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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
8433 reviews
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Jun 06, 2023Manage expectations and you’ll be pleasantly surprised
To begin, I began to worry about the hotel based on the negative reviews I read. My worries began to subside once we were checked-into our room. Check-in went smoothly and everyone was friendly. The hotel is dated and could use an overall refresh. Was the room perfect - no, but it was clean, spacious and had amazing views. Housekeeping did an amazing job throughout our entire stay. The pool area is fantastic as is the beautiful beach. My biggest surprise of the trip was the Don Nicolas buffet. There was something for everyone, a very large selection and the food was fresh. We wished the resort had a food option available between the lunch & dinner hours for a late afternoon snack. Could we have ordered room-service, sure. But we were typically by the pool or beach and wanted a quick snack. We learned to grab a bite before the restaurants closed at 3pm. Outside of the pool/beach, there wasn’t much to do for our 2 teenagers. As they were not 18, they could not go into the Sports Bar where there was a pool table and table tennis. We didn’t see any outside games either (tennis, volleyball, shuffleboard) but did take part in excursions. If you manage your expectations, you will be pleasantly surprised at the Riu Palace. The location is amazing (next to the Bugaloe on DePalm Pier & across the street from wonderful dining options). If you are a couple, I’d stay at Riu Antilles vs. Palace but for the extended family trip we were on, the Palace worked great for our family.
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Jun 06, 2023Relaxing and enjoyable visit to this Happy Island!
This beautiful, palatial all-inclusive resort did not disappoint. From the moment we walked into the elegant lobby area we felt welcomed and valued as guests. We stayed in a junior suite which faced the ocean leaving breathtaking views day and night. Several restaurants are open during the evening offering the choice of Japanese, Italian, Fusion, and Steak House as well as the buffet which offered everything that anyone could possibly want to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There was also entertainment in the buffet several of the nights that we were there. All of the staff was friendly , attentive, and helpful from the registration desk to housekeeping to the servers in the restaurants and bars. The building and grounds were kept immaculate. On 2 occasions, the sand and pavement around the pool became hot to walk on, but was quickly forgotten after a visit to the swim up pool bar. I have recommended this resort to several friends and would definitely stay here again. Next stop…Riu Palace in Panama?
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Jun 04, 2023Would not return
This is one of the worst hotel stays I've had. The food was horrible. I spent more money eat out in town because the food was just horrible. The rooms are old and wet. Customer service was lackluster hit-or-miss very rude bartenders. Nice pool and entertainment was OK.
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Jun 04, 2023Riu was ok, Aruba is gorgeous
Well I just returned from my trip to Aruba and miss it already! I stayed at the Riu Palace in an ocean front jr. suite. I thought the Riu was just ok. The service and workers went above and beyond to try to make it a good stay so I can say that. The hotel was so humid and stuffy. My room smelled of mildew and mold and the furniture was actually wet if you sat on it from the humidity. I did not keep the door open because I was told that would make it worse so I just spent as much time outdoors as possible. The themed restaurants were good. I are at Milano and Krystal. Krystal was amazing. The buffet I visited a couple of times but it was crowded and hectic and a lot of food wasn’t marked and didn’t have signage. I have some food issues so I need to know what I am eating. The service at the lobby bar and pool bars were great. At the pool bar there was only cheap (well) alcohol but with frozen drinks it wasn’t a huge deal to me. I was surprised how clean it was on the grounds and in the pool (especially with a swim up bar). I have been at another Riu and the pool was disgusting from people dropping cups and spilling drinks and goodness knows what else in the pool. The pool was huge and lovely, although there were not working hot tubs as advertised. The beach was amazing. Crystal clear water and just gorgeous. The palapas were claimed early in the morning by people putting items on them and then leaving. The beach attendants were very helpful, especially Joshua, who helped me locate a palapa each day although by 7:30 am there were slim pickings (in the back or all the way down on the end). I mostly swam and hung out in the sea so that was ok with me. Overall it was nice but for the price it wasn’t a good deal for me. I mostly ventured out for drinks and meals. I had a great time at Bugaloe and a great meal at the Lazy Turtle. I am not a heavy drinker either so next time I am going to try the Hilton next door which looked like a better fit for me. Hopefully the room won’t be wet and the hotel will use the A/C. Aruba is absolutely stunning and the locals were so friendly. I will definitely return soon!
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May 27, 2023
Great trip!
Leaving tomorrow and already missing it! We usually vacation in Mexico at a different chain but wow!! We are RIU fans now… everything from the food, the drinks, the pool and beach but most of all the entire staff! My favorites were the pool waiter who even put our bottle of champagne on ice for us but most of all Brenda at the desk that saved me from a melt down over checking into our flight home! Thank you again! We are now fans and God willing will be back again!!