bags, they anticipated what we needed before we even asked.
Before arriving, we had read reviews complaining about slow service, rudeness, and unhelpful staff, so we honestly set our expectations low based on those reviews.
What we experienced was the complete opposite. Thankfully!
The team members we met were warm, attentive, and seemed genuinely happy to be there.
Whether that was luck or not, I can only say our stay was made better because of them, and they left us with a great impression of both Costa Rican hospitality and the Waldorf Astoria standard.
Chew Tip: Treat your concierge like your personal trip strategist. Before you arrive, email them your must-do experiences, dietary preferences, and any special occasions you’re celebrating. The staff here has strong local connections, meaning they can secure in-demand reservations or even arrange private transportation. Giving them a heads-up makes your stay feel effortless from the moment you check in.
Room Tour
Before arriving, we’d seen photos of the rooms and, honestly, they looked a little plain.
In person? Much better.

The design leans into warm earth tones (my favorite), accented with gold details and tasteful wall art.
It feels inviting and cozy rather than flashy.

All the rooms look the same for the most part, just with different layouts.
Lighting takes a moment to figure out. Most fixtures are tap-to-touch, including the privacy and housekeeping request buttons.
Our king-sized bed was plush with crisp white sheets, which the staff changes every three days unless you request otherwise.
No welcome drink awaited us, which was surprising given our past Waldorf Astoria stays.
Instead, there was a birthday cake in honor of my birth month which was a thoughtful gesture that still made me feel celebrated.

It was moist, delicious, and tasted specially made.
I did notice other guests receiving coconut-served welcome drinks a few days later, so perhaps we just arrived at an off moment.
In-room, you’ll find complimentary coffee and tea with local flavors, plus a snack and beverage bar… at luxury prices (think $8 USD for a mini pack of M&Ms, $125 USD for a 200 mL Moët).

The bathroom is spacious, with sliding doors for privacy, a separate water closet, double-sink vanity, and a dual shower setup with independent temperature controls.
Natural light streams into the shower, but if you prefer privacy, there’s a blackout curtain.
From both the shower and the bedroom, you can access a large balcony with a comfortable oversized chaise (I’m literally writing this from it) plus an extra table and chair.

There’s also a bathtub on the balcony, but with zero privacy screening.
I’d recommend sticking to swimsuits if you plan to use the balcony bathtub unless you want to be part of the poolside scenery.

Storage is ample, with a closet, drawers, robes, slippers, an iron, and a safe.
One detail I loved?
Daily happy hour at 5 PM for Gold and Diamond members. They’d deliver a heart-of-palm dip with plantain chips and a craft Astoria beer made just for the resort.
My only wish was that they brought more chips because I was tearing that dip up.

Turndown service arrived around 6:30 pm each evening, always with the same kind attendant asking if we needed anything before bed.
You can actually choose your preferred time, and I’d recommend scheduling it during dinner so you come back to a fully reset room.
Lights low, curtains drawn, slippers out, the whole thing.
We stayed in the Ocean View 1 King, but there are several other room types you can choose from, including:
- Bahia or Ocean views
- 1 King or 2 Queens
- Plunge pools
- Larger dining areas
- Accessible rooms
- 2–3 bedroom suites
- The Presidential Suite
Chew Tip: If you have Hilton Gold or Diamond status, you may be eligible for complimentary upgrades when available, so it’s often worth booking the lowest category you’d be happy with and letting your status do the rest. If you don’t have status, weigh whether the amenities of a higher tier (like a larger balcony or oceanfront view) justify the price for your travel style.
Pools and Hot Tubs
The first thing that grabbed my attention on our resort tour? The waterslide.
One slide down turned into twenty. It’s that fun.

Like the rest of the pools here, it’s warm, saltwater, and sometimes (like early morning) you can get it all to yourself.
Other times, the kids rule the pool slide, and I don’t blame them!
This property is a true pool lover’s dream with 10 in total: multi-level infinity pools, a dedicated adults-only pool, a shallow kids’ splash pool, and of course, the pool with the waterslide.

Four jacuzzi whirlpools are tucked around the property for a more private, late-evening unwind.

If I had one wish, it would be more interconnectedness between pools.
Imagine sliding straight from the waterslide into one of the larger infinity pools. It’s not the case here, but it would’ve been a fun touch.

