Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive

Coco 10.52776700, -85.74911200 , Playa Matapalo Sardinal (Show on Map)
8.1
Very Good


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Summary of reviewsRiu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive is celebrated for its idyllic beachfront location surrounded by majestic mountains and cliffs, offering guests beautiful vistas and serene surroundings. The resort is conveniently situated near the town of Coco, with easy beach access and well-maintained grounds featuring multiple inviting pools that enhance relaxation. While the beach is noted as smaller, guests enjoy the quiet and beautiful atmosphere, making it perfect for family trips and nature lovers.

The resort's dining experiences receive high praise, particularly the breakfast buffet, which impresses guests with its diverse offerings and quality. Made-to-order omelettes, breakfast samosas, a variety of healthy options, and fresh ingredients make breakfast a standout feature. Lunch and dinner, particularly at the Arenal and Papagayo buffets, are appreciated for their fresh and flavorful dishes, although some wish for more seafood options and improved seating arrangements at à la carte restaurants.

Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with effective air conditioning and thoughtful amenities like clothes drying racks. Despite these positive aspects, the room decor is considered dated, with maintenance issues such as non-draining sinks and malfunctioning fridges being pointed out. Cleanliness in rooms has occasionally been a concern, although the staff are recognized for their diligent efforts amid challenging conditions.

Staff at Riu Palace Costa Rica contribute significantly to the positive guest experience, renowned for their friendliness and attentiveness. Exceptional service from bartenders like Felipe and Chris enhances the overall hospitality, making guests feel welcome and cared for, often described as akin to family.

The pool areas are a highlight with five well-maintained options, a swim-up bar, and a children's pool area, providing guests with ample choice and ensuring no overcrowding. The cleanliness and warmth of the pools, along with stunning views and comfortable seating areas, make the poolside experience exceptional.

While WiFi availability is appreciated, its reliability and strength could be improved, as connectivity challenges are frequently noted. In contrast, beds receive mixed reviews, with guests noting firmness and a need for pillow upgrades to enhance comfort.

Overall, while the resort is acclaimed for its excellent service, picturesque surroundings, and culinary delights, some critiques suggest the experience falls slightly short of five-star luxury due to room interiors and bedding concerns. Nevertheless, the Riu Palace Costa Rica offers a fabulous all-inclusive experience in the vibrant Guanacaste region, providing relaxation, adventure, and consistently strong service, making it a top choice for a memorable holiday.
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Categories
Family Friendly Resort
This all-inclusive resort offers multiple pools, including a kids' pool with slides, a dedicated kids' club, and family-friendly entertainment. It provides access to the beach and activities like kayaking and beach volleyball, ensuring a fun-filled vacation for families.

Resort with Swimming Pool
As an all-inclusive resort, Riu Palace offers multiple pools, swim-up bars, and various poolside activities. It provides a comprehensive vacation experience focused on relaxation and entertainment by the pool.

  Children's Pool    Pool Swim Up Bar    Outdoor Pool  


Business Resort
Although listed as a resort, Riu Palace offers extensive amenities suitable for business travelers, including potential meeting facilities and comprehensive services due to its all-inclusive nature and large scale. Its location in Guanacaste also provides a convenient base.

Resort with Parking
This resort provides an all-inclusive experience with convenient on-site parking. Guests can enjoy hassle-free access to their vehicles, enhancing their overall stay with ease of transportation and exploration of the surrounding areas.

Accessible Resort
This all-inclusive resort provides an elevator and is wheelchair accessible, with features including a wheelchair-accessible gym, parking, path of travel, pool, registration desk, restaurant, and spa.

Resort with Rooms With Jacuzzi / Hot-tub
An all-inclusive resort with hot tubs, providing a convenient and luxurious vacation experience.

Resort with All Inclusive Packages
This resort offers a luxurious all-inclusive experience with elegant accommodations, multiple restaurants serving diverse cuisines, and a wide range of entertainment options. Guests can enjoy access to swimming pools, a fitness center, and a variety of activities suitable for all ages.

5-Star Resort
This all-inclusive hotel in Coco provides a luxurious stay with various amenities. It offers a comprehensive all-inclusive experience with multiple dining and entertainment options.

Resort with Outdoor Pool
This extensive resort features four outdoor swimming pools, including one with a swim-up bar for adult guests. Families can also enjoy a dedicated children's pool and access to a complimentary on-site water park.

Resort with Children's Pool
This all-inclusive resort provides a separate children's swimming pool and a children's playground. It also features a RiuLand kids' club with a daytime entertainment program for children aged 4 to 12. Guests have access to the Splash Water World located at the entrance of the RIU Complex, which includes five slides and aquatic elements for small children.

Luxury Resort

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Resort for Honeymoon

Resort with Spa

Romantic Resort

Resort with Gym

Resort with Swim Up Bar

Room Types
Junior Suite Garden View The spacious double room features air conditioning, a minibar, a balcony with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath.

