JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive
By All-Inclusive Guide Editorial Team
Research & Editorial Desk · October 2026 · How we review
JW Marriott Costa Elena looks like the most ambitious all-inclusive in northern Guanacaste. It has fewer keys than the old Dreams Las Mareas, an all-suite layout, eleven named venues, a sheltered beach and a Griffin Club tier with butlers. But it is weeks old, it costs well above Westin Reserva Conchal and Secrets Papagayo, and almost no reviews of the new product exist yet. Book now if you want the setting, value Bonvoy status and choose a flexible rate. Wait until spring 2027 if you need proof the food and service match the price. Our score is provisional and will change once there is real guest evidence.
On this page
JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive is the JW Marriott brand’s first all-inclusive anywhere. It sits on Playa El Jobo near La Cruz, in Costa Rica’s far north-western corner, a short drive from the Nicaraguan border. The building isn’t new. It is the former Dreams Las Mareas, which Marriott, owner Mullen Real Estate Capital and operator Mullen Hospitality Management have converted under the JW name.
This is an early look, not a stay report. The resort has been open for only a few weeks, and we have not stayed there. Everything below comes from Marriott’s own property pages, Marriott’s 2025 announcement, coverage around the opening and a live rate check on Booking.com on October 3, 2026. Where Marriott hasn’t said something yet, we say so. Our score is provisional.
Is it open yet? The opening date, explained
Searchers keep asking about the opening date because the sources disagree:
- Spring 2026 was the original target in Marriott’s March 2025 announcement, with the conversion starting in July 2025.
- September 10, 2026 is the date in opening coverage from the Tico Times, The Points Guy and Meetings Today. Meetings Today still used the future tense on September 4.
- October 15, 2026 was the first bookable night The Points Guy and Upgraded Points saw when reservations opened in May.
- “Opening September 30, 2026” is what Marriott’s own accommodations page still said when we checked on October 3. It also tells guests to email reservations@jwmarriottcostaelena.com for dates that aren’t yet bookable online.
As of October 3, 2026, Booking.com is selling all-inclusive stays from early October. In practice, the resort is in its first weeks of operation. Resorts often run below full capacity in that period, with some outlets still settling in. If you’re booking for October or November 2026, choose a free-cancellation rate.
Which JW Marriott in Guanacaste is all-inclusive?
There are two JW Marriotts in Guanacaste, which explains the search query “is JW Marriott Guanacaste all-inclusive?”
| JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive | JW Marriott Guanacaste Beach Resort | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Playa El Jobo, La Cruz (far north, near Nicaragua) | Hacienda Pinilla, near Tamarindo (south Guanacaste) |
| Concept | All-inclusive by design | Conventional beach resort with room rates |
| Formerly | Dreams Las Mareas | Has operated as a JW Marriott for years |
| Marriott code | LIRCJ | SJOJW |
Marriott’s own pages for the Hacienda Pinilla resort don’t describe it as all-inclusive. Some package sellers offer optional all-inclusive plans there for certain dates, but it isn’t an all-inclusive resort. If you want food and drink included in the rate under the JW name, Costa Elena is the one to book.
What the rate actually covers, and what Marriott hasn’t said yet
Marriott’s description of the rate, repeated in the Tico Times and Upgraded Points coverage, includes accommodations, meals, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, entertainment, non-motorized water sports, kids’ activities, taxes, service charges and gratuities. That last part matters. A posted rate at a Costa Rican resort can otherwise grow by around 23% once tax and service are added (13% VAT plus a 10% service charge).
On the resort’s experiences page, Marriott marks these as included: the 24-hour fitness center, the JW Family Club (listed as 9:00 am–9:30 pm), the pools (children’s pool, lifeguard, swim-up bar, infinity pool) and the water slide. Spa by JW requires an appointment and is not marked as included, so budget separately for treatments.
What we could not find published anywhere as of October 3:
- Whether specialty dinners need reservations, and how far ahead
- Whether top-shelf spirits are reserved for Griffin Club guests
- Kids-club age bands, and whether any adults-only pool survived from the Dreams era
- Wi-Fi charges. Marriott’s room specs say “wireless internet, for a fee”, while Booking.com’s listing says free WiFi. The Marriott wording looks like template data, but confirm it before you go.
