Visiting All-Inclusive Hotels in Costa Rica. The Difference Between The RIU Palace and the RIU Guanacaste.
For worry-free travelers all-inclusive hotels offer comfort and ease. Life can be tough enough, and taking the decision-making expectations off one’s shoulders has its benefits. When it comes to all-inclusive trips the RIU is one of the best options in Costa Rica. The RIU Hotels & Resorts is a Spanish hotel chain founded by the Riu family as a small holiday firm in 1953. Over 70% of its establishments offer an all-inclusive service. In 2011, RIU Hotels & Resorts launched their new line of Riu Plaza city hotels. These are located in the center of large cities and cater to both business travelers and tourists. RIU has hotels in Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Germany, Bulgaria, Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, United States, Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas, Aruba, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Panama, Cape Verde, Mauritius, St. Martin, Senegal, United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka.
The Riu Guanacaste, which opened in 2009, is a five-star all-inclusive hotel situated on Matapalo Beach. It has 700 fully equipped rooms, five restaurants, five bars, and three pools. A second adjacent building was built in 2012. The Riu Palace Costa Rica hotel opened with over 500 rooms, five restaurants, and seven bars. The two share common areas, including the casino and spa, in addition to various shops. Guests at both hotels can enjoy the private beach area and gardens surrounding the two complexes. However, dinner reservations must be made within your designated resort.
Though both towers are located on Matapalo Beach their largest distinctions are the design features. The Riu Palace is newer and has a contemporary/modern design while the Guanacaste fits more traditional Costa Rican architecture with natural features such as wood ceilings and finishes. Some notable comments from guests have been that the Guanacaste pools had more families, with much denser shrubbery, and the palm trees were noticeably 15 feet taller allowing for better shade. The Palace was slightly more expensive but guests were pleased with the quality of the Jacuzzi tubs available in the rooms and higher quality menu options.
Many Trip Advisor comments suggest that both RIU destinations had well-trained bilingual staff, and enjoyed the variety of wildlife visible on Matapalo Beach, especially the monkeys. Guests enjoyed the proximity to the LIR airport and the number of activities and tours available directly from the hotel. The hotel offers for all ages a variety of entertainment activities such as gymnastics, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, and billiards. Diving and snorkeling equipment is available and beach activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, pedal boats, and other water activities.
Freddy Costa Rican Tours and Experiences, offers bespoke tours from these locations, including, but not limited to, Rainforest Tours, Volcano Adventures, Night Nature Walks, Sunset Cruises, Fishing Excursions, Cultural Experiences, and much more. See a full list HERE.
List of Ameneties
RIU Guanacaste
RIU Guanacaste
Spa and Swimming Services:
Freshwater swimming pool.
Jacuzzi.
Gym.
Sauna.
"Renova Spa" center with various treatments and massages.
Dining Services:
Buffet restaurant.
Themed restaurants (various options).
All-inclusive system for sampling different menus.
Business and Conference Services:
Five modern and fully equipped conference rooms.
Ideal for work or business stays.
Recreational and Entertainment Services:
Various entertainment programs for all ages.
Gym facilities.
Table tennis.
Volleyball.
Tennis court.
Windsurfing.
Sailing.
Snorkeling.
Kayaking.
Other water activities.
Golf Services:
Access to the Four Seasons golf club.
Fantastic views over the ocean.
Challenging golf course.
Location Services:
Seafront location on Mata Palo Beach.
Wellness Services:
"Renova Spa" center with various treatments and massages.
Special Occasions:
Ideal for family, couple, or friend trips.
RIU Palace
RIU Palace
Spa and Swimming Pools:
Four swimming pools, including one with a swim-up bar.
Wellness Facilities:
Jacuzzi
Gym
Sauna
"Renova Spa" wellness center with various treatments and massages.
Culinary Delights:
Exceptional cuisine is prepared by skilled chefs.
All-inclusive service, offering a buffet restaurant and four theme restaurants.
Conference Facilities:
Five modern and fully equipped conference rooms for work purposes.
Various services are available for professional meetings and events.
