Riu Guanacaste – All Inclusive: A Tale of Feasting Fails and Beachfront Bliss

Ah, the Riu Guanacaste—an all inclusive resort where tropical paradise meets a few unexpected surprises. This Riu Guanacaste review will dive into the details. Let’s dive in, shall we?? Check out our trip here!

Food – ⭐☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Let’s just say, at the Riu Guanacaste, if you’re a foodie, this might not be your dream destination. The buffet was… fine, if you stuck to the basics, but the specialty restaurants didn’t offer much of a change—they were just more buffet with a different name. The bright spot? The kids practically lived on the chicken nuggets from the poolside snack bar, which turned out to be the most consistent meal option. As for the drinks, the alcohol-free strawberry daiquiris were a huge hit with the little ones, and honestly, they were one of the better things on the menu.

Rooms – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

The rooms were spacious, clean, and a great escape from the sun. The beds were on the firmer side—great if you prefer extra support, but maybe not ideal if you like sinking into a cloud at night. Still, after a long day in the sun, getting some rest wasn’t too difficult in your Riu Guanacaste room. If you like to go to sleep before 10 pm, don’t bother the live, thunderous performances will keep you awake until then.

Beach – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

The private beach was absolutely stunning—soft sand, warm waves, and picture-perfect sunsets. The only downside? The vendors. They were friendly but persistent, so if you’re hoping for uninterrupted relaxation, be prepared to say “no, gracias” quite a few times at Riu Guanacaste.

Pools & Water Park – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

The pools were a definite highlight—plenty of space, well-maintained, and great for both kids and adults. The water park was a fun bonus, though a word of advice: wear a shirt on the slides. They’re fast, and bare skin meets friction in a way that’s not exactly pleasant while enjoying the amenities of Riu Guanacaste.

Overall Verdict:

If you’re coming for gourmet dining, you might be disappointed, but if you’re here for the beach, pools, and family fun, you’ll have a great time. Just bring some snacks for variety!

Final Score: 3/5 – Beautiful setting, great for families, but the food leaves something to be desired and thus, this Riu Guanacaste review reflects that.