Rating8.4
Rating8.0
Rating8.1Adults OnlyThirteen room categories after the 2025 expansion, ranging from standard rooms to the new swim-up rooms and ocean-view suites with jacuzzis. The swim-up rooms (18+ only) are the headline addition — directly accessible from a dedicated pool. Ocean-view suites with jacuzzi are the top tier. Standard rooms are 388 sq ft; suites and family configurations are larger.
Guest room at Hotel Riu Guanacaste
Courtesy of RIU Hotels & Resorts
Guest room at Hotel Riu Guanacaste
Courtesy of RIU Hotels & Resorts
Guest room at Hotel Riu Guanacaste
Courtesy of RIU Hotels & Resorts
Balcony or terrace
Entry-level room, no view designation. King or twin configuration. The 2025 renovation updated these rooms — condition concerns from pre-2025 reviews no longer apply. Good base for guests spending most time outdoors.
Garden view
Standard room with a garden-facing view. Quieter than ocean-facing rooms. A practical upgrade over the standard room for guests who want greenery rather than resort noise outside the window.
Not explicitly stated (Garden View option available)
Two-bedroom configuration for families or groups. Two separate bedrooms with a shared living area. The family-friendly layout for groups who need separate sleeping spaces.
Balcony or terrace
Upgraded room category with better positioning or finishes than the standard double. Worth considering for stays longer than five nights.
Incredible views of the sea
Ocean-facing room — the view across Matapalo Beach is genuinely different here than at Caribbean resorts given the black sand and Pacific horizon. Balcony or terrace.
Not explicitly stated
Step up in size and amenities over the superior double. Interior or garden-facing.
Pool view
Deluxe category with a view of the pool areas. Useful for families who want to keep an eye on children at the pool from the room.
Direct access to a private pool from the terrace
The new category added in the 2025 expansion — ground-floor room opening directly onto a dedicated swim-up pool. Adults only (18+). The most distinctive room option on the property. Limited availability; book early. The direct pool access means no sun lounger competition for these rooms' private pool area.
Not explicitly stated
Larger room designed for groups of friends or family traveling together. Multiple beds in a single space.
Garden view
Same large format with a garden-facing view. Quieter positioning for a group room.
Not explicitly stated
Two-bedroom suite — one room with a king, a second with twin beds. Separate living area. Sleeps up to 5. The recommended option for families with children who want privacy.
Ocean view
Suite-tier room with ocean views. Larger living space, premium positioning. Best for couples who want more space and a meaningful view.
Ocean vistas and private whirlpool tubs
Top-of-property category — ocean views plus an in-room or balcony jacuzzi. The jacuzzi overlooking Matapalo Beach is the highest-value view combination on the property. Limited inventory.
