Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive

“Costa Rica Adventure”

Overall this was a fantastic resort in an amazing location there were a few negatives that could be improved upon Service from waiting staff overall excellent however from some staff not welcome a smile and a how are always makes the guests feel at home.In regard to meals overall again fantastic ... more

Overall this was a fantastic resort in an amazing location there were a few negatives that could be improved upon Service from waiting staff overall excellent however from some staff not welcome a smile and a how are always makes the guests feel at home.In regard to meals overall again fantastic however found meats to be over cooked and tough, either points did not impact upon overall holiday though.

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“Amazing hotel with an abundance of wildlife 😍”

We had a fabulous stay at The Guanacaste and cannot fault it. Really don’t understand any negative comments. Our room 4022 was very clean with a very comfortable queen size bed. We had amazing views over the eco park and the howler monkeys swung by most days which we adored. We ate in most of th... more

We had a fabulous stay at The Guanacaste and cannot fault it. Really don’t understand any negative comments. Our room 4022 was very clean with a very comfortable queen size bed. We had amazing views over the eco park and the howler monkeys swung by most days which we adored. We ate in most of the restaurants and enjoyed everything we had. There was an excellent choice of food, something for everyone. We found the entertainment enjoyable with an excellent selection of drinks at all the bars. We especially loved exploring the beautiful grounds of the hotel and the abundance of wildlife that was around, we didn’t expect to see as much as we did. The beach is only a short walk which we found very pleasant especially at sunset. We found all the staff from reception to the gardeners extremely polite and hard working, they are all a credit to the hotel. Overall we had a very enjoyable stay and would definitely return. ☺️

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“Anniversary trip”

My husband and I decided to visit Costa Rica for the first time to celebrate our 11 year wedding anniversary. We typically don’t stay at all inclusives anymore when traveling since we prefer to get out and explore and enjoy the local cuisine/restaurants/bars. However, I got a super great deal for... more

My husband and I decided to visit Costa Rica for the first time to celebrate our 11 year wedding anniversary. We typically don’t stay at all inclusives anymore when traveling since we prefer to get out and explore and enjoy the local cuisine/restaurants/bars. However, I got a super great deal for this resort so we decided to go and stay. We stayed here for 6 days, and typically have enjoyed Riu resorts in other destinations in the past. I gave this resort a 4 out of 5 stars for several reasons- The resort grounds are beautiful! Lush and well taken care of. The pool area was pretty as well, although some of the tiles and concrete around the pools were clearly missing, chipped, and worn looking. Needing some TLC. Also, some of the pools didn’t seem to be kept as clean as others. Also, being we went during dry season, THE BEES WERE AWFUL! You couldn’t hardly enjoy your drink at the pool or really anywhere without them attacking you and your drink! If your drink was remotely sweet, you were getting swarmed. I even got stung at one point. Not really the resorts fault, but it was frustrating and it made it hard to relax by the pool and enjoy a cocktail. The beach- it’s a black sand beach and it is HOT! You will burn your feet if you’re not careful, even if you have flip flop/sandals on. Also, we are typically beach and ocean people, and most days the water was just ok, not very clear and waves were worse some days than others. The beach didn’t seem to be very well kept and the chairs they provided on the beach were worn down and needed replacing. Also, tons of vendors on the beach, making it hard to relax as they would consistently walk by and try and sell you something. After a few days, it does wear on you a little bit. The food- average all inclusive food. Nothing spectacular. Edible for sure, but this is why we prefer not to stay all inclusive, lots of the same thing everyday and just average tasting. I like variety and food that doesn’t taste mass produced or frozen and then just heated up. Room was decent, basic but provided what we needed during our stay. Could use some updating but it wasn’t terrible by any means. Service and employees of the resort were very nice and very helpful our entire stay. Overall it wasn’t a bad experience, but I probably wouldn’t return. But again, we’re not all inclusive lovers either. Good place for those who are new to traveling and/or like the convenience of all inclusive.

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“Could be Better Could Be Worst !”

We Often find ourselves reading through reviews and are conflicted, do we listen to the bad ones or the good ones. Why is there such a divide. I guess perspective. I want to keep my review simple and straight to the point, which I would like to add that despite the negatives I will list on here. ... more

We Often find ourselves reading through reviews and are conflicted, do we listen to the bad ones or the good ones. Why is there such a divide. I guess perspective. I want to keep my review simple and straight to the point, which I would like to add that despite the negatives I will list on here. My family and I had a great time at this resort. The BAD “Don’t Leave Money in Safe” Room safe was being broken into somehow, we got there on a Wednesday. On that Thursday I went into room while a woman was cleaning it to get tip money. Thursday Friday and Saturday money was taken out the room safe. I also notice she switched rooms with another woman on Saturday. By Friday we were writing on envelopes, how much money we were missing. After Saturday we just walked around with all our cash. We didn’t complain because we felt as if it will fall on deaths ears with no proof. Conclusion we walked around with our money and no I was not going crazy. “Steak House” While the food isn’t bad the Racoon issue makes it a bad dining experience especially if you are with children like I was. They are around just waiting for diners to leave and will climb on the table and take the food. Though they don’t appear aggressive It isn’t something I want to have to deal with. “Pool “ They do their best to keep it clean but there will be lots of bees floating in the pool, pool chairs could use a good cleaning. “Stage area” They will have half the fans off and Lord you will be hot, even if you request for fans to be turned on. They will not turn them on. “Room” Yes! they are outdated and the water from toilet smells, the AC isn’t’ very cool. However, you can still sleep comfortable at night. How much time do you spend in the room. “Food * Drinks” The food is not top notch, but it isn’t bad. The buffet had a lot of options and their overall quality and taste in general was good pertaining to food. Drinks were ok bottom shelf of course but what will you expect from an all-inclusive. “Beach” Wish they had umbrellas, some of us aren’t used to that heat and sun. Vendors can be annoying but often you get the best deals from them. “After Hours eating” Gross! hot dogs and ham burgers cold sandwiches, wish they had room service. The Good Check in and Check out is fast. Water park within walking distance great for big and little kids. Specialty Restaurants no reservations required , which is nice go early and you can get a table. Entertainment! the dancers, the kids show, the live singers, I loved it all. They have a kid’s show 8:00-8:30pm then adults after. they play movies for the kids on the main stage. Entertainment is Great. Pool area Lots of Chairs by the pool Area so you don’t feel like you need to run out early in the morning to get a seat by the pool. Might not be the best seat but will get a seat. Foam Party was so much fun that happens on Tuesday. All white Party had a blast. Feeding the Monkeys by the Monkey Bar! It was like a 10-minute walk from resort, and it was worth the walk, to experience feeding the beautiful monkeys. Server at the Buffet Christian Gutierrez was amazing so professional and attentive, we always would look to sit in his section. Sit in his section and tip your server, he is amazing!!! Kid’s Face painting by pool by Franklin, he was so nice and patient with the kids. He did great work with the kids. Overall, it was a good vacation !

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