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From191US$ /night
Check-in
20Dec2025Select date
Check-out
21Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About Resort

Playa Matapalo - Sardinal, Matapalo (Guanacaste), Costa Rica
-
Close to the beach
3.6
/5

Riu Guanacaste, a 5-star Sardinal hotel, features an extensive all-inclusive system and a prime beachfront location on Mata Palo Beach. This large resort boasts 701 rooms, a casino, multiple dining options, and numerous leisure activities, catering to diverse interests and preferences.

Rooms & Amenities

The 701-room Riu Guanacaste offers modern air-conditioned accommodations equipped with a mini-bar, in-room safe, and hair dryer. Many rooms feature stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, making for a memorable stay.

Dining & Entertainment

Dining options at Riu Guanacaste include a buffet restaurant and themed restaurants showcasing a variety of global flavors. Guests can also enjoy a vibrant atmosphere at the bar and take advantage of poolside service.

Leisure & Wellness

Leisure facilities include a large pool with a lively party atmosphere, a wellness center featuring a jacuzzi, steam room, and massage treatments at Renova Spa. Guests can also engage in various sports activities such as introductory scuba diving.

Business & Local Area

Riu Guanacaste offers five modern conference rooms suitable for meetings and events, equipped with necessary facilities. The proximity to attractions such as the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park provides opportunities for hiking and ecotourism.

Must-do experiences

  • Tour Rincón de la Vieja National Park for stunning waterfalls.
  • Savor Gallo Pinto, our traditional breakfast dish, at local sodas.
  • Discover artisan crafts at the Liberia Market on weekends.
  • Take a sunset cruise on the Papagayo Gulf for breathtaking views.
  • Visit the Lizard Lounge for live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
View all

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Car park
  • 24-hour reception
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Currency exchange
  • Sundry/Convenience shop
  • Gift/Newsstand

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Kayaking
  • Tennis court

Services

  • Car hire
  • Laundry

Dining

  • Continental breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Buffet breakfast

Children

  • Babysitting/Child services
  • Children's pool
  • Children's play area
  • Kids club
  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Casino
  • Night club
  • Garden area
  • BBQ facilities
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Turkish bath
  • Jacuzzi

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • In-room safe
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Location

Playa Matapalo - Sardinal, Matapalo (Guanacaste), Costa Rica
Map view
Playa Matapalo - Sardinal, Matapalo (Guanacaste), Costa Rica
Restaurants
Langosta Feliz Marisqueria
840 m
Restaurant
Explore Matapalo (Guanacaste)
Explore Local Activities and Dining
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
The Monkey Farm
The Monkey Farm
35 minutes' walk
A sanctuary for rescued monkeys, The Monkey Farm features interactive experiences with wildlife and educational tours.
Ocotal Beach Club
10 minutes' drive
A relaxing beachfront destination, Ocotal Beach Club offers sunbathing, swimming, and water sports with stunning ocean views.
The Congo Trail
10 minutes' drive
A thrilling canopy zip line adventure situated in the tropical forest, providing unique biodiversity viewpoints.
Snorkeling at Ocotal Beach
10 minutes' drive
Snorkeling near Ocotal Beach reveals vibrant marine life. Rentals and guided tours are available for both beginners and experts.
Yoga at Harmony Wellness
10 minutes' drive
Harmony Wellness offers relaxing yoga sessions amidst nature, with classes suitable for all levels, often held outdoors.
Langosta Feliz Marisqueria
Langosta Feliz Marisqueria
10 minutes' walk
A vibrant seafood restaurant known for its fresh ceviche and tropical cocktails in a relaxed beachside setting.
El Velero
10 minutes' drive
An upscale dining venue with a diverse menu featuring Costa Rican flavors, best enjoyed with sunset views overlooking the ocean.
Coco Beach Nightlife
15 minutes' drive
A lively nightlife spot in Playa del Coco, featuring bars and dance clubs with music and entertainment for all ages.
Live Music at Papagayo Centro
10 minutes' drive
An inviting venue showcasing local bands and artists, perfect for enjoying communal vibes and live performances weekly.
Getting around
City Centre
Matapalo (Guanacaste)6 min  ·  3.4 km
Airports
Liberia Airport (LIR)46 min  ·  30.2 km
Tamarindo Airport (TNO)56 min  ·  37.2 km

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
Philip
United Kingdom, February  2025
7.8/10

I had an amazing time during my visit to Costa Rica, staying at the Riu Guanacaste. The location among the mountains and trees was picturesque, creating a beautiful and serene backdrop. The accommodations were comfortable, and the dining options had great variety, although I faced some challenges with restaurant reservations. The staff was wonderful, and I enjoyed the various activities and tours available. However, I did encounter some issues with room assignments and noise that impacted my experience slightly.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were comfortable and well-kept, and I appreciated having my requests attended to promptly.
Service
7.0
Service was generally quick and efficient, with staff being attentive to our needs, especially when we had to change rooms.
Location
9.0
Set in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and only one other resort nearby, the beachfront location was tranquil but required water shoes due to the rocky black sand.
Dining
7.0
Dining options were plentiful and varied, with the buffet offering something new each night, although securing reservations for the specialty restaurants could be challenging.
Facilities
8.0
The amenities were decent, with entertainment options and enjoyable nightly events, but I did wish for better access to some facilities without long waits.
Craig
United Kingdom, February  2025
7.8/10

