Hotel overview
Location
Aruba - BeachProperty information
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Hotel details
Hotel advisories
General policies & fine print
Check-in Policy - Hotel requires a credit/debit card authorization or cash deposit upon check-in for incidentals; this will place a hold on your funds.
Convention Policy - Individuals attending a convention cannot book this property for their stay. If found attending a convention, guests may be subject to higher room rates upon arrival.
Transfer Policy - A price may display when children stay free, if your vacation includes transfer to your hotel.
General Information - Room taxes and service fees are included in vacation price.
Minimum night stay restrictions may apply.
Reservation changes may not be permitted unless authorized by the hotel.
Ratings & reviews
TripAdvisor traveler rating
7818 reviews
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Apr 03, 2020Pure Heaven
We had my son's wedding here in November 2019. It was so beautiful! Everything went off without a hitch. We all had an awesome time. The food was excellent in the buffet. The rooms were clean and everyone was friendly. I am planning on going back. Just an absolute treasure!!!!
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Mar 30, 2020Nice Resort
This property is fairly big. Huge useless lobby. Room was spacious, well stocked with beer and soda in the fridge, alcohol dispensary (Vodka, Scotch, Rum and Brandy) always replenished. Staff was great, hard working and friendly. Buffett had absolutely everything, decent quality, even gluten free options. Wine was OK, they could up the quality a bit for not much more $. Steak restaurant was perfect. Did’t visit the other ‘theme’ restaurants because they were closed (I assume because they were slowly shutting down due to Corona Virus). Beautiful beach, incredible sunset view. I recommend. On the negative, huge negative, the Casino is absolutely useless!
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Mar 22, 2020
Last group to leave
This was our 9 trip to Aruba and our first all inclusive. We have stayed at Costa Linda, Playa Linda, Marriott Ocean Club, Barcelo, and Divi Phenix. We were told our room was not ready but would be ready in an hour. It was more like 3 hours but that was okay we were in Aruba. We rented a timeshare so we were in the building closest to the beach on the first floor. Our patio was big and in a few steps you were on the beach. Now being on the first floor has its advantages but remember everyone who walks on the boardwalk walks by your patio and sees you with your pajamas on. The timeshare room had a crazy setup. The master bedroom had a nice bathroom with a shower and 2 sinks but no door in the bathroom. The second bedroom has two full size beds that were comfortable but no windows and the lamp that was in did not give enough light. There was a small closet with a 5 drawer dresser which 2 did not open. When you rent the timeshare and you do the all inclusive you are only allowed to have beer and soda . You do not get all of the other liquors in your room. The room has a stove and fridge and sink. No dish washing liquid to wash the dishes and no dish cloth or paper towel to dry them. When we asked for that stuff and we were told that the timeshare owner has to request it. All the bartenders were wonderful especially Billy, Keyla, Anthony, Christina, and Deigo. As the week went on and they found out that they would be closing for a while they were sad but still very friendly. The buffet was very good. So was the Italian restaurant. All the other restaurants were closed from Tuesday on. I wish that the hotel would have given updates of what was happening on the island and at the hotel. They could have given a notice under the door telling us that on Wednesday the prime Minister closed all restaurants and bars as of 10 pm. And Thursday as of 8pm so that we could have plan our day accordingly. Because one the last 3 days we were only able to eat at the buffet, we chose to eat elsewhere. Aruba is still the best vacation.
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Mar 20, 2020
First time to Aruba - honest review - we love Aruba and enjoyed our stay at the RIU Palace.
Review of Riu Palace (which is not adult only!) - We were advised by our travel agent to stay here versus the RIU Antilles (adult only). Just my husband and were on this trip. Will try to be brief. I did a prior review and deleted it because there were a couple things I forgot. Hotel is about 10 minutes from the airport via the new highway. Smooth travels and transfer. Arrival at hotel greeted with friendly smiles, assistance, champagne, and welcoming check in. Room was ready. Off to fun! Lobby is funky, but it doesn't matter. Grounds are well maintained and clean. Hard working staff. There is a bit of language barrier between grounds crew and housekeeping but not main desk personnel. Smaller RIU than some but we liked that. Pool clean - cold. Same with any all inclusives - later the day - people get louder and don't leave the pool bar area. Bar waiters at pool area. Yes you do have to use towel cards. Beach is gorgeous. Smooth entry to water but a slope down. We refused to get up early to get any chairs. They were always reserved, and I do believe hotel crew hold chairs for people. We had the same chairs by the pool every day for the week without any problems. We would go to the beach and drag chairs to the shade of the palm trees. It worked and was great. Late day we were usually able to snag a palaypa if we wanted. No bar service at beach which wasn't fun if you got all settled in and relaxed. Pool bar isn't far behind you though. Rooms were clean and nice. Bathrooms were a good size. King bed was actually 2 full beds pushed together. It worked with no problem. The bed pillows could be improved upon. They are small and odd. However, we slept, and never inquired about other options - so it must not have been that bad. We have been to other tropical resorts that were much more damp and musty than here - a definite plus! If you are in the main building looking out to the ocean - the building on the righ has very small balconies - almost like you can't enjoy them at all. We were in the main building on the 4th floor and our view was great. Restaurants were all good. We never had much of a wait. Of course there were things on the menu we liked and some we didn't. Isn't that anywhere you eat? With all the food to chose from if you can't find something to eat - you're crazy and trying to be unhappy. We went into town one evening for dinner and it was delicious - Gianni's - do the pasta in the cheese wheel! FYI - they wouldn't let us choose more than one appetizer or combine entrees for example - steak and lobster to create surf and turf. It was definitely nice to feel safe in Aruba and venture out in the evenings. I'm not even sure it was a 5 minute walk to the social area down from the hotel. We went the first week of March. They consider this the approaching Easter season - more windy than usual. Yes we do tip - but I never expect anything more - it's a simple thank you for their hard work. This is their lively hood! American dollars were excepted everywhere. I do believe people are unhappy if they aren't specially catered to. We did the UTV excursion (take water shoes) and the snorkel excursion. Did them through DePalm tours (in lobby of hotel) both were fantastic. FYI - food on snorkel excursion was DELICIOUS - and I didn't plan to eat figuring it would be sketchy! I was wrong We will visit Aruba again and yes I would stay at this hotel again. I'd love to see the Palace as the adult only facility though. I don't think pool bars are the place for kids. There weren't a lot of kids - but it could be uncomfortable at times hearing the drinking adults around the kids in the pool. - but that's just my opinion. Enjoyed relaxing - never used the spa. Do I think the hotel could use some updating - yes - but it didn't interfere with our stay. Elevators are too small. The views are breathtaking from anywhere in the hotel. Never saw a gift shop because I didn't need one with the shops down the street. Thank you Aruba and the RIU Palace for a great week before the quarantine from the Coronavirus. Wishing you all the best after this!
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Mar 17, 2020
Crowded!!!!
Love the all adult vibe! Very crowded! Very very windy! Food was very good! Drinks were good, but wouldn’t let you get more than 2 and wouldn’t fill up your mug. Beach & Pool was soooo crowded and you had to get up early to get a place! Hotel room a little dated, but beautiful view! Not very friendly employees! Would return!