Riu Guanacaste: Riu Guanacaste

It was almost 80 minutes from the airport on a slow, very narrow winding road, bumpy at times on a very comfortable air conditioned coach bus. It is somewhat secluded from any commercial or residential development. Security at the gate controlling traffic in and out. Limited shopping next door. Its a very large resort. The grounds and public areas were clean and well maintained. Free Wi-Fi throughout allowed us to stay connected with home. New construction happening behind the tennis court. D [... read more]uring the day it feels like a very safe family type environment. We attended the start of a couple of events in the evening, however they were very crowded and dark, so we left. The pool area was clean and we had no difficulty finding lounge chairs but some were worn looking. There were lots of activities offered at the pool. The elevators are functioning, there are few of them for the size of the resort and they really could use some updating. The room was clean, air conditioned and comfortable. We had a standard room with a view of the Palace next door. We made use of the room safe and the mini bar. Staff responded to mini bar restocking, but the beverage choices are very limited. I wasn't too sure about adjusting the air conditioning it indicated 3 fan levels but was either on or off. At dinner we were disappointed in our food quality at the Ocotal and Tucan restaurants experiencing both over and under cooked food. At the Ocotal we experienced racoons running amongst the tables at night. The buffets offered lots of choices and the quality there was acceptable. The beach was okay for swimming, clean at the waters edge, an undertow when the waves were large. The upper area of the beach where the lounge chairs are was not as well kept. A number of the lounge chairs were not clean and in need of repair, and of course you will have to deal with the vendors. Our group totaled 16 adults of various ages, mainly couples. The general consensus was that people enjoyed their stay but would not likely return. Possibly due to the length of the flight and other similar options closer to home. We enjoyed the full day Vandara mega-excursion (zip line, horseback, waterslide, etc.) it was 90 minutes by mini-bus each way. For some it was the highlight of their trip. Some also enjoyed reasonably priced massages at the beach (about 1/3 of the price at the resort), returning more than once. We also booked a 1/2 day snorkeling / Coco Beach excursion at the Riu beach. Although the snorkeling was fun I can't say that there is anything worth seeing at Coco Beach.

Riu Guanacaste: Great stay

This resort is very clean, staff are friendly and the buffet quite good. We would like to see pickleball court nets be made available. We also asked several times for suitable chairs at the court as some were broken but staff never followed through.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Great Resort with Excellent Service and Food! Avoid Sunwing as travel provider.

The customer service of the workers at the resort was fantastic. The resort was clean and well maintained. All of the Food was very good the only down side was not being able to book in advance for one of the 2 supper seatings. Worst part of this trip was Sunwing itself. So many flight delays, baggage delays and disorganization. Plus Sunwing gouging you at their terminal for food and their shuttle bus ride is hell. Pick another travel group if you go here.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Nice resort

Food selection needs more options. Same stuff everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner Resort was well kept. Rooms were cleaned everyday. Not a lot of entertainment on site. Resort is far away from everything. Far in the bushes

CC Beach Front Papagayo: Amazing, relaxing oriented resort!

We were not disappointed as the hotel lived up to it's billing! The staff were awesome and couldn't do enough to help with anything. The food was always fresh, tasty and well prepared. The a La Carte restaurant was also very good. The bar staff were always smiling and made us feel welcome! The pools were awesome - one salt water and one "chlorinated" and were large enough as to never feel crowded. There were always plenty of chairs available either around the pool/grounds or on the beach - [... read more] the staff were always available to bring chairs out on the beach for us - in CR ALL beaches are private! For the price, this was excellent value and with it's close proximity to the airport, made our trip memorable.

Villas Sol Beach Resort: Good resort

In the forest, next to the beach. Aaaaaaaa Bbbbbbbbb Bbbbbbbbb Bbbbbbbbb Cccccccccccc Cccccccccccc Ddddddddddddd Dddddddddddddddddddddddd Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwweewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwswwwwwwww

Riu Guanacaste: Excellent Vacation!

We would definitely recommend this resort! Rooms were spacious and exceptionally clean, grounds were immaculate, pools and areas were great while beach chairs could use a bit of a good scrub. Restaurants offered good variety but we were hoping for more seafood. Dessert seemed to be geared to the kids with lots of different flavoured jellos but we would have enjoyed something else. Entertainment offered up something for kids and adults alike. Saturday night seemed to draw a different crowd, v [... read more]ery loud until 3AM which might have not been the usual group. Unsure why Management wouldn't have dealt with that since it was pretty quiet and low key after 11PM all the other nights. Staff were so friendly and helpful. Housekeeping was excellent. We are hoping to go back again sometime!

