4 Nights
with Air
from
$1229
was $1589 - All Inclusive
Rooms starting at
$108.00
per person/night - All Inclusive
InfoCustomer ReviewsQuestions & Answers
Escape to a new oceanfront all inclusive Riu Guanacaste, Costa Rica, for relaxation, adventure and luxury. This 24-hour
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Escape to a new oceanfront all inclusive Riu Guanacaste, Costa Rica, for relaxation, adventure and luxury. This 24-hour all inclusive resort, built on renowned Playa Matapalo, offers lush gardens tucked in a hidden valley that's a coastal paradise.
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"This is not a 5 star hotel but a good bang for your buck." – dan1234
33 out of 35 (94%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.Read All Reviews
All Customer Reviews
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May 5, 2012
Was ok, but just a couple of issues
Overall, the hotel is beautiful, clean with exceptional service. I never stayed at a Riu before but these are my biggest complaints are as follows:
1 No coffee pot in the room. It might have something to do with not being able to drink the tap water but I do not normally leave the room without my morning coffee. If you ask, they do give you a filled thermos at night if you don't mind lukewarm coffee in the am.
2. Buffet hours were not convenient. Breakfast did not start until 7a and most of the excursions leave at 720a. The dinner buffet did not start until 6pm. Too late for my schedule.
3. Pool closed at 7pm. No evening swim for me especially after a long rainforest hike.
If these issues do not matter to you....you will love the place.
doodlebug Top 500 Contributor From:Long Island, NY Age:45-54 Travel:1-2 trips/year
April 20, 2012
Cheap Car. had the best deal :)
The hotel was just okay. We have stayed at a RIU palace so this was a down grade from that. They are building a palace next door. They aren't huge on air conditioning which is a little rough. Coming from hot humid Texas having the main restraints all bars, lobby, reception all open hot humid wasn't much of a weather vacation. Poor job restocking fridge being pregnant and having a toddler we had to call daily for more water. Beds were pretty bad. I prefer a hard bed so I didn't let the reviews bother me...but, they were very hard...hips/back/leg cramps ect... Seriously, I am not picky with beds...but was shocked to actually be affected! LOL.
POSITIVES- Swiss travel at the front was extremely helpful... We never used them but they were very nice and informative. We used the guys at the beach for the activities. The zip lining in guanancaste is not like zip lining in Arenal area... We took the river boat had monkies jump all over us...Was great having a car rental place inside the lobby...we rented a car for a couple days and went to the national park 1.5 hours north was a great day...so was BAGACES I would also see rio celeste from here and not arena...we stayed at both and it was in the middle...just wish we used one of the RIU days to go there and not The springs resort we stayed at the 2nd week. I can say that we went to the beaches more south by the Westin...and given it was holy week for the locals I enjoyed RIU's beach better being off the beaten path...so many locals camping ect ...RIU might have black sand but I liked being at the end of a strip where the locals were 15 min walk down the beach. We did finally see baby turtles...All in all it was a good hotel again not as nice as the palace RIU...but very similar ...Oh the cribs are old pack n plays I wouldn't put a 11mo or younger in...ours had one broken board ...
The resort was beautiful and well maintained. The best part of the resort by far was the expansive swimming pool area. 6 pools all connected and never a problem finding a chair at the pool. The food was good with a large variety. The best dinner was at the Steakhouse restaurant. Excellent steak and food!!! The only thing that we would have done differently was to request a different room. It was on ground level facing the construction work that was going on for the new RIU Palace resort.
From:West Bend, WI Age:45-54 Travel:1-2 trips/year
March 7, 2012
Went Feb 14-21, 2012 .Great vacation overalll other than mildew smell in room. We notified hotel and they responded. Every day was blue sky, bright sun, and pleasantly dry. Nightly entertainment best we've seen at any resort.Excursions are must if you go. Would recommend to all-But make sure you go only during dry season December thru April. Great value for your money
From:hopewell junction, ny Age:55-64 Travel:3-6 trips/year
Ask questions. Share answers. Get advice.
What's the best excursion? How much should you tip?
Ask a question about Riu Guanacaste or help someone else answer theirs.
Can you answer these questions?
6 questions, 16 answers.
Is there a group fee?3 answers
I am planning a group trip and want to inquire about group rates, I also want to inquire about the possibility of a payment plan?
