Full Review of Riu Guanacaste All-Inclusive Resort (Costa Rica)

I'm sharing my full review of the RIU Guanacaste All-Inclusive Resort where my husband and I stayed when we went to Costa Rica. The RIU Guanacaste has many features that I will review, some free amenities and some that you will need to pay for. I'll review the rooms at the RIU as well as the dining. So many restaurants to visit. We flew into the Liberia Airport and enjoyed many tours. You will see the word hotel, but this is an all-inclusive resort. And we have stayed at two other RIU resorts so we knew what to expect. #costaricatraveltips
Where We Stayed (highly recommend): bit.ly/RIUGuanacaste
Next Door to the RIU (more $$): bit.ly/WhiteRIUPalace
My Recommendations:
Sunsect Lotion: rstyle.me/+9UJrlP5vF5JzGojG9d...
Canvas Bag: amzn.to/2KhHkIy
The Tour Groups We Used:
1. Travel from Liberia Airport to Resort: bit.ly/SwissTourCR
2. River Cruise, Coyote Ranch Lunch, Diria Coffee Tour All Day Tour: bit.ly/CentAmerTours
3. Zip Line Tour: bit.ly/AlexBeachTours
4. The Congo Trail Zip Line, but Alex (abov) set it up
Other Videos:
bit.ly/10DayPackingTips
bit.ly/BestShoesTravel
bit.ly/2022MistakesTSA
POP over and say hi:
Instagram: traveltipsbylaurie
Occasionally I use affiliate links, and all opinions that POP into my head are my honest ones.

[@JustNelli]

Hi Laurie, I am Chanel. As a travel agent I was in the midst of reviewing Hotels for clients and this popped up and I just want to THANK YOU for solidifying my choice of the RIU GUANACASTE. Have a great day!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for watching! Sorry I missed this comment so long ago.

[@dewaynewestmoreland3773]

Omg. Please continue to do these reviews of the places you go and stay at. They are very helpful. And, very fun to watch.

[@janicew6222]

I love your videos, you get right to the point, are pithy and concise. You have a nice voice and are easy to listen to as you talk. Thank you!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thank you for watching, Janice.

[@melissavanloon]

Thank you for the great info because this is my second time and watching this brings back some many memories- Maya

[@jeremyberg1976]

Heading here at the end of February. This was very informative and I appreciate you taking the time to put it together for those of out there with many of these questions!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for watching!

[@dlm1154]

Thank you so much!! This was an awesome review. So detailed and full of all the information I want to know.. it's like we think about the same things!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Glad it was helpful! I looked and looked before our first visit too. Thank you for watching!

[@claudiarawks9057]

I love your video!!!! Very informative you answered a lot of my questions!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Claudia, I'm so glad! Thank you for watching!

[@sallagrotteria6351]

Thank you for taking the time to create this video, my family and I truly appreciate it! We are headed to the Riu Palace this June of 2019!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

AWESOME! One subscriber just left on Wednesday so I'm hoping he can answer other question here too. Thank you for watching!

[@louischarles149]

Thank you for creating this review, myself and my wife truly appreciate it. We are vacationing there in February and by for this is the best review we have watched.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

That made my day! Thank you for watching!

[@angelacollins2838]

Thank you fir the video. My family and I are vacationing in Costa Rica fir the first time in July. Can’t wait!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Have an excellent time relaxing and adventuring!

[@Blackprince123456]

Wonderful review. Visiting there later on this year and watching this has made me even more excited 😊

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It's going to be great! Thank you for watching!

[@DavidErwin411Digital]

That was great. You are a natural - hope you are having fun popping .

[@lynngillian-nowak91]

Thanks so much! Your review helped us decide to book our trip here!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hopefully it was detailed enough. Have fun! And thanks for watching.

[@jenelldouglas7657]

Thanks for sharing and posting the links! We are going in March 2019 which I believe is the dry season. Your video made me feel more comfortable in knowing what to expect :-)

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh good! Thank you for watching!

[@1forthepeople969]

@Laurie: Very wonderful review.Really enjoyed your video. It is very informative, full of good information and fabulous tips! Thank you for sharing.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for watching!