Riu Guanacaste: Amazing resort

Front desk staff some are very ruth and that need to be improved because it represents hotel itself. Beautiful pool and landscape are very beautiful. Bar tenders very good and fast. No good seafood and if you are seafood lover don't go there. Over all Riu Hotel are very good depending where you stay.

Riu Guanacaste: Average family resort.

I had higher expectations. Before booking our trip I've read lots of the reviews and they were mostly positive. Most of the reviewers mentioned the high food level. It turned out to be very average food quality, average service at the main restaurant. Sometimes they run out of bakery and didn't refill it ( there was still 1h before end of the dinner). Servers were never coming up to us suggesting wine for dinner or coffee for breakfast. My husband did everything himself as the coffee pots w [... read more]ere accessible. Also we didn't like the room key situation. It's an old style variation with a key on a Keychain with a room number written on it (this was inconvenient , not safe and cheap). Why not having a card like all other resorts have?! Next this which irritated was that you can't change your beach towels. It was a rainy season and our towels got wet while we were covering kids from rain. I came up to the towel booth to take dry towels and was refused. So you can get new towels only once a day. Also, there are 5 elevators (if I'm not mistaken), but only 2 operate. That caused line ups. Other than that the hotel was fine. Our room was cleaned daily, receptionists are helpful and nice. I really loved landscaping. Gardeners did great job taking care of all of the greenery. Neon party on Fridays was a hit, I loved that. Had no chance to attend any night shows because my little one was going to bed at that time. Beach was OK, but don't expect any turquoise waters and white sand, no. Its Was dark Grey sand (due to volcanic origin) and no palms. Lots of locals selling souvenirs, but they were not bothering a lot. The ocean was calm and welcoming. I will definitely return to Costa Rica to explore the country, but to this hotel. It was so so.

Occidental Tamarindo: Not recommended

This hotel was probably one of the worst i stayed at, they have so many rules, 1 pool, no drinking at it! Snack bar is re deep fried food! cold burgers, the only decent food was at breakfast! the hours for the breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet is not correct! they clean up half hour early! The staff was ignorant and not accommodating at all! It’s supposed to be all inclusive but if you want more beer for your room you have to pay! if you want anything other than their alcohol you have to pay  [... read more]5$ a shot! 2 towels and a hand towel in the room only! Totally Do Not Recommend!!

Occidental Papagayo: Picturesque

The place could use at least 2 more types of restaurants. A great adult place to get away from the rest of the world among the flora and fauna. Courteous Staff was always ready to please. Give out a list of activities for the week on arrival Had to find the hidden billboard in the premises!

Occidental Papagayo: Great Resort

Beautiful Resort. Great pool areas. Great Beach area. Access to rooms only by shuttles. Not much variety in food..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Riu Guanacaste: RIU Costa Rica

The hotel did not change much same as about 10 years ago. The fight was good going down thanks too you and others that work with you . We had to take a bus from terminal 3 so we could get to the plane that was the worst set up .There was no ramps for people in wheel chairs or walkers too get on the bus or off .Was very hard to board the bus and to get off with lots of help from other passengers . Your team did every thing right and I thank you for that . We get to the hotel and check in we we [... read more]re the last to do so .After we checked in got the keys we were sent to the 5 floor at the far end . This was very hard with a lot of extra walking and waiting for the elevators to come up and were small .Got to the room No water in the bar fridge was not worried about beer or pop just the water for Lorinda my wife .So off I go to the front desk to complain .It took 4 times to the front desk before we got the water. It was the help of the staff at buffet and manager there before we got results .I was ready after 48 hours to leave the hotel that is when we got help .Other wise we made lots of friends with staff and sum of the managers there they were very good and friendly . We found that the food was not the same as back in 2016 June when we first visit not as nice .We found that there was about 80% of the people were locals which was ok with us just a bit more a bit loud at times . We might go back in the new year but will do things difrent , We would fly West jet and stay at our time sharing apartment for a few days and book a stay at the RiU from the apartment at Coco Beach . Reason for this is that the locals pay about 35.00 US a night to stay there with all the trimmings that we enjoy . Any ways all good we made back home safe and thank you again Susan Danny & Lorinda Chin .