Overall, my stay at the Riu Guanacaste was enjoyable with beautiful grounds and comfortable rooms. However, there were some issues with buffet cleanliness and entertainment options. The beach and pool areas were highlights, but the service in the buffet could be improved. While the dining experience was generally good, the lack of variety in shows was a letdown.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were clean, spacious, and had great views of the jungle. The air conditioning worked well and everything was well stocked.
Service
7.0
Service was quick, especially at the main bar where one bartender stood out for his friendly attitude. However, the buffet service was lacking.
Location
8.0
The hotel is situated on a beautiful beach with stunning mountain views. It's great for taking a dip in the sea, although the beach was somewhat stony in places.
Dining
7.0
Dining options were plentiful with good food choices, especially at the specialty restaurants. The buffet, however, could use more attention to cleanliness.
Facilities
8.0
The pool area was well-maintained, and there were plenty of loungers available. The water park was a fun addition, but the entertainment options could be improved.
Isabella
United Kingdom, January  2025
6.6/10

I had high hopes for this resort, having stayed at Riu properties before, but unfortunately, this one missed the mark. While the location near the beach was great and the view from my room was nice, the service was disappointing with long waits and unhelpful staff. Dining was average, lacking variety. Overall, it wasn't a terrible experience, but I wouldn't return.

Rooms
6.0
The view from my room was nice, but the cleanliness could be improved.
Service
5.0
The service was lacking, especially at the bar with long wait times, and staff didn't seem very attentive.
Location
9.0
The resort is conveniently located on a beautiful stretch of beach, which is definitely a highlight.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was okay, but I found the buffet options repetitive and not very exciting.
Facilities
6.0
The facilities were generally satisfactory, although some areas felt overcrowded at times.
Frances
United Kingdom, December  2024
7.0/10

I had quite a mixed experience at the resort. While the friendly staff and great wildlife around the hotel were definite highlights, my stay was marred by some disappointing aspects, such as the cleanliness issues at the pool and the dining experience which left something to be desired. The rooms had a dated, musty feel, but the overall atmosphere and activities kept the family entertained.

Rooms
6.0
The room we stayed in was a bit dated and musty, but it had ample space for our family.
Service
9.0
The staff were genuinely friendly and very eager to help, which really stood out during our stay.
Location
8.0
The hotel is nestled in nature, which is lovely, and we even had howler monkeys nearby. It felt secluded yet rich in wildlife.
Dining
7.0
The food was generally good with a decent variety, but it didn't blow me away. Waiting for a table was a bit annoying at times.
Facilities
5.0
The pool was nice with varied options, but cleanliness was a real concern as it wasn't maintained properly, especially after the first week.
Eva
United Kingdom, December  2024
7.8/10

I had a pleasant stay at Riu Guanacaste, where the service was great and facilities well-kept, although some aspects of the food and room maintenance could have been better. The resort is beautiful with easy beach access and plenty of activities, but expect some minor drawbacks, especially with the dining experience and room cleaning. Overall, a decent choice if you're seeking an all-inclusive getaway.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were spacious and kept very clean, though the bedding and pillows were not as comfortable as expected.
Service
9.0
The service was generally excellent, especially from the wait staff who went out of their way to provide a good experience.
Location
9.0
The hotel is right on the beach with beautiful surroundings, perfect for wildlife watching.
Dining
6.0
While there was a good variety, the food sometimes lacked quality, especially with the tougher meats served.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities, including the pools and gardens, were fantastic and well-maintained, making for a pleasant environment throughout my stay.
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Breakfast
The hotel Riu Guanacaste serves a continental breakfast for free. 
Year renovated:
2009
Number of floors:
6
Number of rooms:
701
FAQs
About Hotel Riu Guanacaste
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Hotel Riu Guanacaste?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is until 12:00.
How far is Hotel Riu Guanacaste from Liberia Airport?
The hotel is 35 km from Liberia Airport, which is approximately a 47-minute drive.
What dining options are available at Hotel Riu Guanacaste?
The hotel features several on-site restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, including buffet and themed dining options.
What pool amenities does Hotel Riu Guanacaste offer?
Guests can enjoy a large outdoor swimming pool with a lively party atmosphere, as well as a jacuzzi.
Is parking available at Hotel Riu Guanacaste?
The hotel provides on-site parking facilities for guests.
What activities can guests enjoy at Hotel Riu Guanacaste?
Guests have access to activities such as kayaking, introductory scuba diving, and golfing.
What room amenities are available in the rooms at Hotel Riu Guanacaste?
Each room is equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, and a smart TV.
Are there entertainment options at Hotel Riu Guanacaste?
The hotel features a casino, disco, and regular entertainment activities for guests.
Is there a business center at Hotel Riu Guanacaste?
The hotel offers five fully equipped conference rooms suitable for meetings and events.
What is the location of Hotel Riu Guanacaste in relation to nearby attractions?
The hotel is located near Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park and beautiful surfing and snorkeling beaches.
Does Hotel Riu Guanacaste offer airport transportation?
The hotel provides services for bicycle and car rentals to explore the area.

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Hotel Riu Guanacaste Matapalo  Interior photo

Hotel Riu Guanacaste

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