Beach Break Resort: THE perfect resort!

I thought the resort was so much fun! I took a bunch of beautiful pictures! Its super clean and the employees are amazing! I loved the huge pools and the great food. Rooms are very cute. The service is more than great and the drinks are incredible! Plus its located 5 mins away from Jacó’s downtown

Riu Guanacaste: Third visit - will return again

Love this hotel - the food is great, rooms are comfortable, the staff is great. One of our favorite places to stay. Also we prefer the Spanish style of this resort - not a big fan of the new modern Rius.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Amazing service beautiful resort

We went to this riu palace last week for a 7 day trip, we were not sure what to expect never having stayed at a riu resort before . Our overall experience turned out to be a great one. The servers and hotel staff were so friendly ,helpful, and on top of everything. Every day starting at 10am waiting staff is taking drink orders all over the pool area , (the pool bar area could use some music) the pool bar staff is bar none the best I’ve seen hats off to our #1 bartender Cesar for keeping up wi [... read more]th the crowds and our rowdy group. He kept the party in the pool bar "hydrated" . The food in the resort was good no complaints , the hotel has automatic espresso machines that make espresso drinks located in several areas of the hotel , available 24/7 in the lounge 24. The lounge 24 was a 24 hour snack bar that’s very well stocked with soft drinks ,mini bar , snacks hot and cold, it’s where you can get your first and your last drink ,snack or beer. The grounds and the building were always in tip top shape and clean. Our 1 and only complaint seemed to be a common complaint from everyone at the pool areas, there is no washroom at the pool area you have to walk to the papagayo which is the lunch buffet restaurant.

Riu Guanacaste: Good vacation with some disappointments

Our flight was delayed due to weather, however the hotel did keep a restaurant open to feed us which was nice. The first full day I reported that the safe was locked, the shower was broken and the hair dryer was barely hanging onto the wall. They did come and fix these items. All the furniture is covered with a glass sheet. I did not report a chip in the glass and a hairline crack in the other glass. Hard to believe, but I saw it with my own eyes...my husband opened the tablet and the glass [... read more] with the crack split in two. I reported it and they said that was impossible, and wanted to charge me $40.00, I said no we did not do anything wrong, well I had not reported the chip or crack so I must have done it....I only reported what was needed to be repaired for our stay, then she asked me if I took a picture of the crack. I said no, I did not know a room inspection was required, so they said they would reduce the fine to $20.00, I said I would not pay it because we did nothing wrong, it I would have broken it I would have paid for. They then proceeded to tell me that they would call the police if it was not paid on departure. So I inquired if the police would speak English, she said no they would translate for me. I emailed our travel agent, she suggested I speak with the Sunwing agent (Hugo) and he ended up taking care of it. We would recommend "Allan" on the beach who booked our 4 wheeler and boat excursion. Most of the wait staff were very good.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Definitely going back - but for two weeks!!!

We were thoroughly impressed by the well-kept grounds, spacious and clean rooms, excellent service, large variety of food and restaurants. While lounging by the pool, we had impeccable service from the staff. Always friendly, humble and accommodating. The entire staff went above and beyond for us. This is one of the best experiences that we have had at a resort (and we have been to many). Definitely going back - but for two weeks next time. There is so much to see in this beautiful eco/env [... read more]ironmental country. Can honestly say that we have no negative feedback with The Riu Palace Costa Rica. The Costa Ricans really know how to enjoy life. Pura Vida. Recommend to anyone looking for a beautiful time away.

Riu Guanacaste: Beautiful

We loved the resort. Our room looked over the front of the resort and the ocean so perfect view. Food was good and lots of it but after about 4 days, we were a bit sick of the buffet food. Ate at the Steak restaurant a couple of times and went into Coco Beach for dinner for a change. Bathrooms had a slight smell that never went away but otherwise, the resort was beautifully kept and always clean. The beach was wonderful and not busy. Morning walks everyday with only the residents of the R [... read more]iu hotels which was nice. The massage on the beach was great and inexpensive. Lots of activities to do. Great vacation.

