Planet Hollywood Costa Rica: What's Covered
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort delivers Hollywood-themed all-inclusive entertainment on Papagayo Peninsula, just 30 minutes from Liberia Airport via paved roads. This 292-suite resort opened in 2018 with seven restaurants included—from Guy Fieri’s burger joint to teppanyaki—plus kids club and multiple pools. Having a rental car transforms your stay, letting you explore Playa Conchal in 20 minutes or Tamarindo in 45 minutes.
Quick Facts:
- Sits on calm Playa Manzanillo in protected Bahía Culebra—safer swimming than exposed beaches
- Star Class upgrade adds exclusive areas and enhanced amenities for special occasions
- No 4×4 needed to reach resort, but helpful for exploring undeveloped Papagayo beaches
- Family-friendly with Stars Kids Club supervised activities and splash center
- More affordable than Four Seasons or Andaz while offering genuine dining variety
Top 4 Resort Highlights:
- Seven Included Restaurants – Real variety from Guy’s Burger Joint to Italian trattoria, no extra charges for specialty dining
- Hollywood Theme Experience – Interactive touchscreens, movie memorabilia, and paparazzi-style photo ops throughout property
- Destination Wedding Packages – Red-carpet ceremonies with built-in glamour and photo opportunities from classic to full Hollywood
- Perfect Beach Access – Calm waters of Bahía Culebra ideal for families, plus quick drives to Flamingo or Rincón de la Vieja
The resort works best for families wanting everything on-site and groups valuing entertainment over understated tropical elegance.
If you need any help with a Costa Rica car rental, contact us now!
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica opened October 1, 2018, bringing a Hollywood-themed all-inclusive experience to Guanacaste’s Papagayo Peninsula. Located just 30 minutes from Liberia Airport on Playa Manzanillo in Bahía Culebra, this 292-suite resort offers seven restaurants, multiple pools, and family-friendly amenities at price points more accessible than neighboring luxury properties. The resort works well for families seeking entertainment-focused experiences, destination weddings wanting guaranteed Hollywood glamour, and groups who value having everything on-site rather than exploring independently.
The big question most travelers ask: does the Hollywood theme feel gimmicky, or does it actually enhance the experience? From the Phabulous Beds™ to the paparazzi-style photo ops, Planet Hollywood commits fully to its entertainment brand rather than trying to blend into traditional Costa Rican aesthetics. This makes it distinctly different from nearby resorts like Four Seasons or Andaz Papagayo, which lean into natural tropical luxury.
Key Takeaways
- Location advantage: 30-minute drive from Liberia Airport on well-maintained roads—no 4×4 needed for resort access
- All-inclusive value: Seven restaurants included, from Guy Fieri’s burger joint to teppanyaki and Italian
- Hollywood experience: Interactive touchscreens, live-streamed events, and entertainment-focused design throughout
- Family-friendly setup: Stars Kids Club™, supervised activities, and splash center for children
- Star Class upgrade: Exclusive areas and enhanced amenities available for premium experience
- Rental car benefits: Easy access to Playa Conchal (20 minutes), Tamarindo (45 minutes), and hidden Papagayo beaches
- Wedding packages: Customizable destination wedding options from classic to full red-carpet treatment
Why Did Planet Hollywood Choose Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula?
The Papagayo Peninsula sits on Guanacaste’s northern Pacific coast, famous for consistent sunshine, protected beaches, and proximity to Liberia’s international airport. This area receives less rainfall than anywhere else in Costa Rica, making it particularly attractive for resort development and beach-focused vacations.
Planet Hollywood’s partnership with Sunwing Travel Group marked the brand’s strategic shift into luxury all-inclusive accommodations. After successful launches in Goa and Las Vegas, they acquired the former Allegro Papagayo property (previously operated by Barceló Hotels) through a $50 million renovation investment.
Robert Earl, Planet Hollywood’s founder and chairman, stated their focus on “delivering unique and memorable experiences that translate into lifelong memories.” The Costa Rica location serves as the first in their expansion plan, followed by properties in Cancun and St. Maarten.
What Actually Makes This Resort Different from Other Papagayo Properties?
