Palaces in Guanacaste

"The pictures posted for this resort are 16 yrs old. There is no wifi in any rooms, all the decor is outdated and smells of mold. The views from the balcony are of other rooms roofs. The buffet is always the same, dry, undercooked and no variety. They close everything down at the pool area at 10 pm- lights and all. No drinks or ice unless you hike up an inclined hill in 108 degree weather. The hotdogs for the kids were so old and dry that they looked like sun dried veiny wiener raisin. The shuttle from the airport never came to pick me up- had to pay a random taxi cash plus tip- because he asked for it- to make it there- plus the hotel had to provide the ride back to the airport back- so paying for the round trip, why did I? The false advertising of the food, views, rooms, all of it- very deceiving. Making my first time out of the country the worst experience. Told to download the whatsapp to communicate- yet you can’t use it without wifi- which was nonexistent. No phones in any rooms. No room service as advertised because how would I call for it? Rice in the morning, rice in the evening, rice at supper time. What a joke and a disappointing vacation"

"Great location. Friendly staff. Rooms are spacious and clean. Pools are well maintained. Totally a great experience "

"Overalls a decent trip and all serving staff and welcoming staff were wonderful. Our concierge Kevin was very helpfull and available. Food was good! I was disappointed in the replenishment of drinks and snacks in our room…the last day we had no face clothes replaced and the hotel lotion bottle not replaced. To me these little things that moved my rating down…outside of that it was a really good experience. "

"The W hotel did not disappoint phenomenon, property with privacy and all the things to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Excellent food, great service the rooms and the views are phenomenal. Family pool with the beach was a huge hit with our kids."

"It was an incredible experience. Amazing staf, great rooms, food was almost great (but I'm a very spoiled customer, lol)"

"Clean room, friendly staff, outdoor pool/bar area is really nice! Super close to airport (2 minute drive) and free shuttle."

"The negatives: The only option to eat was the restaurant, nowhere else delivered so we had to eat there. We had very poor service at the restaurant and the food was not good and very expensive for what it was. After we ate it took about 30 minutes just to get the bill. The hotel room was fine but I found it too expensive. The positives were the check in staff were very nice. It was nice they held our luggage when our room wasn’t ready yet, and the shuttle was great. "

"Miss the à la cart restaurants. Riu’s are better than buffets in all restaurants but one. "

"Great beach. Coarse shell sand but still ok on bare feet. Not overly busy and right off the resort. Waves not really big enough to boogie board on but good for smaller kids to play. Pool is very nice with lots of lounging areas. Entertainment area with pool tables, ping pong and fooseball - great for kids/teens. Spacious and quiet rooms with great amenities. Animals on the resort are a highlight (iguanas, monkeys, raccoons). Food was excellent with nice variety and good quality. Staff was helpful and friendly. No complaints other than our check in was very slow."