While there’s no swim-up bar, attentive staff (like Luis and Yackson) circulate to take your drink order and deliver it right to your lounge chair.
They even offer complimentary smoothie samples, which is a small but thoughtful detail.
The poolside service is seamless.
At night, the pools transform into a glowing oasis.

The lighting reflects off the water, giving the whole resort a soft, magical ambiance which is perfect for a post-dinner stroll or a quiet soak in the hot tub.
Chew Tip: If you want the pools almost to yourself, go for an early morning swim while most guests are still at breakfast. Although, it never felt too crowded.
Beach and Water Activities
Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique sits directly on Playa Penca.
It’s a relatively small stretch of sand, but perfectly fine when the resort isn’t full.
The beach was originally black sand, but the resort imported white sand for a more polished look.

All beaches in Costa Rica are public, so locals still have access.
You’ll likely see people offering massages (around $100/hr), jet ski rides, or boat excursions to nearby beaches or into the rainforest.
Playa Penca itself has soft sand and calm waves which is ideal for complimentary kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or snorkeling, all of which you can book by simply telling your concierge.
We did the double kayak, led by a guide named Victor, and paddled about 10 minutes to a secluded beach called Playa Calzón de Pobre (literally “poor man’s underwear”).
Normally, it’s a steep 1.5-mile hike to get there, so most people skip it, but going by kayak was scenic and easy (especially during low tide in the morning).

We had the beach entirely to ourselves for about 40 minutes.
Gentle waves, clear water, soft black sand, and we even spotted an eagle ray jumping out of the ocean.
The snorkeling excursion is about 1.5 hours long.
My husband enjoyed the swim even though he noted how few fish he saw, definitely a sign of how overfished the area is.

Outside the resort, there are several other beaches worth driving to:
- Playa del Coco and Playa Hermosa are nearby public beaches we visited with our rental car. Both are soft black sand with calm water. Great for swimming, not surfing.
- Locals sell souvenirs here, but they’re not pushy. If you’re not interested, a polite “no gracias” is enough. If you are looking to support local vendors, buying a bracelet or other souvenir here is a good way to do it.
- For food, try Roberto’s on Playa Hermosa or Café Corazón near Playa del Coco. Both local spots are worth leaving the resort for.
Chew Tip: These are generally calm beaches, but always pay attention to conditions. Avoid going in the water alone or during rough tides.
Activity Schedule
The resort has a full schedule of both complimentary and paid activities every day.
Besides the free water sports (kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling), there are also things like guided meditation, morning stretching, beach volleyball, bocce, giant Jenga, soccer, and even casual football games.
We ended up loving the sessions led by Carlota, especially the meditation and stretching.
Those morning classes ended up being some of the most relaxing parts of our stay.
They made us actually feel like we were on vacation. We went to every single one of her free sessions while we were there.

If you want to go deeper or try something more unique, there are also paid experiences.
Some of the paid options during our stay included:
- sound healing meditation with crystal bowls (also led by Carlota and worth it if you’re into wellness)
- coffee tasting and brewing experience
- rum or mezcal / agave tasting
- wine tasting
- surf trips
- private yacht rentals (around $2,000/day)
- cooking classes
Prices ranged from about $40 USD per person for tastings and classes up to $395 USD depending on the experience.
Honestly, even if you don’t do the paid activities, the free ones alone made the days feel full without needing to leave the property.
And it’s worth checking the schedule as soon as you arrive so you can plan your day around the things that actually interest you.
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Kids Club and Teens Club
If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll be just as entertained as you are.
When we visited in August, most guests seemed to be families with young children or teens, so the family-friendly vibe is undeniable.
The Kids Club (ages 4–12) is bright, welcoming, and packed with activities like arts and crafts, games, and a small play area with slides open from 9 am to 5 pm.

I’d read a few reviews downplaying it (“there are McDonald’s play areas better than this”), but honestly, I’m not sure what they were expecting.
It’s a cheerful, safe space, and the kids we saw inside were happily crafting and giggling with the staff member on duty.

The Teens Club (ages 13–17) made me wish I could time-travel back to my teenage years.
There’s ping pong, chess, board games galore, and a Nintendo Switch and PS5 hooked up to a big-screen TV.

