For customer service, call us toll-free at 1-800-397-3342. For customers outside the US, please call 1-404-728-8787. International calling rates will apply.
"Pros: beautiful hotel location, very friendly staff, scenic views.
Cons: tiolet did not flush, air conditioner did not work. Our room was changed twi
...
"
More
All-inclusive beachfront property with 3 outdoor pools
On the beach
You'll find Playa Matapalo and Diamante Eco Adventure Park within 2 miles (3 km) of this property. Haras del Mar Equestrian Center is within 3 miles (5 km) and Danta Beach is within 9 miles (15 km).
All-inclusive
This all-inclusive property features free water park access, a full-service spa, and a nightclub. Enjoy a day at the beach snorkeling, or relax with sun loungers. Bring the family and enjoy the children's pool, waterslide, and playground.
Free WiFi, flat-screen TVs
In addition to flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, the 701 guestrooms offer free WiFi and minibars. Other amenities include free bottled water, ceiling fans, and hair dryers.
Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive ratings based on 23 Verified Reviews
Review Summary
4.1
out of 5
4.0 out of 5.0
Room cleanliness4.0 out of 5.0
Service & staff4.5 out of 5.0
Room comfort4.0 out of 5.0
Hotel condition4.5 out of 5.0
Guest reviews for Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive
Everyone (16)Couples (3)Family (4)
2 out of 5
Let me first say that I would go back to Costa Rica in a second however never to this hotel. The food is awful! Same food every single day (nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers, rice and meat). There was one good restaurant which was the steak house and the service there was great as well. The waiting in line for the restaurants was ridiculous they need a better system. There was no map or instructions when arriving they just hand you your keys and tell you your room number and let you figure it out. Water park was great, we loved the slides. We found excursions with Daniel on the beach and they were great the hotel has two your company’s however they never directed us as to where they were located and when we found them they were not available. They give you two actual keys and one key card to turn in for beach towels, if lost they charge $20 per item so be sure to keep track of them.
Posted by a verified traveler on Aug 2, 2021
Was this review helpful to you?
Comment from Hotel Management
Aug 6, 2021
by Online Reputation Manager
Dear Guest,
Thank you for choosing RIU and for sharing your concerns with us.
We really regret to hear that you encountered some inconveniences that made your stay less pleasant.
We are sorry you were not entirely satisfied with our food choices, as we give great importance to meet all guests´ expectations. However, the current lack or reduction of choices and some of our services is because of our strict anti covid-19 protocols, which has been implemented to safeguard our guests and employees.
Again, we are sorry that we were not able to provide you with the holiday you were looking for and sincerely hope that we will have the opportunity to welcome you back again in the near future for a more satisfying experience.
All the best!
Hotel Riu Guanacaste
Online Reputation Manager
3 out of 5
Pros: beautiful hotel location, very friendly staff, scenic views.
Cons: tiolet did not flush, air conditioner did not work. Our room was changed twice, from 5055 (non-functional air conditioner), to 4049 (non-functional tiolet) to 4036. When rececption was contacted about these property management issues they did not offer a courteous response in the form of an upgrade for being inconvenienced twice. I had to ask for the room change twice upon reporting the problem, the initiative was not started on their end. I was told twice a technician would come, no one came in a timely manner and i immediately asked for a room change. The last room, in the evening there was no hallway lighting operational, i had to use my cell phone light to provide lighting for the walk to the room and to open the door. There is no free hotel shuttle to or from the location. There is a customer paid shuttle taking passengers to the airport ($50), however, they only take cash (no credit or debit cards), they offer to stop at a community ATM which i did not feel secure about. The hotel does not have an ATM machine. To return to the U.S., you must take a COVID test, the hotel does offer a free one, nevertheless, the is a miscommunication, the reception told us that the test must be booked by 72 hours before our flight, but it is a rapid test and can be booked in their website for same day testing. We were denied same day test results and had to pay for the test at the airport.
Posted by a verified traveler on Apr 30, 2021
Was this review helpful to you?
Comment from Hotel Management
May 4, 2021
by Online Reputation Manager
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for taking a moment to leave feedback on your visit.
We really appreciate your positive comments about our friendly staff and we are pleased that you received a positive impression of the location of our hotel, because at RIU, we carefully select the spots for our hotels.
On the other hand, we are very sorry to learn that your stay was blighted by the inconveniences you described in regards to your room, and the way this issues were handled. Please accept our apologies, as we never mean to disappoint our guests in any way. We completely understand your frustration and assure you this is certainly not the standards we expect our guests to endure.
Please accept our apologies for any inconveniences, and give us time to investigate the matter of your concern so we can do appropriate actions.
Hopefully we will have the opportunity to welcome you back in the near future proving that your unsatisfactory stay was an exception!
