Jr. Suite
Standard junior suite accommodation with the resort's all-inclusive amenities.
On-site
Amenities
Outdoor pool with swim-up bar (6 pools total)
Splash Water World water park
Renova Spa & wellness center
Fully equipped gym and RIU Fit activities
5 restaurants and 7 bars
24-hour all-inclusive service
RIULand kids' club
Beachfront location
Nightclub / RIU Party entertainment
Free WiFi throughout
Where to stay
Room & suite types
Jr. Suite Connecting (2 rooms)
Two connecting junior suites, ideal for families needing extra space.
Jr. Suite Garden View
A junior suite overlooking the resort gardens.
Our local insight
Best suited to families and groups who want a hassle-free, all-in-one beach vacation with pools, water slides, and nightly entertainment. If you're after quiet boutique intimacy or deep cultural immersion, look elsewhere.
Why travelers love
This resort
See how this property matches different travel styles before planning your stay.
Beach Families
RIULand kids' club, the Splash Water World water park, and Fun4All family programming keep children entertained all day.
All-Inclusive Seekers
24-hour all-inclusive service across 5 restaurants and 7 bars means a truly hassle-free, everything-covered holiday.
Destination Wedding Couples
The beachfront setting on Playa Matapalo and dedicated groups-and-events services make it a scenic spot for ceremonies.
Private Tours
Private Tours From Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
Staying at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica makes it easy to explore Papagayo and Guanacaste beyond the resort. Wild Papagayo offers private tours with hotel pickup from Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica to waterfalls, wildlife areas, volcanoes, hot springs and adventure destinations throughout the region.
Popular options include Buena Vista Mega Combo, Miravalles Volcano Waterfalls & Natural Spa, Sloth Adventure & Chocolate Tour and other private day trips tailored to your group.
Explore Private ToursSignature experiences
Curated experiences from this resort
Most popular
Local favorite
Adventure pick
Buena Vista Mega Combo
Private full-day adventure at Buena Vista, Guanacaste, zip line, waterslide, hot springs and more. Certified bilingual guide. Book via WhatsApp with Wild Papagayo.
Miravalles Volcano Waterfalls & Natural Spa
Private full-day at Miravalles Volcano, 3 cascading waterfalls, geothermal hot springs and volcanic mud treatments in a live crater. Lunch and all entrance fees included.
Sloth Adventure & Chocolate Tour
Private chocolate tour from cacao tree to handmade bar, then a short hike in Bijagua to observe wild sloths, butterflies and toucans in their natural habitat. Lunch included. Easy, all ages.
Real guest sentiment
What Guests Are Saying
4.3/5 on Google · 6933 reviews
“Our rooms were cleaned and bed linens looked adorable everyday as they took the time to make adorable shapes out of the top fabric strip! Details were so thought out!! You can always find a pool chair or beach chair / you never have to get up early to reverse a good seat. They make sure there are plenty for ALL gu...”
Vickie Wieberga month ago“We had an exceptional dining experience at the steakhouse at the Riu Palace Costa Rica, and it was one of the highlights of our vacation. We were celebrating my mother's 70th birthday with 31 of our closest friends and family, and the evening was made truly unforgettable thanks to the outstanding service from Junes...”
Martina Lewisa month ago“Resort was beautiful and the service and the staff were phenomenal. We received outstanding service at the pool and pretty much every bar. Jeff and Kenny were especially great! Shows were very good as well as the restaurants. Enjoyed the sports bar especially for how cool it was inside. Rooms and Palace area in...”
Sean McKinneya month agoTransportation & Guides
Guanacaste Airport (LIR)
41-53 minutes (33.2 km) by private transfer.
San Jose Airport (SJO)
224-286 minutes (240.8 km) by private transfer.
Private Tour Pickup
Wild Papagayo can arrange private pickup directly from Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica for tours and excursions. Your departure time is coordinated around your selected experience, group size and itinerary, so you do not need to travel to a separate meeting point.
Liberia Airport Transportation
Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica is served by Guanacaste Airport (LIR). Read our Liberia Airport Transportation Guide → Book Your Private Transfer to Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica →
Private Driver
Door-to-door private transportation for every tour and excursion -- no shared shuttles, no waiting on other guests.
Certified Local Guides
Every experience is led by a bilingual, certified local guide who knows Papagayo firsthand.
Getting oriented
Where you'll be
Planning your trip
Best time to visit
Costa Rica, month by month
Compare rainfall, temperatures and crowds across the whole country.
Browse weather by month →Planning your trip
Where to Eat Nearby
Real, currently-rated options near Papagayo, sourced live from Google.
Niri Beach Club
Restaurante Chao Pescao.
Olas at Prieta Beach Club
Peninsula CR Steak & Seafood Grill
Prieta Beach Club
Casa de Playa
Plan with confidence
Travel insights
Destination Guides
Costa Rica Place Names Travelers Often Get Wrong
Tourism, social media and online maps can popularize names that differ from Costa Rica’s official cartography. Discover why correct place names matter.
Weather & Seasons
Costa Rica in September: Will Rain Ruin Your Tours?
September rain rarely cancels tours in Guanacaste and Arenal. Here's how the green season actually works and how to plan around it.
Tours & Experiences
Is Ostional Turtle Watching Worth It From Papagayo?
Ostional turtle watching can be worth the long trip from Papagayo for wildlife-focused travelers, especially when a larger olive ridley arribada is active.
Before you arrive
Frequently asked questions
What room categories does Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica offer?
The resort offers Jr. Suites, connecting Jr. Suites with two rooms, and garden-view Jr. Suites, many designed with sea views, plus fully accessible options.
Is the resort all-inclusive and what's included?
Yes, it's a 24-hour all-inclusive resort with 5 restaurants, 7 bars, six pools, a swim-up bar, spa, gym, and the Splash Water World water park.
Where is Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica located?
It sits directly on Playa Matapalo near Sardinal in Guanacaste, roughly under an hour from Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia.
Can I book private tours from Riu Palace Costa Rica?
Yes. Wild Papagayo offers private tours with direct hotel pickup from Riu Palace Costa Rica, including waterfalls, wildlife, volcanoes and adventure day trips throughout Guanacaste.
Does Wild Papagayo pick up directly from Riu Palace?
Yes. Private pickup is arranged directly from the resort, so there is no separate meeting point to reach on your own.
How far is Riu Palace Costa Rica from Liberia Airport?
Approximately 41 to 53 minutes by private transfer from Guanacaste Airport (LIR), about 33 km away.
What are the best day trips from Riu Palace Costa Rica?
Popular options include the Buena Vista Mega Combo, Miravalles Volcano, and sloth and wildlife experiences, along with private day trips to Río Celeste and other Guanacaste destinations.
Hotel details can change. Confirm resort-specific amenities and policies on the official hotel website.