The Hollywood Theme Isn’t Subtle
Unlike neighboring resorts that emphasize tropical elegance, Planet Hollywood doubles down on entertainment culture. Movie memorabilia decorates common areas, interactive touchscreen displays appear throughout guest suites, and special lighting features help guests “present in their best light” for photos.
The resort’s high-tech integration includes events live-streamed across the in-house network, personalized musical systems for creating your own soundtrack, and blackout curtains for “sleeping famously” regardless of Guanacaste’s early sunrises.
Seven Restaurants Mean Real Dining Variety
Many all-inclusive resorts limit dining options or charge extra for specialty restaurants. Planet Hollywood includes seven distinct venues:
Guy’s! Burger Joint – Guy Fieri’s carefully designed all-American menu focuses on what burgers should be—no pretense, just quality ingredients done right.
So Cal Gourmet Food Emporium – International fusion spanning Mexican street food, Japanese and Korean dishes, and American diner classics for homesick travelers.
East Sushi & Teppanyaki Bar – Watch chefs prepare fresh sushi or grill dishes tableside for authentic Japanese cuisine.
The Sunset Strip Steakhouse & Grill – Old Hollywood vibe with boothed seating, steaks cooked to order, and an extensive wine list.
Blue Star Tex-Mex Cantina – Saloon-style setting serving fajitas and Tex-Mex staples with a Wild West atmosphere.
Gusto Italian Trattoria – Vintage black-and-white Italian movie aesthetic creates romantic candlelit dinner settings.
Overtime Sports Bar – Pub food and cold beer accompany major sporting and entertainment events.
Beyond restaurants, The Premiere Bar & Lounge offers 1960s James Bond sophistication (martinis shaken, not stirred), while FUEL Coffee Co. provides specialty coffee and pastries throughout the day.
What Room Options Does Planet Hollywood Offer?
The resort’s 292 suites come in three tiers: Junior, Director’s, and Producer’s Suites, all featuring ocean or garden views. Every room includes the signature Phabulous Beds™ with specialized bedding and blackout curtains designed for optimal sleep.
Interactive touchscreen displays in each suite control lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems. The lighting features aren’t just functional—they’re designed to present guests photographically, reflecting the resort’s entertainment focus.
Star Class™ Upgrade Worth Considering?
Star Class provides exclusive access to designated areas and enhanced amenities with attention to detail. This upgrade makes sense for honeymooners, anniversary celebrations, or travelers who want a more private experience within the larger resort environment. Without the upgrade, you’ll still access all seven restaurants and main resort features—Star Class adds exclusivity, not essential amenities.
How Do Families Benefit from This Resort Setup?
Stars Kids Club™ offers supervised activities designed around entertainment themes, allowing parents extended spa time or adult dining experiences. The resort features three swimming pools plus a splash center specifically for younger children.
The PUMPED Fitness Center provides equipment for travelers maintaining workout routines, though many guests find beach walking and swimming sufficient for vacation exercise.
Parents appreciate having multiple dining options that accommodate different family preferences without leaving the resort property. The Guy Fieri burger joint particularly appeals to children less adventurous with international cuisine.
What Wedding Options Does Planet Hollywood Provide?
Destination wedding packages range from classic black-and-white glam to full paparazzi red-carpet experiences. The resort’s entertainment theme provides built-in photo opportunities and atmospheric settings that wedding photographers love.
Personalized packages include ceremony coordination, reception venues, and honeymoon suite accommodations. The Hollywood styling works particularly well for couples who want their wedding to feel like an event rather than a traditional beach ceremony.
For wedding planning details and current package options, contact the resort directly at [email protected] or call 506-4703-1000.
How Do You Actually Get to Planet Hollywood from Costa Rica’s Airports?
From Liberia International Airport (Recommended)
Follow Route 21 southbound from Liberia Airport. After passing Plaza Futura, turn right to loop back around, then head north on Route 253. Follow this road around to the left until reaching Playa Manzanillo. The entire drive takes approximately 30 minutes covering well-maintained roads.
