GENERAL INFORMATION

Documentation

Valid passports are required for entry into Costa Rica; we recommend passports should be valid at least through January 28, 2024.

As a U.S. citizen visiting Costa Rica, you must have a valid passport. (Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for the period of intended stay in Costa Rica.)
For more information regarding passport requirements, U.S. citizens can visit http://www.travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
It is recommended that you leave a copy of your passport (a photocopy of the page with your picture, passport number, and personal details) with a relative/friend at home. Carry an extra photocopy with your personal belongings in a separate area from the actual passport, should it be lost. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with the consulate in your area for proper documentation.

Baggage Tags

Please complete and attach the special Richards bag tags to your baggage before leaving home. This will help to prevent loss and facilitate easy identification as a guest of Richards. These tags should remain attached to your bags throughout your trip. Your travel staff will have an additional supply on-site. It is recommended to include identification inside your baggage should your bags be delayed in transit.

Checked & Carry-on Baggage

Most airlines are now charging for checked baggage. As the regulations for checked and carry-on bags are different for each airline, it is recommended that you check with your airline before departure for current guidelines. Standard checked baggage policies limit the size of bags not to exceed 62 inches (length+ width + height) and not more than 50 pounds. Additional charges will apply to oversize and overweight baggage.

Carry-on baggage allowances also vary by airline. Please refer to your airline’s website for current policies. TSA requires any liquids in carry-on baggage to be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less.

Arrival Information

After clearing Costa Rica Immigration and Customs, you will walk straight to the second glass door where you will find the "meet and greet" area. A representative from Amstar, our destination team, will meet you holding a Richards sign. The Amstar team member will escort you to your transportation to the resort. Detailed arrival instructions are included in your travel document packet.

Cell Phones

Please check with your cell phone provider to see if your service plan extends to Costa Rica. Please be advised that additional roaming charges may apply.

Check-in at the Hotel

Planet Hollywood accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards. Upon check-in, you will need to present a credit card to establish your in-house account at the hotel for personal or incidental charges. Typically, the hotel will place an advance authorization on the credit card of $500 for the duration of your stay. Additionally, the hotel will take a photocopy of your passport at check-in.

Climate & Dress

In January, Costa Rica has an average daytime temperature of 89° F and an average low of 80° F.
Recommended dress is casual resort attire anywhere on the property or in town. It is also advisable to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or visor to protect from UV rays.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted throughout Costa Rica at most restaurants and stores. It is advisable to communicate with your credit card company that you will be traveling in Costa Rica before departing the United States.

Currency

The official Costa Rican currency is the Colon, which presently has an exchange rate of $1.00 equals 532 colons. U.S. dollars are readily accepted throughout Costa Rica. It is recommended to have a supply of smaller denominations for miscellaneous
purchases, taxis, and the occasional tip should you be inclined. When making purchases, verify the exchange rate that the establishment is offering with the salesperson.

Customs

Each person is permitted to bring back to the U.S. $800 in duty-free merchandise (retail prices) purchased in Costa Rica. Purchases exceeding $800 per person are subject to U.S. Customs charges. Please be sure to keep all receipts for merchandise purchased during your trip, as you will be required to complete a U.S. Customs Declaration Form upon departure from Costa Rica.

Electricity

Local voltage is between 110 and 120 volts AC, the same as in the U.S.

Gratuities

Standard gratuities are included; however, rewarding excellent service from those serving you, such as your waitstaff, is always appreciated.

Hospitality Desk 

The Richards Hospitality Desk will be located in the main hotel lobby. A second Richards Hospitality Desk will be located near the main pool. Achieve Incentives & Meetings staff will be on hand to assist you with any questions or special needs you may have during your stay. Hospitality Desk hours will be posted.

Internet

Standard Wi-Fi internet is provided in all guest rooms and public areas of the resort. 

Medications

If you require prescription medication, it is advisable to bring all you will need in its original container in your carry-on baggage. It is also advisable to pack an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you have a medical condition that requires syringe-administered medications, carry a valid signed prescription from your physician. The TSA no longer allows airline passengers to pack syringes in their carry-on baggage without documented proof of medical need. Unused syringes are permitted when accompanied by injectable medication.
You must declare these items to TSA security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.

Medical Marijuana

While medical marijuana is often used in the United States, please understand that transporting medical marijuana on an aircraft is prohibited and is a federal offense. Marijuana and certain cannabis infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA. Most airlines ban marijuana on their aircrafts even if you have a medical marijuana card. Please refer to the TSA link regarding marijuana.

Smoking

Guest rooms at Planet Hollywood are non-smoking; however, smoking is permitted in designated areas around the property.

Time Zone

The area of Costa Rica stays on Central Standard Time throughout the year and does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Example:
Costa Rica 11:00 am
New York City 12:00 pm
Chicago 11:00 am
Denver 10:00 am
Los Angeles 9:00 am

Valuables

We strongly urge you to leave your valuables safe at home. If you do bring expensive jewelry, watches, and other such belongings, be sure to lock them in the safe in your room or a Safety Deposit Box at the Reception Desk.

Water

Hotel water is purified, filtered, and chlorinated, but if you are in a small restaurant outside of the hotel, avoid ice, salads, and drink bottled water. Bottled water is available in your in-room refrigerator as well as in multiple locations on the resort property.