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Travel Impressions

Sardinal de Carrillo, Playa Matapalo  
Guanacaste  
Costa Rica

3.9 of 5 stars TripAdvisor Traveler Rating Based on 10796 reviews
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Located on the spectacular Matapalo Beach, the Hotel Riu Guanacaste is a 24-hour All-Inclusive resort that combines nature, comfort, and entertainment in a privileged setting facing the Costa Rican Pacific. With direct access to the beach, this hotel invites you to enjoy a unique experience surrounded by tropical landscapes, with 6 pools, the Splash Water World water park, and a complete wellness area that includes a gym, steam bath, and treatments for your well-being.

Its gastronomic offer is another of its great attractions: 7 restaurants with a careful selection of national and international cuisine, in addition to 8 bars distributed throughout the complex, so that you can live a complete sensory experience at any time of the day. Whether you are traveling for pleasure or business, the Hotel Riu Guanacaste is the perfect destination.

Designed for families, couples and groups of friends, the hotel offers a wide variety of activities for all ages, from water sports to live shows.

Explore the natural beauty of Guanacaste, a region known for its golden prairies, dry forests, and cowboy culture. You can practice ecotourism in national parks, discover unique volcanic landscapes, or experience unforgettable adventures with activities such as sport fishing and golf on world-class courses. Discover the special offers of Hotel Riu Guanacaste and get ready to experience an unforgettable vacation in Costa Rica with the service and quality of RIU Hotels & Resorts.

Discover the special offers of Hotel Riu Guanacaste and get ready to experience an unforgettable vacation in Costa Rica with the service and quality of RIU Hotels & Resorts.
Location: Guanacaste
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Family 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.
† Fees may apply
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Accessible facilities
  • Baggage hold
  • Bell staff/porter
  • Children programs
  • Children welcome
  • Children's play area
  • Concierge desk
  • Elevators
  • Exercise gym
† Fees may apply

Double Room

Bedding- 1 king size bed or 2 queen size beds.

Bedding requests are not guaranteed. They are based on availability upon check-in.

Occupancy limits: 3 adults, 1 children, Total 3.

Additional Amenities: Liquor dispenser: 4 bottles regularly restocked

2 Bedroom Double Room

2 rooms connected through a private hallway with an exterior door.

Bedding- 2 queen size beds.

Occupancy limits: 6 adults, 1 children, 6 total combined.

Additional Amenities: Liquor dispenser: 4 bottles regularly restocked, USB connection

Double Room Garden View

Bedding: 2 queen size beds or 1 king size bed.

Bedding Requests are not guaranteed. They are based on availability upon check-in.

Occupancy limits: 3 adults, 1 children, 3 total combined.

Additional Amenities: Liquor dispenser: 4 bottles regularly restocked, USB connection

2 bedroom Double Room Garden View

Bedding: 2 queen size beds.

Occupancy limits: 6 adults, 1 child, 6 total combined.

Additional Amenities: Liquor dispenser: 4 bottles regularly restocked, USB connection

Friends and Family Room

Bedding: 1 King bed and 1 queen size bed.

Occupancy limits: 5 adults, 3 children, 5 total combined.

Additional Amenities: Liquor dispenser: 4 bottles regularly restocked, USB connection

Deluxe

Bedding- 1 king bed or 2 queen beds.

Bedding requests are not guaranteed. They are based on availability upon check-in.


Occupancy: 3 Adults, 2 Child, Total 4

Additional Amenities: Liquor dispenser: 4 bottles regularly restocked, USB connection

Friends and Family Room Garden View

Bedding: 1 king size bed and 1 queen size bed

Occupancy limits: 5 adults, 3 children, 5 total combined.

Additional Amenities: Liquor dispenser: 4 bottles regularly restocked, USB connection

Deluxe Pool View

Bedding- 1 king bed or 2 queen beds.

Bedding requests are not guaranteed. They are based on availability upon check-in.

Occupancy: 3 Adults, 2 Child, Total 3

Additional Amenities: Liquor dispenser: 4 bottles regularly restocked, USB connection

Two Bedroom Family Suite

Bedding: 1 bedroom with 1 king size bed, 2nd bedroom with 2 queen size beds and sitting area with sofa.

Occupancy limits: 5 adults, 3 children, 5 total combined.
Maximum of 3 children through the age of 1 stay free in existing beds with at least 2 adults. Children 2-12 years old are surcharged.

Exceptions
- 2 Bedroom Family Suite Category must have a minimum occupancy of 2 adults and 2 children (ages 2-12). Children aged 13 and over are considered adults. Single usage is not permitted due to minimum occupancy requirements.