Plenty to keep them occupied between swims and family outings, open from 8 am to 8 pm.
Chew Tip: Parents should utilize these clubs to the fullest to sneak away to a well-deserved spa treatment or just some quiet time.
Food & Drinks
There are two main restaurants on site: Tico Tica and La Finca.
Before arriving, I’d read multiple reviews saying the food was so-so and underwhelming, so I came in with fairly low expectations.
Here’s what we actually experienced.
Tico Tica
This is the all-day dining venue where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served with no reservation required.
We ate here for both breakfast and dinner during our stay.
Breakfast
As Gold and Diamond members, we could choose between earning around 600 points or receiving a complimentary continental breakfast.
We went with the breakfast and it ended up being a great decision.

The continental option is buffet-style except for the eggs, which are made to order.
I had an egg white omelette with mushrooms, peppers, and spinach.
My husband had a heartier omelette with sausage, bacon, cheese, and peppers.
Mine needed a bit of salt and salsa, but the server brought a house-made salsa that made a big difference.

The buffet selection included:
- local fruits like banana maracuyá (almost grapefruit-like in bitterness)
- French toast and bread pudding
- roasted mushrooms and beet hummus
- different breads, mango parfait, chicken in creole sauce, etc.
Breakfast also includes juice, coffee or tea, mimosas, and even fresh coconut water served in the coconut.
I ordered a latte with almond milk and had no complaints.
The coffee in Costa Rica is always top-notch.
But one important thing to note is that many of the buffet items were not labeled.
So, if you have dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to ask about all included ingredients before serving yourself at the buffet.
You can also order à la carte items (priced individually).
One morning, we tried that instead, and we spent about $55 USD on breakfast for two.

I had their mole enmoladas (similar to what I later tried at La Finca), and my husband ordered gallo pinto, which was full of traditional Costa Rican flavors.

Another plus: the breakfast window is long (6:00 am to 11:00 am), which is great whether you’re an early riser or a late sleeper.

Lunch
We didn’t eat lunch at Tico Tica, but they’re open from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Dinner
We had dinner indoors at Tico Tica where the space felt earthy and warm, with an open layout that lets you see both the bar and the kitchen.

The staff were incredibly welcoming.
Our waitress, Samanta, and the manager, Eric, were so friendly and even helped us practice our Spanish throughout the meal.
As soon as I sat down, they handed me a full vegetarian menu, and everything sounded so good I actually struggled to choose.
I ended up going with the Massaman Curry, and it blew me away.
Honestly, the online reviews had me expecting something bland or basic, but this was one of the best dishes I had during our entire stay.

It was a red curry with pumpkin and sweet potato, topped with seeds and peanuts. Slightly sweet, definitely spicy, and served with white rice to balance it out.
I’d eat it again and again. Flavors and textures were spot on.
My husband ordered the smoked snapper, and after one bite, he just stared at me like, How is this this good?
He said it was buttery, perfectly cooked, and unlike any steamed fish he’d ever had.

Before the main dishes, they served sourdough bread with herb-infused butter.
One thing I’ve noticed about Waldorf Astoria properties is that the butter is never just butter.
This one had onion and herbs mixed in, and it was so flavorful we could’ve eaten a whole basket.
Actually, we ate two whole baskets.
To drink, I had an iced green pear tea topped with a sprig of thyme which was refreshing and slightly sweet, and it paired really well with the meal.
Overall, we spent ~$102 USD total on dinner at Tico Tica.

La Finca
La Finca is the smaller, more intimate restaurant near the lobby.
Definitely more of a date-night atmosphere. Reservations are recommended.

They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, plus a special tasting menu for $145 USD per person that highlights local Costa Rican flavors.
There’s also a full à la carte menu, including a separate vegetarian menu (which of course made me happy, and made it harder to choose, once again).
Like Tico Tica, the bread service here came with more than just butter.
This time it was a really good pumpkin cassava spread.

For my main, I ordered the hibiscus mole vegetarian dish along with a Poás cocktail that was refreshing and not overly sweet. Similar to a sangria.
The mole was rich and flavorful with a slightly floral note from the hibiscus, definitely not your standard veggie plate, and I’d gladly order it again.

My husband had the congrio, a white fish dish. He said it was delicious.
Buttery, flaky, but he did wish the portion was a bit bigger.
I had the chocolate dessert afterward, which was highly recommended by our server, Henry. It came on a chilled plate with chocolate ice cream and a rich ganache.
Perfect if you’re a chocolate person (which I very much am).

