Riu Palace Antillas

Unfortunately, our stay at RIU Palace Antillas has been a major disappointment, especially considering our previous experiences with RIU. This was our 8th stay with RIU, and we specifically chose RIU Palace Antillas – and paid more for an adults-only hotel – because this trip was our honeymoon and included my birthday. Before arriving, we had been in contact with RIU and were told that our special occasion would be taken into account. This made us even more excited about our stay. Sadly, the reality was very different. There was no special welcome or acknowledgement of our honeymoon. After expressing our disappointment, Genova Gonzales personally apologized and told us she wanted to make the remainder of our stay special. She promised champagne in our room for my birthday and arranged a restaurant reservation. Unfortunately, the champagne never arrived. We received four balloons, and at the restaurant nothing was arranged or even acknowledged for our honeymoon or birthday. What made this even more disappointing was meeting American guests staying at the RIU next door. They told us they had paid around 13% less than us, had Elite Club benefits and even received their airport shuttle for free – a transfer we had to pay for ourselves. We deliberately chose and paid more for the adults-only Antillas because this was our honeymoon, so it is difficult to understand where the added value was for us. We never expected extravagant gifts. The disappointment comes from the expectations RIU itself created – and from promises that were still not fulfilled even after we expressed our disappointment. After eight RIU stays around the world, this is sadly the first time we leave feeling genuinely disappointed in a brand we have always trusted.

Though the hotel does need to be revamped and updated in terms of modernization so that it looks much more like the newly updated Palace next-door, aside from the cosmetics we were very pleasantly surprised with everything at the resort. The staff was fantastic. You were never greeted with anything less than a smile. The food was better than we thought considering some of the reviews we saw. We were able to eat at the À la carte restaurants every night using the buzzer system with zero problems. Yes we would have to wait for a table, possibly up to an hour, but that’s what the bars were for. Being able to access both resorts using the more updated facilities such as the pool and lobby bar at Riu Palace was a huge advantage. If your expectations are realistic, and you’re not expecting fine dining Michelin star restaurants or Sandals type facilities, this place is great for the price point. Should the rooms be updated as well as the facilities, it would b even better. The location cannot be beat in terms of walking everywhere. It is very safe, extremely clean and close to everything. We would recommend this resort to anyone wanting to try Aruba and experience the breathtaking beauty that it has to offer.

Great resort, perfect size, great beach, amazing food, and friendly, attentive service!

We just returned from the Riu Palace Antilles (August 25-Sept.1) in Aruba for my wife’s 70th Birthday. This was our 5th time and it just keeps getting better everytime we go…we know it’s because of the staff. These are some of the staff that will make your stay amazing and I’d like to thank them…Jacky, Mauricio, Yuly and Mary. These people make the Riu Antilles what it is today and I thank them for always making our stay just amazing. We will always go back just because of them. Thanks Bill & Jennifer D’Angelis

I stayed here at least 3 times in the past and had a great time . This is the “ party” hotel , adults only , with all kinds of activities, drinking games etc so if you want to vacation and party then this is for you . The food is good , it is a bug hotel and the variety is enough for everyone . The Riu Palace ( sister resort) is next door and you can go back and forth between hotels , including for dinner , shows etc . The Riu Palace is children-friendly and has a different vibe. The fact that you can go to the adjacent hotel and watch other shows / try other restaurants as part of the all inclusive package, is a plus. All rooms have been updated and smell like new .