Something I noticed I'm going to Costa Rica the end of July and I'm going with a large group the reason we're not staying at the palace is because it's geared towards couples the other hotel is family friendly that's the reasoning for the pricing as well which you should have pointed out where the difference in things to do at each Resort and how they differ
@@pamelawilliams8606 I would suggest the ones who have access to riu palace to eat at riu Guanacaste whenever guys want to eat together. Both resorts are literally side by side. I think riu palace guests can use the pools and amenities at riu guanacaste too if I’m not mistaken. They are both beautiful resorts. I went to Riu palace and literally had more fun and turned up at the all white party at riu Guanacaste lol
I enjoyed the video it was very helpful. My husband and I are vacationing at the Rui Guanacaste in Sep 20-26 2020!! We are so excited especially after watching videos from past guests it’s so helpful. I would like to know more about excursions as well as the cost. We definitely want to do the zip line n perhaps the horseback riding. Do you have info that could help. Thanks!!
TomGreek1980 Thanks!! Yeah I hope it doesn’t, we’ve been watching n listening closely to any news that may change our plans. I realize some things will be different because of the virus but not enuff so that we won’t have fun!
Yes I do have some info on excursions but I would help you only if you promise to tell me how your trip went once you are back :) Sit back, relax & grab some popcorn because its going to be LONG reply. So starting with ziplining which you will find EVERYWHERE in Costa Rica and every single one of them offer you a unique experience. I had narrowed it down to 2. 1. Rio Perdido 2. zip line in cloud forest (this is quite an experience because you are up on the mountain, among the clouds going in & out of thick rainforest canopy, you might even see howler monkeys ) but we picked Rio Perdido, reason being rio perdido tour had ziplining (through a canyon) , water tubing and natural hot springs with mud bath so this sounded more adventures. Rio perdido is actually a resort but lot of tours come there just for excursion. I am attaching couple of videos for your to have a better idea. th-cam.com/video/WxMEQm7EsOA/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/4J45WNnxeWU/w-d-xo.html by the way we did not miss the cloud forest we did a hiking trip through could forest, its a well paved hiking trail with 7-8 bridges & guides are knowledgeable so they keep you engaged. The sound of birds chirping, greenness of the jungle, the diversity of the animals & birds make you feel like you are in a dream. And there was a humming bird park there as well. Moving on to horseback riding, unfortunately we didn't have time to do. If I were to pick one, my adventurous nature would force me to pick "horseback riding Nauyaca Waterfalls". It is a horseback riding that takes you to a beautiful falls and you can also swim in there. check out the pictures of Nauyaca waterfalls. you 'll see what i mean. I would highly recommend hot springs because you can not just go to costa rica and not visit one of their hot springs, that's just not right. We picked Tabacon hot springs. As a couple this is one place you CAN NOT MISS. you 'll have out the world experience. I, myself do not like hot water that much but my wife is some sort of hot water animal, she LOVED it and wanted to sit in one place & relax but I was just too eager to explore the entire place so I kept going in & out of water from one place to another and she kept following UNTIL................ it started to rain. Obviously she was furious and the promise of bring her back to Tabacon was I able calm things down..lol Anyways, Tabacon hot springs is a fully operational resort with rooms, restaurant & bar. you can either spend the whole day there or few hours depends what you want. Check out the video th-cam.com/video/AnfhBPbW5aY/w-d-xo.html There is a jungle boat tour you can do where you get to see caiman, lots of birds maybe Toucan if you are lucky and howler monkey would the highlight of the tour. This tour is a half day not too hectic. There is so much more but I would suggest keep that for another trip One thing I would add is, space out your tours, don't try to do too much because it tires you besides you also want a day or two to enjoy the resort. I am someone who rather do less thing but do it properly than to do more & rush it. I don't know where you guys are from but here in Canada we have sunwing, which is an airline & they sell the entire vacation package, flight, resort & transportation from airport to resort & back. They also have daughter companies who sell excursions. Since we took sunwing package we bought excursions from them as well. The issue with the large companies is that they have bigger groups and they have a schedule & you have to follow them, can't really modify anything. For instance if you are visiting 2 places in a day, u get to the first place and you really like & want to spend more time, you won't be able to. Couple of years ago I planned a trip for my parents & in-laws (yes Together & Yes they get along very well lol ) I found a tour guide, he was small at that time but his company has grown since then. He was very knowledgable, courteous & flexible, was able modify the tours to parents liking. My father liked him so much that he still keeps in-touch with him. so in conclusion I like smaller companies because its more private & flexible but reliability is the question that's where google reviews come in. If you want I can give you his instagram & you can talk to him directly. Prices won't be relevant because it won't be the same and due to COID you might even find it cheaper. Costa Rica has been open officially to travelers since Aug 04 of this year but there are some regulations that you have to follow, such as you have to be tested 24 hours prior to your arrival, US passport holder still are not allowed etc etc but hopefully by the time you are going the restrictions would lifted. I hope this help because because this took considerable amount of effort & I feel like i need a nap now...lol if you have any other questions feel free to ask.
