Costa Rica

This place is beautiful, rooms were clean, beds super comfy, staff so friendly. Sadly 2 of the 4 restaurants didn't have vegetarian options and the other 2 only had 1 option. Buffet food was pretty average but we still had an amazing time. Lots of loungers by the pool and the grounds are very clean and well manicured. We had a great time

This was our second trip to CR and our first to Azura. We chose Azura for four reasons: star rating, Guanacaste location, swimmable beach front, varied restaurants. The beach front is one of the best in CR. Zero issues with sand fleas and you could comfortably stay on the beach all day if you chose to - umbrellas and loungers provided. It was not a far walk to washrooms or to get a drink. The sand is not the volcanic sand that most beaches have, due to the reef. It was smooth to walk on with bare feet. The hotel overall is well outfitted, with two back to back pools. The lower pool is the swim up bar pool and the upper pool is deeper for decent swimming. Towels were readily available, but be an early riser for preferred loungers. Very good snacks/drinks at the pool bar, but some days not available due to staffing. Meals overall were a 8/10. None of the sister resort restaurants were open (we were told they would be). This reduced the count to two a la carte restaurants and the beach cafe (which was great for lunch). Presentation was very good, but temperature of hot dishes was not consistent, even with sending soup back, it came back to us stone cold again. Understanding English was an issue for a number of staff, but they were always polite. Front desk check in was awkward. We were told to sign up for WhatsApp for communication (spa, restaurants, day trips), but we never got any communication from them in this regard. Lastly, the beds are great; the pillows are not. I took to "borrowing" pillows from interior lounge areas and returning them each morning. Overall cleanliness was good but it was evident that washing the floors in our rooms was VERY lacking. Would we return - yes. But I would want assurance all restaurants were open and I'd find a way to pack my own pillow !

The Riu chain is very reliable, clean and good value for the money.

The rooms were very out dated unless you got premium side , the ceiling actually fell through on a couple , the food is not good , on excursions you have to pay to use the chairs, pay to use the bathroom and to walk on the back of the beach , the guys selling excursions by the pier do not make things clear . It is a walk in resort so locals come there daily and are favored , they shut the buffet down because too many locals were there and it was so packed that we had to skip breakfast after it being all inclusive, the adult pool is fifthy and barely monitored as kids attend to get in it for a long length of time , the adult bar isn't open until 6 at night and you can't leave the tables with your drink , there is very few restaurants , loads of kids and to the point you can't get a drink at the pool bar . No mini fridge , half the light fixtures don't work , next to no coffee and you and no Sunwing or WestJet or air Canada rep at all , I don't recommend this place at all for almost the $6500 dollars we paid to be there we had way better times in Mexico and Cuba and will never attend this place again , if your not local your not welcomed no chairs on the beach and the beach water is terrible , im sure there's more that I could think of no doubt DO NOT GO

The overall experience could have been better, just a lot of little problems or inconveniences. The staff upon arrival could have explained the resort shuttle service in more detail. It took us a couple of days to figure out the system for getting around which is definitely needed to get to your villa. The staff overall was very friendly and helpful. The room was adequate for the value and the grounds were well kept and amazing views from the dining room. Misinformation when we enquired about our flight times being on schedule led us to believe we had no privileges past check out time leaving us four and a half hours to wait till the shuttle arrived, but when we checked out were told that we still had privileges till 3 o'clock.

This is a beautiful Resort. Nicely laid out and easy to get around. It is located in a very scenic Bay, with another Bay to the south. The villas are very nice and clean, yet they could use a little attention. The buffet was located near the pool. The buffet served 3 meals a day, with a selection of salad, rice and beans, pastas, potatoes, beef, pork and chicken. Lots of fruit and pastries. The waiting staff are very attentive, with drinks and clearing away your dishes. The pool was large and very warm, yet the water was a little cloudy. There are a few nice excursions at this location. The Dolphin and Whale watching, Horseback ride on the beach to a forest trail leading to a waterfall. Kayak and snorkel tour to the island offshore. Kayak tour of the Mangrove forest. If you are going during the dry season, it is very hot and humid. The town of Samara is a nice little town 30 minute walk up the beach, with lots of restaurants and stores to shop.

Carts to get you to/from places around the resort were prompt for pick up. Food was excellent with a large variety. Japanese was our favorite Al-la-carte. Housekeeping needed some phone calls for top up of minifridge/toilet paper/bathroom towels. Beach was well shaded but not good for ocean swimming (we watched someone come up that got bit by something and was bleeding alot) this turned me off from going into the water. No seagrassum which was nice!

Two weeks, perfect location, outstanding staff and guest service. Sunsets legendary. Day trips from resort numerous, varied and well done ( used Viator and direct bookings but resort desk available). All inclusive package with garden/pool view. Only “negative” comments being limited variety of food choices with basic flavours. The resort is tired looking with definite areas requiring upgrade/repair particularly pool and the rooms which are dated. Cleanliness everywhere could be improved, both public and room areas. Not at all a “yuck” factor but easily enough to correct and enhance the experience.

Stay away from the rocks on the beach they will cut you up. The quality of the food is poor at best. The staff is wonderful, resort is spotless.

I had visited this hotel 15 years ago and booked it this time for the price and location