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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 : Groups traveling together can book this property for their stay taking advantage of group benefits such as 6th or 11th complimentary guest, Group dinner reservation, One complimentary cocktail hour with a selection of appetizers, One complimentary massage for the group leader, Complimentary room upgrades to the next category, Fruit plate and bottle of wine for the VIP, Private check-in when arriving together, Welcome sign. Applicable with Wedding Collections and Social Packages. Consult terms & conditions.
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
8331 reviews
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Feb 02, 2023Safe vacation
This resort is one of the nicest we've stayed at. We had a room on the 2nd floor so we didn't have to take an elevator which we appreciated and our balcony was huge, overlooking the pool. The resort is fairly compact so you don't have to walk far to the beach. Most palapas were taken before 6am-clearly people are paying the beach staff to reserve for them. They don't follow their own rules but that is typical for resorts. There is no beach service but the pool bar isn't far if you need a drink. The food was excellent. We did try most of the specialty restaurants but honestly the buffet was just as good and you can go when you want rather than racing to be ready by 6:30pm. There are no advance reservations, you must be at the restaurant door by 6:30 and hope to get in or be one of the few who get a beeper to come back when they have an opening. There is a different theme every night at the buffet so it's not repetitive. There is entertainment every night, over by 10pm. I assume people who want night life take a taxi into town or visit the disco or casino at the adults only Riu next door. There are lots of shops and restaurants right outside the resort. If you're a walker this is a great place. There's a boardwalk along the beach in both directions and towards Oranjestad you will find a wider path that goes forever. Kiosks with bikes and scooters for rent are all over the place. Do rent a vehicle for a day to drive around the island-we got a UTV which is street legal during the day-a lot of fun. We were surprised at the constant wind here-it was one of the cooler vacations we've taken although the most South. Good for those who get easily overheated but we did hear kids complaining the pool was cold. Overall it was lovely and we felt very safe to leave the resort.
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Jan 31, 2023
First time in Aruba
My wife and I just got back from a 7 day vacay at this resort. I read the negative reviews on it after booking so I didnt know what to expect really. Sunwing flight was great. Check in really quick with champagne. I paid $560 extra for the Oceanview and very happy I did and would do it again. The other rooms were partial oceanview, some with a small balcony and some with a juliette balcony which you basically have room for 1 person to stand only on it. The rooms are dated and they definitely need an upgrade. There is rust and mold in areas of the room. Beds are hard and no fluff on the pillows at all. We still enjoyed our room though, everything worked and the view was the bomb. Food at buffets and alacartes was really good. Lots of choices. Drinks were really good as well with mostly top shelf liqour at every bar. Pool was very clean but a little too cool for my liking. No heaters for sure. Beach was fantastic, soft white sand, turquoise waters and calm. Beach chairs plenty at anytime of day. Huts have to reserve early by 6am. Pool chairs are plenty if you arrive by 8am. I went down once at 8:30am and was lots even than. I would say dont go after 9am and expect a chair. This is a good thing where you dont need to get up at 5am to put out towels. Shows were not great. Disco wasnt bad opens at 11pm. Catamaran cruise sunset was great! UTV tour was excellent Weather was mostly good but the one day we had mostly rain so IT DOES RAIN IN ARUBA. Would I go back yes. Would I go back at the price I paid NO. Bottom line great resort and after the renovations coming soon should be even greater
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Jan 31, 2023As a traveler all over. Will never come again.
I wrote this note yesterday. Problem not corrected. We booked the adult only resort and were shuffled to their old building. Even woke up today to no hot water. Good evening all, I want to begin by saying this is our 5th stay at a resort in Aruba. When we looked up all inclusive (specifically wanting adult only), we decided to book with your resort. Before booking, I read some negative reviews , how others ,like us today, were told " there was some maintenance issue etc", so they were shuffled to a SUB PAR resort andnot what they paid for. I thought ah. well, there's always those negative people. Until it happened to US TODAY! First we were told for two nights we had to go to the old non aduly only hotel for various reasons, while we watched others check in AFTER us with no ISSUES. Not only are we NOT getting what we've paid for, it is a MAJOR INCONVENIENCE as it interrupts our settling in and relaxing (isn't that what vacation is all about)?, and our daily plans. IN ADDITION I have cystic fibrosis. A major lung issue. This is my first vacation since the pandemic. In the room we are in tonight, it is so hot and humid, I can barely breath, but I have no energy to move three times! I DEMAND a room change to where we booked. TODAY before noon. I DEMAND that we don't wait between our check out and check in to what we PAID for , and I DEMAND a reduction in our cost for tonight and our inconvenience, I have photos that I took in the lobby of people checking in 2 + hours after our check in with no problem. MAKE IT right, Or I will turn to an attorney and to all avenues of social media avenues. Make it right. How would you feel? You pay a lot of money , that you work hard for, for a steak, and instead get a big mac. Get your act together. You have other resorts being built all around you. I PROMISE you this. Make it right , you will get kudos on social Media. Thank you. And can you please get us some air conditioning in room 665? Paid almost 8,000 for this? REALLY?
