Guest Rooms
148 of the property's 188 accommodations, offering views of Punta Cacique's landscapes with spacious terraces or balconies in a modern, earth-toned design.
On-site
Amenities
La Finca (signature restaurant)
Tico-Tica (all-day dining)
Peacock Alley Bar (signature Waldorf Astoria brand bar)
Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop
Copo y Cono Ice Cream Shop
Vida Pool & Grill
The Spa at Waldorf Astoria (17,000 sq ft, 11 treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms)
Multi-level cascading pool plus a separate fitness pool
Natunki Kids Club and Nasome Teens Club
Open-air yoga studio
Private beach access at Playa Penca
10,000 sq ft of event space
Where to stay
Room & suite types
Suites
40 suites, 22 of which feature private plunge pools, alongside the same modern, nature-blended design as the guest rooms.
Resort Residences
Eight private residences with one- to three-bedroom layouts, private plunge pools, full kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, furnished balconies and expansive ocean views.
Our local insight
Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique sits right on Playa Penca, with a 17,000-square-foot spa, a cascading multi-level pool and six on-site restaurants and bars, from the signature La Finca to Copo y Cono for ice cream. It suits travelers who value privacy, ocean views and a short arrival day, with easy private transfers to explore Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco nearby.
Why travelers love
This resort
See how this property matches different travel styles before planning your stay.
Luxury travelers
Premium service, refined surroundings and a polished resort experience.
Couples
Privacy, beautiful scenery and relaxed moments made for two.
Honeymoons
Privacy, beautiful scenery and relaxed moments made for two.
Families
A comfortable resort base with options that work well for different ages.
Private Tours
Private Tours From Waldorf Astoria
Staying at Waldorf Astoria makes it easy to explore Playa Hermosa and Guanacaste beyond the resort. Wild Papagayo offers private tours with hotel pickup from Waldorf Astoria to waterfalls, wildlife areas, volcanoes, hot springs and adventure destinations throughout the region.
Popular options include Celeste River Hike & Tenorio National Park, Hanging Bridges & Sloths Experience, Palo Verde River Boat Tour and other private day trips tailored to your group.
Explore Private ToursSignature experiences
Curated experiences from this resort
Most popular
Local favorite
Adventure pick
Celeste River Hike & Tenorio National Park
Private full-day hike to Río Celeste, the nearly opaque aquamarine blue river at Tenorio Volcano National Park. Lunch and national park fee included. Visitor identification details are required for national park registration and will be requested securely after booking confirmation.
Hanging Bridges & Sloths Experience
Private hanging bridges and sloth encounter, 3 suspension bridges through tropical forest, Llanos de Cortez Waterfall and an intimate sloth experience that inspires wonder in every age. Lunch included.
Palo Verde River Boat Tour
Private half-day riverboat excursion through Palo Verde National Park, crocodiles, monkeys, tropical birds and the Tempisque River. Certified bilingual guide. Book with Wild Papagayo.
Real guest sentiment
What Guests Are Saying
4.3/5 on Google · 369 reviews
“This property is stunning! Only 30 minutes from Liberia airport (concierge will arrange your ride if you like). The staff take care of you from the moment you book. They are kind and attentive. The rooms look out over the Playa Penca and it’s a beautiful view. Kayak, snorkel, jet skis are all available from the...”
Alisha Hewetta month ago“Our stay at the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique was absolutely unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, the service, attention to detail, and hospitality were exceptional. A special thank you to Adonay, our personal concierge, who truly made our experience even more special. He went above and beyond to m...”
Jen Edens3 weeks ago“We absolutely loved this resort. The room was magnificent and the pools with the beach views were incredible! However, the most memorable part of the stay was the staff and how well they welcomed us home. Raquel was our Concierge and every day made sure we were happy and helped us with all of our excursions and wh...”
Tim Mcmullena month agoTransportation & Guides
Guanacaste Airport (LIR)
32-40 minutes (28.2 km) by private transfer.
San Jose Airport (SJO)
220-281 minutes (237.2 km) by private transfer.
Private Tour Pickup
Wild Papagayo can arrange private pickup directly from Waldorf Astoria for tours and excursions. Your departure time is coordinated around your selected experience, group size and itinerary, so you do not need to travel to a separate meeting point.
Liberia Airport Transportation
Waldorf Astoria is served by Guanacaste Airport (LIR). Read our Liberia Airport Transportation Guide →
Private Driver
Door-to-door private transportation for every tour and excursion -- no shared shuttles, no waiting on other guests.
Certified Local Guides
Every experience is led by a bilingual, certified local guide who knows Playa Hermosa firsthand.
Getting oriented
Where you'll be
Playa Penca, Ruta Nacional 159 km 3, Provincia de Guanacaste, Carrillo, 10901, Costa Rica
Planning your trip
Best time to visit
Costa Rica, month by month
Compare rainfall, temperatures and crowds across the whole country.
Browse weather by month →Planning your trip
Where to Eat Nearby
Real, currently-rated options near Playa Hermosa, sourced live from Google.
Pizzería Avenida Corrientes
Restaurante Almar
Steak House Sal y Fuego Playa Hermosa
Restaurante Mar Azul
Hacienda Blu Beach Lounge & Grill
Coco Viquez
Plan with confidence
Travel insights
Trip Planning
Liberia Airport to Arenal & Papagayo: Drive Times & Stops
A practical guide to connecting Liberia Airport, Amor Arenal, and the Waldorf Astoria Papagayo, with drive times, worthwhile stops, activities near Arenal, and honest advice about September's green-season rain.
Trip Planning
Costa Rica With an 11-Month-Old: Where Should You Stay?
Planning a first Costa Rica vacation with a baby can feel overwhelming. Here is an honest comparison of the weather, accommodations and easiest areas for a relaxed family trip.
Destination Guides
15 Best Things to Do in Papagayo, Costa Rica
From calm Pacific bays to volcanic hikes, turquoise rivers and sloth-spotting rainforest walks, here's a local's guide to the best things to do in and around Papagayo, Costa Rica.
Before you arrive
Frequently asked questions
How far is Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica from Guanacaste Airport?
The resort is approximately 17 miles from Guanacaste Airport (LIR). Driving time is commonly around 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic.
Where is Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica located?
The resort is located at Punta Cacique on Playa Penca, along Guanacaste's Northern Pacific coast.
Can tours pick up at Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique?
Private excursions and transfers can be planned from the resort, with pickup details confirmed according to the selected experience and travel date.
Hotel details can change. Confirm resort-specific amenities and policies on the official hotel website.