You won’t need a 4×4 for reaching the resort itself—standard vehicles handle the route easily year-round. However, if you plan exploring less-developed beaches on the Papagayo Peninsula or heading to places like Playa Conchal’s northern access points, a full-sized or premium SUV becomes worthwhile.
From Juan Santamaría Airport in San José (If Necessary)
Take Route 27 toward the Pacific Coast (have change ready for tolls). At Puntarenas, take the northbound Pan-American Highway (Route 1) until reaching Liberia. Then follow the same Route 21 and Route 253 directions as from Liberia Airport. This journey takes approximately four hours, though you should allow extra time during peak traffic periods on Route 27.
Why Most Guests Choose Liberia Airport
Flying into Liberia cuts driving time from four hours to thirty minutes. The airport specifically serves Guanacaste’s beach destinations, making it the logical choice unless your itinerary includes significant time in the Central Valley, Monteverde, or Caribbean coast.
Should You Rent a Car for Your Planet Hollywood Stay?
The resort’s all-inclusive structure means you could theoretically never leave the property and still have a complete vacation. Seven restaurants, multiple pools, activities, and beach access provide everything for a relaxation-focused stay.
However, renting a car opens significantly more experiences:
Playa Conchal (20 minutes) – Famous shell beach with turquoise waters and some of Guanacaste’s best snorkeling.
Tamarindo (45 minutes) – Surf town with diverse restaurants, nightlife, and shopping beyond what any single resort offers.
Playa Flamingo (15 minutes) – Premium beach with sport fishing operations and beautiful sunset views.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park (1 hour) – Active volcano with hot springs, mud baths, and hiking trails through varied ecosystems.
Vamos Rentacar operates from Liberia with options for airport pickup or direct delivery to the resort for a nominal fee. Having a vehicle during your stay means you’re not limited to resort tours and shuttle schedules—you can explore independently, stop at local sodas (small Costa Rican restaurants), and discover beaches without crowds.
For Papagayo Peninsula exploration, a standard SUV or full-size vehicle provides comfort and reliability. Some nearby beaches remain accessible only via unpaved roads where clearance and stability matter.
Planet Hollywood positions itself as the entertainment-focused option with pricing more accessible than ultra-luxury properties. If you value having themed experiences, multiple dining venues included, and family-friendly amenities over understated tropical elegance, it delivers exactly what it promises.
What’s the Verdict on Planet Hollywood Costa Rica?
Choose Planet Hollywood if you want:
- All-inclusive convenience with genuine dining variety
- Entertainment-themed experiences and photo opportunities
- Family-friendly setup with supervised children’s activities
- Destination wedding with guaranteed Hollywood glamour
- Easy airport access without complicated transfers
- Access to Papagayo’s protected beaches and calm waters
Consider other options if you prefer:
- Understated tropical elegance over entertainment themes
- Adults-only atmosphere for romantic escapes
- Ultra-luxury amenities and service standards
- Authentic Costa Rican cultural immersion
- Remote, undiscovered locations over developed resort areas
Your Next Steps for Planning a Planet Hollywood Stay
For reservations and current availability:
- Phone: 506-4703-1000 or 506-2106-0090
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Playa Manzanillo Bahía Culebra, Guanacaste Province, Liberia, Costa Rica
For car rental coordination:
Pick up your rental vehicle from Vamos Rentacar’s Liberia office or arrange resort delivery before arrival. Having a car from day one means you can explore Guanacaste’s diverse beaches, visit Tamarindo’s restaurants beyond resort dining, and access national parks without tour company schedules limiting your flexibility.
Before booking, verify:
- Current all-inclusive package details (what’s included changes periodically)
- Star Class upgrade costs and benefits for your travel dates
- Wedding package specifics if planning a destination ceremony
- Cancellation policies, especially during Costa Rica’s rainy season (May-November)
- Whether specific restaurants or amenities are under renovation
The resort opened in 2018, making it relatively new compared to established Papagayo properties. This means facilities remain modern, but it’s worth checking recent reviews on TripAdvisor for current operational standards.
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort brings something different to Guanacaste’s resort landscape—the Hollywood theme either enhances your experience or feels unnecessary depending on what you value in a vacation. The resort doesn’t try to be something it’s not, which means you’ll know exactly what type of experience to expect before booking.
