The Andaz Hotel offers a day pass for $50 per person that gives access to pools, beaches, a fitness centre, and kids’ programs. The pass lasts from 10 am to 5 pm, and the fee is credited toward food. Reservations for the day pass are necessary because external guest acceptance depends on resort occupancy.
The Andaz Costa Rica Resort At Peninsula Papagayo is located in an upscale area along Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast. This fancy resort has four eateries, a spa, and four pools. Three stunning beaches and a new beach club completed in 2023 offer plenty to explore. The resort even offers activities for kids and teens.
But staying here can be pricey, with rates starting at over $800 per night, not to mention the high costs for food and drinks. If you don’t have a car, dining options can be limited and expensive.
That’s why I suggest considering a day pass instead. This article breaks down the price and what’s included, along with details on amenities, activities, nearby tours, food options, pool quality, family-friendliness, and more. By the end, you can decide if it’s worth the splurge.
UPDATE (MAY 2024):
- We recently contacted Andaz Costa Rica Resort via their official Instagram Channel to inquire about a day pass. We were informed that they no longer offer day passes at the moment. I will keep tabs on them for when the opportunity opens next.
Key Takeaways
- The current cost for a day pass ticket at Andaz Costa Rica Resort is $50 per person, plus taxes.
- It’s only available to people staying at hotels on the Peninsula, such as Four Seasons, Marina, Prieta Beach Club, or Exclusive Resort.
- To book it, you have to call them 24 hours in advance because they allow external guests based on the occupancy of the resort
- The ticket only allows you to access the resort facilities, such as the pools, and go to the ONDA spa (if you need a treatment, it will be at an extra charge)
- The Andaz Costa Rica day pass is valid from 10 am until 5 pm.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort At Peninsula Papagayo Details
| Location | Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste Province, Papagayo Peninsula, 50104, Costa Rica |
| Ideal for | Couples and Families |
| Contact | +506 2690 1237 and Whatsapp |
| Website | Website |
| Social Media | Facebook, Instagram |
| Rating | 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. |
What’s Included in the Andaz Costa Rica Resort Day Pass?
With the day pass ticket, you can enjoy all the resort has to offer:
- You’ll have access to four restaurants, a spa, and four pools, including one just for adults. There are three beautiful beaches, including a recently opened beach club.
- Andaz also provides fun activities for kids and teens for free.
- Even with a day pass, you can still enjoy nature and adventure activities with Papagayo Explorers if you stay in Andaz.
- There are also great hiking and biking trails, a golf course, tennis, and pickleball.
- And you can hop on a free ride to eight restaurants in the area.
- You’ll also get access to Prieta Beach Club, perfect for boogie boarding and beginner surf lessons.
- Another beach, Nacascolo, near the golf range, is ideal for families with young kids because the water is calm and shallow.
- And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike to the beaches at the Andaz Hotel and Four Seasons.
- The kids’ club, available for a separate fee, is like a mini-camp where your child can do arts and crafts, play games, watch movies, and more.
- While they’re having fun, you can enjoy adult time by the pool or explore the resort.
- And if you fancy a fancy dinner without the kids, you can pay for them to join a movie night while you dine at the resort or nearby at the Four Seasons.
PRO TIP:
- Email and reserve a spot at the kids club before your visit, especially during busy times. But if it’s not peak season, you can probably book when you arrive.
How to Get Your Andaz Costa Rica Day Pass
You can buy day pass tickets at the front desk, but it’s a good idea to call at least 24 hours in advance to ensure they’re available.
Sometimes, they might not accept outside guests if the resort is too busy.
Another option is to get a day pass through tour companies. The resort works with Mardigi Tours for this.
They’re well-reviewed and can even pick you up from the airport. Plus, they can organize customized tours for your family, both at the resort and in the surrounding area.
What I Didn’t Like about the Andaz Costa Rica Resort Day Pass
While this resort has many great features that would make your one-day stay enjoyable, there are a few things to consider.
(Note that many of these downsides will primarily affect those you lodge at the resort rather than those on the day pass package.)
- If you’re into nightlife, you might be disappointed because the restaurants close early, around 10 p.m. So, if you’re after a lively atmosphere, look elsewhere.
- Other hotels, not shops or restaurants, surround the resort. So, if you want easy access to local places, staying in towns like Tamarindo, Nosara, or Samara might be better.
- The hilly terrain and lack of elevators might be challenging for those with mobility issues. Although golf carts are available for transportation, this is something to remember.
- If you dream of long walks on the beach, the beaches here are small. Even the more extensive beach at the Casa de Playa Beach Club requires a boat ride.
- While there are monkeys around, they’re not always as abundant as some YouTube reviews I had watched before going suggested. So, don’t expect them to be everywhere during your visit.
Fun Things to do Near Andaz Costa Rica Resort
In Coco, there’s NuMu Taproom, Bistro, and AutoMercado, a great grocery store. Don’t miss out on the Lookout Restaurant either!
For lively entertainment and delicious cocktails, head to Chao Pescao for some fantastic live music.
If you have a car, consider visiting Chorreras Waterfall. It’s just a 10-minute walk each way, and you can even swim there. It’s a breathtaking waterfall experience unlike any other.
Another must-see is Rio Celeste, although be prepared for a hike and quite a few steps to reach the waterfall. It’s truly stunning, especially when the weather is just right for the river mixing effect.
Tips:
- If you’re a globalist, consider having breakfast at Oestra for a special treat.
- While Rio Bongo offers a fantastic breakfast buffet, it can get noisy with many energetic children around.
Is the Andaz Costa Rica Day Pass worth it?
Plenty of things keep you busy, both at the Andaz resort and nearby. But if you’re staying on-site for several days, you might eventually want more variety.
The day pass is worth it if you just want to enjoy the resort’s amenities without splurging on an entire stay. But I wouldn’t recommend Andaz as the best resort to stay at for several days.
It’s especially great for families with kids, as there are dedicated programs and activities for them, and it’s pretty affordable compared to other resorts, where day passes can cost over $100.
Plus, if you’re up for exploring, there are plenty of activities, such as boat charters, snorkelling, diving, ziplining, and coffee tours, available nearby.
If you’d like to have more day pass experience, don’t miss our guide on AT&T International Day Pass in Costa Rica.
About Michelle Schmidt
Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation!