@@RoamWithAli I'm from Markham, Ontario, Canada and wont be doing any excursions once i'm there whenever that will be. Also I hate sunwing as I told my friend and showed him if you book a whole package it costs too much money and I could save him over $1000 if he books the resort from Riu and the airline through Westjet. I will never ever trust sunwing even if they gave me a trip for free. Also I will only go to Costa Rica once there is no restrictions so 2 or more years.
Here is some questions I wanted to know and so far people who have been to Riu Palace cannot answer them for me. 1) How are the speeds for wifi? 2) Is there any plugs by the bed and tv? 3) Are the plugs standard to North America or do i need some sorta convertor/adapter? 4) How was the room service and what does it consist of? Thank you for putting this video up as it looks very beautiful and a place i would love to visit one day.
TomGreek1980 first of all Thank you for watching the video & sorry for the late response I have been so busy lately. Now let’s move on to your questions: 1. Rio Palace internet was decent, I didn’t have any issues while staying there. I was able to make what’s app call & watch TH-cam videos. 2. Yes there was a plug near my bed. 3. Plugs and voltages are same as North America so you don’t have to by any converter. 4. Room service honestly I don’t remember much, but over all their service was Amazing, people were very friendly & welcoming and obviously “tips “ take the service to another level, I guess that’s universal. Let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you have lots of fun and once you are back DO get back to me to tell me how the trip was :)
@@RoamWithAli I'll have to get back to you in 2 years because of this virus going on which i fully understand, my friend wants to wait things out and only book in 2 years if things have changed drastically. Thank you for your answers.
To be honest the beach at Riu is not the best. I noticed that People at Riu prefer staying in pools more. I liked tamarindo beach more, though that area is ideal for to learn surfing but swimming experience was better than riu. Tamarindo is more lively. I also have a video on Tamarindo diri. You can check that and feel free to ask if you have anymore questions. when are you planning to go though? th-cam.com/video/S61Uhx_7CDk/w-d-xo.html
Sorry, Scott for the late response. I am sharing the Insta link of the guy, his contact is on insta as well. you can add him on what's App if you want. instagram.com/sweet_costa_rica/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= let him know Ali sent you. I hope you have tons of fun and if you have any questions feel free to message me 🙂
We landed in Liberia. Since we used Sunwing they provided us with the transportation from Airport to the Resort. Best would be to email & check with the resort. Let me know if the resort doesn’t provide the transportation, I used this tour guid for our excursions, he was really good, he can probably do airport pick & drop off.
Hello! Thank you for making this video, I am going to Riu Palace Costa Rica late June, but I need help with excursions. I have gone through your comments, and I see you know a guy that is really good with the excursions please can you provide me with his IG page, thanks in advance and I hope you see this soon.
