Hotel Promotions
Includes $1120 in Resort Credits

Resort Credit Includes:  

Renova Spa - $190 in coupons  

Scuba Caribe - $210 in coupons  

Weddings by Riu - $200 in coupons 

Avis Rent Car - $30 in coupons 

Photoventura - $40 in coupons 

Morpho Travel Experience - $20 in coupons 

Quetzal Shops - $10 in coupons  

Tres Volcanoes Golf Course - $420 in coupons

Important Information: Resort Credits apply as discounts on selected services only. The total of credits are per room per stay, for guests 21 and older. This promotion is subject to availability and inclusions are subject to changes without prior notice. Resort Credits are non-transferable, non-cumulative, non-refundable, non-combinable and cannot be used for future stays or be exchanged for cash; some restrictions apply.
Applicable Dates:
Booking Dates: 27 Nov 2024 to 22 Dec 2025
Travel Dates: 24 Dec 2024 to 23 Dec 2025
*Applicable promotions will display with your room selection. Some restrictions may apply.
Includes $780 in Resort Credits

Resort Credit Includes:  

Renova Spa - $190 in coupons  

Scuba Caribe - $210 in coupons  

Weddings by Riu - $100 in coupons 

Avis Rent Car - $30 in coupons 

Photoventura - $40 in coupons 

Morpho Travel Experience - $20 in coupons 

Quetzal Shops - $10 in coupons  

Tres Volcanoes Golf Course - $180 in coupons

Important Information: Resort Credits apply as discounts on selected services only. The total of credits are per room per stay, for guests 21 and older. This promotion is subject to availability and inclusions are subject to changes without prior notice. Resort Credits are non-transferable, non-cumulative, non-refundable, non-combinable and cannot be used for future stays or be exchanged for cash; some restrictions apply.  


Applicable Dates:
Booking Dates: 27 Nov 2024 to 22 Dec 2025
Travel Dates: 24 Dec 2024 to 23 Dec 2025
*Applicable promotions will display with your room selection. Some restrictions may apply.
Honeymoon Inclusions.

Guests celebrating their honeymoon with us will receive the following amenities:

• Surprise welcome gift in their room

• Small bottle of Rum

• King bed (subject to availability at time of check-in)

• Late Check-out (Subject to availability at time of departure)

• Complimentary upgrade to next available room category (subject to availability and upon request)

• 35 USD Spa credit for a selected service in "Specials for couple" category (120 min). This discount applies per couple per stay and does not apply with other promotions or discounts.

To receive this offer, just enter "Honeymoon" in the Special Service Request section during check-out or call out Customer Care and we will be happy to make the notation for you.

Important Information: Proof of marriage must be provided at check-in and must be valid within 90 days.

Applicable Dates:
Booking Dates: 27 Jun 2024 to 23 Dec 2026
Travel Dates: 24 Dec 2024 to 23 Dec 2026
*Applicable promotions will display with your room selection. Some restrictions may apply.
All Inclusive Amenities
All meals, snacks, local and imported alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in all hotel bars and restaurants.
Snacks and drinks 24 hours a day.
Regularly refilled minibar and liquor dispenser in the guest rooms.
In-room safe.

Free sports, activities and entertainment programme as described. Activities include: tennis ( raquets and tennis balls with deposit), beach volleyball court, kayaking, windsurfing, body boarding, stand up paddle surfing, snorkel gear, 1 scuba tryout in the pool, RiuFit program
Access to Riu "Splash Water World" Water Park with water slides. Guests must be of a height of at least 1.20m/3.9ft to be
admitted. For safety reasons, the minimum recommended age is 12.

Free use of wellness facilities (gym & workout)

Free entry to the discotheque (drinks are not included).

WiFi throughout the hotel.

Daytime entertainment for adults

Live music shows & Riu entertainment

Riu Get Together Party

Children's Entertainment ( ages 4-12)
Additional Information: All hotel guests are required to wear an "All Inclusive" wristband for identification purposes.
Applicable Dates:
Booking Dates: 30 May 2024 to 23 Dec 2026
Travel Dates: 24 Dec 2024 to 23 Dec 2026
*Applicable promotions will display with your room selection. Some restrictions may apply.

