Resort Credit Includes:
Renova Spa - $190 in coupons
Scuba Caribe - $210 in coupons
Weddings by Riu - $200 in coupons
Avis Rent Car - $30 in coupons
Photoventura - $40 in coupons
Morpho Travel Experience - $20 in coupons
Quetzal Shops - $10 in coupons
Tres Volcanoes Golf Course - $420 in coupons
Important Information: Resort Credits apply as discounts on selected services only. The total of credits are per room per stay, for guests 21 and older. This promotion is subject to availability and inclusions are subject to changes without prior notice. Resort Credits are non-transferable, non-cumulative, non-refundable, non-combinable and cannot be used for future stays or be exchanged for cash; some restrictions apply.Resort Credit Includes:
Renova Spa - $190 in coupons
Scuba Caribe - $210 in coupons
Weddings by Riu - $100 in coupons
Avis Rent Car - $30 in coupons
Photoventura - $40 in coupons
Morpho Travel Experience - $20 in coupons
Quetzal Shops - $10 in coupons
Tres Volcanoes Golf Course - $180 in coupons
Important Information: Resort Credits apply as discounts on selected services only. The total of credits are per room per stay, for guests 21 and older. This promotion is subject to availability and inclusions are subject to changes without prior notice. Resort Credits are non-transferable, non-cumulative, non-refundable, non-combinable and cannot be used for future stays or be exchanged for cash; some restrictions apply.
Guests celebrating their honeymoon with us will receive the following amenities:
• Surprise welcome gift in their room
• Small bottle of Rum
• King bed (subject to availability at time of check-in)
• Late Check-out (Subject to availability at time of departure)
• Complimentary upgrade to next available room category (subject to availability and upon request)
• 35 USD Spa credit for a selected service in "Specials for couple" category (120 min). This discount applies per couple per stay and does not apply with other promotions or discounts.
To receive this offer, just enter "Honeymoon" in the Special Service Request section during check-out or call out Customer Care and we will be happy to make the notation for you.
Important Information: Proof of marriage must be provided at check-in and must be valid within 90 days.
Resort Details
- Agave
- American CountrySports bar/RestaurantServing All-American favorites à la carte.
- Candy
- FiladelfiaPoolside bar with swim-up bar*Access to the swim-up bar is restricted to guests over 18 years old.
- FuramaAsian restaurant.
- GuaroPoolside bar with swim-up bar*Access to the swim-up bar is restricted to guests over 18 years old.
- La ToscanaItalian restaurant.
- Liberia RestaurantBuffet-style main restaurant with non-smoking section and terrace.
- OcotalPoolside restaurant/grill and steakhouse.
- Papagayo
- Pepe's Food
- Pool bar
- Pura VidaLounge bar
- Santa CruzPoolside bar with swim-up bar*Access to the swim-up bar is restricted to guests over 18 years old.
- Steak HouseA la carte
- TamarindoLobby bar
- Tiki Taco
- TucanGourmet restaurant
- 24-hour front desk
- Accessible facilities
- Baggage hold†
- Bell staff/porter
- Children programs
- Children welcome
- Children's play area
- Concierge desk
- Elevators
- Exercise gym
- 24-hour front desk
- Complies with Local/State/Federal laws for disabled
- Baggage hold†
- Bell staff/porter
- Children programs
- Children welcome
- Children's play area
- Concierge desk
- Elevators
- Exercise gym
- Free high speed internet connection
- Free parking
- Game room
- Gift/News stand†
- Housekeeping - daily
- Laundry/Valet service†
- Lounges/bars
- Meal Plan Type: All Inclusive
- Non-smoking rooms available
- Parking†
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Safe deposit box
- Smoke-free property
- Spa†
- Tennis court
- Tour/sightseeing desk
- Water sports†
† Fees may apply
- Children's poolThere is 1 children's pool on-site.
- Children's program, onsiteDaytime entertainment program for children.
- Direct access to a beach
- Fitness center on-site
- General †Snorkel gear1 scuba tryout in the poolBeach volleyball courtMultipurpose sports pitchStand up paddle surfing (SUP)
- Golf †
- GymAt RIU ResortSports shoes are compulsory when using the gym. Use of the gym is restricted to guests over 18 years old.
- Hot tub
- Kayaking
- Motorized Water Sports †Assorted water sports available.
- Non-Motorized Water SportsAssorted non-motorized water sports available.
- PoolTwo new additional pools, one with a swim up bar.Total - 6 Swimming pools
- Scuba diving †
- Spa †
- Water activities †
Riu Splash Water World
This attraction will offer a variety of water rides and features for all ages, including a children´s pool with slides, Aquaracer, Body Bowl, Aquatube and Kamikaze and refreshments area.
- Windsurfing
- On-site EntertainmentDaytime entertainment programme for adults (daily)
Shows, Riu evening programme or live music (daily)
- Closest Town & City- Playas del Coco Town (18 km approx)- Nuevo Colon Town (3.5 km approx)- Liberia City (42 km approx)
- Other Local AttractionsPlaya Matapalo is in the region of Guanacaste, in the north-west of Costa Rica. It is a place where one can enjoy the possibilities offered by the privileged surroundings - relaxation and water activities on the beautiful beaches; diving or fishing in the waters of the Pacific; and eco-tourism in the volcanic areas and natural parks. All this with a sophisticated, select range of tourism services that are fully integrated into a fragile medium, which is of great ecological value.
