When the temperatures drop well below zero and snowstorms set in, Canadian winters can become pretty unbearable. They can have anyone dreaming of heading south to a warmer climate.
One country that Canadians love visiting is Costa Rica. This country is located south of the equator and offers tons of outdoor activities for Canadians wanting a break from the freezing winter weather.
Anyone wanting to visit Costa Rica should consider a stay at the Riu Guanacaste. Here's what you need to know about staying at this incredible vacation spot.
Riu Guanacaste is an all-inclusive resort located in the beautiful country of Costa Rica. The resort is a four-star property and is open 24-hours a day, allowing late check-ins and service all hours of the night.
Guests can stay in a wide range of suites on the property. They can choose from family suites, ocean view rooms, and romantic stays for couples.
No matter which they choose, they'll find great in-room amenities such as flat-screen TVs and in-room tea and coffee.
Anyone wanting to travel to Costa Rica will love the ecology of this unique country. Costa Rica is an extremely biodiverse nation that is home hundreds of thousands of plants and animals.
The country has a mostly tropical climate with temperatures that are fairly warm throughout the year. There is a dry season and a rainy season, with the rainy season bringing hurricanes and high levels of humidity.
A few common animals you might see include jaguars, toucans, monkeys, and sloths. The wildlife is just one of the many reasons why Costa Rica is one of the best places to visit!
Getting to Riu Guanacaste
Are you ready to pack your bags and book your flight? Here's what you need to know about getting to Riu Guanacaste.
Location
Riu Guanacaste is located in Matapolo, Costa Rica. The hotel is situated on the shores of Playa Matapolo, which means guests can take in beautiful ocean views.
Transportation
The hotel is located just 23km from the Liberia Airport, which will take you less than 30 minutes drive. You'll need to rent a car or get a taxi to reach the hotel, but both are affordable options.
Local Language and Culture
Costa Rica is a Central American country that has a culture blending Spanish and indigenous traditions. It's a country that was founded by Christopher Colombus and has since been a Democratic nation. The nation is known to be laid-back and friendly, while the people are known to be very happy. The slogan for Costa Rica is, "Pura vida!" which means "pure life". This slogan fully encompasses the beauty, vibrancy, and loveliness of the culture.
Costa Ricans care deeply about the environment, which shows in the way they keep their cities and beaches clean. You'll find environmentalism deeply embedded in the culture of this country.
Is It Beneficial to Know a Little Spanish?
The national language of Costa Rica is Spanish. If you're planning to venture off the resort, knowing a little Spanish will make it much easier to get by. If you'll spend the entire vacation at the Riu Guanacaste, however, the multilingual staff will be more than capable of caring for you.
The Atmosphere at Riu Guanacaste
The Riu Guanacaste has a family-friendly atmosphere. You'll find kids and families roaming the property, giving it a cozy feeling and bringing life to the resort.
It's also quite a modern hotel. This hotel has clean stone facades and state-of-the-art decor that makes it feel like you're living in the lap of luxury.
How Do People Rate the Service?
Overall guests felt that the service at the Riu Guanacaste was great. The 24-hour guest services team made it easy for guests to get questions answered or get additional service at any time of night.
Guests really applauded the cleaning staff. Some staff members even got shout-outs thanks to their amazing capability at keeping guest rooms clean at all times.
Hotel Amenities
There are tons of outstanding amenities to take advantage of when you visit the Riu Guanacaste. Here are some of the top perks and benefits of staying at this hotel.
Restaurants
There are five different restaurants located at the Riu Guanacaste. The restaurants are a mix of buffet-style restaurants and a la carte dining for those who want a sit-down meal.
Guests can choose from a number of different types of meals, including international meals, Asian food, Italian meals, steak and grilled dishes, and gourmet meals. Some restaurants are casual while others require formal attire.
Bars
This vacation spot features five different bars, all great places to sit down and grab a drink. The lobby bar is the perfect place to enjoy a welcome cocktail when you arrive while the sports bar gives you a chance to keep up with your favourite sports teams.
If you'd rather have a more relaxing experience, head to the lounge or the 24-hour bar. Both are great places to hang out and relax for the afternoon. Or, cool off at the pool bar.
Regardless of which bar you choose, you'll have access to amazing mixed drinks and delicious wines. We recommend ordering a Guaro Sour, the national drink of Costa Rica!
Renova Spa
What better way to enjoy your vacation than to spend an afternoon at the spa? The Renova Spa features a sauna and a whirlpool bath where you can relax and unwind.
You can also treat yourself to soothing massages. Or, opt for a facial or body treatment for glowing skin. Care for your hair and nails at the spa's salon to really give yourself the VIP treatment.
Sports and Recreation
The hotel has an onsite gym for guests 18 and older. The gym includes strength and cardio machines, including treadmills and exercise bikes. It's a great place to burn off some calories during your stay!
If you'd rather work out on the tennis court, you'll love the floodlit court. Grab a racket and start a game of tennis during the day or night time.