From Dreams Las Mareas to JW: what changed
If you knew this beach under its old name, here is what is different and what isn’t.
| Dreams Las Mareas (before July 2025) | JW Marriott Costa Elena (2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rooms | 447 | 415 suites, 45 of them Griffin Club |
| Dining | 8 venues (buffet, five à la carte, café, grill) | 11 restaurants and bars, plus 24-hour room service and JW Market |
| Club level | Dreams-era club tier | Griffin Club, with butler service, private check-in, and its own pool and beach area |
| Loyalty | World of Hyatt | Marriott Bonvoy |
| Beach and setting | Playa El Jobo cove | Same cove. Marriott quotes 885 ft of beach frontage |
Dreams-era figures come from Oyster and EnterCostaRica. JW figures come from Marriott and the Tico Times.
The setting is the same: a cove of light cocoa-colored sand backed by forested hills. EnterCostaRica notes that the hills block most of the wind. That matters here, because Bahía Salinas just to the north is Costa Rica’s kitesurfing bay and stays windy from November through March. The remoteness hasn’t changed either. Oyster’s main complaint about Dreams Las Mareas was the long drive to excursion starting points, and the old buffet got mixed reviews. Those are the two things worth watching in the first JW reviews.
The resort’s Booking.com listing is the old Dreams listing renamed. The former dreams-las-mareas-costa-rica URL now redirects to the JW page. So its review score and older reviews describe the old resort, not the JW conversion.
The suite ladder: where the money goes
Every room is a suite. Booking.com lists the entry Junior Suite at 49 m² (about 527 sq ft). Costa Rican Trails describes these with a furnished terrace and hot tub. Above that come swim-out and “Mindfulness” junior suites (Marriott’s description stresses “mindfulness-inspired design”), Family Area junior suites, Master Suites, and then the Griffin Club suites.
These are the all-inclusive rates we found on Booking.com on October 3, 2026, for 2 adults with taxes and fees included. Each pair is non-refundable / free cancellation:
| Suite | Nov 9–12, 2026 (3 nights) | Per night | Feb 15–18, 2027 (3 nights) | Per night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Suite, Tropical view | $2,073 / $2,304 | ≈ $691–$768 | $2,754 / $3,063 | ≈ $918–$1,021 |
| Junior Suite, Partial Ocean view | $2,436 / $2,709 | ≈ $812–$903 | $3,240 / $3,603 | ≈ $1,080–$1,201 |
| Family Area Junior Suite | $2,592 / $2,880 | ≈ $864–$960 | $3,444 / $3,828 | ≈ $1,148–$1,276 |
| Swim Out Junior Suite | $2,898 / $3,222 | ≈ $966–$1,074 | $3,852 / $4,281 | ≈ $1,284–$1,427 |
| Master Suite, Tropical view | $3,360 / $3,735 | ≈ $1,120–$1,245 | $4,464 / $4,962 | ≈ $1,488–$1,654 |
| Griffin Master Suite, Tropical view | $6,336 / $7,041 | ≈ $2,112–$2,347 | $8,421 / $9,357 | ≈ $2,807–$3,119 |
| Griffin Master Suite, Ocean view | $8,256 / $9,174 | ≈ $2,752–$3,058 | $10,971 / $12,192 | ≈ $3,657–$4,064 |
| Griffin Presidential Suite | $11,517 / $12,798 | ≈ $3,839–$4,266 | $15,309 / $17,010 | ≈ $5,103–$5,670 |
These numbers come from a single check on one day. Rates move daily, and Marriott.com, Bonvoy member rates and packages may price differently. Two patterns stand out. First, the February peak runs about a third above mid-November. Second, the free-cancellation rate costs only about 10–11% more than non-refundable. At a resort this new, that premium is worth paying.
For comparison, The Points Guy saw a $577 opening cash rate in May 2026, and Upgraded Points reported entry rates “around $600”, rising above $1,000 from December to April. Our October check is higher than both for November and in line with the peak-season warning. Bonvoy award pricing was not yet available when both outlets reported. Check Marriott.com before you transfer any points.
Booking.com links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you, and it does not change what we write.
Griffin Club: is a 3x price jump worth it?
Griffin Club is JW’s hotel-within-a-hotel: 45 of the 415 keys. Per Marriott and the Tico Times, it comes with private check-in, butler service, and exclusive pool and beach access. Marriott’s Griffin pages list these categories:
- Griffin Club Junior Suite (Tropical view) and Griffin Club Swim Out: two queens, up to 4 guests, 95 m² (1,055 sq ft) by Marriott’s spec. These are the only Griffin suites that take a family.
- Griffin Club Master Suite (Tropical view, Ocean view, Swim Out): one king, 2 guests, 95 m², with about 24 m² of outdoor space
- Griffin Club Presidential Suite: one king, two bathrooms, 142 m² (1,582 sq ft) plus 37 m² outside
On the dates we checked, the cheapest Griffin Master suite cost about three times the entry junior suite and roughly 1.9 times a non-Griffin Master Suite. Marriott hasn’t published a detailed list of what Griffin adds beyond the butler, lounge, pool and beach area. For example, it hasn’t said whether it adds better spirits, a separate breakfast or priority dinner bookings. Until it does, you’d be paying the premium mainly for space, privacy and service.
