Pros (+) Food was good. Staff were nice.
Cons (-) Room was dirty. Asked for 2 queen beds. Got 2 twins pushed together. Kids were falling in the crack between beds
4 stars
Riu Guanacaste Hotel
Sardinal de Carrillo, Playa Matapalo, Costa Rica
Playa Matapalo, Costa Rica
See location+506 2681 2300Photos of Riu Guanacaste Hotel
Overview
Looking for luxury accommodation in a beautiful location? Look no further than the Riu Guanacaste Hotel. This 24-hour all-inclusive hotel is the perfect retreat for families and solo travelers alike.
Located in Costa Rica along the Mata Palo Beach, this hotel offers exceptional amenities. Guests can take a dip in the freshwater swimming pool, relax in the Jacuzzi, or workout in its fitness center, complete with a sauna. The Renova Spa will melt away the stress with relaxing massages and a variety of pampering treatments. The hotel offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Guests can partake in swimming and fishing in the Pacific Ocean, and even visit the volcanic regions. Guests can enjoy tennis, volleyball, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and golf. The hotel has three swimming pools and a whirlpool bath.
The modern rooms come equipped with a satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, and a safe box. Suites and family rooms are also available. Each room also features a balcony or terrace. The hotel is also ideal for business travelers, who can utilize the fully equipped and contemporary five conference rooms.
Dining options include an on-site 24 hour all inclusive buffet serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Furama is another buffet style restaurant serving Asain fare. For guests who prefer sit-down dining, La Toscana Italian restaurant and Tucán Gourmet restaurant are other options.
For an all-inclusive experience, staying at the Riu Guanacaste Hotel is an excellent choice.
Latest deals for Riu Guanacaste Hotel
*Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.
Prices are based on 1 night, not including taxes and fees
Amenities at Riu Guanacaste Hotel
- Outdoor pool
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi available in all areas
- Flat-screen TV
- TV
- Cable or satellite TV
Services and conveniences
- Wake-up service
- Concierge service
- Safety deposit box
- Entertainment staff
- Currency exchange on-site
- Meeting/Banquet facilities
- Mini-market on site
- Tour desk
- Key card access
- Bottle of water
- 24hr front desk
Basics
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi available in all areas
- Internet
- Linens
- Towels
- Fan
- Fire extinguisher
- Smoke alarms
- Air-conditioned
- Trash cans
Things to do
- Gift shop
- Eco tourism
- Evening entertainment
- Beauty salon
- Water park
- Pool table
- Water sport facilities (on site)
- Windsurfing
- Night club
Pool and spa
- Spa and wellness center
- Massage
- Spa
- Hot tub
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Pool towels
- Water slide
Bathroom
- Shower
- Bathtub
- Spa bath
- Hairdryer
- Toilet
- Toilet paper
- Private bathroom
Outdoor
- Terrace/Patio
- Beach towels
- Grill
- Balcony
- Outdoor furniture
- Garden
General
- Family rooms
- Sea view
- Seating area
- Sofa
- Telephone
- Storage available
Family friendly
- Babysitting or child care
- Child pool
- Swimming pool toys
- Kids' club
- Complimentary breakfast
- Playground
Accessibility and suitability
- Non-smoking rooms available
- Increased accessibility
- Elevator
- Designated smoking area
Dining
- Minibar
- Snack bar
- Restaurant
- Bar/Lounge
Media and entertainment
- Flat-screen TV
- Cable or satellite TV
- TV
Laundry
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry service
- Iron and ironing board
Bedroom
- Socket near the bed
- Sofa bed
- Wardrobe or closet
Health and safety
- Daily housekeeping
- Safe
Fitness
- Indoor tennis
- Fitness center
Parking and transportation
- Parking
Reviews of Riu Guanacaste Hotel
7.7
Good
615 verified ratings
Wonderful
245
Very good
115
Good
78
Okay
51
Fair
45
Mediocre
30
Poor
51
Summary of reviews
Guests say
Guests appreciated the excellent service and quality food offered at the hotel, particularly praising the buffet and a la carte options. However, many felt that the overall value for the price was lacking due to issues such as outdated rooms, long waits for restaurants, and additional fees for certain amenities. The location was also a concern for some, as it was perceived to be far from attractions and had some cleanliness issues.AI-Generated from customer reviews
Reviews(2)
Q&A(5)
Tips(10)
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7.7 out of 10
226 reviews
7.6 out of 10
21 reviews
10 out of 10
2 reviews
7.7 out of 10
2 reviews
All reviews
Pros (+) Food was very good and plentiful. We were traveling with a picky eater and had no issues. No reservations required at the theme restaurants. Internet was strong throughout the resort, and you can have 2 devices connected at a time for free. Easy $25 shuttle to Tamarindo or $15 to Playa Coco. Diamante adventure park is right next door.
