Hotel Riu Guanacaste 5*

Very pretty. They work hard to keep the grounds clean and pretty. They are very nice. The food was good. Our favorite was the Italian restaurant. The steakhouse was good. Breakfast is best in the Italian restaurant. It’s the same food as the main buffet but it’s much less crowded. It’s a very long walk to the room when you stay in building 6. It was a 1/2 mile round trip for coffee at the sports bar and we were only halfway down the building. . It’s a lot of walking and if you have mobility issues it’s challenging. Housekeeping isn’t great. One day they only gave us one washcloth and NO COFFEE. Another day they didn’t restock the refrigerator. The pool had tons of bugs and debris floating. I would have skimmed it if I could find a skimmer. I didn’t have any stomach issues until I started drinking the water. Then I was up for hours in the bathroom. It was a nice stay but I wouldn’t go there again.

Great stay. My wife and I traveled with our three teens ages 18,17, and 14. The kids loved the resort. The pools had plenty of space and loungers. The bars were near each pool and were eager to serve. The beach was dark volcanic sand with more loungers than people. The water was clear with no seaweed. My son and I snorkled at nearby rocks seeing many interesting fish and rays. The rooms were newly remodeled and spacious. Check in was quick and easy. The in room amenities were as expected with mini fridge of drinks and alcohol dispensers. I suspect the in room alcohol dispensers as well as drinks at the bar were so ewhat watered down like at most all inclusives. The cleaning staff were all very friendly. Rooms cleaned dai.y. Front desk was always able to address any concerns. Activities surprised me with how many and well done. There was live music every night and the mainshows were well choreographed fun. The world cup was happening while were there so a huge screen was brought in for fans. The water slides were a favorite for our sons. They were located very close to our rooms. Surprised they are not more strongly marketed. The amenities were excellent. There are 6 restaurants and reservations were only needed at the steakhouse. The steakhouse was probably our least favorite but was one of only two sit down non buffet style. The Asian was the adults favorite with lots of options for sushi and seafood options. The teens loved the main buffet. It was far better food than I have experienced at other all inclusives. We fished one day catching Mahi and yellow fin tuna. The chef cooked it making some of the best fish I have ever had with a sauce that was top notch. Bars were all well staffed and great service much better than I have experienced at other all inclusives. We were well taken care of but Moses at Tamrindo and Aaron at the Plaza bar who went out of their way to help us and be personable. The resort is geared toward families however it was certainly one of best host relaxing trips we have taken. It is clean and well stocked with all the drinks or food you could want. One down side is no room service and there was only one place on site to get sunscreen. We went on a fishing trip and an excursion to hotsprings, sloth seeing, and waterfalls. Know up front that the advertised people like tours with frank the tank or Anthony adventures are brokers who send you to third party operations. Both tours we had were great but make sure to shop around as they will be setting you up with the same third parties. Bring cash for these events or you can get cash at the money exchange for about a 5% mark up which seemed reasonable. All in all would recommend strongly if traveling with your family. We have been to all inclusives in sient marteen, dominican republic, Jamaica, cruise, greece, Bahamas, Probably best all inclusive experience with our Greece trip second for the resort experience.