Our early read: a standard Master Suite gets most of the space for much less. Griffin makes sense if privacy on the beach and a butler matter more to you than the price difference, or on a honeymoon where budget is no object. Families of four should compare a Griffin Junior Suite or Swim Out with two adjoining standard suites before booking.
Eleven venues, organized by when they’re open
Marriott’s dining page names these outlets. Hours are as listed on October 3, 2026, and all are casual dress except Leal:
| Venue | Style | Hours (daily) |
|---|---|---|
| Mercado Central | Market-style main restaurant | 7–11 am, 12:30–3 pm, 5:30–9:30 pm |
| Casado | Contemporary Costa Rican, wood-fire inspired | 12:30–4:30 pm, 5:30–9:30 pm |
| Puerto Limón | Seafood | 12:30–4:30 pm, 5:30–9:30 pm |
| Green Dome | Upgraded comfort food | 12–6 pm |
| Leal | Fire-led kitchen (smart casual) | 2–9:30 pm |
| Luciano | Italian | 5:30–9:30 pm |
| Boga | Japanese | 5:30–9:30 pm |
| Namuyaki | Asian | 5:30–9:30 pm |
| Santos | Mexican | 5:30–9:30 pm |
| Borbón | Bar and restaurant, botanical cocktails | 10 am–1 am |
| JW Market | Grab-and-go, drinks, local products | 24/7 |
| Room service | In-room dining | 24/7 |
The useful detail is late-night food. Between JW Market, room service and Borbón open until 1 am, you aren’t stuck once the dinner rooms close at 9:30 pm, which is a frequent frustration at resorts with early dinner cut-offs. Opening coverage also mentions a culinary school with hands-on cooking sessions, an on-property garden and, according to The Points Guy, the brand’s first stand-alone root beer stand, a nod to JW Marriott’s origins.
What we can’t tell you yet is whether the food is good. That was the old resort’s weak spot, and only early guest reviews will settle it.
Playa El Jobo and the far-north trade-off
Getting there. Fly into Liberia (LIR). Marriott puts the resort 49 miles from the airport and Booking.com puts it 77 km away. Plan on about 90 minutes by road, which matches what the old Dreams resort quoted. That is far longer than the Papagayo resorts, which are 20–35 minutes from LIR. San José is not a practical gateway. Book a transfer before you land, because there is little else at the end of the peninsula.
The beach. The resort fronts a protected cove. EnterCostaRica describes light cocoa-colored sand and calmer water than the windy bays on either side. Oyster’s Dreams-era review called it calm enough to swim and wavy enough for a boogie board. It isn’t the white crushed-shell sand of Playa Conchal, but it is a softer, more swimmable beach than the dark volcanic sand at Secrets Papagayo or the Riu resorts, according to our reviews of those resorts.
What’s nearby. Marriott’s experiences page lists Guanacaste and Santa Rosa national parks, horseback riding and ATV tours around La Cruz, Rincón de la Vieja, the Llanos de Cortés and La Leona waterfalls, and even Nicaragua day trips. The border is about 15 minutes away, according to Booking.com. Kitesurfers on Bahía Salinas get the November–March wind season. Most of the famous Costa Rica day trips, such as Arenal and Monteverde, are long days from here.
Weather. September and October are the wettest months on this coast. December through April is the dry, sunny, most expensive season, which our February rates reflect.
How it compares with Guanacaste resorts we’ve reviewed
| JW Marriott Costa Elena | Westin Reserva Conchal | Secrets Papagayo | Hotel Riu Guanacaste | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Couples and families wanting a new, polished all-suite resort | Families, golfers, Bonvoy points users | Adults-only couples | Families on a budget |
| Beach | Sheltered cove, light sand | White crushed-shell sand at Playa Conchal | Dark volcanic sand | Volcanic sand at Playa Matapalo |
| From LIR | About 90 min | 60–90 min | About 20 min | About 30 min |
| Typical entry rate | $690–$1,020/night (Oct 2026 check) | From about $400/night | From about $377/night | From about $200/night |
| Loyalty | Marriott Bonvoy | Marriott Bonvoy | World of Hyatt | None |
| Track record | Weeks | Years of reviews | Years of reviews | Years of reviews |
Rates for the three established resorts are our reviews’ baseline figures, not the same-day check we ran for Costa Elena.