To finish, they brought us a complimentary tasting of gooseberry rum with a cappuccino pastry.
Important tip: take a bite of the pastry right after the rum.
It’s a strong shot, and the pastry balances it out in the best way.

Overall, dinner at La Finca was excellent, probably the better culinary experience, though we left feeling slightly less full than after Tico Tica.
Our total came to about $130 USD for the two of us.
Vida Pool & Grill
Vida Pool & Grill is one of the most visually beautiful areas of the resort.
Airy, modern, and nearby multiple pools so you never feel crowded.

I do think a swim-up bar would make it even better, but overall it’s a great lunch spot if you’re hanging around the pool all day.
Plus, they will bring you food and drinks right to your poolside lounger, if you prefer.
I ordered the vegetarian Pizza Quattro, topped with mushrooms, artichoke, eggplant, and zucchini with garlic aioli on the side.
Delicious.

I also tried the Magic Tea (butterfly pea tea with lime juice). Normally I love butterfly pea tea, but this one wasn’t for me. I’d skip it next time.
We spent about $42 USD on my lunch here, and if I were to come back, I’d for sure just get the pizza.
Copo y Cono
This is the resort’s gelato and sorbet shop, located right across from Tico Tica.
They have a wide selection of flavors, plus toppings to customize your order.
As the name suggests, you can get it in either a cup or a cone, and expect to spend about $7 USD for one.
This is a great mid-day or late-night cool-down spot after the pool or dinner that’s open from 12 pm to 10 pm.

Peacock Alley Bar
Every Waldorf Astoria has its signature Peacock Alley lounge, and this one is no different.
From 4 pm to 11 pm, you can order cocktails, mocktails, wine, or beer in a more laid-back, social setting.
It’s a nice place to grab a drink before dinner or wind down at the end of the night.
Cocktails are about $20 USD each.

Buena Nota
This was one of my personal favorites on the property.
Buena Nota is the coffee shop, and they take their coffee seriously.
They offer different brewing styles, homemade syrups (like cinnamon and ginger), and even cold brew and kombucha that you can see fermenting on-site.

The pastries are on another level.
I had a guava roll, which was kind of like a cinnamon roll but with guava, and I still think about it.
This is the perfect spot for a morning latte or an afternoon pick-me-up if you’re skipping a full lunch.
They’re open from 6 am to 5 pm, and drinks are about $9 USD each.

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Spa and Gym
The spa and gym are tucked into a quieter part of the resort near the adults-only pool, giving it a more peaceful, private feel.
The spa is impressive. It’s far more than just standard massages.
They offer unique treatments like honey body masks (yes, involving real bees at one point in the experience) and other wellness rituals you don’t typically see at most hotels.
That said, prices are definitely luxury-level: think high $300s to $600+ USD depending on the treatment.
The spa is open from 8 am to 8 pm.

The gym is fully equipped, modern, and spacious. You’ll find:
- free weights and Olympic-style weight stations
- treadmills, bikes, rowing machines
- TRX cables and weight machines
- plus complimentary flavored water and towels
Whether you want a serious workout or just a quick stretch session before breakfast, the gym has everything you need 24 hours a day.

Language
Waldorf Astoria is an international brand that primarily caters to English-speaking guests, and Costa Rica, in general, is very tourist-friendly.
Most locals working in hospitality speak English well.

That said, Spanish is the official language of the country, and every staff member we met at the resort was local.
They were noticeably happy whenever we tried speaking Spanish, even if we weren’t fluent.
Most signage is in Spanish and/or English, and even the TVs defaulted to Spanish, although the language can be changed.

On our first night at dinner, once our waitress realized we wanted to practice, she told the rest of the team.
And by the end of the night, we were chatting in Spanish, picking up new words, and laughing through the parts we messed up.
It honestly just made the place feel more human, not just “fancy.”
Chew Tip: Brush up on a few basic Spanish phrases before your trip. Even a simple “¿Cómo estás?” or “Muchas gracias” goes a long way, and it often opens the door to more meaningful conversations. When in Costa Rica, you can never go wrong with a “Pura vida.”
When to Visit
We stayed about four months after the resort opened, and by then they told us things had already slowed down, in a good way.
Peak Season (Dec–April):
When the resort first opened during high season, it was packed. Weather is dry and sunny, but crowds and prices are higher.
Shoulder Season (May–August):
By early August, when we were there, the resort was only about 30% full. Temps were in the low-to-mid 80s°F with occasional quick rain showers, and honestly the best time to be in the pools because you’re wet anyway. For fewer people and still great weather, this feels like the sweet spot.
Rainy Season (Oct–Dec):
Their true rainy season is October through December. They warned us that during those months you can get full days of heavy rain and even some flooding, so it’s definitely less ideal if you’re coming for sun or pool time.

