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From322US$ /night
Check-in
08Jan2026Select date
Check-out
09Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Playa Matapalo - Sardinal, Matapalo (Guanacaste), Costa Rica, 0000
-
Near Playa Matapalo
7.8
/10
4.2
/5

Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica is a 4-star resort with four outdoor swimming pools and a complimentary water park in Guanacaste, Costa Rica on the edge of Matapalo beach. The property features a RiuLand kids' club, a wellness center with various treatments and massages, and a beautiful Greek-style whirlpool set under a dramatic domed ceiling.

Comfortable All-Inclusive Rooms

Comfortable guestrooms at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica-All Inclusive feature 24-hour room service, laptop-compatible safes, free WiFi, and air conditioning. Rooms include amenities such as linens, mirrors, sofas, and balconies or terraces.

Diverse Dining Options

Exceptional chefs prepare classic to exotic dishes across four themed restaurants that serve a la carte fare and require reservations. Guests can also snack at Lounge 24, which remains open at all hours and features floor-to-ceiling windows with sea views, or visit Capuchino, a lobby cafe serving ice cream, pastries, and coffee.

Extensive Leisure Facilities

The property's four pools include a two-part activity pool, a relaxation pool designed for lounging rather than activities, and a pool with a swim-up bar-all featuring submerged lounge chairs. The hotel's massive fitness center offers a wide variety of cardio and weight machines, while tennis courts provide additional recreation options.

Strategic Location Benefits

Riu Palace Costa Rica is located 35 km from Liberia, positioned near attractions such as The Congo Trail (4 km), Guacamaya Beach (5 km), and The Monkey Farm (3 km). The hotel also features five modern, fully-equipped conference rooms that can accommodate up to 730 people for business meetings or events.

Must-do experiences

  • Try the traditional Gallo Pinto at Cafe de Playa for breakfast.
  • Visit the stunning Palo Verde National Park for a wildlife tour.
  • Explore the vibrant Liberia Market for local crafts and foods.
  • Attend a traditional Costa Rican dance show at Parque Nacional.
  • Enjoy sunset cocktails at the beach bar, La Barcaza, in Playa Matapalo.
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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
  • Parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Gift/Newsstand

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Kayaking
  • Tennis court

Services

  • 24-hour room service
  • Laundry

Dining

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

Children

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

Spa & Leisure

  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Casino
  • Night club
  • Garden area
  • 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, 0000
Map view
Playa Matapalo - Sardinal, Matapalo (Guanacaste), Costa Rica, 0000
Restaurants
Langosta Feliz Marisqueria
840 m
Restaurant
Explore Matapalo (Guanacaste)
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
The Monkey Farm
The Monkey Farm
35 minutes' walk
A local sanctuary for monkeys featuring educational tours about wildlife conservation and a chance to interact with these playful creatures.
Los Almendros de Ocotal
10-minute drive
A beautiful beach area known for its stunning sunsets, perfect for swimming and sunbathing, with nearby amenities for visitors.
Ocotal Beach Club
10-minute drive
A vibrant beach club offering water sports and delicious local seafood, providing a great atmosphere for relaxation and adventure.
The Congo Trail
10-minute drive
An exhilarating zipline adventure through the treetops for thrill-seekers, offering stunning views of the forest and wildlife.
Yoga on the Beach
35 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga classes held on the beach, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration, with a scenic backdrop to enhance the experience.
Langosta Feliz Marisqueria
Langosta Feliz Marisqueria
10 minutes' walk
A casual seafood restaurant known for its fresh dishes, vibrant atmosphere, and famous ceviche, perfect for families and couples.
Coco Loco Beach Bar
10-minute drive
A lively beach bar with live music events, offering a fun atmosphere for all ages along with cocktails and local cuisine.
Getting around
City Centre
Matapalo (Guanacaste)4 min  ·  300 m
Airports
Liberia Airport (LIR)46 min  ·  30.3 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
Charles
United States, March  2025
7.0/10

I recently enjoyed an 8-night stay at Riu Palace Costa Rica, which was beautifully designed and kept in great condition. The staff were friendly, especially Cristina at breakfast and Luis at the pool activities. However, the hotel layout was a bit awkward with some areas far apart, and there could have been more beachside amenities.

Rooms
7.0
The room was spacious but needed better cleaning attention. I found the jacuzzi in the middle of the bedroom to be a unique touch.
Service
8.0
Service was generally good, with friendly staff available. The only downside was some inconsistencies in attentiveness during peak times.
Location
6.0
The resort is situated next to the ocean, allowing me to enjoy beautiful walks on the beach. However, the distance from the beach and lack of local excursions nearby was a letdown.
Dining
7.0
Dining options were plentiful, although they leaned heavily towards American fare, which was a bit disappointing. The buffet was my preferred choice.
Facilities
6.0
The facilities were well-maintained, with a solid selection of amenities available. I did feel the need for more accessible bathroom facilities throughout the resort.
Malcolm
United States, January  2025
5.4/10

I had a fantastic time at the Riu Palace Costa Rica, enjoying the beautiful resort and really good service. The friendly Costa Rican staff made me feel welcomed throughout my stay. While the beach wasn't the pristine white sand I was used to, it was still enjoyable. However, the food was hit or miss and I wished there had been more variety in the dining options.

