The only minor issues were a slightly noisy AC system and the fact that the bathroom ventilation never turns off, but these didn’t affect our overall experience.

We were very satisfied with our stay at Rio Guanacaste. The hotel fully met our expectations, both from what we read on Booking.com and in reality. We stayed in a renovated room in a new building — it was spacious and comfortable. The food quality was consistently good across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a wide variety to choose from. Nothing extraordinary, but everyone will find something they like. The staff works hard, they’re friendly and responsive, always trying to help and move quickly. Cleanliness is well maintained, even when the hotel is busy. We also really liked the location — the beachfront is beautiful, the pools are great, and the bar service was solid. Nothing over-the-top, but overall a great value for the price. It’s slightly expensive for Latin America, but reasonable considering Costa Rica is one of the pricier countries in the region - its OK.

Stayed in April 2025

No wine other than 1 red, 1 white! Unable to have them deliver Coke Zero to room even though no one drank regular Coke and I requested at front desk. Tub hard to get in & out & bathroom needed ventilation. Our party of 9 was only able to eat at nicer restaurant once as they would not take reservations and we weren’t ready to leave pool/sunset. Road there from airport horrible

Beautiful & staff very courteous. Drinks at pool were nice. Not being able to get a Coke Zero or drink at Palace pool due to wrong color armband was disturbing

Stayed in April 2025

The common areas like reception and the entertainment theater were HOTTTT, it was very uncomfortable to sit there for more than a few minutes. There are ceiling fans but most were off. The specialty restaurants do not have a reservation system and it’s chaotic and impossible to get a table. The pools were dirty and we didn’t see staff trying to keep it clean. The evening shows were pretty monotonous. Common spaces were dusty and staff didn’t try to keep it clean. The floors tiles in the corridors and public spaces are slippery and treacherous. Ladies in heels be careful!

This is our second time staying at RIU. The food has improved significantly. It was tasty and well seasoned. The new extension of the resort is very good. Kids loved the candy shop!! The beach was clean and we felt safe. The water park was fantastic!

Stayed in April 2025

Beach

Pools

Stayed in April 2025

The food was nothing out of the ordinary. Also, our restroom had a weird smell, which they kind of fixed after we complained but it never really went away.

Many activities to enjoy, all the staff was really helpful and welcoming.

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing.

All inclusive and location. Most staff were very kind and helpful too! Manager was accessible.

Stayed in January 2025

The food, along with the absurdly long wait time of over an hour just to get into one of the only five restaurants available for the hundreds of guests, was frustrating.

We like the facilities and the friendly staff.

Stayed in February 2025

Not alot I didn't like. A bit of a drive from Liberia, but it was worth it

Great adult pool, nice clean beach, friendly locals, food was great!

Stayed in February 2025

1. Property is under construction. 2. Inconvenience in walking through areas that have been closed off.

Attractive, ease in accessing activities and restaurants.

Stayed in February 2025

It requires far too much walking!!! Elders and people with physical disabilities hindered in enjoying everything. A better explanation of activities would be great. Perhaps rentals of small scooters for folks with disabilities would be in order.

The property is beautiful. Very clean. Food excellent.

Stayed in February 2025

Good value, very nice options.

Stayed in February 2025

The hotel staff are very friendly and helpful, food is average, beer and alcohol are included as well, overall we enjoyed very much.

Stayed in January 2025

The smell of sewage was really bad hot tub in spa didn't work food was a buffet even at the restaurants

R room was on the newer side with newer pool but still smelled of sewage

Stayed in January 2025

Still have actual keys to enter rooms… not swipe cards. Shower was extremely slippery/dangerous. Did not like that you couldn’t make a reservation for the restaurants.

Good location and value.

Stayed in January 2025

I didn’t appreciate the beach vendors and the garbage as soon as you stepped onto the beach.

The facilities and staff were great. We received great service. There was great choices for food as well. The entertainment in the evenings was good as well.

Stayed in December 2024

Some restaurants need reservation, and hours are very US nationals focused, but you just need to get used to. Rooms facing the sea should be refurbished, as overall the hotel has some parts that look old and some that are very new.

Very comfortable site with an amazing and helpful staff. Rooms facing the sea have very nice views with the sea and the small green area in the center of the hotel. Lots of facilities to use during the stay. Food is good

Stayed in January 2025

Some bacon would have been nice with Breakfast and the ham was horrible cheap processed ham.

Breakfast was ok

Stayed in January 2025

That you had to be at dinner at 6 to eat instead of the 6-8:30 posted

The activities

Stayed in January 2025

The rooms need an upgrade, bathrooms were very disappointing

The food was great and service was excellent

Stayed in January 2025

The tub was a risk to getting and out. Floor was slippery in all bathrooms and in the common areas. Elevator out of service in the building area where we were staying. No online maps of the resort available neither printed maps were provided at the counter.

Big swimming pool areas. Food variety and quality, with great thematic restaurants. Check-in online was a good option. Year end party and pool party were great. Comfortable beds, nice size of the rooms. Free mini bar in the room. Nice views all around.

Stayed in January 2025

Only one toilet in a 2 bedroom suite for 5 guests.

The all inclusive nature, the number of pools. The landscape was very pretty.

Stayed in December 2024

The WiFi was non-existent outside the room, could be a reception thing. We didn’t have much cell service either There is no ATM on the property, which was shocking and I didn’t see it mentioned. The drinks are very weak, mostly sugar, I’d recommend sticking to beer and wine The buffet station near the pools could use some more tidying up as there was often flies swarming inside the refrigeration stations with all the fruit. Locating sunscreen was a challenge and when we found one at the stores, a typical Coppertone was $45 USD. They offer 3 in 1: Shampoo, Conditioner and Body wash. I wish that was also mentioned

The hotel itself is decent and clean. The rooms are spacious and come with a built in bar. Refreshments from the fridge are refreshed every 2 days. There’s an app that you can download to request extra things like towels or more water etc. Housekeeping I found to be quite fast. I liked that it is also fairly quiet and the breakfast options change with a couple restaurants offering breakfast in order to help curb the crowds. We were there for a wedding and it was all arranged on time for all of the events. All the staff was very pleasant and helpful. The Asian Fusion restaurant was amazing! Ton’s of fresh fish and sushi rolls and hamachi with noodles. The Indian Dal was also incredible. It was nice to have entertainment options each night that don’t go beyond 11pm. There’s a club at the resort, entrance is free and you pay for drinks inside ($10 USD on average). It was a great option after the wedding.

Stayed in December 2024

Some staff 😣 not gentle

The pools

Stayed in December 2024

-Was expecting better food quality -Shows at night very loud if you are staying with young kids and rooms are in the main building -rooms are getting older (flushing toilet was a hassle)

Great location and beach, private. Pools and water parks for kids (slides) Shows (Costarican traditional dance)

Stayed in December 2024