Riu Guanacaste: Good place

The rooms are a bit outdated. the food isn't fancy but eatable, variety is not bad. the service is pretty good, everyone was very friendly. the beach is good we had no issues finding a place but the grounds are really great!

Riu Guanacaste: Beautiful resort!

Resort is spotless and grounds are lush and very well kept. Resort is huge so there’s a lot of walking - not a resort for people with mobility issues. Pictures don’t do this resort justice. Staff is friendly and issues are resolved promptly. Rooms are very clean but dated. Pool is massive and has lots of seats in it and there are lots of pool chairs. It takes a few minutes to walk to the beach but there is no beach bar or washrooms - you have to walk back to the pool area. Main buff [... read more]et restaurant had a huge selection for breakfast and dinner and so did the lunch buffet which was near the pool. Great to have a sports bar which was open 24hr to get an early coffee or snack. We were there during the rainy season (late September) and it usually rained in the late afternoon for about an hour. By then you were more than likely in your room getting ready for dinner. We would definitely go back as it’s a beautiful resort.

JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort and Spa: 3 dressed up as a nine

Based on a 35-year travel history. The grounds are as advertised.😀 Sadly the rest is not.😢 Took a breather before posting.🙄 Accommodations: Junior Suite? Would have appreciated a truly separate bathroom. Water/toilet closet with a curtain without a fan…. Yup…you smelled it🙂 Married 33yrs… some things should have privacy ❗️ Food: Mediocre at best🤗 Restaurant Food service staff… speak fluent Spanish… you get better than someone who speaks ‘Spanglish’  [... read more]Availability & Coordination of off-site trips Scuba should not be advertised in any way. Snorkelling should only be advertised as at a extreme cost. All excursions should be noted at an extreme cost. The foregoing comments are based on a 35 year travel experience! Giving a few days to digest… this was our 2nd to worst vacation ever. So many opportunities for improvement!

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Awesome holiday

Awesome, clean resort. Bedrooms starting to look a little dated. Friendly staff. Nice quiet beaches. Food was okay, but that's to be expected. Would definitely go here again. Experience with tripcentral was great as well. Knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. O'Neil went the extra mile for us. And tour staff in Costa Rica were helpful and available when needed.

Riu Guanacaste: Great Experience!

The resort is wonderful. Food was fantastic at dinner. Mediocre at breakfast and lunch. The Asian A la carte was very good. Rooms were My least favourite part. The beds weren't comfy and the bathrooms weren't I'm great working order. Very dated. Our air didn't work great but It was comfortable enough. Service was not the best I've received at a resort. Often times I had to get My own drinks and dirty plates remained on the table for awhile. The lobby is very nice and has a nice breez [... read more]e. The theater is big and had great shows and music. The lobby bar makes excellent cocktails. Lots of seating. Front desk staff very friendly and helpful. Pools were amazing. Never crowded. Never had an issue getting a pool chair. No service around the pool. The swim up bar was good but if you have kids with you you can't really take advantage of it as it's 18 plus in that area. Grounds at the resort were beautiful! Stunning views. Beach was not what I am used to but I quickly fell in love with it. Water was clear and clean. Sand is darker. Not a lot of seating at the beach so I advise going early. Lots of vendors. Everyone very friendly and we did not find anyone to be pushy. Massages on the beach were great! Monkeys on the beach about ten minutes to the left. Very cool experience to see them in their natural habitat. Wifi wasn't the best but manageable. Overall I really enjoyed this resort. Our trip was made extra special with lots of off site excursions which I highly recommend. The country is beautiful! Look for Alan on the beach. Very friendly friendly and reasonably priced.

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica: Had a great time

I have to say that staff were very helpful.The food is great, many choices available. The room clean, modern, loved the shower had separate window, and nice outdoor air coming in. It seamed that biggest focus was on the pool areas, and not so much on the beach. We enjoyed swimming regardless. Great encounters with local wild life: monkeys, birds, iguana, etc.

Riu Guanacaste: Beautiful resort

Resort is very picturesque and clean. It’s large but has everything you could possibly want. We loved the Italian a ls carte the best. Enjoyed both the beach and pool and all the bars. The night time shows were fantastic. Staff are so polite, hardworking and pleasant. Some favourite staff were Dyana, Cruz from the pool and Gonzalo, Danny, Leslie, Yenory from Italian restaurant and Randall and Moses from Sports Bar