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Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive

3.5 star property
Beachfront, with full-service spa

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Photo gallery for Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive

3 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas
3 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas
Minibar, in-room safe, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board
Buffet
Lobby

Reviews

7.6

Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
    BarBar
  • All inclusive
    All inclusiveAll inclusive
  • Gym
    GymGym
  • Spa
    SpaSpa
  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast includedBreakfast included
  • 24/7 front desk
    24/7 front desk24/7 front desk

Explore the area

Map
Sardinal de Carrillo, Playa Matapalo, Sardinal, Guanacaste
  • Popular LocationDiamante Eco Adventure Park2 min walk
  • Popular LocationCoco Beach39 min drive
  • Popular LocationOcotal Beach44 min drive
  • AirportLiberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.)46 min drive

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About the neighborhood

El Ocotal

Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive places you next to Diamante Eco Adventure Park and within a 10-minute walk of Playa Matapalo. This 701-room, 3.5-star property has 3 outdoor pools along with a full-service spa and a free water park.

What's nearby

  • Diamante Eco Adventure Park - 2 min walk
  • Haras del Mar Equestrian Center - 8 min drive
  • Playa Potrero - 29 min drive
  • Coco Beach - 39 min drive
  • Ocotal Beach - 44 min drive

Getting around

  • The nearest major airports are:<br />Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR): 46-min drive, 21 mi/33.9 km<br /> Tamarindo (TNO): 63-min drive, 23.3 mi/37.5 km<br /> <p>The preferred airport is Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR). </p>

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Arenal - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Papagayo - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Riu Guanacaste sports bar - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Liberia - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Ocotal - ‬9 min walk

About this property

Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive

Beachfront, with full-service spa
Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive features a full-service spa, 3 outdoor pools, and a free water park. There's free parking and limo/town car service. The front desk has multilingual staff on hand 24/7 to help with dry cleaning/laundry, luggage storage, and tours or tickets. Other amenities at this all-inclusive property include a nightclub, a children's pool, and a gym.
Flat-screen TVs come with satellite channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Balconies or patios, minibars, and ceiling fans are also standard. Housekeeping is available on request.
An indoor tennis court, a health club, and a complimentary water park with waterslides are featured at the property. 3 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a children's pool. Other recreational amenities include a sauna.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Renova Spa has 8 treatment rooms. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages, and Swedish massages. The spa is equipped with a sauna and a spa tub. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Travelife, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Limo/town car service
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • 5 bars/lounges
  • 5 restaurants
  • A poolside bar
  • A swim-up bar

Restaurants on site

  • Furama
  • La Toscana
  • Liberia
  • Ocotal Steak House
  • Tucan

Things to do

  • 3 outdoor pools
  • Beach volleyball
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Children's pool
  • Fitness classes
  • Free water park
  • Full-service spa
  • Health club
  • Indoor tennis court
  • Kayaking
  • Nightclub
  • Playground
  • Sauna
  • Scuba diving
  • Shopping
  • Snorkeling
  • Steam room
  • Waterslide
  • Windsurfing

Family friendly

  • 3 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • Free water park access
  • Playground
  • Waterslide

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Hair salon
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Change of towels on request
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Pool umbrellas

Full-service spa

  • 8 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Sauna
  • Spa tub
  • Sports massages
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa

More

  • 1 building
  • 100% renewable energy
  • 6 floors
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • Smoke-free property
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

Outdoor space

  • Balcony/patio

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Ceiling fan
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Recycling
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
This property does not permit name changes on reservations. The name on the booking must match the name of the guest who is checking in and staying at the property; photo ID is required.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Children and extra beds

  • Children 2 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 21 years old
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • The minimum check-in age for Spring Break is 21 years old.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • This property uses a grey water recycling system.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the property at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

All Inclusive Guanacaste
Guanacaste All Inclusive
Guanacaste Riu
Riu Guanacaste
Riu Guanacaste All Inclusive
Riu Guanacaste All Inclusive El Ocotal
Riu Guanacaste El Ocotal
Hotel Riu Guanacaste All Inclusive El Ocotal
Hotel Riu Guanacaste All Inclusive
Riu Guanacaste All Inclusive All-inclusive property El Ocotal
Riu Guanacaste All Inclusive All-inclusive property
Riu Guanacaste Inclusive Ocot
Riu Guanacaste All Inclusive
Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive Sardinal
Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive All-inclusive property
Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive All-inclusive property Sardinal

Frequently asked questions

Will I find all-inclusive rate plans at Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive?

Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive is an all-inclusive resort and rates come with all meals and onsite activities. Activities include snorkeling, windsurfing, and kayaking.

Is a free cancellation option available at Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive?

Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive offers free cancellation on some room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What can I see around Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive?

This property in Sardinal is within a 10-minute walk of Diamante Eco Adventure Park and Playa Matapalo. Haras del Mar Equestrian Center is also within a driving distance of 2.3 mi.

Is parking available on site at Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the all-inclusive property. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Is there a spa available at Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive?

Renova Spa is the property's spa and services include sports massages, Swedish massages, aromatherapy, and body wraps.

Does Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive have a casino?

No, Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive?

No, this property doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are 3 outdoor pools.

Is Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive a good place to stay for couples?

This beachfront all-inclusive property offers plenty of amenities for couples including 3 outdoor pools, a poolside bar, and an ocean-view restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive?

Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this all-inclusive property.

Does Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive has 5 restaurants, and serves free buffet breakfast each morning.

Will Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive.

Does Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive have connecting rooms?

No, this all-inclusive property doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive?

The closest major airport to Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive is Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR), which is 21 mi away (46 minutes by car). Another top airport is Tamarindo (TNO), which is located 23.3 mi away (63-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive?

Yes, every guestroom at Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive comes with a balcony.

Does Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive have a wedding venue on site?

If you plan to exchange vows during your trip, consider the wedding services available at Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive.

Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 517 out of 1355 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 379 out of 1355 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 235 out of 1355 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 103 out of 1355 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 121 out of 1355 reviews" "

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

gregory

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent hotel. Been here many times and always enjoyed.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Provided entertainment every night the shows were great!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Iveliz

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was good likes the night life entertainment. Didnt like that there were so many bugs while eating dinner at the ocatal.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

2/10 Terrible

AESAM Adel

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The food was terrible. No flavor, everything was dry as if it was reheated. The hotel was sub-par, no water pressure in the shower. I have been staying at RIU for over 20 years and I found myself Very disappointed with this location.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Robert

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice resort. Nightly entertainment is loud making sleep difficult
Stayed 9 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
We have stayed with Rio Guanacaste in the past and enjoyed our stay and loved every part of it… However, this day was slightly different, although the entertainment staff was awesome, and the events at the hotel from shows to the bar and pool stuff was great room service was very reserved on filling the minibar and coffee in the room… I feel we had to ask continuously for that to be done and the servers at The main buffet we’re very standoffish and didn’t really do much ,This was the same at the buffet by the pool, where in the past they were always right there to greet you and wait on you from cleaning dishes to refilling your drinks… I didn’t need it done, but it was nice to have this service in the past and I used to tip well for it, even though it wasn’t the same this trip we still tipped and just hope it gets better in the future, especially for an all inclusive
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Carly Dawn

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Reniah

Traveled with family
The resort was nice, but it needs an update for sure, we had no USB ports. The phone didn’t work in our room. A couple of the restaurants were only open one night and the entertainment was mainly directed towards the children not enough adult shows.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

4/10 Poor

Sharieka

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

Amber Fern

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
The beds and pillows were the hardest i ever slept on, so uncomfortable. There is no ATM machine on site, and the closest one is half hour away. Also food was bland, except the italian restaurant and the drinks/liquor are very watered down. Our safe in our room kept malfunctioning and we would have to wait for staff and then maintenance to fix it. Unfortunately we were not impressed, and would not stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Henny

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Typical all inclusive
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Crystal

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Si me encanta el servicio
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Laura

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I wish the double bed rooms were bigger and beds separated Aside from that—- everything was amazing
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maureen Elaine, St. Joseph

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jose Pilar Garcia

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff really stood out, they work hard and are very polite. I would like to add that while we stayed we noticed that most people did not tip the servers & staff and note to people who choose to stay there know that tips are not included in your " All Inclusive". The staff works really hard to make sure your stay is pleasant and you should acknowledge & respect them as people, not Servants.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

Yevgeniya

Traveled with family
The hotel rooms are outdated. The first room we checked into had no water pressure and air conditioner barely worked. We were able to change to a different room but there was a smell of sewer in one of our bathrooms (our room had 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms). There are 3 specialty restaurants and 2 buffets, and one of the buffets turns to a steakhouse for dinner. There was a lot of food but it was average and greasy. Staff was nice. The beach is underdeveloped with very old and broken beach chairs. I will not be coming back to Riu Guanacaste.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a wonderful experience. Riu Guanacaste was the perfect place to stay. The food and drinks were great, shopping is nearby, and it is next door to Diamante Eco Park, which has an animal sanctuary and zip lines. The hotel had excellent entertainment as well. The pool was beautiful, and the private beach was lovely and quiet. It was a dream vacation!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

william

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property was not up to RIU standards.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

casey

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There was extremely too many animals (wildlife) just wondering around freely and made people feel a bit scared and uncomfortable. There were stray cats, huge iguanas, and stray dogs everywhere; by the pools and the food areas which seemed a bit unclean and unsanitary. Other than the animals issue, the resort was great. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent staff and property was very clean.

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We traveled to the Riu Guanacaste with a group of 5 friends. We loved every second of our stay, the staff were all incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, the dining options were great for us with dietary restrictions and the property was very well maintained.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

LISSETTE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

2/10 Terrible

Julia

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good afternoon on April 13 2024 at 534pm Costa Rica time I was assaulted,sexually harassed, humiliated and racially profiled at the pool by a group of family that was staying at the resort the staff didn’t step in or called security to stop their actions instead they watch and laugh . Thank fully others recorded it in 4k and showed the manager because he approach my boyfriend with force and threats demanding our room keys without hearing both sides of the stories and after seeing the video the manager alendro tries to be nice but I was embarrassed I still feel violated I haven’t slept in over 3 days because of what took place I’ve taken all the pictures of bruises on my body of how I was kicked in the pool the manager has a copy of the video and so do I, this atrocious assault cannot be swept under the rug something needs to be done and I need to speak to the president of this Riu guanaste establishment I have wrote them Over n over no reply at all!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arturo

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Genesis

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Extremely Family Friendly!
We absolutely loved it. Housekeeping was great, restaurants employees were amazing, front seat was okay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024