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
- Candy
- FuramaAsian restaurant.
- La ToscanaItalian restaurant.
- Liberia RestaurantBuffet-style main restaurant with non-smoking section and terrace.
- OcotalPoolside restaurant/grill and steakhouse.
- Papagayo
- Pepe's Food
- Tiki Taco
- TucanGourmet restaurant
- Various Lounges/Bars- Filadelfia
- Pura Vida
- Sports bar
- La Plaza bar
*Unlimited local and imported beverages 24 hours a day
- 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
- 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
- Hot tub
- 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.
- Spa †
- Tennis courtThere is a tennis court on-site.
- 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.
- Golf †
- On-site EntertainmentDaytime entertainment programme for adults (daily)
Shows, Riu evening programme or live music (daily)
- 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
Guest Reviews
Customer Ratings & Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
10631 reviews
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Apr 24, 2025Fantastic holiday had by family of 4
Would definitely return, and recommend to others. We had a week stay, food was lovely, especially the Asian restaurant, but we also love the tiki taco snack bar. Staff were all very friendly and helpful. We also did a couple of excursions which were also fantastic. No complaints at all
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Apr 23, 2025Not Horrible but definitely not the best
This place needs a serious upgrade, the rooms are sooooooooo outdated, the people are nice & friendly, but this place is old and shabby, and most of the all-inclusive restaurants are horrible ... buffet is the best place to eat at this resort ... my bed felt like a board, and they only give you 2 towels, and 2 wash cloths ... which seemed ridiculous to me ... definitely would not stay here again
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Apr 23, 2025Riu Guanacasta Not Worth Time or Money
I would not recommend staying here at the Riu Guanacaste Hotel in Costa Rica. The Customer Service is Negative numbers. The Hotel is run down and things are falling apart. The Front Desk Manager, Joseph, is very Rude and won't listen to any comments and was unwilling to help. We had to ask for his supervisor to get any help at all. The food is sub-par - and the exact same every single day - no variance. The Pools and slides were fun - but the pool is falling apart too. The tile pieces are all coming off of the bottom of the pool. I am sorry to say, that this place need a total rehaul of Hotel and Employees. Do Not Stay Here.
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Apr 23, 2025
Very very disappointing.
I don’t normally write reviews but I had to because this is the worst all inclusive I’ve ever stayed in and I’ve travelled all over the world. The food is terrible breakfast isn’t too bad you can usually find something but the rest of it is bland and very samey. The specialty restaurants taste exactly like the buffet, that’s if you can manage to get in there! You can’t book any specialty restaurants it’s first come first served which I’ve never experienced before. We waited 1.5 hours to get into the Asian restaurant only to be turned away because they didn’t have a table for 3. The drinks are horrendous especially the pool bars just sweet sugary crap cocktails with literally no alcohol in them. I’d be surprised if it was even 5% proof. You cannot get any Diet soft drinks it’s all full sugar which we all hate so we were stuck to find decent mixers. There was one bar that sold decent drinks in the whole hotel. The mini bar in the room is stocked every 2 days so we had to keep asking for bottles of water at reception. The reception staff are so rude when you ask for something it’s almost like you’re disturbing their day ! No smiling no manners just rudeness. When we checked out they cut off your wrist bands so you can’t use any of the facilities while you wait for your flight. Unbelievable! Everything is overpriced we spent £1000 on the tours in which only one was decent and that was the white water rafting which I recommend. Although I don’t recommend coming to Costa Rica we definitely will not be coming back ! This is nowhere near 5 star it’s barely 3 star at best ! Avoid !
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Apr 23, 2025Lovely getaway
Had a great time travelling there April 9-16th. We thankfully got a room in the new section, as I heard the old rooms can be not that great. Thankfully with the upcoming renovations, that should fix that and all travellers will get the beautiful new rooms. I’ve been to many RIUs and I love the no reservations needed. However, with the buzzer system where if you’re third back in line to get one, it may take up to 90 mins or more to get seated. We stayed mainly with the buffet which we could always find something. We lounged mainly at the new pool with the bar. The staff were pretty good about telling anyone under 18 to use the other pool. Water was great and the bartenders work so hard. Jose, Juan, and most of all Cruz took great care of us. Cruz made us feel like we’re old friends. Huge thank you to the ladies in Renova spa. We booked the jacuzzi literally every day. It’s included (one hour per day subject to availability, use the app to book. ) All in all, I would come back. Not everything was perfect (it never is though) but wow… it was a great getaway.
- 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.
- AdvisoryIn continuity with our product improvements, we are very excited to announce the upcoming renovation of the RIU Guanacaste hotel in Costa Rica, which will be taking place starting April 28th, 2025 to October 3rd, 2025 (re-opening on October 4th, 2025).
- 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. - 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
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*Prices per person based on double occupancy including round-trip airfare via U.S. certified air carriers (unless otherwise stated), hotel taxes and baggage handling, fuel surcharges, and all pre-collected U.S. and foreign taxes. Round-trip airport/hotel transfers are included in Mexico (excluding Loreto), Central America and many Caribbean Islands. Transfers not included for air-only passengers. Prices valid on new bookings only and in some instances, pricing may specifically apply to one of multiple flights on select departure days. All packages are based on the lowest hotel/air classes available at time of publication, capacity controlled, subject to availability and change without notice. Promotional pricing may only be available for a limited time. Restrictions & black -out dates may apply. Fees may apply for carry-on and checked baggage-view Baggage Policies. Some resort fees, environmental levies and departure taxes are not included and may be payable in resort. View Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Apple Vacations is not responsible for errors or omissions. Bookings are subject to the current General/Cancellation Terms & Conditions. All public charter flights Allegiant Air: PC 20-070/PC 21-043; Swift Air: PC 21-056; Viva Aerobus: PC 20-081; Volaris: PC 20-099 are operated by ALG Vacations Corp. Apple Vacations materials (including, but not limited to, names, trademark, service marks, logos, marketing materials, etc.) shall not be used, reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any way, except with the express written consent of Apple Vacations. CST2139014-20. This information is current as of June 3, 2021.