We had our flight changed from San Jose to Liberia. We had been to Guanacaste previously and stayed in Playa Hermosa which is a quieter village than Coco. Though we wanted to be around Coco with all that it offers. We loved staying at the Palms. Now there are things that will make your stay better-the staff however (activities/front desk/cleaning ladies/restaurant/ajoining grocery) all were EXCELLENT. Very safe property (safes are in the rooms too) but you are so close to the beach and yet where the property sits-it isn't right where people are walking by. Breakfast is included. There are 4 things to choose from, though they do have an extended menu as well to pay. The bar and restuarant have so many options. Though for variety-there are plenty of other areas to eat within a block or two. There were plenty of activities at the pool area. You can book tours through them as well. If they don't offer it, just ask. They probably know of someone that can get you to what you want to do. Trip Advisor has plenty of options to help.
If you don't want to do tours-the shops and beach are close by and sitting by the nice pool at THE PALMS is very good. The waitstaff will serve you there as well! I have NOT mentioned the rooms. Here is where you may need to get into the details. If you are gone most days on tours-Economy room may work. They are quite small. They have A/C, TV, safe, refridge, one bed and bathroom. They do have hot water. Not all hotels offer that. This is what happened to us-we had a place set south of San Jose but had to redo accomadations and we came across this hotel in Coco. We do a lot of tours so a smaller room worked out alright. We are pleased that we stayed here. The lesser pleased reviews please take them with a grain of salt and put that around your margarita glass! some with rooms and noise are correct, but they have larger rooms. The noise level is at times a bit loud from the activities-though after 9:30PM it is pretty quiet. Just ask them what rooms are available and enjoy Coco. These people here are willing to help you do that.

Pura Vida abounds here and the Guanacaste area. I should add that the weather is perfect-this is our 3rd time to Costa Rica and in dry season in this area-you probably will not see any rain.

On this website they ask if this is beachfront-it is not, but pretty close. The taxis can pick you up from airport and take you back. There are so many ways to get around without renting a car. Though that is an option.

I asked a ton of questions, but most were after I booked the room. I don't know if I answered all your questions-we have stayed at All-Inclusives so this isn't that by any means. Most people tend to complain that things aren't perfect. Room was clean, was comfortable. If you want a large room-do NOT book Economy, even with the balcony.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Palms. Our only regret is we didn't book there longer. First, location - just steps away from famous Coco Beach. The restaurant/bar/pool area is great. The L-shaped pool with a shallow, children friendly section and fountain that is multi-lighted at night is immaculate. The adjoining open air bar and restaurant is a happening place at night, usually with a theme each night. A delicious breakfast comes with the accommodation and the lunch and dinner fare is excellent as well as the drinks, with cocktails made from natural fruits, not from a mix. For us, the best part of The palms is the staff - open, friendly, smiling and helpful.
We booked an economy room which was tiny, but we weren't there for the room.