The more polished half of the RIU Matapalo complex — sumptuous rooms, a casino, and the same beachfront and water park as RIU Guanacaste next door, with a quieter, more adult-oriented atmosphere.
Four to five restaurants plus a main buffet, and seven bars — smaller than next-door RIU Guanacaste's lineup, reflecting the Palace's smaller, more upscale footprint. Guests can also cross over and use RIU Guanacaste's restaurants.
Cold and warm buffet spanning classic Costa Rican dishes through more exotic international options — breakfast, lunch and dinner.
One of the property's themed dinner restaurants, part of the four-restaurant rotation.
Japanese and broader Asian fusion specialties as a themed dinner option.
Grilled seafood and steakhouse specialties round out the themed dinner rotation.
A guest favorite — check with the front desk for the current schedule.
24-hour drink service across the resort; the swim-up bar at the main pool is the most popular daytime spot.
This is the Palace's signature differentiator from its sister property — RIU Guanacaste doesn't have a casino.
On-site and, per guest reports, reliably busy — a genuine draw that sets the Palace apart in the complex. Free entry (drinks not included).
Shared with RIU Guanacaste, open six nights a week. Free entry for guests of either hotel.
Live music or entertainment programming every evening, included in the all-inclusive plan.
The Palace leans more adult and upscale than RIU Guanacaste, but it's still explicitly marketed as family-friendly and shares the water park next door.
Structured daytime programs split by age group — 4 to 7 and 8 to 12 — daily.
The same free water park shared with RIU Guanacaste, a short walk away at the entrance to the complex — slides, a children's pool, and play features for all ages.
Two-bedroom, two-bathroom family suite category available, in addition to Jacuzzi suites with a private balcony hot tub.
All-inclusive nightly pricing, generally running above RIU Guanacaste for the more upscale rooms and quieter atmosphere. Observed ranges from public booking data — confirm directly for your dates.
Dry season plus Christmas, New Year, spring break and Easter. Holiday weeks price above this — book several months out.
Best value window — thinner crowds, easier casino tables, intermittent rather than constant rain.
Lowest rates of the year. Guanacaste is the country's driest region — expect afternoon showers, not washouts.
Ranges reflect all-inclusive nightly pricing across public booking platforms in 2025–2026 and vary with room category, occupancy and lead time. A planning guide, not a quote.
The closest properties with full deep-dives, by distance.