Junior Suite Tropical View The spacious double room offers air conditioning, a minibar, a balcony with an inner courtyard view as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath.

Junior Suite Ocean View The spacious double room provides air conditioning, a minibar, a balcony with sea views as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath.

Two Bedroom Family Suite The spacious suite has 1 separate bedroom and 2 bathrooms with a bath and a shower. Boasting a balcony, this suite also features air conditioning, a minibar and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit has 3 beds.

Suite with Hot Tub Ocean View This spacious suite features 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and bathrobes. The air-conditioned suite features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, a coffee machine, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit has 1 bed.

2 Bedroom Junior Suite Garden View This air-conditioned suite is comprised of a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a balcony. The unit has 5 beds.

2 Bedroom Junior Suite Tropical View This air-conditioned suite includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a patio. The unit offers 3 beds.

2 Bedroom Junior Suite Ocean View The spacious suite features air conditioning, a minibar, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a shower. The unit has 3 beds.

Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Riu Palace Costa Rica offers an ideal setting for a serene getaway, boasting a picturesque beachfront location surrounded by stunning natural vistas of mountains and cliffs. Situated approximately 40 minutes from the airport, the hotel provides convenient access to the beach while maintaining a sense of seclusion from other hotels. The grounds are exceptionally well-maintained, featuring multiple pristine pools that offer both relaxation and entertainment. Guests appreciate the quiet and beautiful beach atmosphere, although some mention its smaller size. The location is perfect for both enjoying the natural beauty and venturing into the nearby town of Coco. Overall, its proximity to the ocean and breathtaking landscape make it a great choice for a family trip, complemented by excellent hotel services and numerous dining options to satisfy diverse tastes.

Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive receives high praise from guests, highlighting its remarkable diversity and quality. The buffet offers a wide variety of dishes, ensuring that there is something for everyone, including unique options like breakfast samosas and egg whites for health-conscious diners. The freshness of ingredients and the availability of assorted fruits and juices further enhance the breakfast offerings. Guests commend the exceptional selection, which ranges from made-to-order omelettes to diverse buffet choices, making breakfast a highlight of their stay. Overall, the breakfast buffet is described as comprehensive, catering to all tastes, and stands out as an exceptional feature of the resort.

Dinner
Visitors to Riu Palace Costa Rica have generally positive reviews about their dining experiences, with a particular emphasis on the quality and variety of food available at the resort. Many guests are delighted by the delicious lunch and dinner offerings, highlighting their fresh and flavorful nature. The Arenal and Papagayo buffets receive praise for their excellence, while the Grill restaurant is noted for its exceptional cuisine. Diners appreciate the variety provided, which caters to diverse preferences and provides options suitable for special occasions.

However, some guests express concerns over seating arrangements at the à la carte restaurants and wish for fewer waiting times due to the limited number of dining venues relative to the guest count. For lunch, options sometimes feel restricted, with a desire for more seafood and fish selections to enhance the experience. Despite these critiques, the resort's overall dining scene maintains high standards, with particular commendation for the attentive and helpful staff, who enhance the dining atmosphere with their excellent service. Overall, visitors find the food to be a memorable part of their stay, complemented by impressive evening programs and overall service at the resort.

Rooms
The rooms at Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive have consistently drawn attention for their spaciousness and comfort. Guests have appreciated the effective air conditioning and the inclusion of thoughtful amenities like a small clothes drying rack. Despite the large size of the rooms, many guests have noted that the overall decor and design appear dated and in need of renovations. Issues with maintenance, such as non-draining sinks and malfunctioning fridges, have been frequently reported. Cleanliness has also been a concern for some, with mentions of musty odors and occasional encounters with insects. Though certain positive features, like the courteous and helpful nature of the staff, enhance the stay, the room interiors and facilities fall short of expectations for a 5-star experience. Improvements in furniture, TV equipment, and general upgrades are suggested to align with the price point and deliver a more inviting and contemporary atmosphere. While the hotel itself is beautiful, the outdated rooms and occasional maintenance issues leave room for enhancement.

Beds
The lodging experience at Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive presents a mixed bag when it comes to bed comfort. On the positive side, some guests found the beds to be comfortable, aligning with their overall relaxation during their stay. The firmness of the beds matched the general style found across Costa Rica, ensuring a consistent experience for travelers. However, there are recurring concerns about the beds being too firm for some guests' liking. A common theme among reviews is the need for improvement, particularly with pillows that were frequently described as uncomfortable or in need of upgrading.

Several guests felt the beds were neither up to standard for the price paid nor adequately maintained, with issues such as old and noisy mattresses and stained pillows. It seems the bedding experience might be enhanced with a revamp, focusing on upgrading mattresses and improving pillow quality to cater to different comfort preferences. While the peaceful tropical ambiance of Costa Rica is beloved, enhancing the bed and pillow quality could further elevate guests' overall experience at this otherwise appealing resort.