[@denisepistey]

This is going to be our next vacation! Thank you!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh, awesome!!! We love RIU properties. Thank you for watching, Denise!

[@mikeminniti795]

Thank you Laurie for all the information. We are booked at the RUI for the March break and really looking forward to are trip to Costa Rica.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

So so so happy for y'all!

[@dewaynewestmoreland3773]

Great video. Wonderful advice and info. Thank you. This place looks amazing. I would love to go.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ElisaCaspare]

That was an amazing and thorough review thanks so much

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Elisa, I'm so glad! Thank you for watching!

[@Caper1960]

Thank you, we were looking at going there from Whitby, Ontario, Canada. Great indepth review!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for watching!

[@jillbrooks1492]

Def keep in mind for a future trip. Very helpful!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh, super, Jill. Have a great weekend, friend!

[@antmazzuca8]

My wife and I leave for Riu Guanacaste Palace on Wednesday and we cannot wait. Thank you so much for your videos. They are a huge help!!!!!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi! Hope it's totally awesome! If you have time to add to any other questions above, please feel free. Thank you for watching!

[@TheTmallory]

I just booked a trip to the Riu Palace for June. I would love to hear if you were happy with your trip and the report, Anthony. Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

[@willisowen7419]

headed to plaza DEL COCO on Tuesday,your video's were very helpful...thank you from Oregon!!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh, have such a great time! We love your state!!! Thanks for watching!

[@Tina_Haffey]

Leaving in 3 weeks! Great info, thank you!!!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Have such a great time! Thanks for watching!

[@balancedhealthyliving6500]

Wow, that’s so great that you live in Houston, and the flight is quicker. I live in Austin Tx, I love how close Costa Rica is for us Texans. ❤️😊

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Woohoo! I just wish it was a little cooler. We've had such a great, true winter this year, right?! Happy travels to you and thank you very much for watching!

[@suzannegorry5260]

Hi thanks for such an informative video.were looking at staying here,but we're traveling from Aberdeen in Scotland but the place looks amazing and as we're celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary this looks ideal because we normally cruise the Caribbean. Once again thanks.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

We wanted a beach that was close to the airport. I've heard the beaches are much prettier near the San Jose airport fyi. But we thoroughly enjoyed this area! Thank you for watching!

[@melindaharrington6632]

Hi Laurie . Just found your video of RIU IN Guanacaste. I will be there this summer. Thank you so much for sharing your info about the Resort. You inspire to give my opinion in the RIU Playa Car in Riviera Maya. I will be watching more of your videos.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

We loved it and enjoy RIUs. Thank you for watching!

[@dvm317]

Thanks a lot for the concise review. very much appreciated ! :)

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I'm so glad this review helped! Thank you for watching and especially for letting me know. Have a great trip!

[@Michelleeew]

Thanks so much for posting this video, I have been debating on this resort for just about 6 months. I will definitely be booking this resort for our Anniversary, we are from Dallas and plan to travel to Houston to catch a flight because its hundreds of dollars cheaper. Thanks for the review!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Super! We loved it especially because it was only 45 mins from the airport. And you can pay to take a dinner cruise or day trip to other beaches from that resort. Have fun! Thanks for watching!

[@user-cf8qe5hv7r]

Nicely done Very informative Thanks for your hard work, while on vacation 🤠

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks so much!

[@lauramares8384]

Great video!!! Loved it and very educational

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I'm so very glad, Laura. Thank you for watching!

[@jimcarrell3962]

This was amazing info. Thank you very much!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@shantasticlife9752]

Very thorough video, i stayed in the neighboring Riu Palace and did a review as well. I was not mentally prepared for the beach and sand lol but it was still nice and very calm!! And wow lucky you only a 2 hr flight to this area of costa rica

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

That short flight is always nice! I need to visit the crystal clear and white sand beaches too...if they let us in again. Thank you for watching!