Chew Tip: Keep in mind that Costa Rica has several microclimates, so seasons vary a lot from region to region. This timing is specific to this Guanacaste region.
Effect on Ecosystem
A significant portion of the natural landscape was cleared to build the resort, and that kind of development inevitably impacts the surrounding ecosystem, especially in a region as biodiverse as Guanacaste.
To their credit, the property has been recognized with Costa Rica’s Bandera Azul Ecológica award for environmental practices, and they source a portion of all food ingredients locally from Guanacaste farms.
Small details like reusable towels in restrooms, motion-activated lighting and A/C, and a monkey crossing rope between trees on the beach also show that sustainability is part of the design, not just an afterthought.

While no resort is perfect, it’s encouraging to see a luxury property taking some steps in the right direction.
It’d be great to see even more efforts in the future, like reintroducing even more native vegetation or offering guided nature walks led by local experts.
Why it matters: Beyond the environmental ethics, this affects the traveler’s experience, too. More native plants = more wildlife sightings, more shade/privacy, less erosion, and a more authentic “you’re in Costa Rica” feel.
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Is Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique Worth It?
We used a mix of 120,000 Hilton points per night plus a free night certificate for this trip.
For us, it was definitely worth it, especially since cash rates hover around $1,800–$2,200 USD per night after taxes.
When we use our free night awards, we want maximum value, and a brand-new Waldorf with ocean views, great service, and excellent food options checks that box.
Would we pay $2,000 a night in cash?
Probably not for more than one night for a very special occasion.
But if you’re sitting on points or a free night certificate, this property is a great way to use them.

Pros
- Brand-new property: Everything feels fresh, modern, and well-maintained.
- Service: Staff were consistently warm, attentive, and genuinely kind.
- Food Options: Surprisingly good, especially at dinner, with vegetarian menus and local flavors.
- Pool variety + free water activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling included.
- Hilton status perks: Free breakfast was actually valuable here and saved money.
Cons
- Not all-inclusive: Meals and drinks add up quickly.
- Remote location: You’ll likely need a rental car or be okay staying on property.
- Spa prices: Beautiful, but extremely expensive.
- Limited beach space: Playa Penca is on the smaller side.
- Weather-dependent: You need to pick the right season or the experience changes a lot.

Who This Is Best For
- Couples or families who want a relaxing, luxury stay without a super-packed party vibe.
- Travelers using Hilton points or free night awards, looking for max redemption value.
- Someone doing a honeymoon or “one big trip of the year” and willing to splurge on food & spa.
Who Might Skip It
- Anyone expecting an all-inclusive feel or endless beach space.
- Travelers looking for nightlife or tons of excursions right outside the resort gate.
- Anyone who doesn’t care about the Waldorf brand or perks and just wants a basic beach stay.

FAQs
Q: Is Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique all-inclusive?
A: No. Meals, drinks, and activities (aside from a few complimentary options) are all charged separately.
Q: How far is the resort from the airport?
A: About 35–40 minutes by car from Liberia International Airport (LIR).
Q: Are kids allowed?
A: Yes, it’s very family-friendly. There’s a kids club (ages 4–12) and a teens club (13–17).
Q: Do you need to rent a car?
A: Not required, but recommended if you want to explore nearby towns and beaches. Otherwise, you can stay on property and use the resort’s transportation or taxis.
Q: Is this a good use of Hilton points?
A: Yes, especially if you can redeem 120k points per night or use a free weekend night certificate. Cash rates are very high, so point value is strong here.

Final Verdict
For us, with points + a free night award, it was absolutely worth it.
If you’re paying cash, you need to really value the service, setting, and brand, or be celebrating something big.
Would we come back? Yes, and definitely on points.
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique is a stunning property, and it’s completely worth it for a luxury splurge, especially if you’re cashing in Hilton rewards.