† Fees may apply
Customer Ratings & Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
10652 reviews
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May 08, 2025Ok but wouldn’t go back
The hotel was old but they are remodeling now. Half of the outlets in the room did not work. My biggest complaint was that the front desk personnel could not care less if you were happy. We booked 2 adjoining rooms with 2 beds in each room. When we got there they said sorry, we don’t have that and we got king beds not adjoining. We were on a girls trip and wanted to pay our own half on our cards but they required the first person there to pay for the whole room. The front desk personnel told us incorrect information several times. We had a private tour set up and they told us you had to walk to the front gate ( a mile maybe ) to meet them, that they would not be allowed inside the gate which was not the case at all. The drinks were good but contained no alcohol. We all drank all day and never got a buzz the whole week. They had to be either leaving it out or it was watered down. The pool area is very pretty and had plenty of chairs. The food was ok, very similar to a buffet on a cruise ship. Lots of options but not the most inviting in the restaurants without air conditioning where the food sat out for hours. It was inexpensive which is what we were looking for so you get what you pay for but I would not go back to this resort.
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May 07, 2025Adventures await!
How can you not love Costa Rica! If it is your first time, this property is a great starting point. You can access many excursions from the beach or by a short bus ride to some great outdoor adventure parks The hotel has 2 sections. We stayed in the newly renovated property at the back of the hotel. It has new rooms and 2 bedroom family suits. The pools are new and it is very close to the Waterpark. There is a small restaurant which serve lunch daily as well as a small buffet. The older section leads to the beach. Restaurants and buffet are located on the main side. The pools are fun and well spread out leaving plenty of space to spread out and have a chair. The service at all pools is amazing and staff is very friendly. They do leave you alone but not a bad thing! Always there if needed but not over staying and hovering. The beach!!! Wow amazing ! Pull your chair under any tree or right up to the water. There are vendors but they are so kind and are working so be kind ! Research the Facebook groups and see the offerings from the beach. There is a fun monkey bar, monkey park, boating excursions, and water taxis. Overall this was a great location and services were readily available. We had 27 people and ate dinner together each night at an a la carte. They went above and beyond especially during a very busy week. You are not getting amenities like room service or any buffets with endless choice. It is not fancy or overdone but rather a great place to valley home while you explore the many adventures in Costa Rica!
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May 04, 2025Not the worst…. Not great at all.
The property is absolutely beautiful. But the hotel is rundown and desperately needs renovation. When we arrived, our room was incredibly hot. They had to send maintenance to try to fix it. It got a little better, but, it never really cooled down. We had to keep all of the curtains closed so the time when we were there -we felt like we were living in a cave. If we didn’t, the room would heat up too much. We paid to upgrade to an oceanfront room. And you could barely see the corner of the ocean over the top of the trees. So… It wasn’t really worth it. The bedspreads were stained, the fixtures in the bathroom were old and rusted. The chairs on the balcony were cheap plastic and cracked. Even the beach chairs were broken and a mess. The food was OK. Nothing spectacular… if you’re on a very tight budget and don’t care about the facilities, then I would say this hotel is OK. But I would never go back again. They rent waverunners on the beach, and the guys working the rentals are driving them around when they don’t have anybody to take out, so it wasn’t that relaxing on the beach because all you could hear is the motor of the wave runners going back-and-forth. Was very disappointing if you wanted some quiet beach time. It was like constant leaf blowers.It was my first experience at an RIU all inclusive. And I will never be going to another one again. I gave it three stars instead of two because the grounds were gorgeous, the pool was nice although even the tiles in the pool needed to be replaced, and the people working there were friendly.
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May 02, 2025LOVED our stay at Hotel Riu Guanacaste!!
The room, pool and beaches here are amazing! For food we loved the Italian and Asian restaurants and ate dinner there most nights. The breakfast buffet was really good too. All of the staff was really friendly and helpful. I loved watching the monkeys at the preserve next door and the iguanas. We will be back in a few years! We love Costa Rica and it was a beautiful resort. Lots of activities for kids!
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May 01, 2025
Watch out-you have been warnedd!
This is day one at this hotel and it is horrible! Upon arrival power was out. My outdated room was on the 5th floor and I had to walk up 4 flights. Toilet would no flush. Maintenance did come fix that problem. Power back on but apparently the a/c is out on the entire property. Static on TV went away finally.
- AdvisoryCosta 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.
- AdvisoryTwo 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.
- AdvisoryStudent 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.
- AdvisoryFamily Room: ***Important Information*** Please note when booking a Family Room, the minimum occupancy for this room category is: 2 Adults. Children aged 13 and over are considered adults.
- AdvisoryWe’re thrilled to announce that Riu Guanacaste is under a full renovation and expected to reopen on October 4th, 2025, with stunning upgrades! - Fully modernized design with neutral tones - Redesigned main pool, Riu Land kids’ club & Pacha disco - New swim-up rooms with private pools - "American Country" restaurant & "Pepe’s Food" grill - Splash Park, extra pool with swim-up bar & multisport court
- 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.ALL INCLUSIVE FACILITIES
All meals, snacks, domestic and international alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in all hotel bars and restaurants.
Snacks and drinks 24 hours a day.
Regularly restocked minibar and liquor dispenser in the guest rooms.
In-room safe.
WiFi throughout the hotel.
Free sports, activities and entertainment programme as described.
Free wellness facilities as described.
Free entry to the discotheque.
"Splash Water World" water park at the RIU Resort.
All hotel guests are required to wear an "All Inclusive" wristband for identification purposes
- Pet Policy : Pets Not Allowed
- Early Departure Policy
- Early Departure Penalty:1 NightApplies: Sunday - Saturday 01May25 - 23Dec26
- Early Departure Penalty:2 NightsApplies: Sunday - Saturday 24Dec25 - 30Apr26