1 year, 12 months ago
Erica
CheapCaribbean.com can only book a group of up to 9 passengers. To book, you can enter the number of passengers and their ages on our web site, and it will price out for you accordingly. When booking, you can choose to pay using the deposit plan. With this, you would pay the amount of the airfare, taxes, insurance (if you are purchasing insurance), and a non-refundable $25 fee at booking. The balance of the reservation would be charged to the credit card on file 21 days prior to departure.
KristinCC
There are no group rates. Also payment plan is find, but there is a $25 fee to break up payments, all payments must be paid 30 days before the date booked for vacation.
LadyPAndBigTy
There were many groups there when we were there end of January. I think they definitely can offer a group rate.
TobyM1129
Question on the types of excursions available2 answers
Are there enough quality excursions to go on for 4 or 5 days if we go for 2 week?. What would u recommend
2 months ago
Wisconsin USA
Absolutely! You could book many tours to fill more then 5 days! You can't miss Arenal Volcano. There many tours from hiking, rafting, safari to zip lining and more.
KellyCC
plenty of excursions. Some of them require greater than 2 hr travel time so research distance before you sign up for them
doodlebug
beach question3 answers
is there actually a beach in the hotel? if it is ..how big is it? and there is another beach near by?
2 months ago
us
This resort is a beachfront property with a large beach just steps from the resort.
ccsusan1
There is a beach with darker sand but its not congested with locals like the beach that the Westin is on... They have a 15 $ per person shuttle to coco beach where you will find the best price things to bring home....
jeeplady708
there is a beach there. It is not really big as part of the hotel but you can walk about a mile up the coast. Nice walk. Shuttle bus offered 1 1/2 hours south to surfing town Tamarindo. Beautiful beach there.
doodlebug
whats the best way to get there2 answers
do you pickup at the airport / what airports do can you fly from
/
1 month ago
marshall tx
We do offer round trip airport transfers. They would pick you up at the airport and take you to the resort and vise versa on the way back. The airport that you would fly into is Liberia - Costa Rica (LIR).
DanielleCC
arrange for roundtrip airport tranfer and fly into liberia
doodlebug
Is there nightlife outside of the resort that is close by?3 answers
1 month ago
jen
Somewhat isolated location, but not terrible. There is nothing around the resort, however, you can take taxis and shuttles to Coco Beach and other attractions within 20-30 minutes.
DanielleCC
They have a casino a couple foot ball fields away... not all inclusive and a disco club(not sure its open. The way RIU works is they build a mini city with different levels of resorts... They are building a nicer palace RIU next door and they will continue to build...they have the idea of shared casino, night club/ tourist shopping ect.... they did the same thing in mexico and other areas. There is also coco beach with bars near by... and u can rent a car from the lobby for around 80 dollars and go to other local locations like Bagaces/rio celeste./ Ricon park ect...
jeeplady708
absolutely not
doodlebug
If arriving from the U.S. is a passport required? Re: Costa Rica3 answers
Re: Costa Rica
4 weeks ago
Chicago, IL
Yes, entry to Costa Rica from the US does require a passport. The only destinations which do not require a passport from a US resident are Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
ccsusan1
Yes, US Citizens are required to bring their Passport.
KellyCC
yes
doodlebug
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Room Information
701 guest rooms all equipped with central air conditioning, Satellite televisions, radio alarm clock, hair dryer, direct dial telephone, mini bar and liquor dispenser, laptop size in-room safe, iron and ironing board, balcony or terrace.
Riu Guanacaste in Costa Rica is a new resort eager to please, and it shows in the amenities on offer and warm hospitality.
What We'd Change
The walk from the lobby to the pool doesn't offer much shade. Luckily the pool's swim-up bar offers quick relief with ice-cold beer.
Why You Should Go
The landscape surrounding the resort is unique, a greenscape that's extraordinary in its variety. It provides the perfect setting for visions of adventure!