Sure thing. instagram.com/sweet_costa_rica?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= In case this doesn’t work, his IG id is sweet_costa_rica I’m so jealous..lol but I wish you a wonderful time :) Let me know If you need any help with picking excursion.
Just got back. I used 'frank the tank' for excursions, very good. There are a number of companies offering the exact same experience so check your insurances and the costs, but the team we had were excellent.
@@simicat79 Which Excursions did you do? and what did you like the most? If you don't mind giving me the link to the company you used for excursions, I 'll put both of their links in my discerption for people. Thank you
Hello, They both are sort of away from the city. however there are few shops in the resort where a dollarama flip-flop will cost you $40 so I don't consider that a place for shopping. if you want to stay close to the action I would recomond Tamarindo diria (I will post a video link for Tamarindo diria at the end) which is located on Tamarindo beach (ideal for beginner surfers) also have tons of restaurants, bars, couple of clubs and shopping options just know restaurants & shops closer to the beach are a bit more expensive. Vila Sol also another great alternative its about 5-10 min walk from Tamarindo beach. if you are all about nightlife, I would recommend staying anywhere close to Jaco beach. Hope that helps and feel free to ask if you have anymore question :)
Something I noticed I'm going to Costa Rica the end of July and I'm going with a large group the reason we're not staying at the palace is because it's geared towards couples the other hotel is family friendly that's the reasoning for the pricing as well which you should have pointed out where the difference in things to do at each Resort and how they differ
Actually, a really good point that I missed in the video but Thank You for bringing that up :).
How was your trip?
does the palace have extra tours to attend that can be booked there? What excursions do they offer
With palace you have access to both resorts and can eat lunch and watch shows in both resorts, with guanacaste you only have access to Guanacaste
So you can only eat lunch at both resorts? Our group is now staying at both resorts and I was scared we would not be able to eat together at all
@@pamelawilliams8606 I would suggest the ones who have access to riu palace to eat at riu Guanacaste whenever guys want to eat together. Both resorts are literally side by side. I think riu palace guests can use the pools and amenities at riu guanacaste too if I’m not mistaken. They are both beautiful resorts. I went to Riu palace and literally had more fun and turned up at the all white party at riu Guanacaste lol
I enjoyed the video it was very helpful. My husband and I are vacationing at the Rui Guanacaste in Sep 20-26 2020!! We are so excited especially after watching videos from past guests it’s so helpful. I would like to know more about excursions as well as the cost. We definitely want to do the zip line n perhaps the horseback riding. Do you have info that could help. Thanks!!
Hopefully this virus doesn't cause any issues for you.
Enjoy the trip. =)
TomGreek1980 Thanks!! Yeah I hope it doesn’t, we’ve been watching n listening closely to any news that may change our plans. I realize some things will be different because of the virus but not enuff so that we won’t have fun!
@@dgh1876 wish you all the best in your trip.
Yes I do have some info on excursions but I would help you only if you promise to tell me how your trip went once you are back :)
Sit back, relax & grab some popcorn because its going to be LONG reply.
So starting with ziplining which you will find EVERYWHERE in Costa Rica and every single one of them offer you a unique experience.
I had narrowed it down to 2.
1. Rio Perdido
2. zip line in cloud forest (this is quite an experience because you are up on the mountain, among the clouds going in & out of thick rainforest canopy, you might even see howler monkeys )
but we picked Rio Perdido, reason being rio perdido tour had ziplining (through a canyon) , water tubing and natural hot springs with mud bath so this sounded more adventures. Rio perdido is actually a resort but lot of tours come there just for excursion. I am attaching couple of videos for your to have a better idea.
th-cam.com/video/WxMEQm7EsOA/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/4J45WNnxeWU/w-d-xo.html
by the way we did not miss the cloud forest we did a hiking trip through could forest, its a well paved hiking trail with 7-8 bridges & guides are knowledgeable so they keep you engaged. The sound of birds chirping, greenness of the jungle, the diversity of the animals & birds make you feel like you are in a dream. And there was a humming bird park there as well.
