Riu Palace Aruba - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

9136 reviews

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  Perfect girls getaway

  We visited as a group of four girlfriends and we had two rooms. It was a wuick 20-25 min taxi ride ($35 USD) from the airport and once we arrived, we had a refreshing blue mixed drink as we waited 10 minutes. Check in was pretty smooth. The only issue we had was they seemed to "overbook" the hotel and we had to stay one of our four night in the time share building. On the second day, we packed it up after breakfast and brought out bags over to the front until 3pm for our new rooms. Kind of annoying but we didn't let that spoil our fun. We have to admit, there was no major complaints. Pool was great, beach was amazing, food was excellent, we got into all 4 specialty restaurants without a problem. Thanks for making our wait fun at the steakhouse, Jefferson! Sometimes we waited a while for food but w kind of expect that too. Weather was amazing and now to our favorite part-the bar. The staff at the pool/beach bar were just all so amazing, friendly and nice to us. They worked tirelessly all day, helping all the thirsty guests and all with smiles on their faces. They seemed happy and like they got along. It was nice to see a pleasant bunch who liked each other. They really made our trip fun! Thank you to the amazing crew: Diana, Johnson, Diego, Dulce, Elvis, and many more I can't remember because of all those amazing drinks! =] Yes, Aruba is safe, the hotel is on the strip so it is easy to walk to the fun restaurants and shopping. We were lucky enough to catch the parade for the first night of the Carnival which was so cool too! It's expensive but so worth the amazing vacation here. Riu is wonderful, clean, and although it is the family side (Antillas next door was adults only), there wasn't much for kids to do. I wouldn't recommend bringing older kids here. Maybe very small kids who don't need much entertainment but def not kids who want games, slides, activities, etc. Great for girls trip, couples, relaxing, etc. Rooms are a bit dated but served their purpose and comfortable. They had the hard liquor on the wall dispenser for those who want that. In the mini fridge was some water, soda and beer. That's it. No snacks. The bathrooms had wall dispensers of soap, shampoo and conditioner. The desk gave two room keys and two towel cards per room. The towel hut closed at 6pm. So did the pool bar. Bring some tip money as it was pretty common here also. Beach was wonderful but 4/5 days we had to unstack and pull out our own chairs. Service out there wasn't the best but hey, again, not going to ruin the fun. Just some room for improvement. All pool chairs are reserved by 8am lol. Go to the beach for the sun anyway, the hotel buildings block most of the pool sun until later in the day.

  Jan 16, 2025
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  Bring Me back again

  This place was great and I would recommend to all that want to go! I would bring family or friends to this location. safe and clean and a great time

  Jan 16, 2025
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  YOUR RESPONSE IS WORTHLESS

  So RIU responds with basically give us another chance to make it right. I spoke to numerous people at your hotel to give you an opportunity to make it right WHILE i was there. You had your opportunity and chose not to remediate any of the ongoing issues. I will find other places to spend my hard earned money. We went out to eat twice because we got sick of only having the buffet. Your lose. Fix problems/complaints when they occur not after the fact.

  Jan 15, 2025
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  First Visit to Aruba - did not disappoint!

  RIU Palace is a large property with a huge pool and excellent beach access. Being an all-inclusive, we never felt crowded, even at the buffets. The buffets offered an extensive variety including vegetarian options. There are also specialty restaurants open for dinner (no reservations accepted) that were good. There was no shortage of beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available. The beaches are beautiful. If you want a palapa, you will need to get to the beach early and find the cabana boy who will take care of you. There are plenty of water activities (not affiliated with the resort) within walking distance. We recommend the 3 hour catamaran excursion where you can snorkel and swim. ***Last but not least - the grounds were impeccably clean and the staff - from the restaurant servers, bartenders, housekeepers and entertainers - were the friendliest people we've ever met. We will definitely return!

  Jan 14, 2025
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  Great Experience!

  Wonderful resort - definitely on the larger size, but never felt over crowded. One negative was trying to get a beach cabana. Had to be out there by 5:30am to "reserve" one - same with pool chairs.

  Jan 14, 2025