Waldorf Astoria, Residences at Costa Rica Cacique

We loved seeing the monkeys that visit the trees, and the birds barely bothered us while dining outdoors. The food, atmosphere, and service at La Finca were so good we went twice. Adrian was great. Tico Tica was also wonderful for breakfast, with Edwin quickly learning what we liked and bringing it without being asked. We were impressed that Tico Taca did a catch and cook with our rainbow runner and mackerel from a fishing charter. The chef was amazing and customized everything to our tastes. The pools and beach were lovely and fairly quiet, and service by the pools was attentive and kind, especially from Ingrid and Sandro. There were lots of non-alcoholic drinks on the pool menu too. Our spacious room was very clean; the tubs are in an interesting spot for privacy, but still made a nice evening retreat. My husband and I had a fantastic stay at this new luxury Hilton property. I'd recommend it to anyone!

A big multi-day corporate event brought some inconveniences, but the manager dealt with them promptly. There were many thoughtful touches during our stay, and while a few early issues are to be expected, it seems clear they'll improve with time. The winding paths through lush greenery made the grounds feel peaceful and immersive, and the birdwatching and ocean and sunset views were stunning. The design is thoughtful and distinctive, the rooms beautifully appointed with integrated technology, and the team genuinely warm. The continental breakfast was extensive, generous, and well curated. Staff were always happy to offer a ride when we needed one, which added comfort and care. La Finca stood out, with attentive, pleasant staff and divine dishes. Hats off to the chef for an outstanding meal. A special thank-you to Freddy for his genuine kindness and compassion, which made my birthday memorable. Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique is spectacular. I'll absolutely be back. Pura Vida.

Coffee with Javier became part of our morning routine. He remembered our order and room number, and Anderson was always cheerful about taking us wherever we needed to go around the resort. We also loved how Sofia greeted us with a smile and got us seated quickly at Tico Taca. We ate there several times for breakfast and dinner, and every meal was outstanding. Gloriana, Edwin, and Omar were lovely to talk with. By the end, they felt like family, and their note and goodbye hugs meant a lot. The pools were beautiful, with ocean views, and we stayed in Building 5, which we think is the best spot on the property. Our room was huge and the views were breathtaking. In the evenings, watching monkeys cross the bridge was such a memorable bonus. Liz, Yocsan, Celeste, Jasmine, and Estrafranny took great care of us at the pool. We kept ordering Painkillers, and they were so good. We even started the adult “Waldorf Cannon Ball Club” and met some amazing people. Making friends like that on vacation feels special. Raquel made the whole stay feel effortless. She contacted us before we arrived, then welcomed us warmly and surprised us with an upgrade. She checked in every day, helped with reservations, and always found us at the pool or beach for a chat. She arranged a driver Jorge everyday to take us where we needed to go, and on her days off made sure Freddy, another wonderful concierge, was looking after us. We never had to ask for anything because Raquel was already one step ahead. She’s one of the best concierges we’ve ever had. This resort is stunning from start to finish, and we’ve had few vacations this good. We’re already planning to come back and can’t wait.

The ocean-view room was fantastic, the grounds are beautiful, and the birthday cake and welcome gift were thoughtful touches. Pre-arrival communication was strong, too. Sandro at the pool and the team member who helped with our bags and tour were genuinely great. But several other parts of the stay fell well short of what I’d expect from a Waldorf Astoria. The pool was our biggest frustration. People could hold chairs for hours with towels, sandals, or other small items, so shaded seats were effectively gone by 6:30-7:00am each day. For a luxury resort where the pool is the main amenity, that felt unacceptable, more like a cheap resort towel game than a Waldorf. Food and dining were disappointing as well. There weren’t many options, breakfast involved long waits, and the food was just okay. Our dinner booking was canceled only a few hours beforehand because of a private event, and they offered no meaningful make-good. We also had a poor arrival experience, and housekeeping mistakenly took a bag of our clothes. The property itself is lovely, but the service and operations seriously lack the soft product you’d expect at this price. It didn’t feel like a Waldorf Astoria experience, and I wouldn’t recommend staying here unless service improves significantly.