Riu Guanacaste: Large resort geared for families with children

I stayed for a week in March-April 2026. The resort is huge with lots of activities geared towards families with children. The grounds are fairly well kept but lots of litterbugs. The pools are not super clean. They allow people to swim all hours of the night so they don't get properly sanitized. There were cups and limes and lemon slices floating around daily. The beach is OK. Lots of currents and not great for young children. The sand is extremely hot and there is limited shade. The fo [... read more]od is fabulous. There is literally a buffet with something for everyone. There are 5 a-la-cartes but only reservations for one is permitted and that is the Steakhouse. The others are very difficult to get into and not well organized. Even with the app downloaded we were not able to reserve at the other restaurants. There is only 1 bar open 24 hours and it is indoors which was disappointing. We stayed in the renovated section and the rooms are nice and spacious. Cleaning staff were very good and we always had enough towels. The resort is remote so if you like to venture off resort, the nearest town is about 30-45 minutes away. You can feed the white faced monkeys with a short walk down the beach. The love grapes and hard boiled eggs. Although it is cute and very memorable keep in mind they are wild and food aggression can happen. Also if there are not tourists, the monkeys don't learn to forage which can be a bad thing. The staff are pleasant but not overly. If you smoke, there is literally one area to smoke in and it has concrete tables and benches so not very comfortable and other guests tend to walk through it as a shortcut and complain about the smoke. The bus ride from the airport is a little bump at times and takes about 30-45 minutes but no stops along the way which is nice. Overall I would recommend this resort with caution depending on the type of trip you are expecting.

Riu Guanacaste: Great for the Family

Riu Guanacaste was an excellent choice for a trip with family and friends. The staff was very friendly, and I'd like to give a special shout-out to Jesus, the manager of the cafeteria in Liberia, who was incredibly helpful with our group dinners. We also found affordable excursions outside the resort, which are perfect for seniors who prefer not to engage in adventurous activities. This is the best-kept secret growing as a tourist destination.

Riu Guanacaste: Not so great

Service was horrible. The resort staff was not helpful at all. I will not recommend this to anyone. What else can I say. I am disappointed. The location was OK, the food was not the greatest. This was not a 5 star resort.⁶⁶

Villas Sol Beach Resort: Charming resort in a great location

Villas Sol is a charming resort that is located in a great spot within a small town- there are restaurants and grocery stores along with a couple of little shops within walking distance outside the front gates for those that want to explore a little. The main hotel rooms are a little bit dated but very clean. This resort is built within the side of a mountain, so the shuttle service that loops the grounds regularly will get you to the beach and back without hassle, as the roads within this res [... read more]ort have many steep inclines. The views of the ocean are absolutely spectacular- and the beach is beautiful. This resort is only walkable for the physically fit! As the shuttle service does not run 24 hours, if you happen to rent a villa up in the top of the mountain and it's after 10 pm, there is no shuttle operating! -When booking an all-inclusive experience, it is not all-inclusive everywhere within the hotel grounds. Although there is more than one restaurant on the grounds, the other restaurants as well as snacks at the pool bar have to be paid for. Alcoholic beverages are also included with an all-in package at the pool bar and the buffet. Only the buffet is provided at no-charge with an all-inclusive package, and the hotel definitely needs to work on the food quality as the buffet isn't that great. The food quality has been better in places like Cuba. Breakfast was the only meal we were eating on the resort, as they do make eggs your way fresh to order and the standard breakfast options. Lunch and dinner gets a little rough and repetitive. However, there are a few restaurant options just outside the gates of the resort that range in price and have excellent food. -There isn't any shade seating at the pool near the buffet. -The beach is beautiful, however the resort needs to work on providing some dedicated lounge chairs in a dedicated area on the beach, as the chairs that are down there for resort guests tend to get taken over by locals, and majority of them are all reaching their expiry date and are all stretched out and barely useable. The staff are all wonderful, everybody is extremely friendly and happy to take care of you! As far as tipping goes- I recommend bringing lots of smaller currency with you, either USD or Costa Rican Colones. Unlike some other countries like D.R, Mexico, etc. they are more than happy with their own currency. USD isn't absolutely necessary which to me is a plus! It is challenging to get smaller bills for tipping, so I strongly recommend to be prepared. Tipping isn't mandatory, but it is always appreciated and definitely makes service improve even more! Overall, we would go back to the Villas Sol should we come across a great vacation deal again. It is a very safe area, and a charming resort overall.

Riu Guanacaste: Beautiful Resort

We stayed from March 21st to 28th....the hotel was beautiful all re-done, clean and grounds well kept. Anything we needed we requested on the app and within a short time received. There was a lot to do on the resort for all ages. The staff were all friendly and great service at the pool bar especially by Moises he was fantastic! Food wise we found it average with no reservations (except for steakhouse) had to arrive early to get table or a buzzer. We found busier on weekend with locals coming in [... read more] and staff tended to cater to them first but not a lot of delay in service. The beach is a public beach so there was no beach bar nor shade to lay out but nice to walk up and down...there are local vendors etc. We did one excursion which was a few things in one and was amazing. All in all we had a fantastic time and wished we had a few more days at the resort.