Riu Guanacaste: Great holiday!

The hotel was beautiful. The staff was amazing. Food was good and there was lot’s of it. The daily activities were very loud - announcers and bands had amplifiers turned up to the max. We had a problems with our first room. We were given a new room for the second week.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Amazing Resort!

Definitely an A+ resort. Service, food, rooms and pools are all superb. The entertainment was great as well, very talented dancers. Wide selection of food, no one goes without something. The buffet has a tremendous selection and you never get tired of it. Removing the reservation requirements at the restaurants was a great bonus, no more being disappointed or not getting in to a spot. The beach was okay, no white sand. Lots of excursions to choose from.

CC Beach Front Papagayo: Great Food, Beds and Pool

Grounds are well-kept. The monkeys visited us the first day we were there and once again before we left. The service in the restaurant was touch and go, whether we tipped or not. The food was gourmet, not a huge selection, But very delicious. There are no chairs on the beach as it is public, which we didn't mind because we don't spend a lot of time at the beach. There is no nighttime entertainment also. I did not find the staff to be very friendly in any area of the resort. Unlike Cuba, where  [... read more]they welcome you with open arms. Overall, we did enjoy our stay there.

Coco Beach Hotel and Casino: Good place to stay

Third time at this hotel and love it for its location, Right in the middle of the best little town in Costa Rica. Coconutz (the best bar in town $2.00 drinks) out of dozens is right across the street and a great Italian restaurant right next door. Tour agent right below for best deals on trips (ask for Sean and mention my name, Tommy the wee Scotsman.)

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Average Resort

Resort is average nothing to brag about.Pool area is basic not many activities but lots of chairs to lay on. Food was basically the same every day with the exception of the pool bbq which was great.Lobby bar closed early leaving no place for night life had to go to resort next to us which had a sports bar.pool area was better too spent a lot of days there.Surprising since it was a cheaper resort.Had many problems door key lock did not work had manager replace it,bar fridge did not work,maid did  [... read more]not show up 2 times did not expect this from a Riu.The entertainment was par a lot of my group left early boring.This was my second time at a riu not impressed.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Fabulous resort!

Beautiful resort, amazing food and great customer service!!! Highly recommend this resort and to try the “water sour” cocktail! Gerry our Nexus guide was very informative, professional and provided us with all the necessary info about the resort, Costa Rica and tours.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: A Tropical Oasis

The Riu Palace in Costa Rica was amazing. The resort is secluded between lush mountains, overlooking the Pacific ocean. The grounds were kept immaculate with meticulously trimmed hedges. As well, the hotel and rooms were very clean and well maintained. Our meals were delicious and the restaurant service was wonderful. Staff were very friendly and helpful throughout the resort. Overall, a very pleasant, relaxing experience. Definitely our favorite resort. We'll be returning next year.

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica: Not as Good as it Looks!

Upon looking at pictures and upon first arrival, the resort looks amazing. You are greeted with friendly staff at the lobby, however that's really the extent of the friendliness and customer service. The resort lacks lighting at night - especially when you are walking back from the beach area to the your building or buffet. Many guests were using their flashlights on their phones. There are no lifeguards for the family/kids' pool area. Pool chairs are reserved early in the morning by gu [... read more]ests who are not in the immediate area. Because beach towels do not have to be returned in order to get a new one, towels are left on pool loungers even when guests have left the pool. Hence, pool chairs were never available for other users. There was not much selection at the Buffet. Staff were not customer service oriented and did not speak or understand English. At the Buffet, each time you entered, you had to wait in line to be asked your room number and the number of guests, then wait to be seated. Men were not allowed to enter the Buffet in tank tops. We were seated in areas on a number of occasions where the lights were turned off. When we asked for either a different table or for the lights to be turned on, we were told 'No' to another table or that the lights were not working. Housekeeping was minimal. We were a family of four and had requested for four towels, however kept receiving only three. We also requested for extra pillows and did not receive them until the fourth day of our stay. Spa prices were outrageous, even with discount vouchers offered upon check-in. We were advised by our airline rep to check out a day early (express check-out) and when we arrived at the Front Desk requesting to check out, we were questioned as to why. Seemed like they did not know their own hotel processes. Nightly entertainment could use a lot of improvement. Shows were not entertaining and lacked variety. The overall friendliness of staff did not seem sincere and appeared to be extremely forced. The only great service we did receive was when we booked our excursions. Swiss Travel / Air Canada reps were amazing! They explained the trips, offered what would be best suited for our family, provided cost saving opportunities and overall, great customer service. Would definitely travel back to Costa Rica, however would most likely consider a different resort.

