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Hotel overview

Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica (All-Inclusive), is located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica on the edge of the beach of Matapalo.

This hotel, fully prepared to provide the best service to its customers, has four swimming pools (one with a wet bar), jacuzzi, gym, sauna and a wellness center "Renova Spa" with different treatments and massages. Everything you need for maximum comfort during your stay.

The quality of the cuisine offered at the different restaurants of the hotel is exceptional thanks to our chefs, who prepare a variety of dishes, from classic to the most exotic. You'll want to to try each of our menus and, thanks to the All Inclusive service, you will be able to enjoy the buffet restaurant or the four different theme restaurants of the hotel.

Being on a privileged environment, the hotel offers a variety of activities on the beautiful beaches such as diving or fishing in the Pacific waters, ecotourism in the volcanic areas, and during the day several programs of entertainment for all ages, whether in family or friends. The hotel has a gym, table tennis, volleyball, tennis court, windsurf, sailing, snorkeling equipment, kayaks and other water activities. If your favorite sport is golf, the Four Seasons Golf Club has fantastic views over the sea.

Guanacaste is less tropical, humid and lush than the rest of the country. Its plains and dry forests sometimes remind you of African savanna landscapes. Inland you can see the savanna, local cowboys on their horses while driving their flocks, which are authentic figures of popular culture of this destination. From the hotel, you can do several excursions, such as the visit of the National Park Rincon de la Vieja, the Safari Park or the capital of Guanacaste: Liberia.

Location

Guanacaste
Liberia, Costa Rica - Liberia (LIR) : 33 miles
San Jose, Costa Rica-Juan Santamaria Int'l(SJO) : 146 miles

Property information

Year Built: 2012
All rooms non-smoking: 538
Floors: 6
Total rooms: 538

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Hotel details

Dining

Dining options are available for this property.
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Amenities

Multiple amenities are available at this hotel.
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Activities

This property offers numerous activities.
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Hotel advisories

Advisory *Important Information for Our Guest* As of April 2012, the destination of Costa Rica has gone non-smoking in all public buildings and areas. All hotel rooms are also non-smoking.
Advisory *Important Note* Costa 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.
Advisory 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.

General policies & fine print

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 Policies - 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.

Early Departure Policy:
  • Early Departure Penalty: 1 Night Applies: Sunday - Saturday 04Jul24 - 23Dec26
  • Early Departure Penalty: 2 Nights Applies: Sunday - Saturday 24Dec24 - 30Apr25
  • Early Departure Penalty: 2 Nights Applies: Sunday - Saturday 24Dec25 - 30Apr26

Ratings & reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_4.0 10268 reviews
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 5.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Excellent Value

    The resort is excellent for 200 USD a night. The food quality is excellent. The resort is very clean. The staff is very friendly. The resort is beautiful. The resort is in the middle of the rainforest. You can see and hear howler monkeys from your room. Airport transfer is included if you sign up as a riu class member. Yes, the décor is old. They do not have your brand of alcohol. It does rain sometimes. Yes we did need to travel 5 hours to the alternate airport. They weere unfortunately not willing provide transportation by helicopter. I honestly cannot comprehend what is provided for the money. This was all provided despite a national emergency.

    Dec 01, 2024
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 5.0 star tripadvisor rating
    November trip

    Staff was great. Rooms were great and clean. Food was good. Had a lovely time minus the rain. Our flights were cancelled and the hotel went out of their way to accommodate us.

    Nov 29, 2024
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 5.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Fabulous Hotel 🥰

    After reading all the negative reviews regarding this hotel I was reluctant to go so decided to draw my own conclusions. This hotel has charm … dedicated staff who go the extra mile to make your stay fabulous …. Huge variety of meals so complaints regarding food those people must be extremely picky! Rooms are clean ok taps are tarnished but this is Central America except humidity!! As for array of animals these too are to be expected we built a hotel in their habitat. Entertainment was of high standard the stamina of those dancers left me breathless ☺️ it was my 1st trip to Costa Rica and this lovely hotel 100% recommend it 🥰 Anyone who complains about this beautiful hotel and its staff needs to have a good hard look at their expectations and do some research on the place before travelling!!

    Nov 28, 2024
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 1.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Guest Restrictions

    I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction with a concerning situation during my recent visit at Hotel Riu Guanacaste. I was informed by hotel staff that guests were not allowed to leave the premises or book external services, as it was allegedly unsafe. Furthermore, it was stated that guests who chose to do so would face penalties. I have attached a screenshot of a message shared directly with guests, outlining this restriction. This practice is deeply troubling as it not only limits the freedom of guests but also damages the image of Costa Rica as a safe and welcoming destination. It also negatively impacts local businesses and tour operators who strive to provide high-quality and authentic experiences to visitors. I kindly request an explanation of this practice and information on the actions you will take to address and prevent similar situations in the future. I believe this issue must be resolved promptly to protect the reputation of the RIU brand and maintain the trust of your guests.

    Nov 26, 2024
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 4.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Great experience!

    Although the resort was a little dated, the staff/entertainment/food&drink were all exceptional. Will definitely be staying at a RIU Resort in the future!

    Nov 25, 2024