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Hotel overview

Where families, spa-lovers, active travelers and couples come for sun and luxurious sand, this inviting resort provides the perfect blend of service and smiles fronting Costa Rica’s warm Pacific Coast. Nestled amidst tropical palms and fragrant gardens, guests are treated to spacious guestrooms and suites featuring a regularly restocked in-room mini-bar and liquor dispenser; a pampering spa; fun-filled children’s amenities including a playground, activity club and pool; lighted tennis courts; a disco and 24-hour, all-inclusive restaurants and bars serving delicious cuisines ranging from Asian fare to a robust Steakhouse. Creating the perfect setting for unforgettable vacation experiences, this polished resort has something for every member of the family.


Location

Guanacaste
Liberia, Costa Rica Airport (LIR) : 30 miles
San Jose, Costa Rica Airport (SJO) : 150 miles

Property information

Year Built: 2009
Accessible rooms: 1
All rooms non-smoking: 701
Floors: 6
Total rooms: 701

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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 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 Family Room: ***Important Information*** Please note when booking a Family Room, the minimum occupancy for this room category is: 2 Adults and 1 Child between ages 2-12. Children aged 13 and over are considered adults. The hotel will not honor/confirm bookings with 1 Adult and 1 Child or 2 Adults.
Advisory Two Bedroom Family Suite: ***Important Information*** Please note when booking a Two Bedroom Family Suite, the minimum occupancy for this room category is: 3 Adults or 2 Adults and 2 Children between ages 2-12. Children aged 13 and over are considered adults. The hotel will not honor/confirm bookings with 2 Adults or 2 Adults and 1 Child.
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.
Advisory In continuity with our product improvements, we are very excited to announce the upcoming renovation of the RIU Guanacaste hotel in Costa Rica, which will be taking place starting April 28th, 2025 to October 3rd, 2025 (re-opening on October 4th, 2025).

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 Policy- 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.

Pet Policy Pets Not Allowed
Early Departure Policy:
  • Early Departure Penalty: 1 Night Applies: Sunday - Saturday 01May25 - 23Dec26
  • Early Departure Penalty: 2 Nights Applies: Sunday - Saturday 24Dec25 - 30Apr26

Ratings & reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_4.0 10481 reviews
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 5.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Costa Rica adventure

    We had a wonderful experience at the hotel my six-year-old enjoyed the pool and ice cream while my 10-year-old and I booked multiple tours with Pablo, who was very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with one excursion was discovered scuba as an instructor we had fluain possibly the best dive instructor I have ever met. She introduced my son to diving making it a fun and educational experience. Her positive attitude and French accent made the experience all the more fun.

    Feb 21, 2025
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 4.0 star tripadvisor rating
    February Group trip

    Had a great time. Was there Feb 7 - Feb 14. Resort was nice. Rooms were a little dated. We had to watch the SuperBowl in Spanish but still had a good time. I would like to have more entertainment for adults in the evening. Since the the pool bars close at 6

    Feb 21, 2025
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 5.0 star tripadvisor rating
    An Amazing Experience in Costa Rica

    We have just returned from a 2 week stay at Riu Guanacaste and had a fantastic holiday. The hotel at the moment is a Colonial style which adds to its character although it is due to close for approx. 6 months for refurbishment in April. Our room was in the original hotel which overlooked the forest and was spotlessly clean, the cleaners work very hard and we had no smell from our toilet as someone before mentioned. The mini bar in the rooms are stocked alternate days. Some mornings we pulled back the curtains and could and hear the howler monkeys and watch the colourful birds chirping. The gardens are immaculate with colourful flowers and shrubs. The smokers/vapers have their own areas to smoke which makes it more pleasant for non-smokers. The towels are new and fluffy and can be changed when necessary to use on the sunbeds at the pool or the beach. Turn left at the seafront at the hotel and walk until you see a notice say 'Monkey Bar' and about 10 metres into the forest you will see Capuchin monkeys playing most mornings about 8am. We preferred the beach, no umbrellas but trees for shade or plenty of beds in the sun. On the beach a water taxi takes people to Coco beach, bars and shops, a 20 minute ride and return for 27 dollars... a fun ride. Also there are traders on the beach, their prices are very reasonable. I bought a dress for $20 a lot cheaper than Coco town. Turn left at the seafront at the hotel and walk until you see a notice say 'Monkey Bar' and about 10 metres in you will see Capuchin monkey playing most mornings about 8am. There are 4 restaurants on a 1st come 1st served basis then a buzzer system, or the buffet. We mainly used the buffet but did try the Steakhouse once which served a lovely steak etc. The buffet has so much choice to cater for every need, although some dishes were not labelled. A big thank you to Robinson in the buffet. He is very attentive making sure you are topped up with water and wine also coffee at breakfast. The coffee as you would expect in Costa Rica is amazing. The entertainment goes on all day, with exercises in the pool, bingo, games, childrens entertainment to start the evening then a themed entertainment for adults. We enjoyed the saxophonist, guitarist, violinist in the Filadelphia bar which happened between 7pm-8pm every evening. We are looking forward to see what the refurbishment brings.

    Feb 20, 2025
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 5.0 star tripadvisor rating
    One night at the Guanacaste for flight delay & 7 at the Palace

    We were moved by Sunwing when our flight was delayed. The hotel was adorable. I didn't see much because we left early but it was very cute in the lobby and room. Very clean too. The Palace was amazing. The staff tireless and warm. Food excellent. Hotel spotless. Service impeccable. ten stars!

    Feb 20, 2025
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 4.0 star tripadvisor rating
    RIU COSTA RICA

    Everything was pretty nice, except we had money stolen out of our room safe. No hallway cameras or electronic door key, so no way to track anyone in/out of the room.

    Feb 20, 2025