Warm regards,
Hotel Riu Guanacaste
Online Reputation Manager
5 out of 5
Posted by a verified traveler on Dec 18, 2019
Was this review helpful to you?
5 out of 5
It was very beautiful, relaxing and I just love the Hospitality.
Posted by a verified traveler on Nov 23, 2019
Was this review helpful to you?
4 out of 5
Posted by a verified traveler on Sep 28, 2019
Was this review helpful to you?
3 out of 5
The organization of the restaurants for reservations were absolutely horrible. There were no food varieties or different nationalities of choices, it was the same thing everyday. The taste of the food was adequate. No accommodations for vegetarians. My son ate one meal a day after waiting in line for half of an hour for a seat in the restaurant. I stayed at many Riu Palace hotels and this Riu has been the worst.
Posted by a verified traveler on Aug 21, 2019
Was this review helpful to you?
5 out of 5
Posted by a verified traveler on Aug 11, 2019
Was this review helpful to you?
4 out of 5
Beautiful resort! Check in & check out process could have been better
Posted by a verified traveler on Jul 19, 2019
Was this review helpful to you?
5 out of 5
The resort was very nice and clean. But the problem not enough plug in the room
Posted by a verified traveler on Jul 7, 2019
Was this review helpful to you?
5 out of 5
Love the location where it's a short walk to a beautiful beach. Love the pools but most importantly...the extremely friendly staff that are always willing to help you with your every needs.
This property is all-inclusive. Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).
Gratuities and taxes Gratuities and taxes are included. Additional gratuities at guests' discretion are accepted.
Food and beverages
All buffet and à la carte meals, snacks, and beverages included
Room service during certain hours
In-room minibar (all beverages included)
Activities and facilities/equipment All onsite activities and use of facilities and equipment are included.
Water activities
Kayaking
Snorkeling
Windsurfing
Land activities
Volleyball
Entertainment
Onsite entertainment and activities
Access to onsite nightclubs
Onsite live performances
Theme parties
Not included
Motorized water sports
Sailboats
Scuba-diving excursions
Snorkeling excursions
Surcharge for premium or imported alcoholic beverages
Spa/beauty facilities and services
Activities and services offered by independent operators
Offsite tours
Transportation to offsite activities
Kayaking included
Access to onsite nightclubs included
Windsurfing included
Taxes included
Buffet-style meals included
A la carte dining included
Surcharge for premium or imported non-alcoholic beverages
Volleyball included
Scuba diving excursions not included
Snorkeling excursions not included
Motorized water sports not included
All available beverages included
Spa/beauty facilities and services not included
Activities/services from independent operators not included
Transportation to offsite activities not included
Offsite tours not included
Sailboats not included
Onsite entertainment and activities included
Gratuities included
Additional gratuities accepted
All meals included
Surcharge for premium or imported alcoholic beverages
Minibar (all beverages included)
Room service during certain hours
All onsite activities, and facilities and equipment included
All non-motorized water sports included
Onsite live performances included
Theme parties included
Snorkeling included
Property Features
Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive is an all-inclusive property. Room rates include meals and beverages at onsite restaurants and bars. Other items and amenities, including taxes and gratuities, and access to recreational activities and entertainment may also be included. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages, and other amenities. As a guest of Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive, you'll find a full-service spa, a complimentary water park, and 3 outdoor swimming pools. There are 5 restaurants on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 5 bars/lounges and a swim-up bar. Free breakfast is served daily. Public spaces have free WiFi. A children's pool, a health club, and a nightclub are also featured at the family-friendly Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive. Self parking is free. This 4-star El Ocotal property is smoke free.
1 building
701 guestrooms or units
6 levels
5 dining venues
5 bars or lounges
Buffet breakfast (free)
Nightclub
Bar by the pool
Swim-up bar
Beach lounge chairs
Towels for the beach
Umbrellas for the pool
Dry cleaning
Front desk (24 hours)
Staff is multilingual
Storage area for luggage
Car service
Tour and ticket information
Wedding services available
Pool or billiards table
Garden
Gift shop
Beauty salon
Onsite shopping
Bellhop
Elevator
No smoking on site
Family Friendly Amenities
Family property
Free water park access
Number of outdoor pools - 3
Children's pool
Waterslide
Free WiFi
Indoor tennis court
Playground on site
Internet
Available in all rooms:
Free WiFi
Available in some public areas:
Free WiFi
Parking
Free self parking
Transport
Parking: Free self parking
Room Amenities
Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive offers 701 accommodations with minibars and laptop-compatible safes. Flat-screen televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. This El Ocotal property provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottled water and irons/ironing boards. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Minibar
Flat-screen television
Satellite channels
Shower and tub combination
Housekeeping (daily)
Hair dryer
Laptop safe
Toiletries (free)
Telephone
Iron and ironing board
Blackout drapes
Climate control (air conditioning)
Ceiling fan
Ensuite bathroom
Food & Drink
Guests are served free buffet breakfast daily from 7 AM to 10 AM.