Riu Guanacaste: Riu Guanacaste - Amazing Resort!

Riu Guanacaste resort is a beautiful escape. Our oceanview room, the sound of the waves, and time spent at the pool reading in a lounge chair or enjoying a drink at the swim-up bar, set the tone for pure relaxation. The staff was very attentive and friendly, the resort was spotless, the food choices were plentiful, and the entertainment was enjoyable. The beach was very nice and the ocean was refreshing. Costa Rica itself was unforgettable — from sunset snorkeling cruises and volcano hot spri [... read more]ngs to waterfalls, horseback riding, and a seaside lunch in Coco Beach. The Howler Monkeys at the resort were entertaining, and the white‑faced monkeys along the beach made it all feel wonderfully wild. Costa Rica is truly *Pura Vida*, and we highly recommend it.

Azura Beach Resort Samara: Worst Trip ever.

Very disappointed with this trip. We were there for 10 days, 9 days out of 10 was heavy construction, mechanical shovel, backhoe, bull dozer, stone chipper etc right next to our room. And to try to cover the noise, speakers were installed along the wall and music was blasted with the construction noise from 8:00am to 6:00pm every day. This hotel was advertised as quiet and restful which was why we chose it. We were offered another room but could not move till the 5th day and they would not reim [... read more]burse us for the cheaper room. We paid extra to have a swim out. We decided to stay. Every day you had to reserve a dinner restaurant, they always asked if you had any allergies, mine are gluten and dairy. Unfortunately they are not properly informed on food allergies which made my choices very limited. You could not leave your plate for a moment at breakfast otherwise the birds would be eating your meal. We travel twice a year for the past 30 years, this was the worst trip. This trip was very expensive and was not what we paid for.

Azura Beach Resort Samara: Highly recommended!!

My husband and I loved our stay at Azura. Amazing food and service. The resort was extremely Clean and beautiful. A smaller Resort and quiet so if that’s what’ you’re looking for it is perfext! We had a swim out pool Room and it got a ton of use and I’d say it was a must have for this resort. Would HIGHLY recommended this resort!! To be aware it is a 2.5 hour drive on the bus from the airport! But it goes fly by!!

Occidental Papagayo: Relaxing vacation

We had an enjoyable stay at this Costa Rican resort, thanks to the warm and attentive staff who consistently made us feel welcome. One highlight was the buffet service. Instead of wandering around searching for a table, guests are seated by staff, creating a calmer, more organized dining experience—a refreshing change from many other resorts. The resort’s hilly layout offers beautiful views, but it does mean getting around can take a bit longer. The shuttle service is generally prompt and con [... read more]venient, though waits can be slightly longer during busy times. Housekeeping was the only area that felt slower than expected; the rooms were clean once serviced, but timing wasn’t always predictable. The location is another plus—only about 30 minutes from the airport—making arrival and departure easier. A quick buyer‑beware note: we booked Viator excursions through Trip Central and only learned at the resort that we had to arrange our own transportation to an off‑site pickup point. This wasn’t clearly communicated, so double‑check what’s included before booking. Overall, a lovely resort with great service and a relaxed atmosphere.

Riu Guanacaste: Lovely well-kept resort

I am not one to write reviews but after many negative comments, I feel I would like to share our experience. This hotel is immaculate...the building, rooms, grounds, etc. We are not pool people so I cannot comment on cleanliness in this area but the pools were all very busy. Our room did lack one important thing and that was replenishing of our water. We arrived Tues. and saw our water restocked for the first time on Sunday! YIKES! Be sure to take refillable water bottles and fill up! We  [... read more]did not drink any of the pop in the fridge but I am pretty sure that would not have been replenished either. The food was a bit disappointing especially dinner buffet. We did the Asian buffet one eve and that also was disappointing. The dinner buffet was never hot and some dishes were dried out. Breakfast was good though, fresh fruit, eggs, bacon etc. and we had lunch at the Tikki Taco Bar which was very tasty. Restaurant service/staff could use some improvement but perhaps they are a bit understaffed in this area? We did however have the best drinks ever at this resort and we have been to quite a few over the years. Bar tenders were always smiling and the service was amazing considering how busy it was. Drinks were always very consistent regardless which bar you we went to. The vendors are kind and not pushy at all down at the beach. The beach was never crowded, lots of seating and shade. The water much calmer than we expected. Our days were spent at the beach with lots of walking and lovely sunsets. Costa Rica is beautiful and if you don't leave the resort, you are honestly missing out on so much. We did 2 excursions and have come home with no regrets. Lots to see and do so be sure to get out and enjoy!