Moving on to horseback riding, unfortunately we didn't have time to do. If I were to pick one, my adventurous nature would force me to pick "horseback riding Nauyaca Waterfalls". It is a horseback riding that takes you to a beautiful falls and you can also swim in there. check out the pictures of Nauyaca waterfalls. you 'll see what i mean.
I would highly recommend hot springs because you can not just go to costa rica and not visit one of their hot springs, that's just not right. We picked Tabacon hot springs. As a couple this is one place you CAN NOT MISS. you 'll have out the world experience.
I, myself do not like hot water that much but my wife is some sort of hot water animal, she LOVED it and wanted to sit in one place & relax but I was just too eager to explore the entire place so I kept going in & out of water from one place to another and she kept following UNTIL................ it started to rain. Obviously she was furious and the promise of bring her back to Tabacon was I able calm things down..lol
Anyways, Tabacon hot springs is a fully operational resort with rooms, restaurant & bar. you can either spend the whole day there or few hours depends what you want. Check out the video
th-cam.com/video/AnfhBPbW5aY/w-d-xo.html
There is a jungle boat tour you can do where you get to see caiman, lots of birds maybe Toucan if you are lucky and howler monkey would the highlight of the tour. This tour is a half day not too hectic.
There is so much more but I would suggest keep that for another trip
One thing I would add is, space out your tours, don't try to do too much because it tires you besides you also want a day or two to enjoy the resort. I am someone who rather do less thing but do it properly than to do more & rush it.
I don't know where you guys are from but here in Canada we have sunwing, which is an airline & they sell the entire vacation package, flight, resort & transportation from airport to resort & back. They also have daughter companies who sell excursions. Since we took sunwing package we bought excursions from them as well. The issue with the large companies is that they have bigger groups and they have a schedule & you have to follow them, can't really modify anything. For instance if you are visiting 2 places in a day, u get to the first place and you really like & want to spend more time, you won't be able to.
Couple of years ago I planned a trip for my parents & in-laws (yes Together & Yes they get along very well lol ) I found a tour guide, he was small at that time but his company has grown since then. He was very knowledgable, courteous & flexible, was able modify the tours to parents liking. My father liked him so much that he still keeps in-touch with him. so in conclusion I like smaller companies because its more private & flexible but reliability is the question that's where google reviews come in. If you want I can give you his instagram & you can talk to him directly.
Prices won't be relevant because it won't be the same and due to COID you might even find it cheaper.
Costa Rica has been open officially to travelers since Aug 04 of this year but there are some regulations that you have to follow, such as you have to be tested 24 hours prior to your arrival, US passport holder still are not allowed etc etc but hopefully by the time you are going the restrictions would lifted.
I hope this help because because this took considerable amount of effort & I feel like i need a nap now...lol
if you have any other questions feel free to ask.
@@RoamWithAli I'm from Markham, Ontario, Canada and wont be doing any excursions once i'm there whenever that will be.
Also I hate sunwing as I told my friend and showed him if you book a whole package it costs too much money and I could save him over $1000 if he books the resort from Riu and the airline through Westjet.
I will never ever trust sunwing even if they gave me a trip for free.
Also I will only go to Costa Rica once there is no restrictions so 2 or more years.
I’m staying at the RIU Guanacaste in October - looking forward to it
So how was your trip?
How was your stay? Thinking about going there in October this year
Here is some questions I wanted to know and so far people who have been to Riu Palace cannot answer them for me.
1) How are the speeds for wifi?
2) Is there any plugs by the bed and tv?
3) Are the plugs standard to North America or do i need some sorta convertor/adapter?
4) How was the room service and what does it consist of?
Thank you for putting this video up as it looks very beautiful and a place i would love to visit one day.
TomGreek1980 first of all Thank you for watching the video & sorry for the late response I have been so busy lately. Now let’s move on to your questions:
1. Rio Palace internet was decent, I didn’t have any issues while staying there. I was able to make what’s app call & watch TH-cam videos.
