Hotel Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive

“Riu Guanacaste exemplary employee - Nahomy”

I recently stayed at Riu Guanacaste, during my stay my husband died in a scuba diving accident Customer Service Liaison, Nahomy became a source of strength, compassion and support that I will never forget. She checked on me, even when she was not on shift. She helped me manage cremation, transport… more

I recently stayed at Riu Guanacaste, during my stay my husband died in a scuba diving accident Customer Service Liaison, Nahomy became a source of strength, compassion and support that I will never forget. She checked on me, even when she was not on shift. She helped me manage cremation, transportation, uploading insurance documents the list goes on and on. She even messaged me after I got home to make sure I made it home ok Nahomy is truly exceptional. She is a shining example of what real hospitality should be, and she is an incredible ambassador for the Riu brand. I really hope Riu recognizes her extrodinary service. She made an unbearable situation a little more bearable, and I will always be grateful!

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“Pleasant with beautiful view”

This was my boyfriend and I’s first time in Costa Rica and we were recommended this resort. We stayed for a week and I had read some reviews before we arrived. There were many saying that the food was disappointing and that the people were rude but I feel as thought that was false... Check-in was q… more

This was my boyfriend and I’s first time in Costa Rica and we were recommended this resort. We stayed for a week and I had read some reviews before we arrived. There were many saying that the food was disappointing and that the people were rude but I feel as thought that was false... Check-in was quick and fast and the room was decent.. The only thing I will really complain about is there was a sewage smell coming from the drains throughout the day that came and went, and the towels had a mildew smell to them. The staff was very nice and friendly, and the food was very good. We were always greeted at the buffet, and there was always somebody coming to our table to collect dishes and refill our drinks. Agave was definitely the best out of all of the restaurants, but so was the buffet as it had many different options! I will also say that we were a little disappointed that they did not provide room service and we couldn’t get any food delivered to us. This was very unusual for an “all inclusive” hotel, since every one we’ve been to has 24 hour. The bars were not too crowded and there was enough entertainment to keep us busy every night. Overall, I would say that for our first time here it was a great experience and a very beautiful place. I do wish that they would provide a little more music or something fun by the beach, instead of being bombarded by people asking you to buy things. Honestly I would definitely recommend this place if you are looking for a nice getaway, and we will be going back! The views are incredible!

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“Not for me won't be back”

We spent one week at RIU Guanacaste surprising friends who were already their. The bus ride was about one hour, upon arrive it looked big and very nice. Check in was very quick, staff was really nice. We were in our room in no time and the room was really nice. Our first day was checking out the gr… more

We spent one week at RIU Guanacaste surprising friends who were already their. The bus ride was about one hour, upon arrive it looked big and very nice. Check in was very quick, staff was really nice. We were in our room in no time and the room was really nice. Our first day was checking out the grounds trying to know where everything was. Our friends said they spent most of the time at adults pool, the other 2 pools were very busy and loud. We decided to check out the beach and come to find out there really is no beach it's been taken over by the locals trying to sell you everything from excursion to trinkets. You can go to the beach just ask security for a chair. But there is almost no shade or umbrellas. Also no life guards. They have very nice pools, also a water park with waterslides and all kinds of festivities for families and for those who are still young at heart. Food, well, just so that everyone knows all the a la cart restaurants are now all buffet with an exception of the steakhouse which you have to book and the steakhouse was the only one we could get in and wasn't that good. You have to stand in line for the other so called a la carts, didn't feel like standing in line at 5 o'clock to eat at 6:30, they only allow so many in at a time. So that's all the good parts of this resort now for the bad parts. ( 1 ) If you are a smoker your not going to like it, can't smoke anywhere, they only have two smoking arears unless you are off the property. ( 2 ) Do not go on May 1st weekend it's their Labour day weekend and the locals take over the whole place. ( 3 ) Every weekend the place is full of Locals from Friday afternoon to Sunday Afternoon. Come to find out they get special discount pricing and staff caters to them, also the food changes for them. They just trash the place by the time they leave, incredible never seen anything like this before. In my opinion this place is not a 5 star at best it's 4.5 star, there no beach, food wasn't all that great, I struggled for last 3 days finding things to eat. ( 4 ) They are suppose to refill your fridge every two days that doesn't happen, we we're there for one week and they only refilled once. This is the first time in my life after all the years we have gone away I couldn't wait to go home.

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“Not a Palace vibe at all”

First, the locals in Costa Rica have been incredibly kind, welcoming, and respectful. The grounds surrounding the Riu Palace are also beautiful and well maintained. Now for the honest review. The overall atmosphere of the hotel feels far less “luxury resort” and much more like a mix between a Car… more

First, the locals in Costa Rica have been incredibly kind, welcoming, and respectful. The grounds surrounding the Riu Palace are also beautiful and well maintained. Now for the honest review. The overall atmosphere of the hotel feels far less “luxury resort” and much more like a mix between a Carnival Cruise, Spirit Airlines, and an older Motel 6. By Friday night, the vibe shifted heavily into loud party energy rather than upscale relaxation. The rooms were the biggest disappointment. They feel old, outdated, worn down, and nowhere near modern for what you would expect from a resort carrying the “Palace” name. As for the all-inclusive experience, the drinks are excellent. The bartenders do a great job, and that was one of the highlights of the stay. The food, however, was extremely underwhelming. The reservation-free restaurants were mediocre at best, and after speaking with multiple guests at the pool, many agreed the buffet was actually the safest and best option available. Unfortunately, the buffet also had hygiene concerns. The cold food section had dead roaches and other insects visible near the food. I didn’t even need to complain because several other guests were already bringing it to staff’s attention. Overall, beautiful country, great locals, strong drinks, but the hotel experience itself did not match the luxury branding or price point.

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