Reviews of Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive 5 stars
Playa Matapalo, RIU Guanacaste Route Guanacaste Province, Sardinal District, 50503 Coco, Costa Rica
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Reviewed: 19 May 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 15 May 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewThe only thing I liked about the property was the location from the airport and the alcoholic drinks (not pool drinks, those weren’t great)
Everything. I mainly wanted to stay here because they promised a “$600 credit” but of course it was a scam. They had a bunch of “discounts” to use on the resort for very specific things and I don’t even think it was $600 worth. I went for my birthday and asked for room upgrade if it was available (which I know I am not entitled to however it’s worth a try), didn’t get the upgrade but after a night, they changed my room to the upgraded room due to electrical issues in the building I was assigned to first. I did feel a way about that because they didn’t even care to try! There was a room available! The times of the restaurant are bad, I felt rushed the entire time. Had to rush to eat something before you have to wait some hours until the next one opens. Everything closes at 9 then you’d have to eat dry nachos and hotdogs in a cooler. And then they continue to serve drinks until midnight. So you’re drinking on an empty stomach if you miss dinner. Food was okay. The “parties” are bad, it’s the riu so I expected better with the parties but they were boring and no one dances. They played Spanish music mostly (which is expected) but I also expected a mix since it is a resort? The resort felt so small I felt congested after a few days of being there, I left the resort a couple of times. Some staff was nice. I personally had the worst time there and would not recommend to anyone. It is not worth the money
Dear Brianna, Thank you for writing this review and sharing your concerns about your stay with us. We are disappointed to read your comments, and we apologize for the dissatisfaction of your stay. Resort credits are discount coupons to be used in the hotel´s facilities and extra services. We are sorry to hear that there was a misunderstanding about these coupons. Please rest assured that your feedback has been shared with our management. We take the time to listen to constructive comments so we can continually improve our services. We hope you will give us another chance to see you again on your next trip and to prove ourselves. Please receive our warmest regards, Hotel Riu Guanacaste Online Reputation Manager
Dear Brianna, Thank you for writing this review and sharing your concerns about your stay with us. We are disappointed to read your comments, and we apologize for the dissatisfaction of your stay. Resort credits are discount coupons to… Show more
Reviewed: 5 May 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 29 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewConvenience
Old and run down, the specialty restaurants were worse than the buffet, loud music until late at night, moving furniture out of the rooms in the area we were staying at because they are renovating,
Dear Roxanne, We would like to thank you for taking the time to review us! It is disappointing to hear that you experienced the above-mentioned inconveniences during your stay and that they caused your holiday to be less enjoyable as we aim to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences to every guest, every time. Rest assured we will forward your comment to our management team to follow up and we are looking forward to having another chance to welcoming you back in the near future to share a more positive experience with you. Best regards, Hotel Riu Guanacaste Online Reputation Manager
Dear Roxanne, We would like to thank you for taking the time to review us! It is disappointing to hear that you experienced the above-mentioned inconveniences during your stay and that they caused your holiday to be less enjoyable as we a… Show more
Reviewed: 29 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewWe were very satisfied with our stay at Rio Guanacaste. The hotel fully met our expectations, both from what we read on Booking.com and in reality. We stayed in a renovated room in a new building — it was spacious and comfortable. The food quality was consistently good across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a wide variety to choose from. Nothing extraordinary, but everyone will find something they like. The staff works hard, they’re friendly and responsive, always trying to help and move quickly. Cleanliness is well maintained, even when the hotel is busy. We also really liked the location — the beachfront is beautiful, the pools are great, and the bar service was solid. Nothing over-the-top, but overall a great value for the price. It’s slightly expensive for Latin America, but reasonable considering Costa Rica is one of the pricier countries in the region - its OK.
The only minor issues were a slightly noisy AC system and the fact that the bathroom ventilation never turns off, but these didn’t affect our overall experience.
Dear Denys, We are thrilled to know you enjoyed your stay!. Thank you very much for your kind remarks. Knowing that you had a wonderful time, makes everything worthwhile. We very much look forward to hosting you again. Kindest Greetings, Hotel Riu Guanacaste Online Reputation Manager
Dear Denys, We are thrilled to know you enjoyed your stay!. Thank you very much for your kind remarks. Knowing that you had a wonderful time, makes everything worthwhile. We very much look forward to hosting you again. Kindest Greeting… Show more
Reviewed: 26 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewThe beautiful and clean resort. The friendly and helpful staff. The beautiful warm ocean that was shallow and had soft waves that were great for swimming. No seaweed on the beach or in the ocean. We will return with our kids for sure.