For travelers seeking reliable all-inclusive convenience with entertainment-focused amenities, easy airport access, and family-friendly setup, it delivers on its promises. Just don’t expect understated Costa Rican authenticity—Planet Hollywood proudly brings Hollywood to the tropics, not the other way around.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Planet Hollywood Costa Rica from the airport?
Planet Hollywood sits 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport (LIR) via well-maintained paved roads. You’ll take Route 21 southbound, loop around after Plaza Futura, then head north on Route 253 until reaching Playa Manzanillo. No 4×4 needed for this drive—standard vehicles handle it easily year-round.
If you’re flying into San José’s Juan Santamaría Airport instead, expect about four hours of driving. Most travelers choose Liberia to skip the longer transfer.
Does Planet Hollywood Costa Rica have a beach?
Yes. The resort sits directly on Playa Manzanillo within Bahía Culebra (Culebra Bay). This location provides calm, protected waters rather than the big Pacific surf you’d find at beaches like Tamarindo or Nosara. The bay’s protection makes it particularly good for families with younger children who want safer swimming conditions.
You’re also within easy driving distance of other beaches—Playa Conchal’s famous shell beach is 20 minutes away, and Playa Flamingo sits just 15 minutes north.
Can you swim in the ocean in Guanacaste, Costa Rica?
Absolutely. Guanacaste’s Pacific beaches offer excellent swimming, though conditions vary by location. Beaches inside protected bays like Bahía Culebra (where Planet Hollywood sits) provide calmer waters suitable for all swimming abilities. More exposed beaches like Tamarindo get bigger waves that attract surfers but require stronger swimming skills.
Water temperature stays warm year-round (around 80°F/27°C). Always check with locals or resort staff about current conditions—riptides can occur on certain beaches during specific tidal conditions.
Is Planet Hollywood Costa Rica adults-only?
No. Planet Hollywood welcomes families and offers dedicated kids’ programming through their Stars Kids Club™. The resort includes supervised activities for children, a splash center for water play, and family-friendly dining options across all seven restaurants.
If you’re specifically seeking an adults-only atmosphere in the Papagayo area, consider Secrets Papagayo instead.
What’s the best time to visit Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region?
Guanacaste’s dry season runs December through April, offering virtually guaranteed sunshine and minimal rain—this is peak season with higher prices and more crowds. The landscape turns golden and dry during these months, quite different from the green rainforest most people picture.
May through November brings “green season” (rainy season), with afternoon showers, lusher landscapes, and significantly lower rates. Morning hours typically stay clear, making this a good value option if you don’t mind occasional rain. The Papagayo Peninsula, where Planet Hollywood sits, gets less rainfall than other Guanacaste areas even during green season.
Does Planet Hollywood have a dress code?
The resort maintains a relaxed tropical dress code. You’ll need shirts and footwear in all restaurants and public areas (no swimwear in dining venues), but there’s no requirement for formal attire. For the Sunset Strip Steakhouse & Grill and Gusto Italian Trattoria, resort casual works fine—no need to pack dress clothes unless you want to.
Beach casual clothing works throughout the day. Bring one nicer outfit if you plan on upgrading to Star Class areas or attending any special events.
When was Planet Hollywood Costa Rica built?
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica opened October 1, 2018. Sunwing Travel Group acquired the property (formerly the Allegro Papagayo under Barceló Hotels) in 2015 and invested $50 million in renovations before the Hollywood-themed relaunch.
The relatively recent opening means facilities remain modern and well-maintained compared to some older Guanacaste properties.
How many stars is Planet Hollywood in Costa Rica?
Planet Hollywood doesn’t follow traditional star rating systems, but positions itself as an upscale all-inclusive resort in the mid-to-upper price range for Guanacaste. It sits below ultra-luxury properties like Four Seasons Papagayo in both pricing and service standards, but above budget all-inclusives in terms of amenities and dining quality.
For current guest ratings and reviews, check TripAdvisor or the resort’s booking platforms before making reservations. Guest experiences vary, and recent reviews provide the most accurate picture of current operations.
