Purpose-built for the packaged tour group trade, this all-inclusive resort at Playa Ancón opened in 2004. Designed in a quasi colonial fashion (architectural elements imitate the nearby city of Trinidad's famous landmarks), it is far superior to the lackluster Hotel Ancón next door, despite its garish color schemes. It makes a big play for families kid's club, children's swimming pool, and special programs for children. But there's plenty of appeal for everyone thanks to a wide range of recreational attractions such as tennis, beach volleyball, and watersports that include aqua-bikes, Hobi-Cats, kayaks, and windsurfing.

The buildings envelope a long, sinuous swimming pool surrounded by spacious sundecks and palm-shaded lawns. Guests get a choice of three restaurants. However, even this relatively upscale resort isn't free of the two bugbears that afflict the Hotel Ancón: namely, desultory service and bland food. But the evening cabaret shows are good, and the lively nightlife of Trinidad is a 20-minute taxi ride away.

The hotel's 241 spacious air-conditioned guest rooms in three-story units include nine junior suites. They're handsomely decked out with eye-pleasing white and pale-yellow walls with dark blue accents and contemporary mahogany furnishings. And bathrooms boast modern fixture. Some of the fixtures, including plumbing, show signs of shoddy construction, however, and at last visit the need for a refurbishing was obvious. This hotel, which would rate as a three-star elsewhere in the Caribbean, should prove satisfying enough to families.