There’s an exciting new Waldorf Astoria slated to open in early 2025, which will no doubt prove to be a popular getaway for Hilton Honors members from the United States. A few days ago I first wrote about how this property has become bookable, and it can be an amazing use of points.
There’s an update — while the number of points required for a standard room has increased a bit, availability is also better, so there are some awesome opportunities to lock in points stays. Act fast!
In this post:
Basics of the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Cacique
The Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Cacique is now accepting reservations for stays as of February 1, 2025. The property will feature 190 accommodations plus 41 residences. It will be located in Guanacaste, on a peninsula with unobstructed ocean views, just a short drive from Liberia International Airport (LIR).
The resort will have all the amenities you’d expect, from a large, multi-level pool, to a spa and gym, to a variety of dining outlets. Exact details are limited, though, so I’ll be sure to post an update once we know more.
I’m excited about the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica. Costa Rica is gorgeous, and this part of the country has beautiful nature, and lots to do if you’re looking for an active vacation.
This is in the same general area as the Peninsula Papagayo development, where you’ll find the Andaz and Four Seasons. It’s nice to see plans for the Waldorf Astoria, as this should be the most luxurious points property in the region.
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Cacique rates & points requirements
Now that the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Cacique is bookable, what are rates like? Rates start at around $3,000 per night including taxes and fees. I can’t imagine the property will be able to sustain these kinds of rates. I mean, we’re not talking about a luxury safari lodge here with a handful of rooms, but rather a 190-room luxury factory (nice as it might be).
The leisure hotel rate inflation we’ve seen in recent years is nothing short of shocking. Back in the day, many true luxury properties cost well under $1,000 per night, while nowadays, the concept of a $3,000 per night hotel isn’t even surprising anymore.
The good news is that you’re able to redeem Hilton Honors points at the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica. Rates start at 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night (compared to 95,000 points when bookings first opened), and elite members get a fifth night free, lowering the average cost to 96,000 points per night. It goes without saying that redeeming points is a phenomenal value.
Points availability is fairly good, though I’d recommend booking ASAP, as I can’t imagine that will last.
The “no blackout dates” policy on hotel redemptions used to mean something back in the day, when all standard rooms were actually made available for award redemptions. However, with hotels increasingly creating new sub-categories of standard rooms for the purposes of gaming redemptions, that greatly limits the usefulness (and this is something Hilton Honors is especially guilty of).
There are a very limited number of standard rooms, with a vast majority of rooms being considered premium.
Bottom line
The Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica is expected to open in early 2025, and will be a great new option for those looking for an easy luxury getaway from the United States. The resort looks gorgeous, and will probably be significantly nicer than the Andaz.
The hotel is now bookable, and rates start at around $3,000 per night, which is rough. By comparison, this property is a steal on points.
What do you make of the new Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica?
They are showing availability in May at the lower points rates, but when I try to book it, it comes back as no points availability. What a scam.
Ben, Thanks for the heads up on this one so far in advance....... However, like MaxPower said below this is NOT what Costa Rica is about!! There are so many small awesome beach front or oceanside hotels to stay at for 1/10th the cost where you'll get a geat and I'd say hands down a better Costa Rican experience and still 1st class too.
I've stayed 4 times, 1 week each @ Hotel 360,...
Ben, Thanks for the heads up on this one so far in advance....... However, like MaxPower said below this is NOT what Costa Rica is about!! There are so many small awesome beach front or oceanside hotels to stay at for 1/10th the cost where you'll get a geat and I'd say hands down a better Costa Rican experience and still 1st class too.
I've stayed 4 times, 1 week each @ Hotel 360, a boutique hotel, who are a member of Small Luxury Hotels(now part of Hilton) and it was SPECTACULAR!!!!!! If you question it look it up on Tripadvisor who just voted 360 one of The "Best of The Best" in not only Costa Rica, but Central America!!! All 12 very private villias/rooms have awesome views, the pool and restaurant look directly west and at an elevation of 950 feet above sea level offer unbelievable sunsets every night!!!! And it's a short 10 minute drive to the town of Ojochal.
Or check it out directly @ www.hotelthreesixty.com
And... IT'S GONE! Almost. Only three sets of 5-day stays available in February, two sets in March, none in April and then two full weeks in May (until the end of schedule).
They pulled all award availability (even premium awards) right as I was clicking through to book. Now there's nothing at all on the calendar.
I see 7 different 1-night stays available at the standard rate
Risky even at 95k points to get their bottom tropical view room. At least at WAP in Cabo every room has some sort of ocean view, and they are pretty good about diamond upgrades. Will be interesting to see how upgrades work out. May attract a different crowd from the US as you can't just punch down for a couple nights, and 5 nights of availability in a row seems like a pipe dream.
All that being said.......very tempting.
"...is now accepting reservations for stays as of February 1, 2024." You meant 2025.
I get what the point of this blog is but I do hope readers of this blog wouldn't stay at a big mega property like the Four Seasons or Waldorf while they're in this area of Costa Rica. The small hotels on beaches like Playa Hermosa combined with the people and restaurants are just SO much better all around than paying $80 for a breakfast and shutting yourself from the amazing people of CR
One could burn a FNC or 2 here and then stay local. That would be my plan.
You are soooooo right Max!!
Are the Hilton credit card free nights limited to this same availability?
@ Francisco C -- They are, yes.
From what I can recall this would be the highest value in the Americas for a FNC
Take a look @ Hotel Three Sixty.... You'll love it!