Scores at a Glance
Hotel Riu GuanacasteSecrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Overall
7.4
8.5
Beach
8.2
8.1
Food
6.8
8.0
Service
6.9
8.5
Rooms
7.2
8.2
Value
7.8
8.0
Romance
·
8.8
Scores out of 10 · higher is better
Quick Stats
7.4
Overall Score
8.5
5-star
Star Rating
5-star
4.2 (10,658)
Google Rating
4.4 (2,651)
Rates TBD
Price / Night (pp)
From $261
No
Adults Only
Yes
Yes
Kids' Club
–
Near coast
Beachfront
Near coast
Mid-size
Resort Size
Mid-size
35 min
Airport Transfer
20 min
All Scores
8.2
Beach
8.1
6.8
Food
8.0
6.9
Service
8.5
7.2
Rooms
8.2
8.3
Pools
8.5
7.8
Value
8.0
8.4
Family
–
–
Romance
8.8
8.5
Nightlife
–
–
Quiet
8.7
8.4
Adventure
–
6.8
Remote work
8.0
Vibes
Yes
Lively
–
Yes
Adventure
–
–
Romance
Yes
–
Quiet
Yes
Activities
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Water sports
Yes
Yes
Nightlife
–
Yes
Kids
–
Hotel Riu Guanacaste
- Full-service spa
- 35 min from LIR
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
- Adults-only all-inclusive
- 2 pools
- 6 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- 20 min from LIR
Pros · Hotel Riu Guanacaste
- Official 24-hour all-inclusive product.
- Beachfront Pacific setting.
- Splash Water World, RIULand and RIU Party programming.
- Seven bars and strong entertainment footprint.
Pros · Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
- Quiet adults-only atmosphere.
- Beautiful Gulf of Papagayo views.
- Good romance and honeymoon fit.
- Small-to-mid-size resort feel compared with larger Costa Rica all-inclusives.
- Friendly staff and scenic room categories receive recurring praise.
Cons · Hotel Riu Guanacaste
- Recent food and service feedback is mixed to negative.
- Some guests report room and maintenance issues.
- Beach/ocean conditions can vary and the resort is not walkable to a town center.
Cons · Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
- Hilly layout is not ideal for mobility-limited guests.
- Food is generally good but not consistently exceptional.
- Beach is scenic and calm but not a powdery white-sand beach.
- Some rooms and facilities may feel due for updates.