[@RUSSIAN_TEXAN]

Thanks for your awesome review Laurie. Nice to hear usefull vacation tips from Houstonian (we live in Heights area). Me and my wife will stay in Riu Palace Guanacaste in mid-October. I subscribed to you channel and definitely watch your other video. Keep up your exiting video blog!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Anvar, thank you for watching! Please please please let me know how the weather is at that time of year.

[@themagicmessiah372]

How was the weather?

[@gfunk633]

Hello, I have 49 of my family members coming to Riu Gaunacaste on Thursday and we just finished watching you video and we are so thankful for you and this video! By the way we live in Katy!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Woop! Y'all are going to love it! And you're used to the humidity so you'll be acclimated. Doing any tours or just relaxing? Thank you for watching.

[@holisticolive]

Thank you so much for this video! I plan to vlog here as well

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ooh, message me and I'll watch it. Thank you for watching!

[@torontotacoma1008]

thank you for taking the time for posting this, we are considering this resort for our fall vacation, we also like a more affordable resort so we can spend more on excursions, Regards Blair, Toronto Canada

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Wonderful time to visit or get away from Toronto lol. Thanks for watching!

[@josephrodriguez3075]

Hey, thank you! I'm from Costa Rica and I'm visiting RUI Guanacaste in two weeks. I tried looking for detailed reviews in Spanish but I didn't find any. I was surprised when I watched your video, it is very informative and a very good reference for anyone who plans visiting this little but beautiful country.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Joseph, I'm thrilled to know this helped you! We love RIU properties and enjoyed everything about the Guanacaste and its region. Have a wonderful time and many thanks for watching!

[@romyenglish]

Dude if you are from Costa Rica , you shouldn't waste your money on the all bullshit. Take my advise.

[@josecordero1555]

May i know why? im from costa rica as well :)

[@dewaynewestmoreland3773]

Enjoying this video. I have thought about staying at the RIU Aruba.

[@bumblebeejazz1]

Hello , I'm so glad I watched your video me and my wife just book on line a vacation in Riu Guanacaste an hour ago and I don't really know what to expect in this destination I've never been in Costa Rica my original plan was to rent an abnb because I enjoy talking to the locals and learn the culture and try the authentic Costarican food and explore the place but that is not what my wife wants and she wins again booking an all inclusive vacation lol , btw we are from Toronto and will be in Riu Guanacaste in three weeks , thank you for sharing your experience .

[@montydinally2122]

Very informative video. Thanks very much for this.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for watching!

[@marcsilverman4869]

Excellent review, I'm going down there at the end of June.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hope you enjoy it! Thanks so much!

[@susannagyurgchyan5589]

Great video and very helpful, thank you 🙏🏻 ❤️

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alexmusni9883]

Thank you for sharing your experience. God bless you.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for watching!

[@Hope1965]

Thank You for this very informative review.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for watching! I tried to show what I wondered when we were planning our trip.

[@janebecerra8597]

WE stayed here in August 2021. This was the best trip ever! We loved Costa Rica and plan to return to RIU Guanacaste in June 2022. The Diamante EcoAdventure park is right next door and we spent some time there as well. I would definitely recommend this resort for the friendliness of the staff and we felt the quality of the food was really good as well.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Great to hear! Yes, we truly loved it all. And we were skeptical of the tour guides in the lobby, but they were awesome and legit.

[@chrismanning1746]

I just got back from a ten day stay at the RIU Costa Rica Had a wonderful time Also stayed at the RIU Panama a couple of years ago

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yay!!

[@Dancewithpaula]

This is great info. We hope to visit March 2019

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Wonderful! I wish that we would've visited other beaches. My hubby is super white, gets burnt, and then turns super white. So we didn't spend too much time in the direct sun. But I love being on the beach! Good luck finding your spot. Other comments offer other places too btw so check their recommendations out. Thank you for watching!

[@melissavanloon]

pcallihoo I’m ether going in May or March

[@martinward865]

Great info. Leaving Wednesday from the UK.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Have fun! I am so jealous!

[@davidpohl4972]

Sounds good - great job of pointing out some of the features. Thanks! Incidentally did they have a scuba shop on site?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

They did! Loved it! Thank you for watching.

[@bobbydoo100]

We stayed at the Riu Palaces 3 years ago maybe going again in February we had a great time

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I wish we could!