Liberia - Overlooking the ocean and pool, this buffet restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Furama - This restaurant specializes in Asian cuisine and serves dinner only.
La Toscana - This restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine and serves dinner only.
Tucan - This restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves dinner only.
Ocotal Steak House - This poolside restaurant serves dinner only. Reservations are required.
Nearby Activities
1 an indoor tennis court 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 health club and a sauna.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Snorkeling on site
Water skiing nearby
Golfing nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Volleyball on site
Beach volleyball on site
Kayaking on site
Windsurfing on site
Ziplining nearby
Playground on site
Ecotours nearby
Boat tours nearby
Fitness classes on site
Scuba diving on site
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Golf lessons available nearby
Spa Services
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.
Number of treatment rooms 8
Manicures and pedicures
Body wraps
Facial treatments
Body scrubs
Aromatherapy treatments
Hot stone massage
Deep tissue massage
Swedish massage
Sauna in spa
Spa tub in spa
Sports massage
Massages
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
Wheelchair accessible parking
In-room accessibility
Hotel Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Check-in time ends at 11 PM
Minimum check-in age is: 18
Special check-in instructions:
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival.
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival.
Check-out
Check-out by 11:00 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Kids stay free! Children stay free when using existing bedding.
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cribs (infant beds) are not available.
Pet Policy
Pets and service animals are not allowed at Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive
Policies
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
This property accepts Visa and Mastercard; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 21 years old. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. This property advises that enhanced cleaning and guest safety measures are currently in place. Disinfectant is used to clean the property; commonly-touched surfaces are cleaned with disinfectant between stays; the property is cleaned and disinfected with electrostatic spray. Personal protective equipment, including masks, will be available to guests. Social distancing measures are in place; staff at the property wear personal protective equipment; a shield is in place between staff and guests in main contact areas; periodic temperature checks are conducted on staff; temperature checks are available to guests; guests are provided with hand sanitizer; masks are required in public areas.
Guest accommodation is not sealed after cleaning
Electrostatic spray is used for disinfection
Cashless transactions are not available
Staff temperature checks are conducted regularly
Masks are compulsory at the property
Temperature checks are available to guests
Bed sheets and towels are not washed at a temperature of at least 60°C/140°F
Contactless food service / room service is not available
Commonly-touched surfaces are cleaned with disinfectant
Reservation is not required for facilities onsite
Property confirms they are implementing guest safety measures
Property is cleaned with disinfectant
Contactless check-out is not available
Staff wears personal protective equipment
Protective clothing is available to guests
Masks are available to guests
Mobile key entry is not available
Debit cards not accepted
Food service has been amended for enhanced safety
Shield between guests and staff in main contact areas
Guests are provided with free hand sanitizer
Property does not follow sanitization practices of any association
Staffed front desk
Social distancing measures are in place
Contactless check-in is not available
No rollaway/extra beds available
No cribs (infant beds) available
Property follows a brand or regulatory agency's sanitization guidelines Covid-19 Health Protocol (RIU)
Property confirms they are implementing enhanced cleaning measures
Individually-wrapped food options are available
Service animals not allowed
Individually-wrapped food options are available for breakfast
Individually-wrapped food options are available for lunch
Individually-wrapped food options are available for dinner
Hotel Names
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 El Ocotal
Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive All-inclusive property
Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive All-inclusive property El Ocotal
You should know
Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the property before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.
Awards & Affiliations
Green / Sustainable 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.
There was an error importing /El-Ocotal-Hotels-Riu-Guanacaste---All-Inclusive.h2818771-p2.Hotel-Reviews?rm1=a2&, error: javax.servlet.jsp.JspTagException: 301 http://www.travelocity.com/El-Ocotal-Hotels-Riu-Guanacaste---All-Inclusive.h2818771-p2.Hotel-Reviews?rm1=a2&
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 5 onsite restaurants, offering options like international cuisine, ocean views, and a poolside location.
This property offers free self parking.
Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive is 21.3 mi (49-min drive) away from the Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive features 3 outdoor pools and a children's pool.
This property is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Pamper yourself with a day at Renova Spa, where you can enjoy massages, body scrubs, and facials.
Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive offers free buffet breakfast every day from 7 AM to 10 AM.
Check-in is from 4:00 PM - 11 PM.
Airport shuttle services are not available at Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive.
No, there is no casino at this property, but El Coco Casino (3.7 mi) is nearby.
*Price based on the lowest price found within past 24 hours and based upon one night stay for two adults over the next thirty days. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