The honest read: Westin Reserva Conchal remains the safer Marriott all-inclusive in Costa Rica. It has the better-known beach, golf, a proven family setup and rates that start lower. Secrets Papagayo wins for couples who want adults-only and a short transfer. Riu Guanacaste costs a fraction of the price. Costa Elena’s case rests on being new and all-suite, on its secluded cove and on the JW service promise. You’ll pay a clear premium for that before anyone has confirmed the promise holds.
Who should book now, and who should wait
Book now if:
- You want a newly converted resort at the quiet end of Guanacaste, and a 90-minute transfer doesn’t bother you
- You’re a Marriott Bonvoy elite who values earning on an all-inclusive, and you’re willing to be an early guest
- You’ve already stayed at the Westin or Secrets and want something different on the same coast
- You can book a free-cancellation rate and recheck it as reviews come in
Wait if:
- Food quality is the reason you’d pay this much. It was the Dreams-era weak spot, and the JW kitchens are unproven
- You’re paying peak-season Griffin rates (about $2,800+ per night in our February check) and expect everything to work perfectly
- You plan lots of excursions. Most famous day trips are a long way from El Jobo
- You need confirmed policies on kids-club ages, adults-only areas or premium drinks before you commit
Questions searchers are asking
When did JW Marriott Costa Elena open?
Marriott and the travel press announced an opening of September 10, 2026. Marriott’s own accommodations page still said “Opening September 30, 2026” on October 3, and early booking calendars started on October 15. Booking.com is selling stays from early October 2026.
Is JW Marriott Guanacaste all-inclusive?
The resort called JW Marriott Guanacaste Beach Resort, at Hacienda Pinilla near Tamarindo, is a conventional resort, though some sellers offer optional meal packages on certain dates. The all-inclusive one is JW Marriott Costa Elena, at Playa El Jobo near La Cruz.
Is it the old Dreams Las Mareas?
Yes. It is a conversion of the former Dreams Las Mareas, which closed in 2025. It now has 415 suites instead of 447 rooms, a new dining lineup and a Griffin Club tier, on the same Playa El Jobo cove.
What is included?
Marriott says the rate covers meals, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, entertainment, non-motorized water sports, kids’ activities, taxes, service charges and gratuities. Spa treatments are by appointment and aren’t on the included list.
How much does it cost?
On October 3, 2026, Booking.com showed about $691–$768 per night for 2 adults in the cheapest junior suite in mid-November 2026, and about $918–$1,021 in mid-February 2027, including taxes. Griffin Club suites started at about $2,100 per night in November.
Are there reviews yet?
Not many that describe the JW product. Booking.com’s listing is the renamed Dreams Las Mareas page, so its older reviews describe the previous resort. Read only reviews dated after September 2026.
Our provisional score: 7.6 / 10
This score is a provisional, desk-research rating. It is based on Marriott’s published facilities, the resort’s track record as a Dreams property and the prices we found. It is not based on a stay or on a meaningful number of JW-era guest reviews, because those don’t exist yet. It rewards the all-suite product, the sheltered beach, the dining range on paper and the fact that tips and taxes are in the rate. It holds back on unproven food and service, a remote location and prices well above Costa Rica’s established all-inclusives. We’ll revise it once early-2027 reviews show whether the JW conversion delivers.
For the wider picture, including Papagayo, Playa Conchal and the budget options, see our Costa Rica all-inclusive guide.
Sources and how we checked
Checked October 3, 2026. Desk research only: no stay, no hosted visit.
- Marriott: JW Marriott Costa Elena accommodations: all-suite layout, the “Opening September 30, 2026” notice
- Marriott: Griffin Club suites: suite sizes and occupancy
- Marriott: dining: outlet names and hours
- Marriott: experiences and spa: what is marked included
- Marriott / Mullen Real Estate Capital announcement, March 2025 (PR Newswire): 415 rooms, 17 pools, spa size, beach frontage, airport distance
- The Tico Times, May 2026: September 10 date, 45 Griffin Club keys, inclusions, operator
- The Points Guy, May 2026 and Upgraded Points, May 2026: opening rates, award availability
- Meetings Today, September 2026: pre-opening status, event space
- Costa Rican Trails: junior suite size, pool areas
- Oyster: Dreams Las Mareas and EnterCostaRica: El Jobo and Salinas Bay: Dreams-era baseline, beach and wind
- Marriott: JW Marriott Guanacaste Beach Resort: the separate Hacienda Pinilla property
- Booking.com property page, checked in a browser on October 3, 2026: suite categories, the November 2026 and February 2027 rates above, house rules and airport distance
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