Resort Details

Various restaurants offer outstanding global cuisine in buffet-style and a la carte arrangements.
OnSite Dining
  • Agave
  • American Country
    Sports bar/Restaurant 
    Serving All-American favorites à la carte.
  • Candy
  • Filadelfia
    Poolside bar with swim-up bar
    *Access to the swim-up bar is restricted to guests over 18 years old.
  • Furama
    Asian restaurant.
  • Guaro
    Poolside bar with swim-up bar 
    *Access to the swim-up bar is restricted to guests over 18 years old.
  • La Toscana
    Italian restaurant.
  • Liberia Restaurant
    Buffet-style main restaurant with non-smoking section and terrace.
  • Ocotal
    Poolside restaurant/grill and steakhouse.
  • Papagayo
  • Pepe's Food
  • Pool bar
  • Pura Vida
    Lounge bar
  • Santa Cruz
    Poolside bar with swim-up bar 
    *Access to the swim-up bar is restricted to guests over 18 years old.
  • Steak House
    A la carte
  • Tamarindo
    Lobby bar
  • Tiki Taco
  • Tucan
    Gourmet restaurant
Housekeeping, Wi-Fi, pools and an onsite gym are just a few of the excellent amenities found here.
On-Site Amenities
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Accessible facilities
  • Baggage hold†
  • Bell staff/porter
  • Children programs
  • Children welcome
  • Children's play area
  • Concierge desk
  • Elevators
  • Exercise gym
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Complies with Local/State/Federal laws for disabled
  • Baggage hold†
  • Bell staff/porter
  • Children programs
  • Children welcome
  • Children's play area
  • Concierge desk
  • Elevators
  • Exercise gym
  • Free high speed internet connection
  • Free parking
  • Game room
  • Gift/News stand†
  • Housekeeping - daily
  • Laundry/Valet service†
  • Lounges/bars
  • Meal Plan Type: All Inclusive
  • Non-smoking rooms available
  • Parking†
  • Pool
  • Restaurant
  • Safe deposit box
  • Smoke-free property
  • Spa†
  • Tennis court
  • Tour/sightseeing desk
  • Water sports†

† Fees may apply

Enjoy direct access to the beach in addition to a wide variety of of thrilling land and water activities.
On-Site Recreation
  • Children's pool
    There is 1 children's pool on-site.
  • Children's program, onsite
    Daytime entertainment program for children.
  • Direct access to a beach
  • Fitness center on-site
  • General †
    Snorkel gear
    1 scuba tryout in the pool
    Beach volleyball court
    Multipurpose sports pitch
    Stand up paddle surfing (SUP)
  • Golf †
  • Gym
    At RIU Resort
    Sports shoes are compulsory when using the gym. Use of the gym is restricted to guests over 18 years old. 
  • Hot tub
  • Kayaking
  • Motorized Water Sports †
    Assorted water sports available.
  • Non-Motorized Water Sports
    Assorted non-motorized water sports available.
  • Pool
    Two new additional pools, one with a swim up bar.
    Total - 6 Swimming pools
  • Scuba diving †
  • Spa †
  • Water activities †

    Riu Splash Water World

    This attraction will offer a variety of water rides and features for all ages, including a children´s pool with slides, Aquaracer, Body Bowl, Aquatube and Kamikaze and refreshments area.

  • Windsurfing
On-Site Attraction
  • On-site Entertainment
    Daytime entertainment programme for adults (daily)
    Shows, Riu evening programme or live music (daily)
Off-Site Attraction
  • Closest Town & City
    - Playas del Coco Town (18 km approx)
    - Nuevo Colon Town (3.5 km approx)
    - Liberia City (42 km approx) 
  • Other Local Attractions
    Playa Matapalo is in the region of Guanacaste, in the north-west of Costa Rica. It is a place where one can enjoy the possibilities offered by the privileged surroundings - relaxation and water activities on the beautiful beaches; diving or fishing in the waters of the Pacific; and eco-tourism in the volcanic areas and natural parks. All this with a sophisticated, select range of tourism services that are fully integrated into a fragile medium, which is of great ecological value.

† Fees may apply

Guest Reviews from CheapCaribbean Customers

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_4.0 10661 reviews
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 1.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Beautiful Resort, But a Disappointing and Stressful Wedding Experience

    RIU Guanacaste is a beautiful resort on the surface, but my experience — especially as a bride planning a destination wedding — was extremely disappointing. After being asked to arrive two days early to finalize wedding details, the planner I had been working with was unavailable, and I was largely ignored by staff. I received conflicting information before my arrival (such as being told I could bring extra decorations or make changes to the wedding package), only to be told the opposite once I got there. No one had contacted me to go over final details by the morning of the wedding, which caused unnecessary stress on a day that should have been joyful. The onsite coordinator, Jordi, even threatened multiple times to cancel our wedding, despite the thousands we had spent and the group of guests we brought with us. On top of the wedding issues, the rooms themselves need serious attention. While the grounds and views are gorgeous, the rooms felt damp and musty. I returned home with all of my clothes smelling like mildew, which was really disappointing after what was supposed to be a celebratory trip. I wouldn’t recommend RIU Guanacaste for a destination wedding. The setting may be beautiful, but the lack of professionalism, poor communication, and room quality make it hard to justify.

