Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica (All-Inclusive), is located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica on the edge of the beach of Matapalo.

This hotel, fully prepared to provide the best service to its customers, has four swimming pools (one with a wet bar), jacuzzi, gym, sauna and a wellness center "Renova Spa" with different treatments and massages. Everything you need for maximum comfort during your stay.

The quality of the cuisine offered at the different restaurants of the hotel is exceptional thanks to our chefs, who prepare a variety of dishes, from classic to the most exotic. You'll want to to try each of our menus and, thanks to the All Inclusive service, you will be able to enjoy the buffet restaurant or the four different theme restaurants of the hotel.

Being on a privileged environment, the hotel offers a variety of activities on the beautiful beaches such as diving or fishing in the Pacific waters, ecotourism in the volcanic areas, and during the day several programs of entertainment for all ages, whether in family or friends. The hotel has a gym, table tennis, volleyball, tennis court, windsurf, sailing, snorkeling equipment, kayaks and other water activities. If your favorite sport is golf, the Four Seasons Golf Club has fantastic views over the sea.

Guanacaste is less tropical, humid and lush than the rest of the country. Its plains and dry forests sometimes remind you of African savanna landscapes. Inland you can see the savanna, local cowboys on their horses while driving their flocks, which are authentic figures of popular culture of this destination. From the hotel, you can do several excursions, such as the visit of the National Park Rincon de la Vieja, the Safari Park or the capital of Guanacaste: Liberia.

Location

Guanacaste
Liberia, Costa Rica - Liberia (LIR) : 33 miles
San Jose, Costa Rica-Juan Santamaria Int'l(SJO) : 146 miles

Property Information

Year Built: 2012
All rooms non-smoking: 538
Floors: 6
Total rooms: 538

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Resort Details

Amenities

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Activities

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Hotel Advisories

Advisory *Important Information for Our Guest* As of April 2012, the destination of Costa Rica has gone non-smoking in all public buildings and areas. All hotel rooms are also non-smoking.
Advisory *Important Note* Costa Rica will impose some restrictions for Holy Week. Alcohol is not permitted to be sold or consumed. This ban on alcohol starts the Thursday prior to Easter and runs through Easter Sunday. A few hotels purchase special permits to serve alcohol, but generally it is not available. In addition, most restaurants, shops, and bars will be closed for the same time period. Restaurants in the hotels will be operating. The City Tour will not be operating.
Advisory Student Groups/Spring Breakers (either groups or individuals, regardless of age) are not allowed at any time during the year. Guests disturbing or generating complaints from other guests or hotel may be removed from the property, at their own expense. Parties in rooms are not permitted.

General Policies & Fine Print

Check In: 3:00 PM
Check Out: 12:00 PM
Minimum Check-In Age: 18
General Policies:

Check-in Policy - Deposits or credit/debit card hold authorizations are not requested at check-in. Minimum age of 18 is required for check-in, an ID/Passport will be requested upon arrival.

Convention Policy - Individuals attending a convention cannot book this property for their stay. If found attending a convention, guests may be subject to higher room rates upon arrival.

Hotel Spring Break Policies - Student Groups/Spring Breakers (either groups or individuals, regardless of age) are not allowed at any time during the year. Guests disturbing or generating complaints from other guests or hotel may be removed from the property, at their own expense. Parties in rooms are not permitted.

Transfer Policy - A price may display when children stay free, if your vacation includes transfer to your hotel.

General Information - Room taxes and service fees are included in vacation price.
Minimum night stay restrictions may apply.
Reservation changes may not be permitted unless authorized by the hotel.

Early Departure Policy:
  • Early Departure Penalty: 1 Night Applies: Sunday - Saturday 04Jul24 - 23Dec26
  • Early Departure Penalty: 2 Nights Applies: Sunday - Saturday 24Dec25 - 30Apr26

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_4.0 10325 reviews
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 4.0 star tripadvisor rating
    RIU Guanacaste

    Our recent stay at RIU Guanacaste was overall a pleasant experience with a few minor areas for improvement. Transportation The transportation arranged by the hotel was excellent and picked us up directly from the airport. Although the road to the hotel was a bit rough—a reflection of the country’s developing infrastructure—the journey was smooth and hassle-free. Check-In & Staff Upon arrival, the check-in process felt a bit overwhelming due to the sheer number of people present. The staff were friendly but understandably seemed a bit overrun during this busy time. However, their welcoming attitude was appreciated. Rooms The rooms were well-suited for a family of five. We stayed in the newer section of the hotel, which is across from the main building and offers a more updated feel. The layout included two double beds and a pull-out couch—adequate, although queen beds would have been more comfortable. The AC was set to a minimum of 23°C, which was satisfactory. The pillows were fine, though not exceptional. One odd incident occurred when we requested an extra blanket for one of our kids: room service entered our room while we were asleep, which was startling and could definitely be improved upon for guest comfort and privacy. Food & Dining The food was decent, though somewhat repetitive across the various dining options. While some restaurants required waiting during peak times, it wasn’t a significant inconvenience for us. Unless you have very young children or elderly family members, a short wait is manageable, and no one goes hungry with the variety available. Overall Experience Despite a few minor hiccups, RIU Guanacaste offered a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The family-friendly accommodations, decent food, and great transportation make it a solid choice for those visiting the area. With a few adjustments, such as refining check-in procedures and room service protocols, the experience could be even better.

    Dec 31, 2024
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 5.0 star tripadvisor rating
    wonderful place to stay

    Had a great time at Riu Guanacaste. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Food was great. . The only part I didn't like was waiting in line for the restraints. The buffet was easy to get in and the food was great. Room was clean and made up daily.

    Dec 29, 2024
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 5.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Good relaxing resort

    Excellent room and facility upkeep. Good food - always 100+ options at every meal. Waterslides were fun. Beach was OK. Friendly helpful staff throughout the resort.

    Dec 29, 2024
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 4.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Riu Guanacaste December stay

    Excellent resort. Great food options! Staff does a great job of entertaining! Lower pool needs to be updated.

    Dec 29, 2024
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 2.0 star tripadvisor rating
    VERY DISAPPOINTED

    I leave a lot of reviews and have never left a negative one; however if you are considering an all inclusive spend your money elsewhere. The food was mediocre at best ; two restaurants we were never able to get in “at capacity” was the reason given.All buffet food . the facilities are not well kept. We had to change rooms as nothing worked in ours. The spa was average. The wait staff was great. Hotel staff not so much. Costa Rica is beautiful but I was very disappointed in the resort overall.

    Dec 28, 2024