Additional Amenities: Liquor dispenser: 4 bottles regularly restocked, USB connection

Oceanview

Bedding- 2 queen size beds or 1 king size bed

Bedding requests are not guaranteed. They are based on availability upon check-in.

Occupancy limits: 3 adults, 1 children, 3 total combined.

Additional Amenities: Liquor dispenser: 4 bottles regularly restocked, USB connection

Two Bedroom Family Superior

Bedding- 1 bedroom with 1 king size bed, 2nd bedroom with 2 queen size beds and a sofa-bed

Occupancy: 5 Adults, 3 Child, Total 5

Additional Amenities: Liquor dispenser: 4 bottles regularly restocked, USB connection

Two Bedroom Family Room Superior Pool View

Bedding- 1 bedroom with 1 king size bed, 2nd bedroom with 2 queen size beds and a sofa-bed

Occupancy: Min 5 Adults, 3 Children, Total 5

Regularly replenished mini-bar and selection of in-room liquors (4 bottles regularly restocked) double-sink, by door separate toilet service available in room.

Swim Up - Adults Only

Bedding: 1 king bed.

Occupancy limits: 2 adults, 2 total combined.

Additional Amenities: Liquor dispenser: 4 bottles regularly restocked, USB connection

Suite Ocean View

Bedding: 1 king bed.

Occupancy limits: 2 adults, 2 total combined.

Additional Amenities: Liquor dispenser: 4 bottles regularly restocked, USB connection

2 Bedroom Superior

Bedding: 1 king bed or double beds.

Bedding requests are not guaranteed. They are based on availability upon check-in.

"2 rooms connected through a private hallway with an exterior door"

Occupancy limits: 6 adults, 4 children, 8 total combined.

Maximum of 2 children through the age of 1 stay free in existing beds with at least 2 adults. Children 2 - 12 years old are surcharged.

Amenities - Riu's liquor dispenser

2 Bedroom Ocean view

Bedding: 1 king bed or double beds.

Bedding requests are not guaranteed. They are based on availability upon check-in.

"2 rooms connected through a private hallway with an exterior door"

Occupancy limits: 6 adults, 4 children, 8 total combined.

Maximum of 2 children through the age of 1 stay free in existing beds with at least 2 adults. Children 2 - 12 years old are surcharged.

Amenities: Riu's liquor dispenser

2 rooms connected through a private hallway with an exterior door

2 Bedroom Standard

Bedding: 2 queen size beds.

Occupancy limits: 6 adults, 1 children, 6 total combined.

Additional Amenities: Liquor dispenser: 4 bottles regularly restocked, USB connection

† Fees may apply
Agave

Mexican buffet restaurant for dinner.


American Country

Sports bar/Restaurant 

Serving All-American favorites à la carte.


Furama

Asian restaurant.

  • Attire: Formal

Liberia Restaurant

Buffet-style main restaurant with non-smoking section and terrace.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

  • Attire: Casual

Papagayo

- Varied buffet and live cooking stations for breakfast. 
- Italian buffet restaurant for dinner


Pepe's Food

Lunch/Snacks Grill. 2 Pepe's Food at the hotel.


Steak House

Steakhouse a la carte restaurant for dinner. 


Tiki Taco

Lunch/Snacks Taco Station. 2 Tiki Tacos at the hotel.


Various Lounges/Bar

- Tamarindo Lobby Bar
- Pura Vida Lounge Bar
- La Plaza Bar
- Candy Ice cream parlor
- Santa Cruz Poolside bar with swim-up bar
- Guaro Poolside bar with swim-up bar
- Filadelfia Poolside bar with swim-up bar

"Note: **Access to the swim-up bar is restricted to guests over 18 years old.


  • Children's pool
    - Children's pool with slides
    - Open 6 times a week

  • Children's program, onsite
    Daytime entertainment program for children.
  • Direct access to a beach
    Direct access to Matapalo Beach, surrounded by stunning biodiversity.
  • Fitness center on-site
  • General†
    Snorkel gear
    1 scuba tryout in the pool
    Beach volleyball court
    Multipurpose sports pitch
    Stand up paddle surfing (SUP)
    Supports Costa Rica’s eco-tourism and sustainable travel initiatives.
    Stay at Riu Palace, enjoy Riu Guanacaste activities too.
    24-hour dining with unlimited food, drinks, and cocktails.
    RIU Party
    "Pacha" discotheque
    RIU Art atelier

  • Golf†
  • Gym
    At RIU Resort
    Sports 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 Sports
    Assorted non-motorized water sports available.
  • Pool
    Two new additional pools, one with a swim up bar.
    Total - 6 Swimming pools

  • Scuba diving†
  • Spa†
  • Water activities†

    Riu Splash Water World onsite, near volcanoes, waterfalls, sightseeing spots.

    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
† Fees may apply

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