COSTA RICA - Day 5 cont: Hola Los Suenos!

As we drove up to Los Suenos Marriott gate entrance, we were greeted by an armed guard. This kind of thing stands out to us Americans, but is such the norm at some of the nicer hotels here in Costa Rica.

After passing through the entrance gates, everything was just so...grand. This massive water fountain here to the right was truly impressive, the landscaping, stunning. And this was just the pathway leading up to the hotel!
While Sean was getting us all checked in, I truly played up the tourist role and went camera snapping happy. The hotel's lobby is adjacent to the Puesta del Sol bar and lounge. The lobby walls are lined with french doors that open up to the balcony.

Puesta del Sol, like the lobby, has sliding french doors that are propped open throughout the day (and night). Its wide open design allows hotel guests to enjoy some of the hotel's most amazing views. Both lobby and bar overlook Playa Herradura and the hotel's breath-taking pools.
The pic to the left was shot from the bar's balcony/lounge area. These gorgeous waterfalls pour into the lower pools. The way the pool is designed, it looks as if there are many pools, when actually each section is connected. You can swim all the way around if you wanted to (and Sean did to get to the bar at the other end).

Interesting enough, the swimming area [as big as it is] does not have a jacuzzi. They do however, have one in the hotel's spa, Sibo Rainforest & Spa Retreat. The pools are inviting and refreshing enough so a jacuzzi in this heat and humidity was not missed.
After checking in, we enjoyed Puesta del Sol's sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere for lunch on the balcony. After nearly a 4 hour car ride, we were famished. The menu items were mouth-watering, we ordered flautas, nachos and flatbread sandwiches. when it finally arrived (and I say finally because one thing's for certain in CR, the service was sloooooow), we devoured our food and washed it down with ice cold Costa Rican beer. After lunch, we all kicked up our feet and enjoyed fresh hand-rolled cigars accompanied by a little Johnnie Walker ; )