Concierge.com's insider take:

Tico architect Ronald Zürcher, who cut his teeth on his brother Harold's famous and beloved Hotel Punta Islita on the Nicoya Peninsula, was responsible for the design of this flashy resort. While there are a few excellent hotel options in Guanacaste, few can match the Four Seasons for service. If you prefer to experience nature with L'Occitane products in your outsize tub, speedy 24-hour room service, and a retractable bug screen, this place provides it—though the less-desirable critters are no less abundant in rainy season here than anywhere else in the land. Flanked by two beaches (good for swimming but not great for surfing) and rich in ocean sound, the 173 rooms nevertheless lack views of anything but the thick canopy in winter, no matter what you pay to upgrade. In summer, however, the trees thin out at the top, so opt for rooms on the upper floors for an ocean outlook. Viewless guests can find solace on the Arnold Palmer golf course or with a Selva de Osa mud mask in the spa, after dumping the kids at their own (free) club; there's even a separate one for teens. Alas, you'll probably spend less time in the signature restaurant, the inexplicably Italian, and none too hot, Di Mare.