Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

10690 reviews

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  I feel like I was rip off

  I was very disappointed with check in, It was madness with so many people, upon checking in I used my credit card to pay for my stay. This hotel fraud my credit cards with 1500 charge from Amazon. Please be aware about handing your credit card over to any hotel reservation. I was so upset that they took advantage of my visit, I will never return there again. They are reasonable but it not worth the trouble. The food was trash

  Dec 22, 2025
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  Average

  We are a couple in our early 40s we traveled with no children. I will start out with the positives RIU did a great job on the remodel. Staff was always cleaning. The rooms were just as pictured. The shower was spacious, and it was nice to have 2 double sinks. The resort was also nicely decorated for the Christmas holiday. Negatives The operations team really needs to step up their game. There was only one option for sit-down service. This was for the Steak house. People had to line up at 5pm to see if we would get seated! We have traveled quite a bit, and all the AI that we have been to stayed at this was just crazy to us that there were no reservation systems. No menus QR codes, so I see how they are trying to advance in technology, but it seems so archaic system that there is no system to make reservation system in place. Also important to note that not all restaurants are open during the week. We finally did make it to the Steak house and I had the salmon by husband had the mixed grill but was fatty. We bot agreed the French fries were tasty. People are on vacation they want to relax and this put a damper on things, having to constantly wait in lines to eat. Also, the waste of food that this resort must experience with all the buffets. I wish they had an omlet station. Food was average the buffets were not rotated. You will not go hungry but food is average. The pools were nice land big thw "adult pools" were basically large sit down pool bar I . RIU THInK ABOUT MAKING AN ADULTS ONLY SECTION!. No one came by the pool to ask for drinks, not a big deal, but again, most AI offer this service. I will say when we did go to the bar it took forever to get a drink ... like literally not even a look of acknowledgment, or I'll be right with you... we were not the only ones who noticed this speaking to serval other guests while waiting in lines. They also had the same experience. Pool I noticed that there was only 2 entrances for the large pools, not a big deal, just poor design. Filters need to be not just skimming the pools. Entertainment Only one party, the white party, which eas good the other nightly entertainment is as expected with any AI. I WISH THEY DID THE NEON AND WHITE DURING THE SAME WEEK. Tours We booked with Frank the Tank shout out to Gray and Maurice as well as our drivers! Costa Rica is beautiful, I would return, but not to the Riu- major operation changes need to happen.

  Dec 21, 2025
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  Absolutely stunning would go back in a heartbeat!

  We booked this trip last minute on Black Friday and got an amazing deal. I’ve stayed at several RIU resorts in other countries, so I had certain expectations. The drive from the airport was about 50 minutes, smooth majority of the way but closer to the resort you got in the hills. Such a beautiful ride. The resort has recently undergone a major renovation and it looks beautiful. Rooms were clean, modern, and comfortable, although the cooling system could get loud at night. (Woke me up a couple of times) we had a view looking to the hill on the edge of the resort. It was stunning, very quiet we saw some monkeys and wildlife. I would absolutely book this side of the resort again or the ocean view. The restaurants and common areas were very aesthetically pleasing designed and the entire property was kept extremely clean. Lots of seats to lounge around in lobby’s and in the common areas. The beach was the highlight of our stay. The dark sand is stunning, the water is crystal clear, and there are so many small fish you can see. The view of the mountains was gorgeous. Although it’s public it feels secluded and private. Only thing I would say is since it’s a public beach, vendors are walking around and asking you to buy things. The shaded loungers filled up quickly under the trees. Pools were fine but pretty quiet during the day. One pool closed for renovations midway through our stay, so it got pretty busy and crowded at the other pools so we spent most of our time at the beach. Evening entertainment was good, with shows, live music, RIU parties, and a nightclub. They had fit classes, and activities for the kids during the day as well. Food was good and clean, though the buffet lacked variety and felt a little repetitive. The Italian restaurant was our favorite. The steakhouse was good but had very long wait times, requiring us to line up well before opening. They open at 6pm so you have to start lining up at 4:30pm to be given a chance to eat there or get out on the waitlist. Which was a downside as it took time away from the beach/pool. Tiki Tacos by the pool were amazing we had them every day, and the American Country Bar had good late-night options. The Asian fusion restaurant was great, only downside again was long line ups and wait times. We didn’t get to try the Mexican restaurant because of the long wait times. The only sit down service is the steakhouse, all the other restaurants are buffet style. Staff were friendly, but service was slow, especially at restaurants and bars. Drinks and water often took a long time or were forgotten. Housekeeping missed our room one day, and to get fresh towels or more water to our room took a while. Wi-Fi was inconsistent. (Just to keep in mind if you’re still working on vacation like me haha) Overall, we had an amazing trip, especially with the excursions we did a half day jetski snorkelling adventure. I would absolutely come back and try the Palace side next time. Keeping in mind service may improve as the newly renovated resort continues to work out its systems. Suggestions: • Reservation-based à la carte dining • Add a seafood restaurant or seafood night • Add a smoothie bar featuring local fruits • Add a sorbet option in restaurants for people who can’t have dairy

  Dec 21, 2025
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  Started well, ended with broken ankle

  My husband and I were at RIU Guanacaste for a week Dec. 10-17, 2025. We had 3 great days, but on the third day, I tripped and broke my ankle. I cannot say enough good things about how well they treated me at the resort. Two guests rushed to help: Emma and Arianna; nurses from Canada. Two doctors on staff, Lucia and Pricilla were wonderful, professional and kind. They stayed with me to the clinic in Libiria. Lucia even followed up with me after my return to the resort and arrival home in the US. Dr. Anna at the clinic was wonderful and stayed with us on the 3 hr. ambulance ride to the Hospital Clínica Bíblica in San Jose. I had surgery there the following day. We dealt mostly with Dr. Zury and she was fabulous. A big THANK YOU to all who helped me and my husband!

  Dec 20, 2025
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  This one is a winner

  Beautiful resort, huge, clean, a bit hard to get around until you figure out the way back to the main lobby, restaurant area but no biggie. Grounds lovely, a nice shopping plaza next door within walking distance, also access to the other Riu next door. 4 big beautiful warm pools, lots of lovely pool atmosphere, drinks served at the chaise lounges or the pool bar. Several restaurants, all great service, all great food. Coffee pot given at each table in the morning. Vendors at the beach but not intrusive. Beach was a bit rough but good for walking each morning, would never swim in it. Loved this resort, turned me on to the Riu chain, definitely 5 star quality.

  Dec 17, 2025