4 Nights
with Air
from
$929
was $1129 - All Inclusive
Rooms starting at
$80.00
per person/night - All Inclusive
InfoCustomer ReviewsQuestions & Answers
Explore pristine beaches and discover unspoiled rainforests at the southern tip of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, when
...
More
Explore pristine beaches and discover unspoiled rainforests at the southern tip of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, when you stay at the all inclusive Barcelo Tambor Beach Hotel. Located at the edge of secluded Bahia Ballena, this all inclusive resort stands virtually alone in an ecological paradise! And with a small airport next door, you're only 40 minutes from San Jose.
Less
2 out of 4 (50%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.Read All Reviews
All Customer Reviews
Loading...1-3 of 3 reviews. Sort by
August 15, 2010
Pass on this one
Overall, I would not return to Barcelo Tambor. We didn't have any major problems, there was just nothing particularly nice about this resort. The food was nothing to brag about (but it was an all-inclusive so let's be honest, they are never that great) nor were the rooms particularly nice or comfortable. The pool was pretty nice, but on the weekends completely overcrowded with locals and kids. You can't really lay out on the beach, its very rocky (which I realize is not the hotel's fault). Entertainment options are pretty limited. Overall, we had a good time because we are not the type of people to complain alot and we made the best of it. I would not return to this resort but we absolutely plan to return to Costa Rica. It is so beautiful and the people are so nice! I really don't want this review to discourage people from going to Costa Rica, just perhaps choose another resort.
Having gone to Cancun recently, it's hard to justify going back to Barcelo Tambor Beach. Barcelo Tambor Beach is an all-inclusive resort situated right next to the local airport. By local airport, I mean a gravelized semi-paved landing strip off the coast of a jungle. We were traveling in late August during the start of the low season with possible rain showers everyday. Nevertheless, we were pumped up for this trip and ready to explore this tropical paradise.
When we booked our vacation, we had no idea how far this resort was from San Jose. We thought maybe it would be an hour or two by car, right? Apparently, its a 5 1/2 hour trek by land and water taxi so we decided to fly from San Jose to Tambor on a Sesna via Sansa Regional Air, which has quite convenient and amazing. The views overlooking the mountains of Costa Rica were breathtaking even though my girlfriend and I, who were first time visitors, had to talk over the hum of the engine and get used flying in a small plane.
When we arrived at the resort, the weather was hot, humid, and sultry, much warmer than in San Jose. As with any all-inclusive resort, they required us to wear wrist bands during our entire stay. We were one of only a handful of Americans during our stay with locals vacationing and other Spanish speaking guests being much more the norm.
The resort had a very open layout with no enclosures which meant that the only place to sit in AC was in the hotel room, the sundry shop, and the on-site casino. The lobby was covered with wooden beams and was very nicely decorated and cozy. Next to it, was the stage area used for nightly performances and activities by the hotel staff. The shows were okay and meant to pass the time in a family friendly setting. The staff were friendly enough but some had difficulty speaking English. The grounds were open and lush and you could hear the macaus caw overhead and the iguanas, raccoons scurry on the pathways. Pretty cool.
None of the buildings were higher than three stories and each room had its own outdoor entrance. When we got to our room, we noticed some hair and some blood specks on the sheets of one of the beds (don't ask). We had to have the maid come in and change it...twice. The room was okay without any of the lavish amenities. Think liquid shower gel coming out of a wall unit dispenser. However, we did have a lot of space in the room and since then our rooms were cleaned to our satisfaction thereafter. We also had access to our own little personal patio area from our room through the sliding door.
The resort has 3 large connected pools designed with footbridges and access to the pool bar. We took a dip in the pool the first day we had to get used to the heavy chlorine content in the water. The beach was a bit rocky and painful to walk on with some dead logs and natural debris but once we got in the 70 degrees of greenish ocean goodness, we were in heaven. We took advantage of the free body board rentals although all the kayaks were out of service. Nonetheless, swimming in the ocean was one of the highlights of the trip.
Dining options were quite limited. There was the central all-you-can-eat buffet style outdoor dining hall which had local food flavors and American food, too. The other dining option was a snack bar serving alcoholic beverages, pizza, hot dogs, and other treats. Finally, we were entitled to make reservations for their dinner only seafood restaurant which doubled up as the discotheque after 10pm, which was only okay. I think the food could have been a lot better but I guess what can you expect for all-inclusive?
