About Shannon Olson

Shannon Olson is a seasoned travel consultant with a deep passion for creating thoughtful, personalized travel experiences. With passport stamps from over 40 countries and years of hands-on travel planning, she brings firsthand knowledge and trusted partnerships to every itinerary she builds. Shannon specializes in global tours, custom-designed trips, and cruising—particularly in destinations like Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Her goal isn’t just to get you from point A to point B, but to curate experiences that are comfortable, meaningful, and responsible.

Shannon is a strong advocate for sustainable travel and works with partners who share her commitment to preserving the planet’s natural and cultural treasures. Her dedication to quality and care ensures you’ll travel with confidence—and return with unforgettable memories.

About Planet Hollywood Costa Rica

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, located on the Pacific coast in the Gulf of Papagayo, brings star-worthy luxury to the tropics. This all-inclusive beachfront resort blends Hollywood glam with laid-back Costa Rican charm. Guests can expect stylish suites, themed restaurants, and engaging entertainment—plus scenic views of lush hillsides and the sparkling ocean. From the signature PH Spa and Pumped Fitness Center to curated excursions and family-friendly activities, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re lounging poolside, exploring nearby rainforests, or enjoying a gourmet meal, you’ll feel like a celebrity every step of the way.

Q&A With Shannon About Her Planet Hollywood Experience

What was your first impression when you arrived at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica?

After a short 30-minute ride in the private shuttle from LIR Airport to the resort, we were pleasantly greeted by a red carpet entrance, a cold cocktail and staff clapping with our arrival. So fun! Photo op included. Our VIP check-in was in a private room with a full bar, refreshments, and small snacks while we sat in plush velvet chairs. The concierge took our documents, explained our room location and the hotel map to us. We were assigned our private butler, Marvin. He was available to us 24/7. He made our stay trouble-free and was always available.

Can you tell us about your room—what did you love about it?

We stayed in a Star Class Ocean view suite with a beautiful view of the Culebra Bay in Papagayo.

We had a huge bathroom, with a separate large walk-in shower and water closet. 2 sinks, cozy robes and a bar stocked daily were very nice. In addition, the hotel had organized a bottle of red Italian wine and chocolate-dipped strawberries ready in our room for our arrival! A treat to kick off our 5-star stay!

What dining options did you try at the resort, and do you have a favorite meal or restaurant?

Blue Star Tex Mex Cantina served our favorite breakfast. We loved the Italian dinner we had at Gusto. I had no problem finding gluten-free menu items. Plenty of fresh fish and generous wine pours were enjoyed daily.

East Sushi and Teppanyaki Bar on our final night gave us an incredible show with the chef’s scene-stealing theatrics and knife tricks – very fun!

Did you spend time at the pool or beach? What were those areas like?

We spent most of our daylight hours at the pools. One day we were at the 2 large pools, which included swim-up bars and hot tubs. Another day we spent at the Star Class pool. It was more intimate, peaceful and had beautiful views over the resort. The private bar with top-shelf liquor kept us happy, along with a delicious food truck with fresh nachos, salads, and snacks (excellent guac!). At the main pool, you can order a burger from the only Guy Fieri’s burger bar in Costa Rica. We had to admit that the service at the burger bar was a bit slow, probably because it was very busy. However, the rest of the resort felt like we had endless space and plenty of room for everyone. No problem getting pool chairs.

Were there any standout activities or excursions that you took part in?

We had a complimentary hour at the Hydro Spa. We had a sauna, steam, hot and cold showers and soaked in a warm mineral pool. So relaxing!

How did the resort cater to different types of travelers—families, couples, or groups?

I was introduced to the wedding department when I was there. While no weddings were happening during our stay, the venues were stunning, and the staff were very capable of organizing special events. We saw many couples and families. A few clusters of young adults enjoyed the swim-up bars. I would say that the resort is good for everyone. We met a few Canadian couples as our airline likes to use the LIR airport. It’s a bit smaller than San Jose airport, close to the Liberia resorts and easy to get into and out of. Kids were happy with the play areas, kids’ clubs and nightly activities. I would add that it’s not a loud party resort. You will have no problem reading your book, enjoying the ocean breeze, and walking on the beach with few distractions.

What was the service like throughout your stay?

Our butler, Marvin, was incredibly attentive. He made sure our restaurant reservations were made; our airport shuttles and excursions were booked for us, and nothing we requested was a problem. HE was always a quick text away. The useful PH APP provided us with all the info we needed.

Did the resort have any unique amenities? How were they?

The STAR class upgrade would be worth the extra expense. From our luxurious suite with ocean views, to our 5-star meal options, top-shelf liquor selection, butler assistance and the hours we spent by the Star class private pool – we were thrilled with the service and amenities. Made us feel very special.

Any tips for someone considering a stay at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica?

The beach at the PH is not as beautiful as some other locations. It’s closer to a marine and has some silt in the water. It wasn’t dirty, just not as swimmable or clear as other locations we saw in Costa Rica. It had calm waters, so don’t expect to boogie board there.

After staying there yourself, what kind of client would you recommend this resort to?

Almost everyone. Couples wanting a romantic escape with high-end dining options, attentive staff and days by the pool will love this resort. For active people, the resort’s gym was top-notch and had private/group classes available. Young people enjoyed water volleyball daily and fitness activities in the pool. Guests of all ages loved singing Karaoke in the Sports bar. The evening entertainment displayed dancing, singing, and Cirque de Soleil-like shows. Fun theme nights as well!

Note: The resort has buildings built on hills overlooking the bay. We were shuttled around in quick electric carts and rarely had to wait long.

Seniors or anyone with low mobility who find stairs difficult may find it hard to walk around the resort. A shuttle is always close by. There are a few suites certified for handicapped use, and the main buildings have elevators, so it was easy to use the restaurants and other amenities. I wouldn’t recommend this resort for people who are wheelchair bound as getting into and out of the shuttles would be difficult.

A stay at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and all-inclusive ease in one of Central America’s most beautiful regions. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a group escape with friends, this resort delivers a fun and memorable experience. If Shannon’s trip has you dreaming of Costa Rica, reach out to her to start planning. With her insider insight and thoughtful approach, she’ll make sure your vacation is just as unforgettable.

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