A total of 6 girlfriends and I booked a vacation here on a great package deal. Beware that car rental is the most economical option if flying into Liberia airport to drive to resort, which is what we did. I don't recall the car rental company we used but there were many other travelers there and we didn't get our car for almost 2 hours! It then takes over 3 hours to drive to the resort. Some parts of the roadtrip are very rocky with underdeveloped roads so beware and take caution. We were very afraid to break down on a rural roadside of Costa Rica!! That drive was our least favorite part and not recommended for anyone anxious about driving in a foreign country.

As for the Barcelo Tambor Beach resort - the units we stayed in were a bit dilapidated. Bathroom fixtures, carpeting and wall paint were very dull and the central air-conditioning was weak but overall the grounds were well kept and the staff friendly. They offer one swim-up pool bar and plenty of lounge chairs poolside. The beach is within steps, with resort chairs spread all around. We were surprised that the beach was very rocky so footwear is recommended. The water was not particularly good for waves but the tide does rise significantly and we did not notice any lifeguards. Their buffet selections were varied and interesting. The Japanese restaurant on resort is far from authentic so I would skip it. They also have a nightclub to enjoy near the shore. There are also plenty of excursions you can book through the hotel. We opted for ziplining and transportation was provided.

Only TWO words .... EXCELLENT SERVICE

It was my honey moon and it was the best desition... food and room service, great, all the activities amazing, every single nite it was a great place to share not only with my wife, but with the entire hotel, fun, great food, great service, rooms clean, guys, thank you very much

Hotel Barceló Playa Tambor, I will see you next year for sure.

My husband and I stayed at the Resort Barcelo at Tambor Beach in Costa Rica for our honey moon, the place is beautiful, very green and lush. it has a cool nature park built in with various types of animals. The people are a little on the slow side, like Southern hospitality slow and all are very young.
The problem began with Breakfast, they served rice and beans, face plastic cheese cubes, uncooked omelets and fried eggs and whatever was left over from the night or even days before. The snack bar...I saw the gloveless young teenager pick up raw "hamburger Meat" then place it on the grill, wipe his sweaty forehead, then grab the hamburger buns, uncooked cheese, and whatever resembled ham to make me a sandwich. Never once did he put on gloves, wash his hands or think he was doing anything wrong. I yelled at him in Spanish, and in English he quickly ran washed his hands, put on a hairnet and gloves...
then there is the "steak" house el rancho. The seafood was Okay, the "steak" seemed to me what people describe as human meat, I am still disgusted by the thought of it. The Sushi restaurant was the only semi edible area but very little seafood to rice ratio. The buffet where the breakfast is served had the same food, and recycled food every morning noon and night.

I have stayed in resorts since I was 20 years old, I am 30 now. I even stayed at the Barcelo in Bavaro beach in Dominican republic which was a dream, this place at Tambor in Costa Rica was absolutely the most disgusting resort, food wise and Staff cleanliness, that I have ever experienced the health department would shut this place down.

My family loved our visit to Barcelo Tambor in May 2011 and we're a 30something couple with 12-year-old and 7-year-old boys.

Exquisite location on the beach with spacious pools and decent rooms. Centrally located to access zip lining, off -roading, and surf paradise Mal Pais.

But you never need to leave because everything is here: butterfly gardens, horse riding on the beach, tennis, pool, hot tub, and spa. Grounds are well maintained and cafeteria food was decent and varied. You can opt to pay for 4-star dining, but we were on a budget.

Barcelo.com photos of rooms and facilities are accurate. The primary guests of this resort are Spanish-speaking locals; if you don't have a superior English-speaking attitude you'll be fine.

Though Excellent for an all-inclusive hotel on a budget (6 nights with R/T airfare from LAX for $600 per person), this hotel is 4 stars based on Staff courtesy, room size, smoking, and kids activities.