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About
#1 of 3 hotels in Sardinal
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El Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica, con todo incluido las 24 horas, abre todo el año y está situado directamente en la hermosa playa de Matapalo. Nuestros huéspedes pueden utilizar las instalaciones del hotel hermano Riu Guanacaste, excepto la cena. RIU Palace es la categoría más elegante de la cadena hotelera RIU, con hoteles que cumplen los más altos estándares en términos de lujo, excelencia y sofisticación, creando una experiencia única. Su ubicación es ideal por su proximidad al Aeropuerto Daniel Oduber LIR (33 km) y Playas del Coco (18 km) e invita a explorar la zona. El hotel dispone de 538 habitaciones acogedoramente amuebladas con Wi-Fi gratuito y ofrece numerosas comodidades. Relájese en nuestro spa o póngase en forma en el gimnasio. 4 piscinas al aire libre, 1 piscina infantil. Animación diurna y nocturna, así como nuestra discoteca Pacha. Para los amantes de la gastronomía, ofrecemos estaciones de cocina en vivo en nuestro restaurante principal, restaurante japonés, italiano, de fusión y Steakhouse, así como 6 bares y nuestra pastelería y heladería Cappuccino.
#RiuParty en el Hotel Riu Costa Rica.
¿Te gusta disfrutar de las mejores fiestas durante tus vacaciones? ¡RiuParty está hecho para ti! Baila al ritmo de la música de los mejores Dj's y transfórmate con los espectáculos y performance que te ofrece cada fiesta. ¡Aprovecha tu Todo Incluido y disfruta de la mejor diversión con RIU!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Beach
Diving
Babysitting
Parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Fitness classes
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Swimup bar
Poolside bar
Aerobics
Entertainment staff
Evening entertainment
Fishing
Table tennis
Nightclub / DJ
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids club
Airport transportation
Taxi service
Business Center with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Head massage
Massage
Salon
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Currency exchange
Gift shop
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
VIP room facilities
Laptop safe
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Ocean view
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family Resort
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Location
40Car recommended
Grade: 40 out of 100
152Restaurantswithin 10 km
22Attractionswithin 10 km
6695Reviews1999Q+A100Room tips
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+1
My boyfriend & I stayed for 5 nights at RIU Palace Costa Rica & had an amazing time! Check in was very speedy, our room was ready, and we had drinks in hand by the pool only two hours after landing at Liberia International. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, as some reviews mention you can smell the gray water a bit in the mornings but it’s not overwhelming. The rooms are a little dated but we didn’t mind as we never spend much time in the room, the AC worked and they were cleaned thoroughly everyday which is all we cared about! This was both of our first times at RIU… I have stayed at Sandals, Couples, and Breathless resorts in the past. As a comparison, I loved the entertainment at night here! The shows were very well done and we looked forward to them each night. During the day there was always activities to get involved in if you desired, we joined in a few games and the staff made sure to make them fun. The service here was by far the best I’ve experienced and all of the staff members we encountered were very friendly! I couldn’t get over the speed and consistency of the pool service. We always had cold drinks and water if we were sitting around the pool and in the pool bar we never waited long before being served. This was the best service I’ve experienced personally. The one negative for us was the food… it was fine, not great. The breakfast buffet offered many delicious options, we found the best lunch was whatever they served by the pool bar during the day, and overall, our dinners were underwhelming. The food was edible but on caliber with maybe an Applebees in our opinion (especially the Italian & Steakhouse). We did truly enjoy the Fusion restaurant and were bummed we only ate there once during our stay. The Asian restaurant was good, not excellent. In our previous experiences at all inclusives, the food was much better but this was our only negative. Again, the staff were amazing! Braulino, Denzel, and Angel at the pool bar always made sure we had delicious and strong drinks! Rachel & Bryan were our poolside servers at the chiller adults pool and they were absolutely phenomenal!! Grey with the daily entertainment was so cheerful and remembered us every day after my boyfriend played one game of bean bags! Overall it was a great experience and we would return. The only deduction was for the food. …
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Hotel's Favorite
I recently stayed at the RIU palace for 8 nights with my 16 year old and 19 year old and had a wonderful vacation. The activities staff...especially Leida, Greivin and Johan...were excellent. They got everyone involved and made our stay especially fun. The waiters...Slayter, Paul, Dennis, Victor, actually all of them are excellent and work very hard. Of course things weren't completing up to par due to COVID but I gave 5 stars because everyone worked hard to make sure we had a great vacation and I have no complaints. We took a tour with Marco Polo who you can find on the beach to the right. He did an AMAZING job with our Buena Vista excursion and took lots of pics for us. I highly recommend Marco. Also, I had 2 massages and my daughter had 1 from Rebecca at the beach. It's $35/hour for relaxing or $39/hour for deep tissue. We both received deep tissue massages and they were incredible. Rebecca can be found at the beach to the left. My kids made lots of friends at the resort and we all want to return. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and the people are so kind and welcoming! Thank you RIU Palace and staff!!!!…
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Date of stay: May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
28 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Owner at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
