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Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

Culebra, Costa Rica
4.2(3,018 reviews)
FamilyBrand: Marriott

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection all-inclusive under Marriott, brings the brand's entertainment-heavy family resort to the Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste. The pitch is movie-themed glamour in a dry-forest Pacific setting, and the logistics are excellent: Liberia airport sits about 30 minutes away. It is a glossy, all-suite resort in a country better known for eco-lodges, and that contrast is both its appeal and its main criticism.

Traveler Insights

Pros

  • +Papagayo Peninsula setting on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, with dry-forest hillsides, direct beach access and calm water for kayaking, paddleboarding and Hobie Cat sailing
  • +292 suites, all with the PHabulous Bed, rain shower and a private balcony; the Director's and Producer's suites add a Jacuzzi and a separate living area, and the two-bedroom Producer's Suite works well for families
  • +Seven dining venues covering real range: Sunset Strip Steakhouse, Gusto Italian, East Sushi & Teppanyaki, Blue Star Tex-Mex, Guy's Burger Joint, Overtime Sports Bar and the So Cal Gourmet buffet
  • +Liberia International Airport is about 30 minutes away, one of the shortest transfers of any all-inclusive in Costa Rica

Cons

  • −Specialty restaurant tables go quickly, so book on arrival; Star Class guests get priority reservations, which leaves standard guests with fewer prime slots
  • −The Hollywood theming feels at odds with Costa Rica's eco-lodge reputation if you came for pura vida rather than movie memorabilia
  • −Arenal Volcano is roughly 3.5 to 4 hours away by road and Monteverde about as far, so the big inland sights mean long excursion days
  • −Wildlife viewing on the grounds is thinner than at an inland lodge; you will see some monkeys and birds, not a rainforest

The dining lineup is broader than most Costa Rica all-inclusives: a steakhouse, an Italian trattoria, a sushi and teppanyaki room, a Tex-Mex cantina, Guy Fieri's burger joint, a sports bar and the So Cal Gourmet buffet. Recent guest reviews are noticeably warmer about the food and service than older ones, with staff the thing people praise most. The one practical caution is reservations: tables at the specialty restaurants go quickly, so book them as soon as you check in. Two pools with swim-up bars, a hot tub, a rooftop fire pit, the PUMPED fitness centre and PH Spa round it out, and suites are modern with rain showers and balconies.

This is the right pick for families and Marriott Bonvoy members who want a polished beach resort with real restaurant variety and very little transfer time. It suits guests who mainly want to stay put, with day trips to Playas del Coco, Tamarindo, zip-lining or the Palo Verde river cruise. Travelers chasing Costa Rica's rainforest and wildlife should pair it with an inland lodge near Arenal or Monteverde, and couples looking for quiet will find it busy and family-focused. It is priced at the premium end of Guanacaste, so Star Class is worth weighing if priority dining and quieter pool space matter to you.

Common Questions

Is Planet Hollywood Costa Rica good for experiencing Costa Rica's wildlife and nature?
Only in a limited way. The Papagayo Peninsula has dry forest, some monkeys and plenty of birds, but it is a beach resort, not a nature lodge. Concierge excursions cover zip-lining, the Palo Verde river cruise and coffee tours; for cloud forest or rainforest, plan a separate stay inland near Arenal or Monteverde.
How hard is it to get specialty restaurant reservations?
Doable if you plan for it. Recent guests repeat the same tip: reserve the steakhouse, Italian, sushi and teppanyaki and Tex-Mex dinners as soon as you arrive, because popular times fill. Star Class guests get priority reservations, and the So Cal Gourmet buffet, Guy's Burger Joint and the sports bar need no booking.
Is the Star Class upgrade worth it?
For many families, yes. Star Class adds butler service, the Green Room Lounge with premium drinks, private pool and beach areas, priority dining reservations and preferred room locations. The priority dining alone takes care of the resort's main pinch point, and the private pool space matters on busy holiday weeks.
Are tips included at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica?
Yes. The resort states that taxes and gratuities are included in the all-inclusive package. Tipping is optional, though plenty of guests choose to tip butlers, spa staff and housekeeping for standout service.
Is there a minimum age, and what is there for kids?
There is no minimum age, though at least one guest per room must be 18 or older at check-in. Kids get the supervised Star Kids Club and the Splash Kids Zone splash pad, and one child and one teen stay free in select family suites such as the Director's and Producer's suites.
How far is it from the airport and the main attractions?
Liberia International Airport is about 30 minutes by road. Playas del Coco and Tamarindo are easy day trips, while Arenal Volcano is roughly 3.5 to 4 hours away and Monteverde about as far, so those are long days unless you split your stay.

Restaurants (7)

TypeRestaurants
BuffetSo Cal Gourmet Food Emporium
MexicanBlue Star Tex-Mex Cantina
ItalianGusto Italian Trattoria
Teppanyaki / hibachiEast Sushi & Teppanyaki Bar
SteakhouseSunset Strip Steakhouse & Grill
American & grillGuy's! Burger Joint
PubOvertime Sports Bar

From the resort's own dining pages. Only restaurants the resort lists are shown. All are covered by the all-inclusive rate, per the resort.

What's nearby

  • Marina Papagayo
    Marina Papagayo
    4 min drive · 0.7 mi
More things to do (7)
  • Playa Blanca (Papagayo Peninsula) · beach25 min drive · 5.3 mi
  • Playa Hermosa · beach60 min drive · 20 mi
  • Playa Culebra · beach3 min walk · 0.1 mi
  • Playa Nacascolo · beach20 min drive · 4.0 mi
  • Playa Virador · beach25 min drive · 5.3 mi
  • Playa Iguanita · beach30 min drive · 3.0 mi
  • Playa Panamá · beach55 min drive · 17 mi

Amenities

Babysitting
Nightclub
Kids Club
Swim-Up Bar
Free Wi-Fi
Nightly Entertainment
Buffet Dining
Spa
Show 2 more amenities
Gym
Beach

Style & Rooms

Atmosphere

FamilyTrendy

Room upgrades

2 Bedroom Suites

Google Reviews★ 4.2 · 3,018 reviews

Elisabeth B.
a week ago

“Where do I start? My mom gifted us with a girls’ trip to Planet Hollywood Costa Rica to help celebrate her retirement as board director of a housing agency in her city, after serving on it for 30 years. When we arrived at the resort, we were welcomed...”

Kami G.
2 weeks ago

“Mauricio at the hotel bar was absolutely amazing! From the moment we sat down, his energy, professionalism, and friendliness made the experience unforgettable. The cocktails he crafted were not only beautiful but incredibly delicious—perfectly balanc...”

Faith P.
3 weeks ago

“In general I would absolutely recommend staying here at Planet Hollywood! The views are amazing! There’s access to the beach. Fun pool area with wet bars. Friendly staff. Lots of restaurants. Nightly entertainment. Easy to get drinks. Nice spacious r...”

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