Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

10790 reviews

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  Great stay at Riu Guanacaste

  Very nice resort. Not without its issues, but overall a very nice place to stay in Guanacaste. Had some ants in our room, but staff came and sprayed and it didn’t end up being a big deal. Resort is very clean, rooms are nice, restaurants are spacious. Food was so-so - some things were quite good, others not so much. Just depends on your taste. Selection is large so you’re sure to find something you like. Pool is very nice and water park is nice for the kids. Nice beach and very nice grounds at the resort. Traveled with two teenage boys and they had no complaints. Resort was very safe and we felt comfortable letting the boys explore around the resort on their own. Overall we had a great stay. It was nice lounging around the resort but definitely recommend taking some excursions as well to see and do all that the region has to offer.

  Apr 18, 2026
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  Great entertainments

  We had a great vacation! Great staff, service and entertainments.

  Apr 17, 2026
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  Extremely Disappointing Experience – Poor Service and No Compassion

  We recently stayed at RIU Guanacaste, and unfortunately, this was one of the worst hotel experiences we’ve had—largely due to poor customer service and a complete lack of empathy. We arrived late due to a family emergency—our oldest daughter was in the ICU. At check-in, we explained that we had lost a night of our stay and asked if we could extend by one additional night. The front desk told us this would not be an issue but that we needed to handle it closer to checkout. When we returned prior to checkout to book the extra night, we were told there were no rooms available. Moments later, the agent said there was one room available—but then told us we couldn’t have it. There was no explanation, no effort to help, and no sense of urgency or care given our situation. When we asked to speak to a manager, we were simply told to “find an Airbnb.” No apology, no support—just complete indifference. The lack of service didn’t stop there. When we arrived in our room, there were only two bath towels provided despite our reservation being for a family of four. After calling the front desk, it took four hours and two follow-up calls just to receive additional towels. An 81-year-old member of our party with a disability also requested a kettle for his room to support the use of a CPAP machine. Instead of assisting, the front desk manager told him the hotel “had no housekeeping department” and instructed him to go to the kitchen himself. For a senior with medical needs, this was not only unreasonable—it was unacceptable. To make matters worse, the food—especially at the buffet—was extremely disappointing. The quality was poor, and the options were unappealing, which is not what you expect from an all-inclusive resort. What makes this even more frustrating is that my family and I have been loyal RIU guests for over 10 years. We’ve stayed at multiple RIU properties in Jamaica, were even married at a RIU, and as recently as last year had great experiences. Because of how we were treated at this property, we will not be returning—not just to this hotel, but to the RIU brand altogether. This experience showed a complete lack of hospitality, professionalism, and basic care for guests. I would strongly caution others before booking.

  Apr 14, 2026
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  Beautiful Grounds and Great Staff, but Let Down by Food and Logistics

  We recently returned from a group stay at Hotel Riu Guanacaste. While there were several high points regarding the physical property and the hospitality of the staff, there were significant systemic issues; primarily regarding the dining and the "on tracks" feel of the daily schedule; that we would not return. The Highlights Property Maintenance: The grounds are well maintained, clean, and spacious. It is a beautiful and well-laid-out resort. Staff and Activities: The poolside staff are friendly and enthusiastic. The variety of activities is good, though we’d love to see more investment in popular events like the foam party (all activities are on a weekly rotation). Entertainment: The nightly shows were professional and well-executed, though they felt a bit short, typically 9PM to 9:45-ish. Proximity to Diamante: Being right next door to Diamante Eco Adventure Park is a plus. The ziplining is family friendly and highly recommended (though we’d suggest skipping the zoo and rest of the park). The Primary Concern: Dining The food was highly disappointing. The buffet options lacked variety and quality, often poorly executed. For a resort of this scale, the culinary experience was unacceptable. Variety: Most "restaurants" were just variations of the same buffet. Execution: The Steakhouse and American Cowboy were the only places that felt "semi-competent," but they lacked a coherent theme or adequate selection. Health: Half of our party suffered from stomach issues during the stay from the food. We are not picky eaters, we do not have issues at most buffets. The "On Tracks" Experience The resort feels very rigid in its timing, which can be frustrating for those looking for flexibility: Early Closures: The pools close at 6 PM. Despite having lights, there is no option for an evening swim, and poolside service ends even earlier. The "Gap": Dinner starts at 6 PM, and main entertainment doesn't start until 9 PM. With the disco not opening until 11 PM, there is a strange "dead zone" in the evening where options are limited. Technical and Maintenance Nit-Picks The App: The hotel app is hot garbage. It is difficult to navigate, the maps are missing basic amenities like towel huts, the menus and schedules are often inaccurate. Having to reset the language every time you view a menu is a tedious oversight. Room Maintenance: Two out of three rooms in our group had broken thermostat fan controls, and my room had a broken shower head. Safety: The tile around the pools is dangerously slippery when wet. Bar Selection: Liquor options are very limited. If you order off-menu, expect substitutions. Most cocktails are heavily sugary/syrupy.

  Apr 13, 2026
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  Hot weather spring getaway

  Typical RIU this is the fourth location that we have stayed at. The rooms have been renovated and are very nice. Our ceiling fan was not working but the A/C more tha made up for it. The airport experience (both ways) was well organized by Nexus reps. The buffet was busy but well provisioned and staffed. The weather was quite warm as expected and there were plenty of loungers at the pools and beach. As a note the beach is public and so care should be taken in regard to personal property when entering the ocean. The staff are very friendly and accommodating. Special note Lita at the American Sportsbar who can be depended on to provide excellent morning coffee. Marie Luisa at the buffet was very attentive. Joshua at the Tamarindo makes a terrific “Bloody Mary”and is very patient with me practising poor Spanish. The morning buffet precludes trying to flag down coffee which is usually the case at other resorts; as the serving staff deposits a coffee carafe and hot milk on the table where you can help yourself at your leisure. The steak house is the only restaurant that requires a reservation which needs to be made online. The other restaurants are self serve buffet style and are first come first serve with pager/buzzers handed out to those awaiting tables. All around as advertised 4-5 star. Remember your sun screen and insect repellent.

  Apr 12, 2026