[@dewaynewestmoreland3773]

You make me want to visit here. I've watched this video like 3 or 4 times.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thank you for watching!

[@sherynlepine6205]

Fantastic info.

[@barryhammond8442]

Fantastic info!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Super! Thank you for watching!

[@IngaNoniFayJeth]

Thanks so much for your detailed review! I am considering this hotel for January. I've been to Costa Rica once before, and got caught in a tropical storm...booooo. Miserable experience! I think I am ready for a redo, and your video helps a lot!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Inga, it'll be a beautiful time to visit! Any will be great. Thank you for watching.

[@IngaNoniFayJeth]

Thank you! I just booked today - so excited! :)

[@gsofriends8446]

Laurie, your video is extremely helpful. Hubby and I are going to Costa Rica to stay at the Riu Guanacaste this year (2019). It would be our first time in Costa Rica but not at a Riu resort. Your information was so complete and so helpful, you erased some of my fears and opened me up to being excited about the upcoming trip! I know we will need a shuttle from Liberia Airport to the resort. Does the resort provide transportation, or do we have to arrange for that on our own. Thanks again for your detailed information about the Riu Guanacaste.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

They do not that I know of. We hired a company through Trip Advisor I think. It may be listed in the description box. We also paid a guy to take our luggage from the terminal to the transportation company. We could've done it, but it was a long walk. He was standing outside and we paid in case a few bucks. We were with him the whole way; it was not shady! Thank you for watching!

[@kimberlyhirai7882]

Thank you for the tips! This will be our fourth time to Costa Rica but our first at an all inclusive resort! (so excited!) We'll be traveling with a lot of families from our area so this information will be very helpful. Any tips on surfing and fishing charters?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yay! I know they're out there and I would trust them all honestly. They make their money on tourism so just do your research. Have fun! Thank you for watching!

[@pauletteh7578]

My daughter and family will be in Costa Rica in July. Is this the rainy season? Thanks for all the HINTS; I'll be searching for your other videos regarding this trip. I'm a subscriber !!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Paulette, I do not think it is. But I could be totally wrong. And the country varies so do your research. Thanks for watching!.

[@ginaquiros7750]

Thanks for the info. Going in 2 weeks

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

How is it??! Thanks for watching.

[@josephbailey1995]

Good review!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I really appreciate you saying that!

[@cynthiajimenez7500]

Thank You so much your tips were very helpful. However do you advice to book the excursions on line before hand or at the hotel?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Cynthia, we are hesitant to book with companies in the lobby. However, at this location we saw on another KZbin video that Alex on the Beach was legitimate, but he was on the beach. So we researched Alex on the Beach online a month before arriving. I would say to research the companies before going. The reason A on the B set up on the beach is so he did not have to pay the lobby prices. We got an email with his picture the night before. Highly recommend him. Remember that they make their money through tourism so I believe they would all be legitimate and fantastic. But research! Have such a wonderful time! We felt very safe.

[@Chrissy85308]

Sounds like you had a lot of fun! Perfectly Posh has a body cream called Honey Honey and mosquitoes will not bother you if you have applied it. For some reason they don't like it. It smells great and really moisturizes you skin well.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Will check it out. Thanks!

[@Chrissy85308]

LauriePOP I am having an online Facebook Party if you want to come. It is going on till the 31st. You can find out about all of their natural skincare products. Let me know.

[@Meandtheghosts]

We just came back from Riu Guanacaste yesterday.Spent 10 days there.Really nice hotel!My only problem was, the open bar, or the theatre can be very loud, because of the U shape of the hotel.If you take an advise from me, book a room on the other side, which is overlooking the jungle.If you ask the gardeners, they open up coconuts for you.Just pay him a couple of dollars, that helps the local people, as they very poor.And one more thing.The local shops on the street are extremly expensive, be ready for it.$6 a single Red Bull, or $40 a 200ml Jack Daniels.The Jet Ski tour is $189 for 2 people on one machine, well worth the money!Nicholas was our tour guide, he is a super nice guy!He'll take you to the hidden beaches.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Zoltan, thank you so much for watching and for these tips. I have friends going this summer, and I sent them your info about the jet skis. Glad you had a great vacation!

