Costa Rica Adventure Vacations

The tub on the back deck was amazing. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Located away from crowds but close enough to La Fortuna and other attractions.

The property is very run down and is set to close in August for a full renovation and it shows. If you are looking for a place to stay full time for a week this likely isn’t the place for you however if you are looking for a place that you are just stopping through along your journey it will likely work for you. The restaurant situation is not ideal. You have to line up before 5 pm if you want to get a spot at the speciality restaurants. If you are okay with buffet style they have lots to offer and the food is decent. If you are debating between booking the Palace vs. The regular Riu I would suggest skipping the palace and going to the other side that has been recently renovated and more modern with more lively entertainment. The views from the beach and Monkeys to the left are outstanding to see.

Overall, it was a great property — scenic, very attentive staff, and nice amenities. Best of all: the animals on the property! We saw a lot of monkeys and sloths at very close distances. Highly recommended!

Beautiful view of Arenal and many activities in site at Club Rio. Beautiful mineral pools located all throughout the property with beautiful vegetation and views.

Loved the place

Ok, so after spending 8 days here we can give a very thorough review and comparison to the W that we also stayed at nearby for 3 nights. The staff was amazing!!! Beware!!! The road is ridiculous into the property!! It is a dirt road that has random animals, atv’ers, parked card and other fun surprises. Apparently they are working on a permanent paved road but this one is definitely a problem. It almost made you not want to leave the property. It was exactly 42 min each way to Tamarindo. The grounds were not kept to the jw standard. The gardens were dry and overgrown, the pool chairs had bird poop all over them, and the staff only cleans up the pool area at the end of the day. All the food and drink cups sit out all day. In addition, the elevator had mold all around the top rim, and the food was sub par. We did the all inclusive so we ate everywhere. The best restaurant was the Azul restaurant by the beach. The pool was huge. My kids had a blast. The ocean has full on waves and rocks, so it can be dangerous. There are no water sports like the W has. Also, the JW is in a dry area, there was little go no wildlife (monkeys, bugs, frogs, etc), a plus for me! The W is in a mangrove so its crazy buggy and filled with howler monkeys, lizards, etc. with all that being said the vibe at the JW was better. The W is built on a hillside and its a shlep everywhere and its not a hotel feel. We loved the W’s room (we had a suite with a jacuzzi outside) we would still choose the JW.

Overall, it was a great property — scenic, very attentive staff, and nice amenities. Best of all: the animals on the property! We saw a lot of monkeys and sloths at very close distances. Highly recommended!

Beautiful view of Arenal and many activities in site at Club Rio. Beautiful mineral pools located all throughout the property with beautiful vegetation and views.

We stayed for a week of our honeymoon! The personal thermal spa was perfect for a glass of wine and relaxation! The staff were friendly and helpful. Booking all of the excursions we requested. The spa was also fantastic with amazing massage therapists! Thank you so much!

The property is very run down and is set to close in August for a full renovation and it shows. If you are looking for a place to stay full time for a week this likely isn’t the place for you however if you are looking for a place that you are just stopping through along your journey it will likely work for you. The restaurant situation is not ideal. You have to line up before 5 pm if you want to get a spot at the speciality restaurants. If you are okay with buffet style they have lots to offer and the food is decent. If you are debating between booking the Palace vs. The regular Riu I would suggest skipping the palace and going to the other side that has been recently renovated and more modern with more lively entertainment. The views from the beach and Monkeys to the left are outstanding to see.

Beautiful view of Arenal and many activities in site at Club Rio. Beautiful mineral pools located all throughout the property with beautiful vegetation and views.

Great property and really helpful staff!

Beautiful view of Arenal and many activities in site at Club Rio. Beautiful mineral pools located all throughout the property with beautiful vegetation and views.

The property is very run down and is set to close in August for a full renovation and it shows. If you are looking for a place to stay full time for a week this likely isn’t the place for you however if you are looking for a place that you are just stopping through along your journey it will likely work for you. The restaurant situation is not ideal. You have to line up before 5 pm if you want to get a spot at the speciality restaurants. If you are okay with buffet style they have lots to offer and the food is decent. If you are debating between booking the Palace vs. The regular Riu I would suggest skipping the palace and going to the other side that has been recently renovated and more modern with more lively entertainment. The views from the beach and Monkeys to the left are outstanding to see.