Cons (-) Bed was harder than expected. Long waits for Italian restaurant every night. Sports bar had no seating anf was just a big open room. No room service options at night. Pool bar closed at 6pm.
The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information.See more
They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.
What are the dining options at Riu Guanacaste Hotel?
The hotel offers an on-site 24-hour all-inclusive buffet serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, guests can enjoy Asian fare at the Furama buffet-style restaurant, or opt for sit-down dining at La Toscana Italian restaurant and Tucán Gourmet restaurant.
What outdoor activities are available at the hotel?
Guests can partake in swimming and fishing in the Pacific Ocean, visit the volcanic regions, enjoy tennis, volleyball, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and golf. The hotel also has three swimming pools and a whirlpool bath.
What are the main concerns about the hotel's dining options?
Some guests expressed disappointment with the food quality, mentioning that the buffet and restaurants did not meet their expectations. Additionally, some guests reported limited vegetarian options and a lack of variety in the food.
What are the highlights of the hotel's amenities?
The hotel offers exceptional amenities including a freshwater swimming pool, Jacuzzi, fitness center with sauna, Renova Spa, and a wide range of outdoor activities. The modern rooms come equipped with a satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, and a safe box. Suites and family rooms are also available.
What are the main concerns about the hotel's customer service?
Some guests reported issues with customer service, including overcharging at the front desk, poor communication, and dissatisfaction with the level of care and empathy. Additionally, some guests mentioned difficulties with reservations for restaurants and encountered challenges with staff responsiveness.
The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information.See more
They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.
Book a Room with a View
Several guests mentioned that the views from the rooms were spectacular. Opting for a room with a balcony facing the beach comes highly recommended.
Consider Low Season Travel
If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting in September, which is the low season. This could provide a more tranquil experience.
Explore Nearby Attractions
The hotel is conveniently located near the Diamante Eco Adventure Park, just 0.5 miles away. Consider adding this to your itinerary for an exciting day trip.
Special Shoutout to Adonis and Milton
Guests praised the exceptional service provided by Adonis at the bar and Milton at the buffet. Their friendly and attentive service enhanced the overall experience for many guests.
Be Mindful of Room Selection
Some guests mentioned that certain rooms may require renovation. It's advisable to inquire about the room's condition before finalizing your booking.
Diverse Dining Options
While the buffet received mixed reviews, the BBQ chicken and burgers served poolside were highly recommended. Additionally, the Asian restaurant was a popular choice for dinner.
Plan Off-Site Dining
If you're looking for a change of scenery, consider dining off the resort. Guests found the local food off-site to be delicious and worth exploring.
Engage with Local Vendors
Support local communities by purchasing souvenirs at the beach. This not only provides unique mementos but also contributes to the local economy.
Opt for Beachside Excursions
Guests recommended seeking out Jason on the beach for excursions, allowing for convenient and enjoyable off-site activities without extensive travel.
Be Aware of Front Desk Charges
Some guests reported issues with overcharging at the front desk. It's advisable to double-check all charges and clarify any discrepancies promptly.
Location
Sardinal de Carrillo, Playa Matapalo
What's nearby
- Diamante Eco Adventure Park0.5 mi
Policies
Check-in/Check-out | Check in anytime after 3:00 PM, check out anytime before 12:00 PM |
|---|---|
Cancellation/prepayment | Cancellation/prepayment policies vary by room type and provider. |
Essential information about Riu Guanacaste Hotel
Low season | October |
|---|---|
High season | December |
Average price (weeknight) | $307 |
Average price (weekend night) | $375 |
When to book a room at Riu Guanacaste Hotel
Price per night. Prices are not fixed and may vary with time.
Average nightly price per month
Average nightly price
KAYAK's top tips for your stay at Riu Guanacaste Hotel
FAQs when booking at Riu Guanacaste Hotel
Nearby hotels and places to stay
Closest
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See most recommended stays in Playa MatapaloGood to know
Value for money | 7.6 |
|---|---|
Distance to city center | 0.4 mi |
Nearest Airport | Liberia |
Distance to airport | 14.6 mi |
Everything you need to know for your stay in Playa Matapalo
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