Available Amenities
Activities/Tours Assistance
Car Rental Available
Banquet Facilities
Beach
Casino ($)
Child Care/Babysitting Services ($)
Children's Activities
Children's Pool
Conference Facilities
Cribs Available on Request
Currency Exchange
Daily Maid Service
Fitness/Exercise Room
Gift Shop
Golf Course ($)
Jacuzzi
Kayaks
Kids Club
Laundry Services ($)
Lounge Chairs/Umbrellas
Nightly Entertainment
Swim-Up Bar(s)
Internet Access ($)
Tennis Court(s)
Tropical Gardens
Windsurfing
24 Hour Front Desk
24 Hour All-Inclusive
Poolside Bar
Safe Deposit Box
Medical Services ($)
Disco
Billiards
Scuba Lessons
Horseback Riding ($)
4 Restaurants
5 Bars/Lounges
Porter/Bellhop
Nightclub
Multilingual Staff
Elevators
Spa ($)
Wedding Services $$ -- Pre-arrange directly with resort
Honeymoon Packages $$ -- Pre-arrange directly with resort
Beach Volleyball
Wireless Hi-Speed Internet Access ($)
Amenities Subject to Change, with or without notice
Complimentary Pool Towels
Introductory Scuba Lesson
Beauty Salon ($)
Handicap Facilities / Wheelchair Accessible
Evening Entertainment
Swimming Pool
Additional Fees for some amenities may be required
Connecting Rooms Available (not guaranteed)
Wireless Hi-Speed Internet Access in lobby (Complimentary)
Nearby Excursions & Attractions
Eco-adventure tours
Ecological Park Nearby
Fishing Nearby
Golf Nearby
Horseback Riding Nearby
Scuba Diving Nearby
Shops/Shopping in Area
Snorkeling Nearby
Map of Local Area
Costa Rica is an exhilarating land of luxuriant rainforests and mighty volcanoes, of natural hot springs and shimmering oceans, of colonial charm and captivating nightlife. The ultimate delight of Costa Rica is its people.
Riu Guanacaste
Sardinal, Canton de Carrillo, Playa Matapalo
+506 2681 2300
Hotel Description
Riu Guanacaste Costa Rica: Good Times, Golf and Gambling
Escape to a new oceanfront all inclusive Riu Guanacaste, Costa Rica, for relaxation, adventure and luxury. This 24-hour all inclusive resort, built on renowned Playa Matapalo, offers lush gardens tucked in a hidden valley that's a coastal paradise.
If you're the adventurous type, rough it on the trail to an unbelievable volcano tour, cast a line deep-sea fishing or take an eco-friendly hike in a nearby nature park. When the lap of luxury beckons, look no farther than the amenities at Hotel Riu Guanacaste Costa Rica. Visit Renova Spa, a steam room and elevated Jacuzzi, or opt for hot stones and a reflexology treatment. After you're blissed out, the spa offers a salon for professional grooming. Once you're fully relaxed, head to the pool's swim-up bar and order a tasty rum punch.
After a day of fun, stroll back to your suite and get dolled up; the nightlife is about to begin. Make your way to Ocotal, the poolside steakhouse for a delicious cut of beef. Or, if pasta sounds like just the thing before a night of partying, set out for La Toscana to sample outstanding Italian fare.
For golfers, Hotel Riu Guanacaste in Costa Rica offers reasonable access to two nearby courses. Papagayo Golf and Country Club is a USGA-certified, 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Pete Dye with no dress code and a commitment to laid-back, island-style of golf. Hacienda Panilla, an 18-hole par-72 course designed by Mike Young, is a bit of a drive from the resort, but what it lacks in proximity, it makes up for in affordability, offering a significant discount on greens fees to all resort guests.
After dinner grab your sweetheart and make way for the "cha-ching!" of Casino Las Olas. Try your luck at roulette or black jack, and don't forget that every Thursday is "Street Party Night," when Casino Las Olas moves the party outside and offers Texas hold 'em tournaments, as well as many other table games and slot machines under the stars.
Other Details
Location
20 mi from Liberia Airport.
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in: 4pm. Check-out: 11am.
A valid credit card may be required upon check-in for possible incidentals not included in your hotel reservation.
In observance of Holy Week, some resorts in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Costa Rica may put limits on the use of motorized water sports, and loud music.
No student groups under 21 or "Spring Breakers" are accepted at this resort at any time. Please be aware that at least ONE person per room must be 21 years of age or older to check-in; the hotel reserves the right to request a passport or official ID as proof of age. If travel is booked and no one fulfills this requirement, you will be denied check-in at this resort.
