Riu Palace Aruba

RIU Palace Antillas is terrible for stay, I would never spend my money with them again. I've been to multiple RIU resorts in various locations, the Aruba one has been the worst. I stayed at both Riu and Renaissance because I had a girls trip where we had rooms at RIU and I was also in the room with my guy at Renaissance where he booked. My guy came to help me get my luggage at RIU and some of the staff gave him a hard time just being in the hotel lobby area to assist me in getting my luggage, he wasnt using their amenities, eating their food nor drinking their drinks but they gave him issues with coming into the resort to help me get my luggage, the staff didn't allow my guy to come to my room to get my luggage for me...the staff was aggressive in their approach for no real reason, we returned from a party bus and was only in the lobby so I could get my luggage a couple days before I officially checked out of the room at RIU (I was staying in 2 places, so clearly money wasn't an issue). Yet they approached my guy disrespectful and unnecessarily because he walked into the hotel lobby, which is ridiculous. I will NEVER spend my money at RIU again, they have no respect for people and the amount of money we spend at their resort. Even the manager came and was very ignorant as well and had the nerve to say he would call the police because I didn't agree with them and how they were speaking to us and I spoke back and matched their energy. This place is a joke, if you're gonna speed your money for Aruba, stay somewhere else don't stay at RIU Palace Antillas.

We had an amazing stay at the Riu Palace Aruba. Everything was spotless, beautifully maintained, and had a truly luxurious feel from the moment we arrived. The food was excellent, especially at the specialty restaurants, with plenty of great options throughout our stay. We also loved the poolside entertainment during the day and the nightlife options in the evenings, which made the experience even more fun and memorable. Overall, it was a fantastic trip, and we would absolutely recommend it for anyone looking for a relaxing and upscale getaway in Aruba.

We had such a wonderful experience. We stayed there in January 2026. The staff was over the top. Junior felt like family. Linda was very good to us as well. All the staff were kind to us. They really care about making you happy. They personally greet you every day. The property is gorgeous. The beach is gorgeous. The rooms are beautiful. The food is good. I can’t say enough I can’t wait to go back especially to see them again. It was very clean. It’s very safe. The best and safest place I’ve ever been to in the Caribbean.

Beautiful location right on the beach. Food is good, but it is difficult to go to specialty restaurants as they don’t take reservations and the last thing we want to do on vacation is stand in a line for an hour to eat a little-better-than-decent food. Entertainment for children is not great. Even though the Palace is the family property, pool games included adults getting wasted on shots and loud raunchy music. The night entertainment was not appealing to kids either and the kids’ club didn’t have much going on. When you have an adult property and a family property right next to each other, I’d expect a lot more emphasis on children entertainment at the family property. Save the drinking games for the adult hotel. Staff is friendly and rooms are clean. We went when major construction was going on at the pool—workers jackhammering through cement outside at all hours of the day, so the vacation was not relaxing. We could hear construction even at the beach. The resort should not have booked anyone during this time. It really was awful. We stayed here the year prior though without construction so we know it is a good resort without the noise, which is why I gave a 4-star review. Just make sure you get confirmation there is no major construction going on before you book!

The staff is okay, I expected them to be more friendly and happy given it's the happy island. The food was mediocre at best, I would rate it 1.5/5. The room was very nice and clean, the staff did amazing cleaning everyday. The pools were nice but the entertainment got annoying all day everyday with the same stuff. You can't relax with the games going on. The drinks were good but way too small. I think it was a 4 oz glass so you're getting two at a time just for yourself. I understand it's hot and things melt fast but these the smallest glasses I've ever had in an all inclusive and it was annoying to make so many trips back and forth and wait for the bartender. I could not find the gym and no one was helpful in locating it for me. I don't understand why girls can wear strapless mini dresses but boys can't wear a tank top for dinner? It's hot! Reservations mean going there at 6PM everyday, not actually reserving ahead of time. Our room was right by the stage so it was loud every night until 10PM and there was no relaxing on the balcony. Overall it was okay but I wouldn't stay again.