Cleanliness
Riu Palace Costa Rica offers a mixed impression in terms of cleanliness, as described by numerous guest reviews. While many visitors praised the resort's well-maintained grounds, beautiful views, and cleanliness in common areas, issues with cleanliness in the rooms were frequently reported. Some guests noted problems such as dirt in bathrooms, musty smells, and insufficient cleaning by housekeeping staff. However, it seems the cleaning staff work diligently amid challenging conditions, such as humidity, and were commended by some guests for their efforts. The pools and nearby beach were highlighted for their cleanliness and accessibility, enhancing the overall experience. Despite some maintenance concerns, including air conditioning issues and some neglected aspects in certain areas, the resort staff were often described as friendly and accommodating, contributing positively to the guests' experience.

Staff
The Riu Palace Costa Rica offers a standout experience largely due to its exceptional staff. Guests consistently praise the hotel staff for their friendliness and attentiveness, making visitors feel welcome and cared for throughout their stay. The majority of staff members demonstrate a high level of hospitality, characterized by their amicable and accommodating nature, contributing significantly to the overall positive guest experience.

The hotel boasts excellent customer service, with staff members such as bartenders Felipe and Chris receiving special mentions for their remarkable service at the pool bar. Additionally, staff in general are attentive to guest requests, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable visit. Guests appreciate the staff for their welcoming demeanor and helpfulness, often making them feel like part of a family during their stay.

Despite a few remarks about language barriers and occasional lapses in friendliness, the overwhelming sentiment is one of satisfaction with the staff's service, particularly in comparison to other all-inclusive resorts. The positive interactions with the hotel staff, including the entertainment crew, enhance the experience with genuine care and attentiveness. This dedication to guest comfort, combined with strong service and hospitality, solidifies the Riu Palace Costa Rica as a desirable destination for travelers seeking a friendly and well-attended stay.

Wi-Fi
At Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive, guests have noted that while WiFi is available throughout the resort, its quality leaves room for improvement. The connectivity can be unstable and spotty, causing frequent disconnections that may interrupt activities like accessing restaurant menus via QR codes or communicating with others. The signal strength is particularly weak in certain areas, including the gym and various parts of the resort, leading to challenges in maintaining a steady connection. While the availability of WiFi is appreciated, enhancing its reliability and strength would greatly benefit future guests seeking a seamless digital experience.

Pool
At the Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive, the pool areas consistently come up as a highlight in guest reviews. Visitors are spoiled for choice with a selection of five pools, ensuring a spacious and relaxing experience where overcrowding is never an issue. The pools, maintained to a high standard of cleanliness, come with inviting comfortable outdoor seating and even feature a popular swim-up bar. Families appreciate the dedicated children's pool area and exciting water park. The grounds surrounding the pools receive praise for their beauty and upkeep, providing stunning views that complement the aquatic experience. This well-maintained, picturesque setting is complemented by attentive and friendly staff who add warmth to the overall hospitality. With a great location by the ocean, warm pool temperatures, and plentiful dining options, the Riu Palace Costa Rica offers an exceptional poolside experience that enhances the overall appeal of this beautiful property.

5 Star
Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive offers a blend of exceptional service and a picturesque beachfront location that delights many guests. The resort features five different restaurants, serving surprisingly delightful cuisine, and hosts a variety of engaging events throughout the day, ensuring a vibrant and enjoyable stay. The staff's commitment to providing outstanding service stands out as a highlight, contributing to a memorable experience for visitors. However, some guests feel that the overall experience falls short of true five-star luxury. The general interior design and room quality do not meet the expectations typically associated with high-end resorts, with comparisons indicating a rating closer to a 3.5-4 star level. Despite these shortcomings, the combination of good food, beautiful surroundings, and commendable service aims to provide a pleasant vacation experience.

All-Inclusive Packages
Nestled in the vibrant Guanacaste region, the Riu Palace Costa Rica offers an overall impressive all-inclusive experience for travelers seeking a complete getaway. The resort stands out with its beautiful concept, fantastic location, and spectacular staff, delivering a high-quality stay. It manages to provide an all-inclusive setup that truly encapsulates the convenience of having everything at one's fingertips.

The availability and variety of food and drinks around the clock cater well to guests, particularly with the Lounge24 option. Beachside drink service adds to the leisurely charm, enhancing the relaxing holiday vibe. Despite some feedback regarding food preferences, there are positive notes on the improvement in food and drink quality, ensuring that guests have satisfying culinary experiences at the various restaurants on-site.

For those looking for activities, the resort provides excellent access to water and inland excursions, ensuring that guests remain entertained and engaged throughout their stay. The resort's commitment to a true all-inclusive experience shines through, delivering consistent value from check-in to departure.

Riu Palace Costa Rica is highly regarded as the best all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste, boasting a flawless ambiance and wonderful service. It offers a seamless blend of relaxation and adventure, making it ideal for a memorable holiday destination.


Yes, Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Children's Pool, Pool Swim Up Bar, Outdoor Pool.

Yes, a spa is available at Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive.

No, Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive.

Yes, Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive has a gym.

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