Villas Sol: Relaxing getaway.

Other reviews are not kidding, the grounds are very steep, but the frequent shuttles are very helpful for those not willing to walk the hills. It is an older resort, but well maintained. The food was great, the service was excellent, and the scenery was beautiful. We had rooms overlooking the ocean and directly over the smaller of the two pools, and the location was perfect. It was very peaceful and just the relaxing vacation we were looking for. If you are looking for a wild party place this wo [... read more]uld not be a good choice, but if you are looking for a place to simply chill this is it.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: I'm still full of food!

This resort is #1. I have no complaints from beginning to end. They go out of their way to keep all guests happy. I did not see one spot of garbage they are constantly cleaning. They have a lot of staff and place did not feel busy while it was at full capacity. The food is amazing and you can always get food as well. Lots to do and see. Highly recommend.

Occidental Tamarindo: Great location and staff

Loved the hotel and beach! This was our fourth time back and we loved it even more this time. The staff are always pleasant, helpful, and do their best to make you feel at home. The beach is the best part of the hotel - one of the world's best

Riu Guanacaste: Going back!

We stayed at the Riu Guanacaste resort from December 25, 2017 - January 1, 2018 and can't say enough about the resort, the staff and the food. The night shows were impressive, the beach party new years was fun and the excursions were perfect for my 3 boys and myself. The have a variety of excursions to please all from young to old. It was our first time to Costa Rica and loved the atmosphere and culture there. I will definitely be going back and trying to work on a plan to get back there on a re [... read more]gular basis. There were mostly Canadians from what I could see with the people that I talked to, some European's and the odd American. The word is out up here and people are flocking there for good reason.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Close to perfect!

We absolutely loved this resort! The food, the room and the staff were great. It's the first time I think I want to go back and I want to stay longer. Like anything, there are a couple of things that could be better but pretty close to perfect.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: HORRIBLE, BED BUGS, HORRIBLE ENTERTAINMENT,

There are a lot of horrible hotels all around the world, but only a few of them can be described as the worst. As far as travel and leisure goes, we are always looking for the best options that money can buy. However, a big price tag with horrible accommodations No entertainment, no music, they started playing music one day before Christmas, they had no music playing any where In hotel, Costa Rica has a lot to see and hotel like the Riu misrepresents the country’s true atmosphere. They have [... read more] amazing staff at front desk and all staff and restaurants, no issues there but there hotel management have 0 knowledge of how to treat a customer especially when a problem arises. They mangers have 0 manners and feel like there dealing with criminals when they speak to them. This is particularly one the worst hotels. I would never recommend it, they have a horrible Beach that could be maintained better, no path or chairs by the beach all they promote is there pool, These hotels don’t just have bad service, In this sense, the worst hotels are those that make your vacation an overpriced, crappy, and uncomfortable mess. Been to the Riu across the world but this one ruined for any potential business in the future, we were a family of 17 that spent $2500 per ticket, and in return we got nothing but issues, lack of service, lack of entertainment, bed bugs every where, lack of respect I would never allow any of my family members or friends to travel to Riu again Because even after allowing them to fix the issues and problems, we were told to take it or leave it And in our case we would never put up with there bs again There many more accommodations that give you quality, respect, experience, what a true vacation should bring the Riu is not one of them