Responded 22 Jun 2021
Dear Guest, Thank you for your visit and your time to share your experiences with us. We are happy to serve you and are delighted to know that you enjoyed your stay. We hope to your return in the near future. With our best wishes we remain, Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica Online Reputation Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This place was really great. They treat you very well and everything is included. The food was good and the pools nice with plenty of bars.etc. It definitely caters to drinkers with liquor dispensers in rooms, bars everywhere even draft beer taps at many food stations. The place is very nice. It's not high end but it's a nice place to visit. It would be nice to have the daily restaurant openings posted somewhere and check in seemed to take a long time but otherwise it was great. My only real complaint was that it said some things were include such as snorkeling. When we went to get snorkel gear they said it was all out but we could do a tour. If it was really busy I would have been fine but it wasn't really run by hotel. Either offer it and provide or don't.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Understand you are in a remote location.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Owner at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
Responded yesterday
Dear joeh198, We sincerely appreciate your words, Reading a review like yours encourages us to continue on our way and looking forward to welcome you again in any of our facilities to offer you a wonderful experience among us. We look forward to seeing you, always. Yours faithfully, Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica Online Reputation Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was an amazing hotel. Bar Staff made this stay so much fun. They were my primary source of entertainment when back at the hotel from day excursions. Only thing was I found myself pretty bored at the hotel during the day if I didn’t do an excursion. They definitely need a sports bar at this hotel. There wasn’t anywhere to enjoy the game.
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Review collected in partnership with riu.com
Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Owner at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
Responded yesterday
Dear Hassan12123, Thank you very much for choosing us and for sharing your review about your last stay. We truly appreciate your comments regarding your stay. However, please, rest assured that your words will be taken into account as we understand that there is always room for improvement. We look forward to hosting you again in the near future. Kind regards, Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica Online Reputation Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
I really wish I could split this review into two separate ones because it really would be fitting. But I'll objectively explain here. The staff was exceptional, I don't think I had one negative experience with any of the staff. I explained that I was learning, but currently spoke only a little Spanish and they were patient with me and taught me a lot while we were there. They were pleasant to work with, super attentive and went out of their way to be helpful. The hotel grounds were well cared for and the resort looked the part visually. The wifi really needs significant work in my opinion. On my 3 month old phone (just in case someone wanted to blame that), I struggled to stay connected when directly on the resort grounds. I was constantly prompted to log back into it and after a while I just took a picture of the credentials on my phone for quick access. My wife has no issues with that, so it may not be every person's experience. Last thing to mention is the food. My best food experience was average, but more usually the food was sustenance and nothing more. I spoke to an individual who had been to a number of resorts in Costa Rica and said the food was never anything than average at any of them. However, the food really needs work. Best meal of the day was the breakfast buffet....and that probably tells you all you need to know. In short: Food = 1 People = 5 The country was beautiful and all of the people I encountered were awesome, if they can fix the food issues here they would have something good going on.…
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Make sure you are in line for dinner by 6:00 PM or you will either be waiting or in some case...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Owner at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
Responded yesterday
Dear Isaac G, Thank you for sharing your experience with us! It's saddening to hear you weren't completely satisfied with your recent experience, as our goal has always been to exceed our guest's expectations as we deliver quality service to make your stay memorable. Rest assured that we will share all your impressions with our management team for a proper follow up as we hope you allow us the chance to host you again soon for a more positive experience. Have a great day, Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica Online Reputation Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The food was delicious and I loved the way the room was not hard to find and the people was friendly and nice. The best part of the vacation was the show and things u can buy and the white party and ATV
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Review collected in partnership with riu.com
Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Owner at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
Responded 2 days ago
Dear anth0nyfraser, Many sincere thanks for your review. We are delighted to read that you enjoyed your time with us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best regards, Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica Online Reputation Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