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Jan 30, 2023Best vacation ever!
We stayed at riu palace the week of January 17th to the 23rd. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left our experience was nothing but 5+++ star quality . Everything from the service , the room, views, entertainment, spa, food, restraunts, beach, pool was amazing ! We were greeted by a friendly gentleman named Orlando who quickly took our bags and they popped champagne as a warm welcome . Our room was room 710 perfect view and clean comfortable ambiance. Our room maid kept the room perfect for us each night towel animals and even decorated for my birthday. Inclusive mini bar in fridge stocked upon request with waters, sodas , beers and liquor dispensers. The beach and pool area are amazing ! Had great service at pool by Johanny! Friendly attentive always had our favorite drinks ready and always smiling. Hector the activities director did amazing job at keeping the fun and entertainment exciting and getting everyone involved . Loved the water aerobics and beach party the last night. He even did a shout out for me for my birthday! All the staff and service here is exceptional! Food was the best we ever had everywhere from the breakfast buffets and lunch dinner etc. We ate at steakhouse and our favorite was Sayuri. Had excellent service from Eduardo very nice gentleman and knew a lot of aruba! Sindy at the nighttime buffet was also great! Kept the wine flowing and felt catered to:) antonio great nighttime bar tender for the live entertainment and shows Had the most amazing memorable best spa experience of my life by Farrah. Her warmth and strong hands made me feel totally relaxed and pampered ! Every day was something new to experience in aruba! The beaches are stunning and totally safe to walk from one end to the other . Perfect weather and the most beautiful blue carribean water anywhere. The people on the island are so helpful and nice! Truly is one happy island! Highly recommend staying here at rhe riu palace ! Great for families and couples of all ages ! We met so many awesome people and will cherish our stay here and look forward to coming back to riu palace next time we stay in aruba! The reception desk are friendly courteous and prompt and Orlando was amazing. Even gave us aloe gift set upon departure. The tour people are great in setting up tours through DePalm tours! There is a boardwalk area also to walk from hotel to hotel at the beach and only a five minute walk to shopping and plaza area. Eagle beach also only about a 30 minute walk down the beach or boardwalk. Nearby bird sanctuary and butterfly farm. And 5 minute walk to Fred and Dianna Dutch pancakes near the bird sanctuary! Highly recommend this hotel and all that aruba has to offer !! Thank u so much riu hotel and staff.
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Jan 29, 2023Overall Great Trip
I hope everyone finds this review objective: We flew in from NY on Jet Blue. After getting bags at the airport, DePalm Shuttle transported us to the Riu Palace. We arrived earlier than 3pm check in. The front desk staff were fantastic. They check you in and email you when the room is ready. You can begin to use the resort after check in. We were travelling with a total of 8 adults. The overall appearance of the resort is very clean and well maintained. We ate at the buffet for lunch and than proceeded to our room. We were in Room 230. The rooms are outdated and there was a slight musty smell. The room was very clean and our balcony overlooked the pool. The power outlets are few and very outdated, no USB. We requested a king size bed, which was two beds pushed together. I believe the air conditioning system needs to be overhauled to eliminate the humidity in the room. We stayed for 7 nights, eating at Krystal, Milano and Nautilius for dinner. The restaurants were not very good. The selections were limited and quality of the food was less than what we expected. The buffet for breakfast and dinner was wonderful, great selections and great service. We left the resort for dinner to dine at El Gaucho Argentine Grill and Driftwood in Oranjestad. Both were very good, Driftwood was the best meal we had on the island. We also dined at Blossoms and Gianni's Italian Restaurant in Eagle Beach. Both were great. Hints for the Riu Palace: Bring towel clips to reserve beach chairs and palapas. Be on the beach at 6AM to get a spot. The pool is a lively place and many games and entertainment go on all day long. The wind is constant. It keeps the climate comfortable but can get annoying. The staff is amazing and I suggest you tip accordingly. The entire resort is continually cleaned and maintained throughout the day.