The resort does also have horseback riding and massage/spa on the premises which was a nice treat. 45 minutes away was Montezuma beach which is a very cool and quiet hippie community and boutique hotels. The outdoor excursions are numerous and I highly, highly recommend the ATV excursion. They take you on a 5 1/2 hour journey through the Costa Rican beaches, jungles, Montezuma town and countryside with an adventurous, no-holds bar guide. Its the best $40 dollars I have ever spent in my life. We also went zip-lining and took a dip in a waterfall which was awesome.
Overall, a pretty good trip on a slightly above average resort.
I have never been more pleased with a travel experience (service at the hotel, location, food, etc... ) the entire travel package was excellent from the ease of the purchase to the arrival and departure. All of the meals were beyond out expectations, the room and view was more amazing than the pictures could describe and the service was phenominal! I would recommend this trip to everyone! Couldn't be more pleased!
From:Los Angeles, CA Age:25-34 Travel:1-2 trips/year
Ask questions. Share answers. Get advice.
What's the best excursion? How much should you tip?
Ask a question about Barcelo Tambor Beach or help someone else answer theirs.
0 questions, 0 answers.
Is Your Question for CheapCaribbean.com?
Contact our Customer Support team.
Room Information
This all-inclusive resort boasts 402 rooms each with a terrace or balcony and views of the sea or the gardens. Each room is equipped with air-conditioning, a full bathroom with hair dryer, mini-bar, satellite TV, safety deposit box, telephone, and room service.
This resort is an ecological paradise, boasting its own nature reserve with monkeys and raccoons. And the volcanic sands of the beach are gorgeous.
What We'd Change
This is not the easiest hotel to reach. However, your reward is the chance to experience some of Costa Rica's famous, unspoiled beauty.
Why You Should Go
When you stay at this Barcelo Tambor Beachl, you get all inclusive comforts, and yet you're at an ecological wonderland, far from the civilized world!
Available Amenities
Car Rental Available
Banquet Facilities
Beach
Cable/Satellite TV
Casino ($)
Child Care/Babysitting Services ($)
Children's Pool
Conference Facilities
Currency Exchange
Daily Maid Service
Fitness/Exercise Room
Gift Shop
Jacuzzi
Kids Club
Laundry Services ($)
Nightly Entertainment
Playground
Roll-Away Bed Available on Request
Room Service ($)
Snorkeling
Swimming Pool(s)
Tennis Court(s)
Sailing
Fishing
Aerobics
24 Hour Front Desk
Parking On-Site
Archery
Medical Services ($)
Disco
Shuffleboard
5 Restaurants
2 Bars/Lounges
Darts
Bocce Ball
Porter/Bellhop
Theater
Library
Meeting Rooms ($)
Spa Services ($)
Wedding Services $$ -- Pre-arrange directly with resort
Wireless Hi-Speed Internet Access ($)
Amenities Subject to Change, with or without notice
Tour Desk
Watersports Center ($)
Beauty Salon ($)
Additional Fees for some amenities may be required
Scuba Diving
Nearby Excursions & Attractions
Ecological Park Nearby
Fishing Nearby
Golf Nearby
Medical Facilities Nearby
Museum(s) Close by
Nightclubs in Area
Shops/Shopping in Area
Map of Local Area
Costa Rica is an exhilarating land of luxuriant rainforests and mighty volcanoes, of natural hot springs and shimmering oceans, of colonial charm and captivating nightlife. The ultimate delight of Costa Rica is its people.
Barcelo Tambor Beach
Tambor Paquera Puntarenas
+011 506 2683 0303
Hotel Description
Discover an Ecological Paradise at Barcelo Tambor Beach
Explore pristine beaches and discover unspoiled rainforests at the southern tip of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, when you stay at the all inclusive Barcelo Tambor Beach Hotel. Located at the edge of secluded Bahia Ballena, this all inclusive resort stands virtually alone in an ecological paradise! And with a small airport next door, you're only 40 minutes from San Jose.
Awarded the Blue Flag for maintaining clean and safe beaches, the hotel takes pride in the chocolate-colored, volcanic sands of Playa Tambor. The 3.7-mile crescent beach is a tranquil setting for a stroll along the gentle waters of Ballena Bay, named for whales that once frequented the area. Freshwater swimming pools for adults and children, as well as a Jacuzzi, offer alternatives to the turquoise waters of the bay.
Make sure you order a steak for dinner at the a la carte El Rancho at least once. And buffet meals at El Tucan are amazing. At breakfast, for example, you can enjoy all the fresh papaya, pineapple and watermelon you want. Or you can treat yourself to smoked salmon, as well as eggs, omelets and other standard fare. Think there's no nightlife in the jungle? El Rancho transforms itself at 11pm into a disco that'll have you shakin' your booty 'til the wee hours of the morning.