    Aug 11, 2025
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 1.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Extremely Disappointing Stay – Avoid if Possible

    This was one of the worst all-inclusive hotel experiences we’ve ever had. Despite being advertised as a brand-new resort, everything felt old, worn down, and poorly maintained. Our room had a strong, unpleasant odor and showed significant signs of wear and tear. The food was another major letdown — bland, repetitive, and of very poor quality. There were no specialty dining options available, and the main restaurant was chaotic. The staff appeared disinterested and untrained; service was slow and inattentive. One of the key amenities, the water park, was located at a completely different property. Getting there involved a long walk — nearly a mile — and required crossing another hotel. Incredibly, no towels were provided at the water park, so we had to carry everything ourselves. Overall, this hotel fell far below expectations and did not meet the basic standards of an all-inclusive resort. I strongly recommend looking elsewhere

    Jul 31, 2025
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 1.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Not good for families

    If you have a family with kids look elsewhere. This resort is a joke for families. There is nothing family friendly to do besides the pool. After dinner, if you can even get a seat, all activities are catered to adults. Save your money and go elsewhere. So disappointed. The front staff even agreed that it isn’t family friendly and catered more towards adults. Also the rooms don’t look like the photos

    Jul 26, 2025
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 2.0 star tripadvisor rating

    I think that the total resort is too big and the food that they serve is not that good tasting. I do not recommend this resort.

    Jul 23, 2025
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 5.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Great for solos

    I really enjoyed this hotel as a solo female traveler I was put in a lovely room that was spacious and great views I’m a vegetarian and I had some great meals in the buffet room I didn’t used the specialized restaurants as I was on my own The weather was not that great but I managed a little boat trip that I booked through the hotel The pool area was nice but it did worry me that people drank all day at the pool bar and you never saw them leave the pool to use the bathroom Hope the pool cleaners have good cleaning fluid 😀 Well done to Rui and the staff for keeping the grounds pretty

    Jul 18, 2025
Hotel Advisories
  • AdvisoryCosta 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.
  • AdvisoryTwo Bedroom Family Suite: ***Important Information*** Please note when booking a Two Bedroom Family Suite, the minimum occupancy for this room category is: 3 Adults or 2 Adults and 2 Children between ages 2-12. Children aged 13 and over are considered adults. The hotel will not honor/confirm bookings with 2 Adults or 2 Adults and 1 Child.
  • AdvisoryStudent 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.
  • AdvisoryFamily Room: ***Important Information*** Please note when booking a Family Room, the minimum occupancy for this room category is: 2 Adults. Children aged 13 and over are considered adults.
  • AdvisoryWe’re thrilled to announce that Riu Guanacaste is under a full renovation and expected to reopen on October 4th, 2025, with stunning upgrades! - Fully modernized design with neutral tones - Redesigned main pool, Riu Land kids’ club & Pacha disco - New swim-up rooms with private pools - "American Country" restaurant & "Pepe’s Food" grill - Splash Park, extra pool with swim-up bar & multisport court
General Policy
  • 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 Policy- 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.

    ALL INCLUSIVE FACILITIES

    All meals, snacks, domestic and international alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in all hotel bars and restaurants.

    Snacks and drinks 24 hours a day.

    Regularly restocked minibar and liquor dispenser in the guest rooms.

    In-room safe.

    WiFi throughout the hotel.

    Free sports, activities and entertainment programme as described.

    Free wellness facilities as described.

    Free entry to the discotheque.

    "Splash Water World" water park at the RIU Resort.

    All hotel guests are required to wear an "All Inclusive" wristband for identification purposes

  • Pet Policy : Pets Not Allowed
  • Early Departure Policy
    • Early Departure Penalty:1 NightApplies: Sunday - Saturday 01May25 - 23Dec26
    • Early Departure Penalty:2 NightsApplies: Sunday - Saturday 24Dec25 - 30Apr26

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