[@josecordero1555]

well it was expensive cuz ur not from Costa Rica, i lived there, u can get the same tour with the same guys outside the building with a cheaper price.

[@hedgefundshyster..3241]

What a lovely thorough positive review ....with a few constructive criticisms.....sounds like a great value resort.... thank you for your great advice.....a breath of fresh air not having to listen to the moaning whingers.....mostly from the Americans....the British will love this place...

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

We thoroughly loved it It was affordable and luxurious; the food was great too. Thank you for watching!

[@drewjarrell2667]

We flew down to a different airport because it included southwest. Then we drove for 5 hours through the Costa Rican countryside to get to the resort. It was very enlightening and a cool view. But the almost 6 hour drive was too much. Definitely make sure you fly into Liberia.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I hear ya; same thing happened to a friend, but she didn't know about the 4 hour car ride. But I heard the beaches were prettier there. Thanks for watching!

[@davidallangrant2229]

Leaving a week today! I found your video very informative. Was there a big wine selection at the Italian restaurant?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I just wanted cocktails. Remember you're in Costa Rica not Italy so just be mentally prepared or drink cocktails lol. Thank you for watching! You'll have a wonderful time!

[@avieschannel8233]

Great review! My family has been debating this location for next year. Just one question though, how far is the bathrooms and bar area from the beach? Thanks!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Amy, it's probably 100 feet. Keep looking and read the other comments. I'm now interested in visiting some other beaches that sound like they may be prettier. You just never know until you research. But I highly recommend this location; we just didn't use the beach that much.

[@susannagyurgchyan5589]

Thank again for great advices and could you please tell me the name of sunscreen that u used. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Sunsect!

[@christinerickert4052]

Do the guys need long pants at the restaurants? I loved all the information in your video btw! We, too have been to two other RIU resorts, both in Mexico and can't wait to get to CR on Wednesday!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ooh, I do not think so; the main thing was tank tops. I think shorts are fine for men at night.

[@debbienabert2341]

Thankyou Laurie- real nice video and hotel info. You mentioned Congotrail with a zipline experience. I would like to try it first time. can you email me your thoughts about safety, tour exprience, etc

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I loved this company; it's close to the resort, and you have a personal guide to help you put everything on and who stays with you and demonstrates each line for you and is there to catch you. Thanks for watching!

[@stacyb6461]

Thanks for the video. Trying to decide what to book for next May. What time of year did you go?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi, Stacy. Thank you for watching! We went early May, and it was HOT. But with a breeze, it feels great. But near the equator you don't have a whole lot of beach breeze. Still, it was beautiful and a great place to visit because of the beauty, local people and fun activities available.

[@stacyb6461]

LauriePOP ok awesome. Thanks so much. We are going next Year and excited

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Stacy, you have plenty of time to research. We highly recommend private tours if y'all are into that. I'm so excited for you.

[@jilldeitering4955]

Thanks so much for your informative review. Would you recommend Riu Guanacaste or Riu Palace for a family of four with kids ages 10 and 7? Also, I have read reviews that wifi is only available in the lobby at Guanacaste. Is that true?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

We had great wifi in our room and throughout the Guanacaste. They both looked similar, but the Palace was $100 more per night. And you will feel safe letting them go from the beach up to the pool and back too. Either is fine depending on what you can pay.

[@fayej3168]

Great info thank you. We are coming from the UK in April, would you recommend bringing all US dollars for the trips in cash or using the ATM there? Thanks. Faye 😊

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes for that first day or two JUST in case the ATM isn't working. You can use your card at the resort, but for tips and any activities off of the resort, you will most likely need cash. We tried to pay for excursions online ahead of time, but for some we could not. Thanks for watching!

[@sheilabutcher776]

We had an amazing river rapids.and waterfall trip booked via Alex on the beach.. Who!e thing was just for my daughter and I. We had our own guide throughout and visited his family restaurant. The price was half of what the hotel charged for a group booking. We were there October time and the whales were there in the bay. Our water taxi to the nearby village stopped off so we could view them close up. Literally going under the small boat. Not bad for a 10 dollar return trip.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh my word how amazing!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed him too. Sounds amazing! Thank you for watching!

[@Cyberfire1985]

Thank you for your great review im from Québec Canada and in going To fais hotel in 2 weeks can you tell me about the wifi

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

So many ask; we never had any trouble, and our room was above the garden areas. Have such a lovely time! Thanks for watching!

[@esmecim2131]

Thank you for the video! My husband and I are planning a trip there in June, was there any rocks on the beach? That is something we don’t like😔

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for watching! I do not remember there being any that I noticed.

[@marlencitaramiro5632]

We do have beautiful beaches with white sand, with broken shells, and Also kind of brown sand , so you have to go and visit other places in Costa Rica

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes, let us know of the other ones to stay at.

[@bethyk.7066]

Good tips, Laurie, thanks! Do we need to pack pants / a dress for lunch or dinner?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I would pack a dress if that is your style. Shorts are allowed in all restaurants. The nice restaurants were still casual in my opinion.

[@niasalas4996]

Thank you ! A lot of wonderful information! However not all beaches in CR are dark sand beaches, Matapalo is. Plenty of white sand beaches in CR, pink and black sand beaches too.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi, yes several people have said that. I hope to visit those sometime.

[@niasalas4996]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Happy New Year and keep rocking it ! 💪

[@gregggomlinski3696]

Great review Laurie. Thank you! The link to the sunsect lotion is dead. I do see a couple types on Amazon. Which one did you use/ like?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for watching! I do not think Sunsect is available anymore. Bullfrog is a great brand.

[@gregggomlinski3696]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie thank you! We will be there in 27 days!!!

[@laurieff6617]

Hi Laurie, we are thinking of going to the Guanacaste and found your video very helpful, more people should do that. Would you happen to know how old this resort is ? Quite a few of the RIU's are getting old and show it. Also, would you know how the diving is in the area ? Thank you so much. Peter

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi, I do not know about diving. But they're in a cove so you would have to ride one of their boats to get out to diving I would think. TONS of tours, and don't be skeptic of the tour group guys on the beach. Ours was all online; he just met us on the beach so he wouldn't have to pay to be in the lobby. It is an older property. We have been in a first year RIU before, and in this one, just the color of the drapes was a burgundy color which is a dated color scheme to me. But the all tile everywhere really keeps it new looking. I'm very picky about must smells and none of that. One of the far end elevators was a little rickety sounding. But I would go here again in a heartbeat. I would look at lighter blue water beaches right near here. But we were here for 3 days, and it truly was perfect. And the much newer one is right next door. Thank you!

[@charlottes260]

Hi, what a wonderful, comprehensive video, very informative. Could I ask a question relating to the restaurant. You said no tank tops for men, do you know if short sleeved shirts or t-shirts are acceptable? My UK understanding of a tank top is a sleeveless tshirt/vest which my husband wouldn't wear anyway. We are going to this resort in a couple of weeks and you've made us very excited. Thank you.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

EEEEK! You'll love it! Shorts and tees are everywhere for every meal. Very relaxed. Some women dress up at night, but I just take a pretty top and wear it with shorts. Thanks for watching!

[@charlottes260]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie thank you so much for taking the time to reply. He was panicking a little about having to wear long sleeves in the heat but you've put us at ease. Thanks again.

[@wilthoniejohnson9447]

Hi Laurie thank you so much for this information. I'm going with my family next week . How do i get in tough with Alex on the beach?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi I would search for him when you’re there or on the web.

[@jomafa89]

You have to know this ::: We have white sand beach on the pacific coast like playa blanca or Conchal. And Costa Rica also have a caribean coast on the province of Limón.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I know! I cannot wait to explore the prettier parts. Thanks!

[@jacklynmonroe9520]

Thats what I am looking for! I want a beautiful white sand crystal blue beach! and prefer to stay at a RIU,They never disappoint and of course, if possible not to to expensive (not asking for much lol) canadian over here, lose lots of $$ when we exchange. Thank you

[@suezqqq]

Thank you for the info . is Feb wet or dry season there :)

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I think dry and beautiful!!! Thank you for watching!

