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.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.
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.
Resort Details
- Agave
- American CountrySports bar/RestaurantServing All-American favorites à la carte.
- Candy
- FiladelfiaPoolside bar with swim-up bar*Access to the swim-up bar is restricted to guests over 18 years old.
- FuramaAsian restaurant.
- GuaroPoolside bar with swim-up bar*Access to the swim-up bar is restricted to guests over 18 years old.
- La ToscanaItalian restaurant.
- Liberia RestaurantBuffet-style main restaurant with non-smoking section and terrace.
- OcotalPoolside restaurant/grill and steakhouse.
- Papagayo
- Pepe's Food
- Pool bar
- Pura VidaLounge bar
- Santa CruzPoolside bar with swim-up bar*Access to the swim-up bar is restricted to guests over 18 years old.
- Steak HouseA la carte
- TamarindoLobby bar
- Tiki Taco
- TucanGourmet restaurant
- 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
- Children's poolThere is 1 children's pool on-site.
- Children's program, onsiteDaytime entertainment program for children.
- Direct access to a beach
- Fitness center on-site
- General †Snorkel gear1 scuba tryout in the poolBeach volleyball courtMultipurpose sports pitchStand up paddle surfing (SUP)
- Golf †
- GymAt RIU ResortSports 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 SportsAssorted non-motorized water sports available.
- PoolTwo 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 EntertainmentDaytime entertainment programme for adults (daily)
Shows, Riu evening programme or live music (daily)
- Closest Town & City- Playas del Coco Town (18 km approx)- Nuevo Colon Town (3.5 km approx)- Liberia City (42 km approx)
- Other Local AttractionsPlaya 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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
- 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
- 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