Rooms
9.0
My room with two queen beds and a balcony overlooking the rainforest was cleaned daily and was truly wonderful. The balcony was amazing.
Service
10.0
The service was great, with everyone from the front desk staff to the waiters being friendly and eager to help. I really appreciated their attentiveness.
Location
8.0
Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the resort was in a beautifully landscaped area with iguanas roaming around. I recommend wearing sandals on the beach due to the hot black volcanic sand.
Dining
7.0
While I enjoyed the food, with some highlights being the steakhouse and fusion dining options, there were a lot of deep-fried items and not as much variety as I hoped for. The buffet had many choices but repeated some dishes.
Facilities
8.0
The resort offered great facilities like room service, dry cleaning, and tour assistance, making our stay very comfortable.
Raymond
United States, December  2024
5.0/10

I recently stayed at the Riu Palace Costa Rica and it was an lovely experience! The hotel was stunning and well-maintained, and I loved the variety of food options available. The service was generally excellent, though there were a few hiccups with room service. Overall, this was the perfect getaway, and I can't wait to return!

Rooms
9.0
The room was beautifully decorated with an very nice ocean view. I loved the large whirlpool tub and the king bed was super comfy! However, the cleaning schedule wasn't consistent as my room wasn't cleaned every day.
Service
8.0
The service was mostly fantastic, with friendly staff who always seemed happy. They even sent wine and champagne to my room when I mentioned it was my honeymoon, which was a lovely touch! I did experience some disappointment with room service, as the clubhouse sandwiches were soggy.
Location
10.0
The hotel is located on a clean, beautiful beach that felt fairly secluded. I appreciated that there weren't too many sellers bothering me, and I enjoyed nice walks along the shore. There are activities nearby, and I loved the proximity to Coco Beach for some local culture!
Dining
9.0
Dining options were plentiful, with a variety of restaurants to choose from. I really enjoyed the themed buffet and my favorite was the Kristal restaurant. The steakhouse had awesome steaks, though I did wish the knives were sharper to make cutting easier!
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were impressive, with multiple pools and bars. The Coconut pool bar was my personal fave for drinks, and there was even 24-hour snack service, which was a huge plus. I found the entertainment options engaging, especially the Crazy Show featuring the staff!
Frances
United States, December  2024
5.0/10

I had an enjoyable stay overall at Riu Palace Costa Rica, but there were significant drawbacks. The food options were excellent, with a great buffet and themed restaurants like Krystal and Tokio standing out. However, my room had quite a few issues, including a broken shower head and general wear and tear that should be addressed. The staff were friendly, but I encountered inconsistent service throughout my time there.

Rooms
5.0
My room was clean but had several maintenance issues, like a broken shower head and rust in places. It definitely needs some updates.
Service
6.0
While some staff were friendly, I experienced lack of empathy from others, especially during room issues. It varied throughout my stay.
Location
9.0
The resort is situated in a stunning location on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, which adds to its charm.
Dining
8.0
Dining options were impressive, with a diverse buffet and specialized restaurants. I really enjoyed the meals at Krystal and Tokio.
Facilities
7.0
The pool area had good availability, and I enjoyed the activities like foam parties, but the few washrooms were inconveniently located.
John
United States, November  2024
7.4/10

I had an amazing stay at Riu Palace Costa Rica, enjoying beautiful weather, delicious food, and stunning wildlife right at my doorstep. The facilities were great with various pools to choose from, though the hotel layout could be more convenient as everything felt a bit far apart. Overall, I'd absolutely return for the very nice experience and warm service!

Rooms
10.0
My room was spacious with a luxurious jet bath and a big shower. I loved the peaceful garden view, away from the noise of the entertainment.
Service
10.0
The staff were friendly and worked hard, always making sure my needs were met. They added a personal touch that made my stay even better.
Location
6.0
The hotel is on a quiet, volcanic beach which I appreciated. However, it's a bit isolated with limited shopping or local activities nearby.
Dining
10.0
The buffet food was delicious, with plenty of options that catered to various tastes. I especially enjoyed the steak and lobster at the specialty restaurant.
Facilities
7.0
There were lovely pools to relax in, but I wish the pool bar was a bit bigger and that the beach bar was closer.
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Breakfast
At the hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica guests are invited to a buffet breakfast served for free.  The hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica provides visitors with a free continental breakfast.  The hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica serves a american breakfast for free. 
Year renovated:
2012
Number of floors:
6
Number of rooms:
538
FAQs
About Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
How far is Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica from Liberia Airport?
The hotel is 35 km from Liberia Airport, which takes approximately 47 minutes by car.
What dining options are available at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica?
The hotel features four themed a la carte restaurants and a lobby café that serves ice cream, pastries, and coffee.
Is there a pool at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica?
The hotel offers multiple outdoor swimming pools, including a relaxation pool and a pool with a swim-up bar.
What amenities are included in the rooms at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica?
Rooms include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and laptop-compatible safes.
What activities does Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica offer for children?
The hotel has a dedicated kids' club with indoor and outdoor play areas, a shallow kids' pool, and paid babysitting services.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica?
Check-in time is 15:00 and check-out time is 12:00.
Are there business facilities at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica?
The hotel offers five modern conference rooms that can accommodate up to 730 people.
What recreational activities can guests enjoy at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica?
Guests can enjoy water sports activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Is parking available at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica?
Yes, the hotel provides free parking for its guests.

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Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica

300 m from center
290 US$
322 US$
per night
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