💡
Tl;dr – An exciting new Hilton property in Costa Rica – the Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique – will soon open its doors.
Did you hear that? That howling wind sound? That’s the collective exhale of one million Hilton loyalists, letting out sighs of relief. They just finished patting themselves on their backs and muttering: “Nothing comes close to that good old-style Hilton luxury.” All jokes aside, Hilton’s hotly anticipated property – the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique – (I had to pause to catch my breath saying that) – is open for reservations beginning May 1, 2025. Let’s jump into the details!
The Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique
The Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique is located ~35 minutes from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Liberia – LIR) in Costa Rica’s popular Guanacaste province. If you’re familiar with some of the other luxury properties in the area, such as the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, and the upcoming Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Peninsula Papagayo – the Waldorf Astoria is located two bays over – just under an hour’s drive from these properties.
Located on Playa Penca, the cliffside-Waldorf Astoria has 288 rooms (40 suites) and will feature six different dining options. Though we’re still working with renderings, images of the property look stunning.
Similar to its competitor hotels, the motif plays into the lushness of Costa Rica’s rainforest.
Guests can enjoy many amenities, including multi-level pools and a state-of-the-art gym, complete with a movement studio and outdoor yoga. For families, there are kids’ and teens’ clubs.
How About Rates?
I searched opening rates for the hotel’s opening, and as you’d expect, base-level rooms are pretty pricey. Cash rates for a standard room are going for $1580 on opening day, and the lowest price you’ll see during the hotel’s first month of operation is $1474. The lowest rate I could find throughout the year was $1369—and that appears to be the floor. During peak season, the cost for a standard room rises north of $3000.
Cash rates throughout the year – Source: Hilton
Regarding points, rates fluctuate wildly (based on the lowest category room available), but 120,000 Hilton Honors points will net you one night at this property when a standard room is available. And well, 120,000 will have you booking elsewhere when a standard room isn’t available.
Points rates – Source: Hilton
Your Old Friend Blackbeard? He’s Got Ya
Of course, there’s no time like the present to remind ourselves why we play the points and miles game. If you’re starting from zero and have no Hilton Honors points, you can purchase 120,000 points (or anytime Hilton has a 100% bonus sale) for as little as $600. What does that mean? You can enter this shiny property’s door for $600 – an immediate savings of ~$750 off the lowest cash rate available.
Play the points game, please – Source: Hilton
Fancy a longer stay? If you max out your annual capacity for buying Hilton points at a cost of $2400 and take advantage of Hilton’s fifth night free – you’ll net yourself five nights in paradise for $2400. For a stay that would otherwise cost you a minimum of $6795.
Purchase points on Hilton.com – Source: Hilton
Hmm. “If only Hilton were running one of those points sales right now.”
Hmm. “If I only had some tools to help me find a string of dates with base-level availability.” Here and here.
Book now!
My Thoughts?
Hilton’s global portfolio has never really excited me too much, but I have to admit this property looks promising. I can easily see it becoming a fan favorite and a destination for couples, honeymooners, and larger families seeking a warm-weather getaway that offers both beach and adventure, with a hefty side of luxury trimmings.
As mentioned before, with just a little bit of savviness, you can book this hotel at a fraction of its cash rates TODAY (or anytime Hilton offers a points sale and the hotel has standard room availability). As such, the demand for this property will be out of the roof almost immediately.
And it could be for a good reason. I’ve had the chance to sample many of Costa Rica’s luxury properties over the last few years – many of which are bookable on points, others that aren’t. I stayed at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort last year (review forthcoming) and have plans to check out both the new Ritz reserve, Four Season, and possibly the Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resort later this year. I’ve also stayed at Punta Islita, Autograph Collection, El Mangroove, Autograph Collection, day-passed it at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, W Conchal Beach, and both the Marriott Los Suenos and Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen, and most recently, the Hyatt Centric Escazu. A smattering of images from luxury Costa Rican hotels – Source: You Are Travel
I mention these experiences to draw a comparison. Yes, the images I shared above are just stock photos, and we have no indication of whether the service will live up to the brand. Still, from what I can see, the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique looks just as good as any of the properties I’ve mentioned above.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica or have been looking for a way to deploy a treasure chest of Hilton Honors points, you won’t have to wait long to enjoy the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique – it opens in May!
