Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo

The hilly entrance of Flamingo is flanked by two stone walls that feel much more contemporary than its dated white sign displaying a pink flamingo. Guests first pass through a security guard and then head into a parking lot and turnaround entrance. A set of stairs heads up to the lobby for check-in -- this large space is neutral with bland shades of beige and brown. Much like the entrance, aspects of the decor, like tile floors, show the resort’s age, but they're juxtaposed alongside clear signs of renovations. Regardless, the pool and beach -- both visible from the front desk -- are enough to suit all guests, particularly those with tots in tow. Despite the lack of elevators (not the best for those with mobility issues), the U-shaped hotel has a compact layout wrapped around the outdoor pool. Above the lobby is a small casino, spa, fitness center, and game room, and the beach is a short walk from the hotel across a road that sees occasional cars. 

Flamingo is Costa Rican-owned and attracts families and couples who are drawn to the resort's all-inclusive affordability, as well as its more remote setting with fewer hotel neighbors. The environment is friendly and sociable -- breakfast, for instance, is a time when conversation can spark between tables: Americans can be heard trading stories from home, and "do you know".  After breakfast -- if not on excursions -- guests spread out around the pool or find a secluded spot on the beach. Sunsets are a time when photographs are plentiful, as the open layout allows colors from the ocean to spread all the way to the pool and lobby. Palm trees are adorned with rope lighting, and there may be live music on the rooftop with an acoustic band covering such artists as Jack Johnson and Bruno Mars. Parents could be dancing with their kids after having dinner at the buffet. For a romantic night out, couples can skip down to Coco Loco -- a local favorite -- and dine with their feet in the sand before walking back along the moonlit shore. 

Flamingo Beach Resort is located in the tropical province of Guanacaste, in northwest Nicoya Peninsula just over an hour's drive from Liberia International Airport. Roads in this part of the peninsula are more likely to be paved versus other parts of the peninsula, so this is a good option for those who like a bit more modernity and convenience without crowds. Guests are mostly drawn to this property due to its package vacations and oceanfront setting on Playa Flamingo. This coastal area has beautiful Pacific Ocean views (especially at sunset) and a clean public beach (though waves may be too dangerous for swimming) with few crowds. The area does not offer much in the way of shopping or nightlife, but guests can take a taxi to Tamarindo in less than 30 minutes.

There are plenty of family-friendly day-trips and activities like snorkeling, diving, golf courses, zip-line and wildlife tours, such as the Las Baulas National Marine Park, where leatherback turtles nest. Renting a car is not necessary, especially for those who want to save money. Area excursions come with transportation, and there is a shuttle service from Liberia International Airport for a reasonable rate. There is also a shuttle from San Jose International Airport, but it will take longer -- about five hours -- and cost more money. For those who want a car to explore, free parking is available in a secure lot by the entrance. 

There are 120 rooms in eight different types with varying views that may include one or more of the following: the outdoor pool, beach, gardens, parking lot, or low-lying mountains. Most rooms -- except all of the Economy and some of the Standard -- have furnished balconies or first-floor terraces. Interiors have king-sized or two double beds with white duvets, and contemporary dark-wood furnishings. Other commonalities include white tile floors, red and beige accent walls, tropical floral paintings, ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs, and remote-controlled air-conditioning. Overflowing minibars (that incur charges, despite the resort being all-inclusive) have a selection of snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and dental products. Bottled water is not free either. Bathrooms have either tub/shower combos or walk-in showers and Paya bath products.

For more space, families can choose one- or two-bedroom suites. Romantics have the option to book the honeymoon suite.

Playa Flamingo is a public Blue Flag beach -- a French award, which takes note of the best international beaches based on a variety of factors. The pretty cove has white sand and is surrounded on both sides by forested hills, which can look rather sparse in dry season. Waves and the level of riptide changes daily, so take caution; some days, the ocean is not safe for weak swimmers and kids. The resort's own watersports center is located slightly off the property, but guests may not be told about it when checking-in. This is where guests can get beach chairs for no charge. For a fee, there are rentals for umbrellas, boogie boards, paddle boards, kayaks, and Wave Runners. Scuba certification classes are available and take place in the pool, which is surrounded by sun loungers. There is a separate (shaded) kiddie pool next to a playground in the grass, but older kids often splash around in the main section, which may annoy romantics. On the other side, adults can swim up to the bar and order drinks, or sit on the dry side under a palapa for shade.

Group activities change daily and may include pool volleyball, water aerobics, yoga, salsa dancing or eco walks. The fitness center has cardio and weight equipment with windows overlooking the pool and the Pacific Ocean. A tennis court and tennis racquets are provided free of charge except for night play which incurs an electricity charge. Bicycle and ATV rentals are available, and guests receive a discount at two area golf courses.  

The indoor spa offers massages, facials, and body treatments in treatment rooms that can fit up to three people at once, though table linens are outdated. Facilities include his and her locker rooms, an indoor whirlpool, a sauna, and a steam-therapy room. Manis and pedis are also available.

In the lobby is a great gift shop with Cafe Britt coffee, beer, snacks, sundries, and clothing items and accessories. A small casino and family center offers billiards and a foosball table, ping-pong, and a small movie theater. Event space is available. 

Wi-Fi is free throughout, but may be spotty in areas. 

Most guests will choose either the breakfast package or the all-inclusive package for meals at Arenas -- the main restaurant that serves three buffet spreads with live cooking stations. This space is between the pool and the beach (for easy access) with indoor and outdoor seating (the outdoor patio is protected with netting to keep away birds and other animals). There are themed dinner events with colorful decor, like Costa Rica nights (each Friday), to stave off repetition. Above here, on a rooftop with views, is the Sunset Lounge, which serves drinks and casual cuisine à la carte. This space has newer lounge furniture and a palapa roof lined with flowing fabric for a modern touch. On some nights, guests can sing and dance along to live musicians who play contemporary, beach-y tunes. During the day, a bar menu is served poolside where there are bar seats and tables in the shade. There is also a swim-up bar in the sun. Late-night snacks can be ordered at the casino. The resort has it's own organic farm that grows vegetables and herbs. 

Though this area is more remote than say nearby Tamarindo, there are a few restaurants within walking distance or a short taxi ride away. Staff members will likely recommend the neighboring restaurant called Coco Loco, which is a short walk along the beach.