Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

10566 reviews

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  We would never recommend our friends or family to this resort.

  The receptionist disaster: Rachel, the receptionist at the guess services helped us upon arriving to the resort. Was asked for identification and gave us a key to our room. About 4-5 hours into our stay after we’re have unpacked our suitcases for our 7 days trip to celebrate my husband’s birthday. We were told that we had to move because the hotel staff gave us that specific room by mistake. Ruined our day, since we had to repack then move to another room, and unpacked again. My husband was very furious.

  Mar 28, 2025
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  Deeply Disappointed – A Painful and Frustrating Experience

  I had high hopes for ending our trip to Costa Rica with a relaxing 3-night stay at Riu Guanacaste, but it turned out to be one of the most frustrating and physically exhausting travel experiences I’ve ever had. At the time of booking, I specifically requested a handicap-accessible, first-floor room, and my travel agent has proof of this request. Instead, we were assigned a second-floor room in the farthest possible building from the restaurants, pool, and beach. Once inside the building, we had to walk all the way to the center for the elevator, only to backtrack to the very end of the hallway where the room was located. By the time we arrived, my physical condition was already flaring up from the unnecessary exertion. Getting to the pool near the beach was an ordeal in itself. I was in so much pain I never even made it to see the actual beach. I sat in a chair near the pool and observed what I can only describe as a chaotic, trashy scene. To top off an already disappointing day, we were unaware that reservations were required for the nicer restaurants and ended up at the Mexican buffet—only to regret it later when it left my entire family sick. That night, around 10:30 PM, we were abruptly awakened by blaring strobe lights and an emergency voiceover in Spanish instructing everyone to evacuate. We panicked, grabbed our valuables, and stood outside in the parking lot with dozens of other confused guests. No staff member ever came to provide guidance or explain what was happening. After standing outside for far too long with no communication, guests started re-entering the building on their own. When I called the front desk, the man laughed it off, saying, “It must have been a false alarm.” That response—complete with chuckling—was the final straw. By the next morning, I was in so much pain I could barely stand, let alone walk. This resort is massive, with most amenities located at the opposite end of where we were placed. No shuttle service, no golf carts, and no assistance were offered. While the room itself in the newer section was lovely, I physically couldn’t continue the stay. We had no choice but to leave the resort early. Despite everything—the failure to honor my accessibility request, the false fire alarm with no staff response, the physical toll, and having to cut our trip short—the resort refused to refund us for the two unused nights, hiding behind a “non-refundable” policy. That policy should not apply when the resort is the one who failed to meet reasonable, documented accommodations for a guest with disabilities. They offered an upgraded room, but the room wasn’t the issue—mobility and distance were. I wasn’t going to spend my vacation in a wheelchair or being carried around because of their poor planning and disregard for guest needs. Had my accessibility request been honored, we likely would have stayed and made the best of it, even with the weak drinks, worn amenities, missing ping pong tables, and strange rule prohibiting drinks on the beach. But that’s not what happened. What happened was painful, stressful, and completely unacceptable. I highly recommend booking elsewhere. This resort does not care about accessibility, safety, or guest well-being. Their lack of empathy and poor handling of every situation left a lasting negative impression. I will never stay at a Riu resort again and will be advising everyone I know to avoid it as well.

  Mar 27, 2025
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  2nd time customer

  My husband and I stayed here a year and a half ago and decided to return for Spring Break with the kids. We very much enjoyed our stay both times and could see ourselves returning again. We very much enjoyed and would return to the “older” side and wouldn’t be as interested in the new portion, mostly due to the proximity to the beach. The new construction is farther from the beach and the landscaping is new/small trees. Less shade.

  Mar 27, 2025
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  Great hotel.

  Just returned from this fabulous hotel. We stayed in the newer section and our room was lovely. Great to be able to sit on the balcony and watch the monkeys first thing in the morning. Hotel has many restaurants and a snack bar that is open through out the day. Staff are very friendly and helpful and the entertainment is very good. Very clean hotel. Beach does have local vendors on it but they are friendly and will leave you alone once you have told them your not interested. Costa Rica is an amazing country and this hotel will only enhance your stay there.

  Mar 25, 2025
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  Loved it !!

  Had a great time at the resort ! Everyone was friendly . They are closing soon for renovations, so I’m excited to go back and see it when it’s done !!

  Mar 25, 2025