Recreational Activities:
Diverse activities on beautiful beaches, including diving and fishing.
Ecotourism opportunities in volcanic areas.
Daytime entertainment programs for all ages.
Gym, table tennis, volleyball, tennis court, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and other water activities.
Golf Services:
Access to the Four Seasons golf club.
Fantastic views over the ocean.
Challenging golf course.
Location Services:
Seafront location on Mata Palo Beach.
Wellness Services:
"Renova Spa" center with various treatments and massages.
Special Occasions:
Ideal for family, couple, or friend trips.
Comparing Rooms
RIU Guanacaste
RIU Guanacaste
Double Standard Rooms:
Size: 31 m2
Bedding: Two small double beds (125x200 cm) or one king-size bed (200x200 cm).
Amenities: Satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, beverage dispenser.
Outdoor space: Balcony or terrace.
Double Superior Rooms:
Size: 31 m2
Bedding: Two small double beds (125x200 cm) or one king-size bed (200x200 cm).
Amenities: Satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, beverage dispenser.
Outdoor space: Balcony or terrace.
Double Room with Sea View:
Size: 31 m2
Bedding: Two small double beds (125x200 cm) or one king-size bed (200x200 cm).
Amenities: Satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, beverage dispenser.
Outdoor space: Balcony or terrace with sea views.
Suites:
Size: 66 m2
Bedding: One king-size bed (200x200 cm).
Additional features: Sofa in the lounge area, dressing room, hydromassage bathtub.
Amenities: Satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, beverage dispenser.
Outdoor space: Balcony or terrace.
Suite Jacuzzi with Sea View:
Size: 66 m2
Bedding: One king-size bed (200x200 cm).
Additional features: Sofa in the lounge area, dressing room, hydromassage bathtub.
Amenities: Satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, beverage dispenser.
Outdoor space: Terrace with a jacuzzi and sea views.
Family Room (2 Beds):
Size: 38 m2
Bedding: One small double bed (125x200 cm) and one king-size bed (200x200 cm).
Amenities: Satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, beverage dispenser.
Outdoor space: Balcony or terrace.
Family Suite (2 Bedrooms):
Size: 76 m2
Bedding: Two bedrooms—one with two small double beds (125x200 cm) and the other with one king-size bed (200x200 cm).
Amenities: Satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, beverage dispenser.
Outdoor space: Balcony or terrace.
RIU Palace
RIU Palace
Jr. Suite with Sea View:
Size: 40 m2
Bedding: Two small double beds (125x200 cm) or one super king-size bed (200x200 cm).
Additional features: Sofa in the lounge area, hydromassage bathtub.
Amenities: WiFi, satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, beverage dispenser, coffee maker.
Outdoor space: Balcony or terrace with incredible sea views.
Jr. Suite:
Size: 40 m2
Bedding: Two small double beds (125x200 cm) or one super king-size bed (200x200 cm).
Additional features: Sofa in the lounge area, hydromassage bathtub.
Amenities: WiFi, satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, beverage dispenser, coffee maker.
Outdoor space: Balcony or terrace with views of the hotel gardens.
Family Suite (2 Bedrooms):
Size: 73 m2
Bedding: Two bedrooms—one with a super king-size bed (200x200 cm) and the other with two small double beds (110x200 cm).
Amenities: WiFi, satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, beverage dispenser, coffee maker.
Outdoor space: Balcony or terrace.
Suite Jacuzzi with Sea View:
Size: 73 m2
Bedding: Super king-size bed (200x200 cm).
Additional features: Sofa in the lounge area, hydromassage bathtub.
Amenities: WiFi, satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, beverage dispenser, coffee maker.
Outdoor space: 34-m2 terrace with a jacuzzi and beautiful sea views.
Jr. Suite with Garden View:
Size: 40 m2
Bedding: Two small double beds (125x200 cm) or one super king-size bed (200x200 cm).
Additional features: Sofa in the lounge area, hydromassage bathtub.
Amenities: WiFi, satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, beverage dispenser, coffee maker.
Outdoor space: Balcony or terrace.
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