For a unique perspective on this environmental wonderland, paddle a kayak into the heart of the bay. The water is almost always calm, enhancing your serenity. If you've always been intrigued by windsurfing, then the still waters offer you the perfect chance to learn. When you want to stay dry, grab a bow and arrows to practice your archery skills or challenge the kids to a game of croquet.
You've undoubtedly come to the Nicoya Peninsula to experience the wildlife firsthand. Fortunately, Barcelo Tambor Beach Hotel is quite close to the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, the first among Costa Rica's national parks. Curu National Refuge, a private reserve, is also near the resort.
Other Details
Location
Barcelo Tambor Beach is approximately five hours from San Jose by ground and about 30 minutes by air. For regional domestic flights within Costa Rica, please contact Sansa Regional Air. Overnight stays may be required in San Jose.
When booking a return flight, please be aware that the resort is a 3.5-hour ride from the hotel, and a 1.5-hour ferry ride that does not start operating until 5:30am; therefore, do not schedule yourself on an early morning flight, as we will not be able to accommodate you.
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in: 2pm. Check-out: noon.
There is a five-night minimum stay required for travel Apr 1-8, 2012.
Departure Fee
A $26 USD per person departure fee is due and payable upon leaving Costa Rica. Fees are subject to change without notice at the discretion of the Costa Rican government. This fee may be included in the cost of your airline ticket; consult the airline on which you are traveling to verify.
Holy Week
In observance of Holy Week, some resorts in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Costa Rica may put limits on the use of motorized water sports and loud music.
All Inclusive
The All Inclusive Plan Features:
Breakfast, lunch, dinner at El Tucan Buffet
Dinner at El Rancho or Las Olas ? la carte restaurants
Dining is limited to one dinner, per guest, per three-night stay
Unlimited local beverages
Land sports (three flood-lit tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, table tennis, billiards, darts, shuffleboard and archery)
Gymnasium
Theater for shows and live music
Day and night entertainment program for children and adults
Children's play area and Mini Club
Towels for beach and swimming pool, sun beds and solarium
Non-motorized water sports (windsurfing, boogie board and kayaks)
Taxes and gratuities
Services Available for Extra Charges:
Tropical Casino
Room service from 8:30am-11pm
Laundry
Telephone and fax
Currency exchange
Excursions
24-hour medical service
Salon and masseuse
Deep-sea fishing
Scuba diving and snorkeling
Horseback riding
Motorized water sports (banana boat, jet ski, water skiing)
Meeting rooms
Dining
Name: El Tucan
Type: International
Hours: Breakfast, Daily 7am-10am; Lunch, Daily 11am-3pm; Dinner, Daily 7pm-10pm
Description: Buffet restaurant. Hours subject to change.
Name: El Rancho
Type: International
Hours: Daily 7pm-10pm
Description: Offering ? la carte dining. Reservations are required. Hours subject to change.
Name: Las Olas
Type: International
Hours: Daily 7pm-10pm
Description: Offering ? la carte dining. Hours subject to change.
Name: El Palenque
Type: Snack Bar
Hours: Daily 12:30pm-11pm
Description: Snack bar. Hours subject to change.
Name: Miyako
Type: Japanese
Hours: Daily 7pm-10pm
Description: Offering ? la carte dining. Hours subject to change.
Bars
El Ron Ron
Poolside bar. Daily 10am-6pm.
El Cocobolo
Lobby Bar. Daily 5pm-midnight.
All hours subject to change.
Beach
Barcelo Tambor Beach, located on Playa Tambor - Bahia Ballena, is a jewel on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. The volcanic sands and gentle swell of the sea, reflecting the brilliant blue sky, make this a perfect place for sunbathing, water sports, or simply strolling along the 3.7 mile beach.
The hotel was awarded the Blue Flag, which certifies that the nearby beaches are safe and clean.
Pools
Barcelo Tambor Beach has an adult and a children's swimming pool and a Jacuzzi.
Water activities
Guests have access to the following (some may require fees):
Windsurfing
Boogie board
Kayaks
Banana boat
Jet ski
Water skiing
Scuba diving
Snorkeling
Sports
Guests may enjoy:
Three flood-lit tennis courts
Sand volleyball court
Table tennis
Billiards
Darts
Shuffleboard
Archery
Croquet
Bocce ball
Shuffle board
Child Care
Barcelo Tambor Beach offers daily activities, for all children, as well as a kid's club, open daily 9am-5pm.
Night Life
El Rancho Disco is open from 11pm-3am. Hours subject to change.
Barcelo Tambor Beach also has a theater, providing live music and entertainment.
Reid16
