Costa Rica simply received included within the AAA Diamond designations that previously solely utilized to nations to the north. It gives an excellent listing of enormous resorts and resorts that make the minimize, although as of now, the highest selections are 4 diamond Costa Rica resorts and resorts, with none scoring 5 (but).
The AAA diamond awards are in some methods probably the most prestigious {that a} lodge can earn. They’re primarily based on benefit and an facilities/services guidelines, not any tourism board whim or paid membership payment, so it’s a reasonably goal and restricted listing.
The final word designation is a 5-diamond award, which Mexico leads by a mile with 31 entries, in comparison with 3 in Canada and 10 for the entire Caribbean islands mixed. See the total listing right here in our up to date publish on Mexico’s 5-diamond resorts and resorts.
This has all the time been a North American system although, with the designations not stretching south of Mexico. That makes some sense as a result of AAA is a U.S. auto membership, however now they’re increasing a bit and score resorts in Costa Rica.
5 Diamond vs. 4 Diamond Accommodations
Based on the judges, “5 Diamond properties provide final luxurious and modern delicacies.” To provide you an thought of what which means, a number of the Mexico entries embody properties from 4 Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Rosewood. It’s an elite listing.
“4 Diamond properties provide upscale facilities and distinctive positive eating.” Meaning they’re not on the pinnacle when it comes to checking off sufficient packing containers on AAA’s secret guidelines, however they’re nonetheless properties which might be well-maintained, with a lot to do, and with a well-trained employees delivering good service.
On this new itemizing from AAA, 11 resorts in Costa Rica acquired 4 Diamonds.
Mangroove, an Autograph Assortment Lodge in Costa Rica
The 4 Diamond Costa Rica Accommodations
As is the case in North America as nicely, chain resorts are inclined to dominate these AAA lists as a result of services and facilities are simpler to placed on a guidelines than customized service and “going above and past” are. The longer your listing of services, the higher your possibilities of incomes a diamond.
Just one unbiased lodge received onto this listing, the debut of AAA 4-diamond Costa Rica resorts. The place we have now a full evaluation, we’ve linked to that. In circumstances the place the property was not a real luxurious resort that meets our requirements, you’ll discover a web site hyperlink the place you will get extra data and verify charges.
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, La Fortuna (not the identical as The Springs)
Desires Las Mareas, La Cruz
4 Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste Area
The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal
W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, Playa Conchal
The Spa at W Costa Rica
El Mangroove, Autograph Assortment, Playa Panama
Secrets and techniques Papagayo Costa Rica, Playa Panama
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, Tamarindo
Costa Rica Marriott Lodge Hacienda Belen, Heredia
Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, Quepos
InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall, San José
For those who’re questioning why a few of these made the AAA Diamond Awards listing and luxurious properties with extra character similar to Nayara Springs or Grano de Oro that we’ve coated didn’t, do not forget that this can be a checklist-oriented system. Image an inspector strolling round with a clipboard and in search of a minibar, a room service menu, a cellphone by the bathroom, room doorways that meet sure specs, a full health club, and a spa.
Thus you get an all-inclusive resort for the plenty like Desires or a conference lodge by Marriott, however you received’t seemingly see a small boutique lodge or upscale jungle lodge on the listing.
Marriott Los Sueños chain lodge
We’ve been to a few of these 4-diamond chain ones just like the Marriott at Los Sueños and the InterContinental in a mall in San Jose, however in each circumstances we felt like we may have been in Cleveland or Kansas Metropolis within the rooms. The goal of those properties is to be predictable enterprise/assembly/incentive resorts, not provide a pampering expertise for rich leisure vacationers.
If you’d like one thing value photographing and sharing on social media as an alternative, make nice recollections at this one not removed from the capital’s airport that was a three-diamond Costa Rica lodge: Xandari Resort and Spa.
Two different issues to remember with this listing. First, it’s excellent news if you happen to’re into golf. 5 of those 4-diamond resorts are on or very close to Costa Rica’s golf programs. Second, a lot of them are within the northern Guanacaste area, so you’ll be able to fly into Costa Rica’s second airport and get to your lodge comparatively shortly.
For a extra rounded view of the greatest luxurious resorts in Costa Rica, comply with that hyperlink to learn our detailed evaluations. We replace them often and add new ones that make the minimize.
See extra about AAA and the diamond Costa Rica resorts and eating places at their newsroom website.
Article by Timothy
Timothy Scott is the founder and editor of Luxurious Latin America and has been protecting the area as a journey journalist for the reason that mid-2000s. He has visited every nation we cowl a number of occasions and is predicated in a UNESCO World Heritage metropolis in central Mexico, the place he owns a house. See contact info right here.