The W Costa Rica? or the Westin?
Maybe you are already set on Playa Conchal, but can’t decide if you should stay at the W Costa Rica or the Westin Reserva Conchal. Both are amazing, so this article compares the two luxury Marriott resorts located on the same beach in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
While sharing a location, they offer drastically different experiences.
Similarities
Both are on Playa Conchal, a top-rated beach.
Both are the same 1.5-hour drive from Liberia Airport (LIR).
Both are part of the Marriott family and allow bookings with Marriott Bonvoy points.
Both have free access to rental gear like kayaks and paddleboards.
Key Differences:
Location & Views: The W is on a hill providing ocean views from most areas, while the Westin is on flat ground, surrounded by trees with obstructed views.
Overall Vibe: The Westin has a family-friendly, party vibe, with pop music, whereas the W offers a more mature, high-end adult vibe with relaxing electronic lounge beats.
Kids & Adults Experience: The Westin features a fully staffed kids club and a large adults-only pool. The W has a much smaller, pre-scheduled kids club and a smaller adults-only area.
Rooms & Design: W rooms are larger with modern, Instagrammable design and ocean views. Westin rooms are slightly smaller (538 sq ft) and older, but recently renovated in 2024.
Food & Drinks: The Westin is all-inclusive. The W is not all-inclusive, offering high-end, niche dining experiences you pay for individually.
Our Recommendations:
Stay at the W if: You are on a honeymoon, an anniversary trip, are a design lover, a foodie, or a solo traveler looking for a trendy vibe.
Stay at the Westin if: You are a family with kids, a multi-generational group, looking for an all-inclusivebudget, or need extra beds like foldout couches.
To check out each of the resort’s pages directly, you can see them here:
Or to check out our video comparing these two resorts, take a look here:
