RIU Guanacaste versus RIU Palace
Tropical Vibes versus Upscale Modern
RIU Guanacaste and RIU Palace Costa Rica sit side by side on a black sand beach about 40 minutes from the Liberia airport. If you stay at RIU Palace, you have access to the pools, beach and bars at RIU Guanacaste. You have to have dinner at the Palace. RIU Guanacaste guests do not have access to the RIU Palace.
Join me on a quick resort tour highlighting the differences:
A few big differences between RIU Guanacaste and RIU Palace Costa Rica:
Air conditioned spaces: RIU Guanacaste has an open air lobby and bar compared to the air conditioned lobby and bar at RIU Palace. This makes a big difference when it's 100 degrees outside.
Dining: Both resorts have a la care specialty restaurants. RIU Guanacaste has a Caribbean inspired restaurant. The two Italian and Japanese restaurants have similar menus. The Japanese restaurant at RIU Palace has more sushi.
Alcohol: RIU Palace has more premium international brands like Absolut, Stoli, Bacardi, and Jim Beam. RIU Guanacaste has more domestic brands.
Pools Areas: The RIU Palace pools were cleaner. Families said they liked the activities at the RIU Guanacaste better including the Tuesday foam parties.
Beach: RIU Guanacaste had more chairs set up on the beach and a better overall beach area.
What would you pick?
Up Next: Planet Hollywood Costa Rica - We traveled an hour north from RIU Palace to explore another Costa Rica resort.