Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica

The Riu Palace’s distinctive white domes are visible in the distance, long before guests arrive at the entrance to the hotel. The hotel’s six-story main building is surrounded by scenic green lawns and flower-filled gardens. Inside, the lobby is striking, with a curving central sculpture and steely color palette of silvers, blues, and blacks. This attention to design continues throughout the hotel, from the bold striped flooring of Capuchino, the lobby cafe, to the spa’s stunning whirlpool. The hotel is a more luxurious alternative to the neighboring Riu Guanacaste, and the atmosphere is certainly calmer than its often-rowdy sister property. Several buzzing bars and posh decor make it a good fit for couples, while the big pools and kids’ club are ideal for families. The atmosphere can get high-energy, particularly in the pool area, but rarely to the point of alienating families with young kids.

The Riu Palace and its sister property, Riu Guanacaste, are the only properties found on Playa Matapalo, which stretches along the Gulf of Papagayo. With no other hotels competing for space on the beach, Playa Matapalo is relatively quiet. The beach and hotel are far from any nearby towns -- the closest is Nuevo Colon a 10-minute drive away -- which means there isn’t really anything to see and do in the neighborhood around the resort. Guests should plan to rent a car, or be comfortable spending most days on the property. The airport is a 30-minute drive away by car, while the surf town of Tamarindo is a little over an hour away. 

Guest rooms at the Hotel Riu Palace are stylish and modern, decorated in whites and grays with pops of deep purple. Beds are backed by eye-catching backboards that match white laminate bedside tables on either side. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and safes. Some balconies or terraces have ocean views, while others overlook the hotel’s landscaped grounds. Coffeemakers, minibars, and liquor dispensers also come standard. Open-plan bathrooms are decorated in bright shades of fuchsia and black. All feature double vanities with plenty of counter space in addition to bath products by Argento. Showers have rainfall showerheads, as well as purple glass block details and frosted glass doors. Bathrooms also offer separate hydromassage bathtubs. Junior Suites, the most basic room type, include a sofa or sofa bed and a small table. Family Suites have two bedrooms, and Whirlpool Bath Suites have larger balconies or terraces with whirlpool baths.

The hotel backs onto an uncrowded stretch of Playa Matapalo beach. The beaches gray-beige sands are dotted with blue lounge chairs, and fringed by rolling hills on either side. The property's four pools include a two-part activity pool, a relaxation pool, and a pool with a swim-up bar, all of which include submerged lounge chairs. Chic, box-shaped planters protrude into the upper level of the activity pool, while the lower level has a volleyball net. The upper pool’s infinity ledge allows swimmers to watch any volleyball games that might be taking place in the lower pool. The Coconut Pool features a swim-up bar, along with submerged bar stools and tables. As its name suggests, the sprawling relaxation pool is designed for guests looking to lounge and float rather than participate in pool activities. All three pools are surrounded by beige lounge chairs, which are arranged over multiple tiers in some areas. Palm trees and bushes wind between the pools and clusters of lounge chairs. 

The hotel’s massive fitness center features attractive arched windows and wooden flooring and has a wide variety of cardio and weight machines, as well as free weights. Renova Spa offers a range of treatments, and includes a salon. It also has a beautiful Greek-style whirlpool, set under a dramatic domed ceiling and surrounded by pillars.  

The hotel’s main buffet restaurant, Arenal, is remarkably elegant, with an orange and gray color scheme and wicker chairs. There are also four themed restaurants that serve a la carte fare and require advanced reservations. Guests familiar with other Riu resorts will know their a la carte restaurants tend to be heavy on theme. The Riu Palace is no exception: The Italian restaurant is adorned with pictures of gondoliers, while the Japanese restaurant is decorated with images of Tokyo cityscapes. Other food options include Capuchino, a lobby cafe that serves ice cream, pastries, and coffee. Guests can also snack on popcorn, hot dogs, and tortilla chips at Lounge 24, which is always open and features floor-to-ceiling windows with sea views. Room service is also available 24 hours a day.

In addition to food and drink, the hotel’s all-inclusive package offers dozens of different activities and events, including nightly entertainment, RiuFit workout classes, and an introductory scuba diving lesson. The RiuLand kids’ club has an indoor activity area with a tiny ball pit, as well as an outdoor area with a shallow kids’ pool and small playground. The hotel also has five meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 730 people. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property, and there’s free parking on-site.