All Inclusive
ALL-INCLUSIVE FEATURES:
All meals and snacks
Buffets, on-the-spot cooking stations and special evenings (theme buffet - three times a week)
Optional dining (advanced reservation required) available at Furama, La Toscana and Ocotal
Unlimited domestic and imported beverages 24 hours a day, regularly stocked mini bar and liquor dispenser
Swimming pool with adjoining Jacuzzi, steam bath, children's pool, complimentary sun loungers, towels and parasols by the pool.
Children's playground
Floodlit, hard-surface tennis court,
Table tennis
Gym
Beach volleyball
One introductory scuba diving lesson in the pool
Windsurfing, pedaloes, kayaking and snorkeling equipment
Daytime entertainment program for children ages 4 to 12 daily
Daytime entertainment program for adults daily
Live music, shows or Riu evening programs daily
Complimentary entrance to Casino Las Olas and Pacha Nightclub (drinks not included)
Kids Club
All accommodations, taxes and gratuities
*All hotel guests are required to wear an all inclusive wristband for identification purposes.
Dining
Name: La Toscana
Type: Italian
Hours: Daily three seatings at 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm
Description: Main course with table service, buffet for starters and dessert. Hours subject to change.
Reservations are required due to limited capacity.
Dress code: long trousers and shirts with sleeves for gentlemen.
Name: Furama
Type: Asian
Hours: Daily three seatings at 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm
Description: Buffet. Hours subject to change.
Reservations are required due to limited capacity.
Dress code: long trousers and shirts with sleeves for gentlemen.
Name: Ocotal
Type: Steakhouse
Hours: Daily three seatings at 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm
Description: Poolside restaurant, a la carte menu. Hours subject to change.
Reservations are required due to limited capacity.
Dress code: long trousers and shirts with sleeves for gentlemen.
Name: Liberia
Type: International
Hours: Breakfast, Daily 7am-10am; Lunch, Daily 12:30pm-3:30pm; Dinner, Daily 6:30pm-9:30pm
Description: Main restaurant, non-smoking section and terrace. Breakfast: full American breakfast buffet and on-the-spot cooking stations, Continental breakfast/snack. Lunch: hot and cold buffet and on-the-spot cooking stations, plus pizzas, pasta, salads and assorted desserts. Dinner: Buffets and on-the-spot cooking stations. Special evenings: theme buffets (three times a week). Hours subject to change.
Dress code: shirts with sleeves for gentlemen.
Bars
Filadelfia
Lobby bar with terrace. Daily 10am-11pm.
Pura Vida
Lounge bar with terrace. Daily 7pm-midnight.
Santa Cruz
Poolside, swim-up bar. Daily 10am-6:30pm.
La Plaza
Intimate outdoor bar. Daily 6pm-midnight.
Sports Bar
No dress code. Open 24 hours.
All hours subject to change.
Child Care
Kids club for ages 1 to 12
Daytime entertainment program for children ages 4 to 12 (daily)
Children's swimming pool
Children's playground
Water activities
All Inclusive Features:
Windsurfing,
Pedaloes
Snorkeling equipment
Kkayaking
One introductory scuba diving lesson in the pool
Other Sports Facilities Nearby (Additional Charge):
Assorted water sports available
Night Life
Casino Las Olas
Daily 6pm-2am.
Pacha Nightclub
No dress code. Daily 11pm-3am.
Complimentary entrance to the Casino and Pacha Nightclub (drinks not included).
Sports
All Inclusive Features:
Gym
Table tennis
Fitness center
Beach volleyball
Floodlit, hard surface tennis court
Use of the gym, Jacuzzi and sauna is restricted to guests over 18 years old. Sports shoes are compulsory when using the gym.
In the Hotel (Additional Charge):
Billiards
Other Sports Facilities Nearby (Additional Charge):
Golf course (one course 17 km away and another 84 km away)
Horseback riding
Golf
Papagayo Golf and Country Club
17 km from the hotel
Designer: Pete Dye
18 holes with practice tee and driving range
Golf lessons are available, as are club rentals
USGA certified
Hacienda Pinilla
84.2 km, about 75 min, from the hotel
Designer: Mike Young
18 holes with a full practice area
Par: 72
Length: 7,296 yards
Golf lessons are available, as are club rentals
Guests receive a discount on greens fees
Reservations necessary; contact the hotel for more information
Wedding Services
The hotel offers a variety of wedding packages. Contact the hotel directly for more information.
doodlebug