[@stevenpresement2739]

Great review, thanks! Very thorough. We're considering this property for a family trip later this year. By the way, do you recall how the Wifi was? Fast? Slow? Reliable in the rooms? Thanks!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It was fast and was everywhere. I had read mixed reviews. It really is awesome. The kids' playhouse thing is really small with a small playground. But you still have the pool and beach and the zoo thing is right next door.

[@yessicagonzalez8437]

Hi, Was there a sewer smell ? I was there a couple years and the sewer smell was really bad. I loved it and would like to go back.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

None at all. We loved everything about it and traveled there during April I think. We just got a puppy so I'm taking a few weeks break btw. Thanks for watching!

[@ericacotton7220]

Thank you so much for this review. We are planning a trip in September from Dallas! I can’t find the links you mentioned regarding the various tours and Alex. Can you please point me in the right direction? Thank ya ma’am!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Have fun! www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g2561261-d4086723-Reviews-Alex_on_the_Beach_Amazing_Tours-Sardinal_Gulf_of_Papagayo_Province_of_Guanacaste.html

[@ericacotton7220]

Thank you so much. Also the link to the sunscreen and repellent isn’t working. Can you please tell me the brand of it. My grandmother, cousin and I have absolutely loved all your videos and how they are preparing us for our first trip. So thank you!

[@phrewilly8556]

Wonderful review! One question my GF has concerns about the cleanliness of the room.What do y'all think about it?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh my word; they were amazing! I don't know how they keep sand off of tile floors; very very clean! And it's so much better than those old hotel rooms with damp old carpet! Wonderful beds/linens. This did not smell bad at all! And I am picky. Very clean bathroom and even the drawers! Thanks for watching!

[@phrewilly8556]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Sounds wonderful. We are big cruisers but may hold off for awhile and go the all inclusive route.....

[@reviewguy3024]

Awesome video. We are leaving for this resort soon. Do you recommend paying for excursions and tipping in US dollars or colones?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Anne, you will love it! We paid in US dollars and tipped with them too. If you book them up front, you will know how to pay. Also, remember the ATM on the premises will give you dollars or colones, but you're only allowed a certain amount each day. Have fun! I wish we would've done more excursions. Thanks for watching!

[@reviewguy3024]

LauriePOP we are here! Thank you.

[@ticower]

Thanks! Nice review. Only one correction, there are not costarrican dollars, our currency is “Colones”.

[@sumrakhan2558]

Super helpful! What website did you book though?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

The RIU website; thanks for watching.

[@peteadsit2967]

We are looking at going here in January 2021... not sure if it will be worth it though with covid restrictions

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It'll be awesome! Go go go and enjoy a break and yummy and beautiful vacation scenery!

[@sjarm4]

Thanks for the video! Does every room have an oceanview?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I do not remember. Thank you for watching!

[@ifelipebm88]

Yes, it does

[@nicholesampson5750]

Hi, is the hot tub an actual hot tub or a cool tub with jets? It looks like it was connected to the pool. Thanks for your reply. ☺️

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It's a tub with jets I think. Thanks for watching!

[@trainingxtrish]

In addition to ziplining, what other tours/excursions do they offer and would you say most are around $100 each?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi! You would have to do that research. Thanks for watching.

[@ericcorey9807]

I am checking in here Saturday and wondering what is charged to your card at check in arrival? Is there a daily resort fee/deposits that are added to the booking total (booked through the app)

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi it’s an older video so I do not remember

[@HappyRareGrooveMan]

Hi , great info .Any entertainment at the hotel , how did you rate the wine and spirits .

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Drinks were fab and we LOVED sitting outside but under shelter if needed to watch the shows. We could still talk softly-it was so nice and a little breeze!

[@bobheather4070]

When you recommend, TIP IN THE COUNTRIES CURRANCY, NOT USA DOLLARS, The cost for the exchange is very expensive

[@Sandersonbree]

When is the best time to go?