Nearby the hotel is a 72-Par golf course. It's the ideal place to practice your swing and spend an afternoon outdoors.
Finally, guests who want a little adventure can go horseback riding. Horseback riding is available just off the resort and is an amazing way to see more of Costa Rica.
Watersports
There are tons of amazing watersports you can participate in at the Riu Guanacaste. Learn to scuba dive in the hotel's pool and then try diving beneath the ocean waves. Or, try snorkelling and checking out the beautiful fish that call the area home.
If you'd rather have a more adventurous experience, check out the waterpark. The waterpark has a series of slides and a lazy river where kids can hang out and have some fun. The park is ideal for children over age 12.
Finally, there are plenty of boating activities as well. You can go paddle-boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and bodyboarding as part of your stay at the hotel.
Kids Entertainment
The hotel runs daily entertainment for children ages four to twelve every day. These activities include supervised beachfront activities as well as shows and games appropriate for younger guests.
There's also a playground for kids to enjoy. Plus, the Mini Club for toddlers under age four is a great place for little tykes to run around and have some fun.
Entertainment
Every night the Riu Guanacaste comes to life with amazing entertainment. You can enjoy the weekly Riu Get Together Party where you'll have the chance to meet other guests staying at the hotel.
Later in the week, head to the disco for an evening of dancing and music. Or, relax and unwind at one of the cultural shows or at the live music performances hosted by the hotel.
Excursions
There are some amazing excursions you can take advantage of while staying at the Riu Guanacaste. Here are some of our favourite attractions to check out during your stay.
Liberia
Liberia is a town that's located a little ways off the resort. It's a great place to explore if you want to get an idea of Costa Rican culture!
Spend the afternoon participating in a walking tour to learn more about the history or treat yourself to some local cuisine at one of the restaurants. Whatever you choose, you'll love the culture of Costa Rica.
Palo Verde National Park
Palo Verde National Park is a gorgeous national park and the perfect way to get up close and personal with Costa Rica's wildlife. Observe egrets and spoonbills in their natural habitat or simply enjoy a stroll among the wetlands found in this preserve.
Arenal Volcano
Hikers and outdoorsmen will love the chance to spend time at Arenal Volcano. This unique natural landform is a great place to walk around for the day and take in beautiful views of Costa Rica.
If you don't want to hike, book a horseback tour of this volcano. The tour will take you across streams and plains and give you amazing photo opportunities!
Coco Beach
Wanting to hit the beach and enjoy some time in the sun? Be sure to check out Coco Beach! This beautiful beach has great snorkelling opportunities and beautiful views of the ocean. You're in for a relaxing day filled with sun, crystal blue waters, and gorgeous white sand.
Is the Riu Guanacaste Kid-Friendly or Adults Only?
One of the reasons why guests love the Riu Guanacaste is that it's a family-friendly resort. Many tropical resorts in Costa Rica only cater to adults, but at this hotel, even the little ones will have fun!
Kids can enjoy daily activities scheduled by the staff. Plus, there are fun nightlife entertainment events scheduled that little ones can hang out at with their parents.
Is It Safe to Travel off the Resort Alone?
If solo travel is something you love then you'll be pleased to know that it's safe to travel off the Riu Guanacaste property on your own. Costa Rica is considered generally safe for solo tourists.
Anyone who plans to travel alone should take care of their valuables. Leave expensive items in the hotel when heading off the property and be sure to let the front desk know where you are heading and when you intend on leaving.
Are There Extra Costs to be Aware Of?
Even though Riu Guanacaste is an all-inclusive resort, there are a few add-ons you can take advantage of. A few amenities that cost extra include:
The nightclub
The casino
Conference rooms
Medical assistance
Gift shops
Laundry service
Concierge service
Spa services
Horseback riding
Billiards
Scuba diving
Golf
Even though they cost a little extra, these add-ons can add something special to your trip to make it unforgettable.
Best Time to Visit Riu Guanacaste
The ideal time to visit the Riu Guanacaste is between December and April. This marks Costa Rica's dry season, meaning you'll be able to enjoy clear skies and warm temperatures while you're there.
It's also an ideal time for avoiding inclement weather. During the rainy season, hurricanes often blow in as do heavy rains, which can make visiting local attractions very difficult.
Overall Reviews
Guests who stay at the Riu Guanacaste give the hotel fantastic ratings. Its overall rating is a 4/5 on TripAdvisor.
While the hotel receives good ratings across the board, guests state that the cleaning crew really goes above and beyond. The hotel looks and feels pristine, which is part of what makes it such an amazing place to stay.
NAME
DETAILS
Star rating
4
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes
Is it safe to travel off the resort alone?
Yes
Best time to visit
December - April
What Are You Waiting For? Book Your Trip Today!
The Riu Guanacaste is an amazing hotel to stay at if you want to experience Costa Rica. It's the perfect way to explore this beautiful country and create the vacation of a lifetime!
Before you book your dream getaway, make sure you take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Contact Insurdinary and we'll get you a quote for travel insurance.
