All-Inclusive
Royalton Luxury Resorts
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Good
Based on 9.2k reviews
Exceptional Service
Guests consistently laud the friendly, attentive, and proactive staff who go above and beyond, making the 'Vacation Like a Star™' experience truly memorable, especially butlers.
Quality À La Carte Dining
The variety and quality of the specialty restaurants, particularly Guy Fieri's Burger Joint, Teppanyaki, and the Italian option, receive widespread praise for delicious food.
Comfortable & Clean Accommodations
Rooms are frequently described as nice, very clean, and comfortable, featuring enjoyable showers and private balconies, contributing to a pleasant stay.
Vibrant Pool Areas
The resort's main pools are a hub of activity and entertainment, well-maintained and providing a lively atmosphere for all guests to enjoy.
Hollywood-Themed Entertainment
The unique Hollywood concept, complete with memorabilia, nightly shows, live music, and movie nights, offers engaging entertainment for all ages.
Hilly Terrain & Shuttles
The resort's layout on a steep hill requires frequent golf cart shuttles, which can lead to waiting times, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather.
Underwhelming Buffet Dining
While specialty restaurants shine, the buffet often falls short of guest expectations, with reports of average quality, limited fresh fruit variety, and items running out.
Subpar Beach Experience
The resort's black sand beach, while calm, is frequently described as underwhelming for lounging compared to other Costa Rican beaches or the resort's pools.
Potential Room Noise
Some guests report issues with soundproofing, leading to disturbances from slamming doors and outside noise, impacting sleep quality in certain rooms.
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AAA Four Diamond Award
2024
AAA
Best All Inclusive in Costa Rica
2019
Forbes
Travelers' Choice Award, Best of the Best
2020, 2021, 2023
TripAdvisor®
Travelife Gold Certified
2021, 2023
Travelife
Blue Flag Certification
2018
Blue Flag Program
Saniconsultant Award
2019
Saniconsultant
The Hollywood-branding at this Guanacaste property is more than wallpaper — the 'Vacation Like a Star' concept translates into reservation-free specialty dining across all seven restaurants, 24/7 room service, and a property-wide streaming platform called PHTV, all bundled into the all-inclusive rate. That combination of flexible dining and entertainment infrastructure sets it apart from the anonymous all-inclusives down the road. The $50 million renovation completed in 2018 on what was a former property shows in the room quality.
This resort works well for families with younger children and couples who want animated pool energy over beach solitude. The Stars Kids Club serves ages 4–12 with scavenger hunts, dress-up, and movie nights. STAR Class guests get a dedicated butler, private pool, and premium lounge — worth evaluating against cost if you're a couple looking for separation from the family crowd. Anyone hoping for a traditional beach resort should look elsewhere.
The recurring criticism in guest reviews is the terrain. This is a hillside resort: getting from your room to the restaurants or pools often means a walk up or down significant slopes, and the golf cart shuttles create wait times at peak hours. Plan extra time for every movement, especially for guests with mobility concerns or families hauling beach gear.
Practically: 292 suites, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) is 30 km away — roughly a 35-minute transfer. The beach is black volcanic sand on a sheltered Papagayo Gulf bay, with calm shallow water ideal for young children but not the Instagram-white sand many guests expect. Non-motorized water sports (kayaks, SUP boards, Hobie cats) are included. The PH Spa & Beauty Bar charges extra for treatments but the hydrotherapy circuit is notable for a property of this tier.
