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From191US$ /night
Check-in
05Mar2026Select date
Check-out
06Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Playa Matapalo - Sardinal, Matapalo (Guanacaste), Costa Rica
-
Near Playa Matapalo
7.6
/10
3.5
3.7
/5

Amenities

Hotel Riu Guanacaste offers a stunning beachfront location along the Pacific Ocean. Guests can access a sprawling outdoor pool area featuring swim-up bars and a children's pool. The property includes a dedicated water sports center that provides activities like kayaking and snorkeling in pristine waters.

Rooms

The hotel boasts 701 rooms, including multiple categories designed to suit different preferences. Each room includes a furnished balcony or terrace, with select rooms offering ocean views. Luxury amenities such as a minibar and complimentary beverages cater to guests' needs.

Location

Situated in Matapalo, this resort is conveniently located near beautiful national parks, including Rincon de la Vieja and Palo Verde. The surrounding area provides opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure activities. The hotel is just 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport.

Dining

Guests enjoy a range of dining options at five specialty restaurants, including Italian and Asian cuisine. The hotel offers a buffet restaurant serving international dishes, along with several bars featuring diverse beverage selections. Theme nights enhance the dining experience throughout the week.

Entertainment

The hotel provides vibrant entertainment options including live music and shows, ensuring fun for guests of all ages. Daily activities range from beach volleyball to cooking classes, catering to various interests. Children can enjoy a complimentary kids' club, promoting creativity and social engagement.

Highlights

Location: Beachfront along the Pacific Ocean .

Rooms: 701 rooms with minibars .

Dining: 5 specialty restaurants and buffet .

Entertainment: Live music, shows, and activities .

Family-Friendly: Complimentary kids' club available .

“Hotel Riu Guanacaste, in my opinion, balances its lively pool scene and proximity to Costa Rica's natural beauty with modern conference facilities, making it suitable for both vacationers and business travelers; I think the all-inclusive offering simplifies the experience, while the on-site casino adds an element of fun. However, I believe attention to detail in some areas could elevate it further.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

Hotel Riu Guanacaste offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Room
2 persons
Family Room
2 persons
Deluxe Room
2 persons

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Hotel Riu Guanacaste offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • Free internet access
  • 24-hour reception
  • 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

  • Children's pool
  • Children's play area
  • Kids club

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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Hotel Riu Guanacaste Location

Playa Matapalo - Sardinal, Matapalo (Guanacaste), Costa Rica
Map view
Playa Matapalo - Sardinal, Matapalo (Guanacaste), Costa Rica
Restaurants
Langosta Feliz Marisqueria
2800 ft
Restaurant
Explore Matapalo (Guanacaste)
Explore Matapalo
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
The Monkey Farm
The Monkey Farm
35 minutes' walk
Local wildlife sanctuary offering close encounters with monkeys and other animals, great for families and nature lovers.
Los Almendros de Ocotal
10 minutes' drive
Beautiful beach area popular for swimming and relaxing. Ideal spot for enjoying Costa Rica's coastline.
The Congo Trail
45 minutes' walk
Adventure park featuring zip-lining and hiking trails. A thrilling choice for adventure seekers in the region.
Snorkeling at Ocotal Beach
10 minutes' drive
Vibrant underwater ecosystems await! Rental services available nearby. Perfect for families and solo adventurers.
Yoga Retreats
5 minutes' drive
Relaxation-focused yoga sessions available with classes offered at nearby studios, ideal for restoring balance.
Langosta Feliz Marisqueria
Langosta Feliz Marisqueria
10 minutes' walk
Casual seafood restaurant with a lively atmosphere. Signature dishes include fresh ceviche and grilled fish.
Cafe Mambo
10 minutes' drive
Eclectic café featuring local live music. Family-friendly vibe with an artsy atmosphere for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Matapalo (Guanacaste)6 min  ·  2.1 mi
Airports
Liberia Airport (LIR)46 min  ·  18.8 mi
Tamarindo Airport (TNO)56 min  ·  23.1 mi
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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

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Hotel Riu Guanacaste from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 567 verified reviews
7.4/10
Very good
61%
Recommend
Pros
Beach access
Pool area
Buffet variety
Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Cons
Room service delays
Limited shade
Restaurant reservations
Guest reviews
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Check-in
05Mar2026Select date
Check-out
06Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room