Riu Palace Aruba - All Inclusive

Customer ratings & reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

9455 reviews

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  Fun family trip -- just crowded!

  We just got back from a family vacation at the Riu, and overall had a great time. I was nervous after reading some of the negative reviews, so our expectations were low. But check-in was easy, the rooms were very nice (recently updated, clean and spacious). The staff was great--waitstaff, bartenders, housekeeping were all accommodating and helpful. Beautiful, wide beach in an optimal location. The food in the buffet was above average and plentiful. The specialty restaurants for dinners were just ok. Nothing terrible, but you have to wait in long lines to get a table, and the food is about the same quality as the buffet. The other drawback is the chair situation at both the beach and the pool. You have to get there by around 7am to secure chairs. That said, we stayed between Christmas and New Years, so the hotel was extremely crowded. At a less crowded time, I think we would probably give the Riu 5 stars.

  Jan 01, 2026
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  Steer clear…

  Stay away from this place! This tops being one of he worst vacations we have ever had. First, we booked a junior suite and we were given a very old room. The check in desk was not helpful at all.. When we finally got our key, we walked to our room only to find a room that was not even ready yet. When we went back to the check in desk it took the 45 minutes to figure out what was going on!! We finally got our room and there are no comforters on the bed! The room was cold with the AC blowing right in our faces when we sleep. The food: Aruba has so much good food, do yourself a favor and stay at a better hotel and venture to some amazing restaurants. The buffet was HORRIBLE. The food kept running out and they couldn’t keep up to replace the empty plates There was no rotation of food. It was the same everyday. The beach: The beach was the best part… but you had to go out at 6:00 if you want to secure a chair. The hotel staff didn’t help at all. It was to the point where we people were stealing towels and others were securing chairs all day and never even using them. The hotel staff wasn’t even monitoring/ helping to make sure there were chairs available. This is my first and last time I will ever stay at a RIU.

  Dec 31, 2025
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  Great time

  We stayed at the RIU Palace Aruba Dec 3rd - Dec 7th and we were very happy with our choice . We booked a Junior Suite ocean view room and it was spectacular! Brand New and renovated, stunning views with a huge terrace/ balcony . Amazing food choices especially at the Buffet restaurant, although we had negative experience at the steak restaurant but that did not take away from the entire experience. Friendly staff , hotel clean and lobby smelled amazing . Nice daily entertainment. Truly a great trip and I would definitely come back again .

  Dec 09, 2025
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  Disappointing

  Listening to jack hammering by the pool all day every day was not relaxing. The king bed was two beds pushed together with the worst mattress, bedding and pillows we've ever experienced. No personalized check-in upon arrival. We couldn't wait to go home.

  Dec 09, 2025
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  Great value, location and earns 5 ⭐️

  Great locale, food supreme. Adults can enjoy buffet at neighbouring sister Riu resort Great beach, friendly staff From the door men/porters to the cleaning staff and all the customer facing staff and maintenance personnel, everyone was interested in making your stay the best. The entertainment was great from the piano bar, to the nightly performances, not to mention the singers and musicians at dinner buffet! The staff was always ready to help.

  Dec 07, 2025