2. Yes there was a plug near my bed.
3. Plugs and voltages are same as North America so you don’t have to by any converter.
4. Room service honestly I don’t remember much, but over all their service was Amazing, people were very friendly & welcoming and obviously “tips “ take the service to another level, I guess that’s universal.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you have lots of fun and once you are back DO get back to me to tell me how the trip was :)
@@RoamWithAli I'll have to get back to you in 2 years because of this virus going on which i fully understand, my friend wants to wait things out and only book in 2 years if things have changed drastically.
Thank you for your answers.
How is the beach at Riu for swimming, there seems to have no one on the beach or in the ocean.
To be honest the beach at Riu is not the best. I noticed that People at Riu prefer staying in pools more. I liked tamarindo beach more, though that area is ideal for to learn surfing but swimming experience was better than riu. Tamarindo is more lively. I also have a video on Tamarindo diri. You can check that and feel free to ask if you have anymore questions. when are you planning to go though?
th-cam.com/video/S61Uhx_7CDk/w-d-xo.html
Great video!
Did they have a casino at either location? We like to play Blackjack in the evenings after dinner....
does the RIU PALACE offers customer service in booking the excursion or your are on your own ?
Amazing video, thank you for the useful info
You are most welcome :)
Great video. Thanks for the info!
My pleasure :)
going in Jan
can u recommend local tour guide to use for excursions please
Sorry, Scott for the late response. I am sharing the Insta link of the guy, his contact is on insta as well. you can add him on what's App if you want.
instagram.com/sweet_costa_rica/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
let him know Ali sent you.
I hope you have tons of fun and if you have any questions feel free to message me 🙂
Which airport did you use ? Does The hotel has the transfers option between the airport and the hotel ?
We landed in Liberia. Since we used Sunwing they provided us with the transportation from Airport to the Resort. Best would be to email & check with the resort. Let me know if the resort doesn’t provide the transportation, I used this tour guid for our excursions, he was really good, he can probably do airport pick & drop off.
What is the off season?
Does the rui
Palace have full access to the water park?
You can access to water park if you are stying at palace.
Good video 👍
Thank you
what month were you there please?
victoria lang it was in October .
Hello! Thank you for making this video, I am going to Riu Palace Costa Rica late June, but I need help with excursions. I have gone through your comments, and I see you know a guy that is really good with the excursions please can you provide me with his IG page, thanks in advance and I hope you see this soon.
Sure thing.
instagram.com/sweet_costa_rica?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
In case this doesn’t work, his IG id is sweet_costa_rica
I’m so jealous..lol but I wish you a wonderful time :)
Let me know If you need any help with picking excursion.
@@RoamWithAli Thank you so much for the reply and I hope to have a wonderful time as well.
@@bukolafageyinbo8748 Not a problem, Enjoy your trip :)
Just got back.
I used 'frank the tank' for excursions, very good. There are a number of companies offering the exact same experience so check your insurances and the costs, but the team we had were excellent.
@@simicat79 Which Excursions did you do? and what did you like the most?
If you don't mind giving me the link to the company you used for excursions, I 'll put both of their links in my discerption for people.
Thank you
Hi which resort is closer to shopping and dance clubs
Hello, They both are sort of away from the city. however there are few shops in the resort where a dollarama flip-flop will cost you $40 so I don't consider that a place for shopping.
if you want to stay close to the action I would recomond Tamarindo diria (I will post a video link for Tamarindo diria at the end) which is located on Tamarindo beach (ideal for beginner surfers) also have tons of restaurants, bars, couple of clubs and shopping options just know restaurants & shops closer to the beach are a bit more expensive. Vila Sol also another great alternative its about 5-10 min walk from Tamarindo beach.
if you are all about nightlife, I would recommend staying anywhere close to Jaco beach. Hope that helps and feel free to ask if you have anymore question :)
th-cam.com/video/S61Uhx_7CDk/w-d-xo.html