Riu Guanacaste: Great resort!

The recently renovated hotel was tastefully designed. There were many activities organized for guests - adults and children. The staff was courteous, friendly and helpful. The beach and pools were amazing.

Occidental Papagayo: Okay resort

This hotel is not one that if you or anyone in your party has physical issues with their legs is for you It has too many stairs and the buildings are really spread out. Beer and drinks are good and the staff are friendly Food is okay , great steakhouse Just would not recommend for anyone with lower body issues

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica: Amazing reaort

We had a great vacation at planet Hollywood . The food was great, friendly staff and great selection of drinks. Id like to give a shout out to the fuel coffee shop. The coffee was amazing and friendly staff.I would recommend this place for a great family vacation.

Hotel Villas Playa Samara: Great for a beach vacation

The villa itself was very nice, the food not so good. Depends on the type of vacation you are looking for weather I would recommend or not. If you are wanting to see the rainforest, volcanoes, or take a tour of the coffee and chocolate plantations I found it was just too far off the beaten path. However the river boat cruise was very enjoyable,got to see monkeys crocs and few different species of birds.

Azura Beach Resort Samara: Beautiful clean resort

X39CFO, Cost $11,598.00 for a resort advertised as quiet and restful. we went to this hotel to rest, we were there for 10 days. 9 of those ten days, 1 door from our room, we had a large construction project starting with mechanical shovel, bulldozer, backhoe with a stone chipper. Approx 2 days later they installed speakers along the wall of the construction and at the end of our hallway. They then started to play the music full blast to try and drown the construction noise from 8:00am to 6:00pm [... read more] daily. This is not acceptable. We should have been told about the construction. Also, I was impressed that they asked about allergies when you booked the restaurant only to find out they are not properly informed about food allergies. 2 days before leaving the italien restaurant informed me they had gf pasta, but I couldn’t have any sauce because of cheese. Same with the Asian restaurant only told me on the last day they had gf soy sauce. The menus do not always indicate whether things are breaded or cheese etc. Gluten free, vegan, vegetation should be indicated on menu. This resort was far from quiet and restful. We spent ALOT of money to have endured so much frustration and anxiety. We travel twice a year for the past 30yrs and have never had such a terrible trip.

Riu Guanacaste: Great Resort

The Riu Guanacaste Resort was amazing. Larger resort than what we are used to. For the number of rooms/people it never felt over crowded. The Liberia buffet and the American Country bar were our favourite spots to eat. Lita at the American country bar was amazing. She always greeted us with a smile and called us by name. Made an amazing special!!! We spent most of our days on the beach. Sand was dark and hot!! Hit the pool on a couple of occasions when the wind picked up on the beach. Walk [... read more]ed along the beach to the west and fed the white faced Monkeys in the trees and got a drink at the Monkey Bar (highly recommended) Make sure you try an excursion or two. We did the Diamante Eco Park Adventure - superman zip line and animal sanctuary. Totally awesome!!!

Occidental Papagayo: Just okay

The actual hotel is nice, not 5 stars at all. The buffet is not even up to a 3 star hotel. Yes, you found something to eat, but not what we were expecting. A la carte were nice, but hard to get in to unless you like 8pm reservations. The pools are kept clean, the beach is nice, but expect to do alot of walking to get a drink or go to the bathroom. Rooms are nice, just don't expect any water, pop etc. After asking everyday multiple times we would get some around 6:30 pm. We even left tips.  [... read more] Hoping that would help. Would i recommend it, no, for the food, and nothing against the staff, some were fantastic, some you knew did not want to help. Idea's, put a cooler cart on the beach that has water, pop and beer, alot of people would appreciate that.

Occidental Papagayo: Beautiful resort

Great resort! Beautiful view from the common areas. Escpecially the lobby! Specialty restaurants were delicious . Pool areas seemed to be in full sun all day. Some shaded areas would have been appreciated! Only complaint the view from our room was directly into palm trees. The ocean was out there but we couldn’t see it! Also had requested 2 beds got 1. I had booked early in the season & was surprised to get such a poor site. Overall it was a great. Vacation. Did not find the hills to be a pro [... read more]blem. You could walk or catch a ride. Side trips were great! Really enjoyed seeing sloths @ the sanctuary!

JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort and Spa: Great Time!!!

Hotel was very clean and excellent service. This is the fourth trip I have booked with Alisa from Trip Central and as usual amazing service from her!! Thank you Alisa and looking forward to the next trip you book for us!!!

Occidental Papagayo: Mostly Good

The grounds and facilities were excellent. The only issue was with the view from our patio. It looked directly into palm trees and bushes which were there to cover the waste processing tanks. The smell/odor was especially bad in the afternoons and always drove us inside. Probably the worst view at the complex. For this reason we will not be returning to Occidental Papagayo.