In 2016 definitely was a 5 star resort sadly it's not now. grounds and employees still awesome. Arrived after 16 hours traveling ac not working properly maintance came cleaned filter said all good it wasn't back down to front desk they send employee back up with me I guess to verify not working maintance called again was a little better told them we needed to eat and drink would deal with it next day. Still not working properly after contacting travel agent and her reaching out to management was offered another room upon inspection ac was better but horrible mold and sewer smell declined room told them I'd prefer not great ac over smell as I'm allergic to mold. 3rd day couple from Canada woke up with toilet water flooding their room from above and blue dye from toilet allover belongings by 5th day the mold was horrendous they came with metal I'm assuming air freshener thing we stayed out of room 15 minutes for them to spray helped with odor overnight but morning was back. The mold permeated everything in room took 5 washings and drying with odor ban to remove mold from clothes. Purses,luggage,backpack, passport and everything not washable still outside 8 days later not sure odor will ever leave items we were in the 3100 block of rooms. Other problems with getting into specialty restaurants and room service and avis rental car but mold and sewer is biggest problem. This is a health hazard for anyone especially if allergic I'm positive black mold has to be in ceilings and walls. Beware definitely not 5 star. …
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Owner at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
Responded 4 days ago
Dear karenwE2252GV, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. As service is one of our key values and we make every effort to please our guests, we regret to find that we may have missed out on some details and that your stay was not entirely perfect. Please rest assured that we will communicate your feedback to our management team in order to improve our guest’s service as we sincerely hope we will have the opportunity to welcome you back again for a true RIU experience! We wish you all the best, Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica Online Reputation Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There is nothing better than a resort that compliments a wonderfully great vacation and Riu Palace is no exception. The entire resort is immaculate from the the rooms to the pool and everything beyond. The
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Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Owner at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
Responded 4 days ago
Dear Peter P, we appreciate you taking the time to share your great review here! We are happy to know that you were so pleased with our service and we look forward to hosting you again in the near future. We wish you all the best, Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica Online Reputation Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Never stayed at a RIU Property and we will not be back. Location was off the beaten path. Not a lot going on around the area. Rooms were very disappointing. We reserved a deluxe “sea view” suite and could not see the ocean. Our room was directly above the patio roof of a main restaurant. The room had poor ventilation and had a very musty smell that we could not get rid of. Room was “tired” and needs to be refreshed. The property is perfect for people that want to drink alcohol and party all day and night. Not our goal of a vacation. It’s all inclusive and the food was decent. Alcohol choices were low end.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Look elsewhere.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Owner at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Mjkr, We appreciate your feedback, as it helps us understand which aspects we can focus and improve on. As service is our absolute key value, we are sorry to read that we did not get everything right. Thank you for staying with us. We will be following this up further, it will be forwarded to the management. Best Regards, Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica Online Reputation Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were at RIU palace Costa Rica for a wedding. It was a beautiful resort! The beach Isn’t the best as in other countries. There is lava stone in the sand. And as soon as you stepped on the beach; you were heckled by the vendors. The resort itself was great. Staff are friendly and most speak English. There is a good variety of restaurants to choose from. Even the pickiest of eaters can find some here. The entertainment was amazing! We all enjoyed ourselves even with the elevate temperatures And lack of rain. I would recommend this resort for anyone traveling and wanting a relaxing vacation. If you are looking for more of a party; stay at the sister resort—RIU Guancaste.
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Review collected in partnership with riu.com
Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Owner at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Tlbecker14, Thank you for taking the time to give us your valued feedback following your recent stay at our hotel. We are very happy to hear that you had a lovely time at our hotel! We look forward to sharing another amazing experience with you soon. Have a lovely day. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica Online Reputation Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
US$255 - US$377 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of GuanacasteGulf of PapagayoSardinal
NUMBER OF ROOMS
538
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Claim Your ListingHOTEL RIU PALACE COSTA RICA - UPDATED 2023 Resort (All-Inclusive) Reviews & Price Comparison (Sardinal) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
Which popular attractions are close to Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica?
Nearby attractions include Playas del coco (6.2 km), Penca Beach (7.5 km), and Playa Danta (6.6 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a swimup bar, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica?
Guests can enjoy a swimup bar, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica?
Conveniently located restaurants include Guayoyo Coffee House, Numu Taproom & Bistro By Chef Nicolas Devenelle, and Maracuya Beach Front.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness centre, and fitness classes during their stay.
Does Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica have airport transportation?
Yes, Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Does Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and facilities for disabled guests. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.