Nothing we didn’t like. We loved everything.
Dear Patricia, We count ourselves lucky for our lovely guests. Our staff feel very rewarded. Thank you very much for your great feedback! We really look forward to welcoming you again soon, Patricia :) Kindest Regards! Hotel Riu Guanacaste Online Reputation Manager
Dear Patricia, We count ourselves lucky for our lovely guests. Our staff feel very rewarded. Thank you very much for your great feedback! We really look forward to welcoming you again soon, Patricia :) Kindest Regards! Hotel Riu Guan… Show more
Reviewed: 24 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 22 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewBeautiful & staff very courteous. Drinks at pool were nice. Not being able to get a Coke Zero or drink at Palace pool due to wrong color armband was disturbing
No wine other than 1 red, 1 white! Unable to have them deliver Coke Zero to room even though no one drank regular Coke and I requested at front desk. Tub hard to get in & out & bathroom needed ventilation. Our party of 9 was only able to eat at nicer restaurant once as they would not take reservations and we weren’t ready to leave pool/sunset. Road there from airport horrible
Dear Shelley, Your review and rating of our hotel means a lot to us, and we thank you for taking the time to share your experience at the Hotel Riu Guanacaste. We take great pride in providing our guests with an exceptional, and seamless experience. For this reason, we are highly disappointed to hear that we could not meet all your expectations during your stay with us. We will mention your review on the upcoming weekly meeting. It is our hope, that you will give us a chance in the future to welcome you once more, and provide you with the services so many of our guests have become fond of. With our best wishes we remain, Hotel Riu Guanacaste Online Reputation Manager
Dear Shelley, Your review and rating of our hotel means a lot to us, and we thank you for taking the time to share your experience at the Hotel Riu Guanacaste. We take great pride in providing our guests with an exceptional, and seamless … Show more
Reviewed: 21 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewWater sport center - ScubaCaribe Spa y Wellness Center
Acceso a restaurants a la carta Horarios de cena Limpieza Pileta
Reviewed: 21 April 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 21 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 21 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewThis is our second time staying at RIU. The food has improved significantly. It was tasty and well seasoned. The new extension of the resort is very good. Kids loved the candy shop!! The beach was clean and we felt safe. The water park was fantastic!
The common areas like reception and the entertainment theater were HOTTTT, it was very uncomfortable to sit there for more than a few minutes. There are ceiling fans but most were off. The specialty restaurants do not have a reservation system and it’s chaotic and impossible to get a table. The pools were dirty and we didn’t see staff trying to keep it clean. The evening shows were pretty monotonous. Common spaces were dusty and staff didn’t try to keep it clean. The floors tiles in the corridors and public spaces are slippery and treacherous. Ladies in heels be careful!
Dear Anesa, Thank you for sharing this information with us, it is helpful when implementing the adequate measures. We regret to read that despite our best efforts, your experience did not live up to your expectations. We always kindly recommend our guests not to hesitate to let our team know if something is not exactly right, it will be forwarded. Best Regards, Hotel Riu Guanacaste Online Reputation Manager
Dear Anesa, Thank you for sharing this information with us, it is helpful when implementing the adequate measures. We regret to read that despite our best efforts, your experience did not live up to your expectations. We always kindly re… Show more
Reviewed: 19 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewThe location was beautiful. The staff at the resturants and the cleaning staff were amazing and friendly, however, the front desk staff were not helpful and somewhat unfriendly.
The front desk staff did not assist us with our hotel credit, so we never received the credit we were told we would have. Our AC did not work in our first room, so we were upgraded to another room which smelled like sewage, this made our stay unpleasant at night. The AC was also lacking in power and it was very hot to sleep at night. We did not enjoy the food, it was not that good. Accept for the Italian resturant, that was a good experinece. We found it difficult to know where the activities were, and the schedule on the app was not correct in what activities and shows were taking place that day. The app was so difficult to use and not accurate. Some resturants were not even on the app.
Dear Erin, Thank you very much for choosing Riu and for sharing your feedback. As we strongly believe that guests come first, it is truly saddening to find that you are not happy with your recent stay and that there were some aspects that overshadowed your experience due to the inconveniences. We have passed your concerns to the management department for an appropriate follow up, please accept our apologies. Best Regards, Hotel Riu Guanacaste Online Reputation Manager
Dear Erin, Thank you very much for choosing Riu and for sharing your feedback. As we strongly believe that guests come first, it is truly saddening to find that you are not happy with your recent stay and that there were some aspects tha… Show more
Reviewed: 17 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 15 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewBeautiful property
Food poisoning. Staff’s indifference to guest
Dear Laura, Thank you for staying with us. Health is Hotels & Resorts priority. We wish to explain that in accordance with our high standards, we guarantee our guests the highest quality service, which goes far beyond the legal requirements, especially when it comes to food safety. Therefore, we follow a food safety protocol, ensuring product safety and quality, in all our F&B processing, preparation and service processes. We can guarantee that our regular H&S inspections show optimal results in this area. Travelling to different countries with different climates may lead to gastrointestinal problems, which may not necessarily be related to food. Needless to say, we are deeply sorry to read that you felt sick. We follow strict procedures while handling our food products, in order to prevent and avoid any kind of alimentary risks or hazards. Your review will be passed on to the departments in charge. Best Regards, Hotel Riu Guanacaste Online Reputation Manager
Dear Laura, Thank you for staying with us. Health is Hotels & Resorts priority. We wish to explain that in accordance with our high standards, we guarantee our guests the highest quality service, which goes far beyond the legal requireme… Show more
Reviewed: 15 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewI can say everything was good to excellent, food has very good varieties everyday, pools were very good end of March and beginning of April the weather was excellent, everyday activities were nice, services during the restaurants were so good. Beach very good and clean warm water
I didn’t like the road from Airport to the resort (RIU Guanacaste) hardly paved with bumps. Room supplies Shampoo and body wash not good and sometimes missing. Flushing water in our bathroom was slow and not okay. Air condition was barely okay. Elevators of the main building needs all a replacement
Dear Esam, We strive to make all of our guests feel welcome and relaxed during their time with us. We aim to please, your remarks will be shared with the team and management. Wishing to see you again. Kindest Regards, Hotel Riu Guanacaste Online Reputation Manager
Dear Esam, We strive to make all of our guests feel welcome and relaxed during their time with us. We aim to please, your remarks will be shared with the team and management. Wishing to see you again. Kindest Regards, Hotel Riu Guanac… Show more
Reviewed: 13 April 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewEverything was perfect !!
Dear Stephanie, Thank you! It is always wonderful to read that our guests left it having positive thoughts about their stay. Please visit us again soon. Warmest Regards, Stephanie! Hotel Riu Guanacaste Online Reputation Manager
Reviewed: 11 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewPools
Beach
Reviewed: 10 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 7 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 5 April 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 30 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewThe food was not great. Very marginal at best. Location was great. Staff is very good. Rooms are very dated
Dear Gillespie, Thank you very much for staying with us and sharing your detailed feedback. We are sorry to read that we did not fulfil your expectations with our offer, as we always try to offer a wide variation variety in order to cater to every guest´s taste. Nevertheless, we will forward your feedback to our Food & Beverage manager. Best Regards, Hotel Riu Guanacaste Online Reputation Manager
Dear Gillespie, Thank you very much for staying with us and sharing your detailed feedback. We are sorry to read that we did not fulfil your expectations with our offer, as we always try to offer a wide variation variety in order to cater… Show more
Reviewed: 27 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 27 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewHotel is beachfront, nightly entertainment was good, staff in restaurants and bars were nice
My whole stay was ruined by the very strong foul sewage stench that came when the toilet is flushed - whatever blue water in the toilet smells like sewage and made me and my family nauseous. When I complained to management, they sent maintenance who could not do anything about it, one guy said it was the water used in the pipes. When they finally decided to switch us room, they tried to downgrade us to a smaller room without the pool view I had paid for. They then moved us to another room of similar level, but that room smelled like mildew and sewage, and the sheets and blankets looked like they had not been changed since the previous guests as evidenced by hair all over the bed and blankets. I was so fed up at that point, I didn't even bother to report it - just couldn't wait to check out the next day. I've stayed at a Riu at another location before, and I've never had that issue. Never again will I stay in Riu Guanacaste. That stench is unacceptable, especially for a Riu resort.
Dear Stephanie, Thank you for choosing Riu and for sharing your review. As we are committed to provide excellent services to our guests, it is truly disappointing to learn that we did not live up to the standards that you expected from us and that some aspects of your stay overshadowed your experience. Your comments will be shared with the corresponding department in order to improve our services. Despite the inconveniences we would love to have another chance to give you the stay you were hoping for. Nice wishes, Hotel Riu Guanacaste Online Reputation Manager
Dear Stephanie, Thank you for choosing Riu and for sharing your review. As we are committed to provide excellent services to our guests, it is truly disappointing to learn that we did not live up to the standards that you expected from us… Show more
Reviewed: 25 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified review