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The Hotel Riu Palace Aruba lies on the large, sandy Palm Beach, bathed by the waters of the Caribbean. This beachfront property is a luxurious, elegant and beautiful place to experience the gracious hospitality that defines this exquisite island destination. Located 6 miles from Aruba's International Airport and just 30 yards from shops bars and restaurants.Riu Palace Aruba bring RIU`s legendary service, its All-Inclusive concept and highest level of amenities to Aruba for the first time. Read More About Riu Palace Aruba - All-Inclusive
These two 10-story buildings and one 8-story building are located directly on the beach.
On site, Guests can enjoy top-quality facilities and activities such as two swimming pools, one with an integrated Jacuzzi, a signature terrace-solarium, a five-star fitness center, a spa and a casino. In addition, four theme restaurants and one distinctive gourmet restaurant, numerous bars and several entertainment options provide a wide array of tastes, temptations and diversions.
On-Site Restaurants and Bars:
- "Don Nicolás" is the main restaurant with non-smoking section and terrace
- "Palm Beach" poolside with swim-up bar
- Krystal Fusion Restaurant(a la carte and requires reservations)
- "Sayuri" Japanese restaurant (a la carte and requires reservations)
- "Milano" Italian restaurant (a la carte and requires reservations)
- "Nautilus" poolside restaurant/grill and steakhouse with terrace (a la carte and requires reservations)
- "Bon Bini Lobby Bar"
- Barry`s Bar with Terrace
More Facilities:
- Sun loungers, towels and parasols by pool area
- Spa**
- Two Conference rooms
- Coffee maker in all rooms
- Car rental desk
- Babysitting service**
- Laundry service**
- Billiards**
Nearby: - Bicycle rental**
- Golf**
Entertainment: - Daily entertainment program for adults
- Live music
- Casino**
** Available at an additional fee
BookIt.com Verified Traveler
Gina from Maryland
"We spent 7 fabulous nights at the Riu Palace and found it be wonderful. Our room was nice with a great ocean view. The food was very good, especially the Italian and Gourmet restaurants. We had a few staff that went that extra mile and that really made our vacation even better. We love Aruba and we enjoyed the Riu Palace so much that we've already booked again for next year."
Posted: Sun, Apr 28, 2013- Overall Experience:
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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Shawnte from Atlanta, Ga
"We traveled to Aruba from 4/17/13 - 4/21/13 for a birthday vacation. I was a little worried, because I had read some poor reviews about the hotel, but I was pleasantly surprised.
First of all, it is NOT the best hotel on the island. I actually think the Hyatt is the best. BUT IT IS THE BEST ALL INCLUSIVE ON THE ISLAND HANDS DOWN.
Arrival: we used De Palma Tours for the transportation to and from the hotel. The bus was waiting after we got our bags and the ride was fine. We got to hotel and walked right up to front to check in, we didn't have a line, but it was a Wednesday, so that may have mattered. While we checked in, a hostess brought us rum punch. Got room keys and got to the room without a hitch.
Room: we were in the main building. we booked a junior suite with ocean view and it was exactly what we got. if you can, try and get the 9th or 10th floors, they have the biggest balconies. The room was spacious and clean. However, very damp. But that has nothing to do with the hotel itself, Aruba is just a damp place. We got used to it quickly. Tip: don't keep the balcony door open and keep the A/C on high and the room with stay cool and comfortable. With regard to the bed...YES, they were firm but that was okay with me...it wasn't the 'best bed we've slept in' according to my boyfriend, but he slept fine every night and so did I.
Food: there are four restaurants that have a 'sit down' menu, and YES you do have to be downstairs by 9am to make your reservation, because it does fill up quickly. However, if you really don't feel like getting up to make a reservation...don't. the buffet is fine. we ate there every day for lunch and twice for dinner. we also made reservations and went to the Japanese restaurant and the Steakhouse, and both were great. so either way you have options. on the last night, we got hungry late and wanted something to eat and went down to the sports bar. big mistake. just nachos and hot dogs and some suspicious looking sandwiches in the fridge. in my opinion, skip the sports bar and eat a BIG dinner at the buffet. As for the drinking: there are bars everywhere, but the cups are small, so if you're a big drinker, you'll be back frequently. if you bring your own tumbler they will put the drink in there for you. (but tip them!)
Activities: kinda non-existent...but really, you don't need many do you? there is daily pool aerobics and some beach games (volleyball/horseshoes). but the main activity is relaxation! we did use de palma tours (they have a booth in the lobby) to take a tour of the island and also the glass bottom boat tour. both were great.
Staff: friendly enough, but not overly so. they did however make an attempt to help out whenever we asked.
Overall, we had a great trip. I would stay again, especially because the all inclusive nature of the hotel was wonderful...but to be honest, the room did leave something be desired. So if you're someone who wants to lounge in the room most of the time, relax and sleep super comfortably, you may want to go for the Hyatt. But if you're gonna be out and about, at the beach, pool, dock, tours, activities, shopping, etc...who cares about the room! the food is great, location is wonderful and beach and pool are beautiful!
Enjoy your vacation in Aruba!"
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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A Recent Traveler
"Beautiful hotel with the most beautiful beach"
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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Gehring from Gilbertsville, Kentucky
"Spent five days in a magnificent beach front resort,pool, full- service all inclusive facility that exceeds expectations. Food and Service were great. Much pride by the management at keeping this 6 year old facility spotless and clean. Definitely wii return. BUT... Internet / Wifi very spotty, poor, slow - so if you need to stay connected while relaxing anticipate frustration; even more annoying is our beautiful junior suite had jacuzzi inside, hot tub outside, beautiful view overlooking the expansive pool and beachfront ocean. Unfortunately, they were never able to establish phone service to our room, i.e. could not communicate from our room or be available by phone back to our family in the states. Worse, could not utilize room service or contact the front desk without a walk down daily to repeatedly report this issue. Oh well, Hey man....supposed to be on relaxing vacation.
GGG"
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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T
"Aruba wasn't breezy it was more windy we went from april 7-13 2013. The riu wasn't bad it was decent. The room was not bad it was decent to sleep. The staff need to be more effecient with customer. The entertaiment need to be improve. Overall it was good."
Posted: Sun, Apr 14, 2013- Overall Experience:
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- Would Return or Recommend?No
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Cody from Findlay, Ohio
"For anyone who has never been to Aruba The beaches are prob some of the most beautiful in the world, but the island is ugly, and the winds are insane non-stop 30-40 mph probably. By day 3 or 4 you get used to it. The sun is super hot of course. The riu was nice, but way to many children and old people for our liking. Sandals is much better cleaner and more relaxing. You do not have to fight for amenities. The food was the best weve probably ever had though."
Posted: Mon, Mar 25, 2013- Overall Experience:
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- Would Return or Recommend?No
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Diane from Mount Airy, Maryland
"The Riu is a beautiful hotel that is cheap with it's liquor and entertainment. The food was very good at the buffet, but the restaurants were lacking. The bed was hard, but the rooms were clean and nicely done. I had hot water when I needed it and the shower pressure was ok. If you like a nice drink with upper level alcohol, do not go here. The drinks were ok, but the liquor selection was horrible. The offer one beer, the islands brand and no others. If you wanted to pay for a non-domestic beer you can get one in the casino, but pay you will. The entertainment is horrible. If you want to lay on the beach and do nothing at night, this is the hotel for you. If you would like some sort of entertainment after dinner, then do not go here. You have to go off the hotel grounds for anything to do. They also close all but their 'sports bar' at midnight, no matter how many people are at the bar. Having been at quite a few all inclusives I found the food very good, the rooms very nice, but everything else including the drinks, the pool, and the entertainment sub par. By the way, the wind is really strong at this place! It sounded like I was staying in a haunted house in my room with the wind howling, but that is not the fault of the hotel."
Posted: Thu, Feb 28, 2013- Overall Experience:
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- Would Return or Recommend?No
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Delcid from Allentown, Nj
"The resort was ok. Certainly not worth what we paid. The bedroom furniture was beat up. The lobby wasn't well maintained. Cracks in the ceiling. The staff wasn't very friendly. The pool was not heated and with the wind in Aruba, it was too cold to enjoy. They advertise a jacuzzi tub in the rooms and show many pics. I was disappointed that we had a regular sized tub with no water pressure. It did have jets in it that did not work. Room service is awful."
Posted: Tue, Feb 05, 2013- Overall Experience:
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- Would Return or Recommend?No
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Morin from Laval, Qyebec / Canada
"We stayed at RIU Palace from January 4th to January 9th 2013, it was our first visit to Aruba for me and my two teenagers ( 17th and 19th ). We visited Mexico last year and even if the resort was very nice and huge I preferred Aruba ten times. The temperature was so nice, the hotel location and staff were extraordinary .... and the beach was so beautiful, no rocks ... turkoise water and so much to do. We felt very secure at night to go out and take a walk outside where we found shopping, restaurants and bar and everything else 5 minutes around. We were not stuck at the hotel and that's what we really appreciated, especially with teenagers, they could see other guests from other hotel and have fun without having to take a taxi all the time.
The food was very good and I had such a nice BIG room, where we could all sleep confortably ( we liked the bed that were a little hard as we're used to that).
I really don't have anything wrong to say and for sure I'll come back .... there is no doubts about it !
See you soon,"
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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A Recent Traveler from New York, New York
"This was my first time in Aruba. I was satisfied with the hotel but not impressed. The housekeeping staff was excellent but the front desk staff was just good. I started with a bad impression when, on checkin, the entire lobby witnessed a guest in a yelling match with one of the staff members.
I requested a high floor but was put on the third floor. The electronic lock malfunctioned twice and the old-fashioned tv had to be re-programmed once. There were only 20 channels.
The restaurants required reservations by noon (not 12:05, when the hostess left for the day). The room service was pretty bad.
Once in a while, I'd ask for something and would be redirected elsewhere. At other hotels, the staff would just handle the request."
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- Would Return or Recommend?No
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A Recent Traveler
"All in all, no real complaints. There were some used towels in our bathtub upon arrival, but other than that, no real complaints."
Posted: Mon, Oct 22, 2012- Overall Experience:
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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Raquel from Elizabeth, Nj
"This was the most beautiful hotel i have ever been to. The food, the music, the atmosphere...I can keep going. I have nothing bad to say about this hotel. It has been my favorite vacation so far. The people are so friendly here and will assist you if you have any problems. The only thing i will say is that the beds were a little hard but who cares when your not spending any time in the room. It was worth every penny and would do it again."
Posted: Sun, Oct 14, 2012- Overall Experience:
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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Edyta from New York, NY
"It was very good stay for me and my friends overthere, we did enjoy it a lot and for sure we will go back."
Posted: Fri, Jul 06, 2012- Overall Experience:
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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Teresa from Nanuet, Ny
"It was a great trip the only bad thing is that the bed are horrible really is like sleeping on the floor....The hotel is great and the entertainment staff are great and food is excellent...great location for trip...would do it again"
Posted: Mon, Jun 11, 2012- Overall Experience:
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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DAVID LANCASTER from ROSCOE, IL
"EXCELLENT PLACE TO SPEND A WEEK. POOL AND BEACH WERE BETTER THAN ONE COULD IMAGINE. ROOMS WERE CLEAN AND VERY NICELY ACCOMODATED. ONLY ISSUE WE HAD ALL WEEK WAS GETTING TOWELS TO OUR ROOM IN A TIMELY MANNER."
Posted: Wed, May 30, 2012- Overall Experience:
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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A Recent Traveler
"We loved the resort! It was all we had hoped it would be and the perfect place to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. The Hotel was very clean, the staff was super friendly and the food was great! There was nothing that we did not enjoy about our vacation!"
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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Chuck And Lauren from Philadelphia, Pa
"We stayed from 4/26-4/30. The weather was perfect! Hotel was beautiful and the people were all so nice there. The pool was awesome, had a swim up bar and was right on the beach so you had the option of relaxing at either since they both are right there. Food was awesome. Had to make reservations every morning for that night but only took a few minutes and was worth it because all the restaurants had very good food. The buffet was good for breakfast lunch and dinner also. Wouldn't say this is much of a kid spot. Theres bars everywhere. Yea they have a little kid area and a small pool for them but wouldn't reccommend this as a family place more of a couples resort. Very Americanized. Felt very comfortable - everyone spoke fluent English and didn't seem as if it was inconvenient to switch to English if we walked up so ask a question. The beds were hard as expressed in other reviews but who really cares your not there to sleep all day and the room was so nice and had a great view so the bed wasn't a huge deal for us. The mini bar in the room was stocked and there was bottles of liquor as well so that was nice. Not sure what people were complaining about on other reviews this was a beautiful resort and was a great price- we paid 1400 per person and that included shuttle to and from the airport and was US airways which is pricey sometimes. If you don't want to have your dinners and events planned out for you then the simple solution is to not go to an all inclusive resort but we both thought it was well worth it. We will definitely visit Aruba again and most likely come back here! Don't listen to all the babies that complained it was awesome there :)"
Posted: Tue, May 01, 2012- Overall Experience:
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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Denise DeLuca from Rayland, Ohio
"I love Aruba. This was my 3rd time in Aruba and I previously stayed next door. The resort is beautiful and the staff great. The shopping across from the hi-rise hotels has really been built up since my last visit - great. Plan on returning next year. Love the all-inclusive option."
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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Chad from Hollister, Missouri
"My girlfriend and I wanted to go somewhere to get away for spring break. Seemed like Aruba would be far enough. Upon arrival, the service was immediate and very polite and I had a drink placed in my hand almost immediately. Which, after several hours on an airplane was just what I needed. The resort itself was absolutely phenomenal. We had a room on the 9th floor which had an amazing view of the pool and the beach/ocean. The rooms were very clean and very well stocked with everything from the towels to the minibar (also included) very well taken care of. The food was very amazing. We mostly stayed with the Don Nicolas buffet which had tons of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner no matter what your taste preference or craving. I actually managed to catch them on a night where they were serving ox. Never tried it before but absolutely loved it. We also went to the Milano Italian restaurant and enjoyed the food there as well. There were also great choices for my girlfriend, who is vegetarian, and she greatly enjoyed all of them. The hotel has 5 bars that are open at various times including a swim-up bar at the pool. They were all very good, very experienced bartenders. Our favorite was the Sports Bar which was open 24 hours and also had snacks, sandwiches, nachos, hot dogs, etc. pretty much anything one would need in between meals. The bartender there was especially nice and very talented behind the bar. Make sure to get a drink from her whenever you get the chance. Everything we needed was right there when we needed it. Wi-fi was available in the lobby for free (90 mins/day) or in rooms for a small charge. Fresh towels and toiletries, 24-hour room service (also included for no extra charge), and simply put, tons of fun and relaxation for anyone and everyone who stays there. My one complaint is not about the resort itself but the round-trip transportation to and from the airport. It was with DePalm Tours and offered transportation for $40. Seemed like a good idea at the time but it took them an hour before we finally left and another half hour to drive the 7 miles from the airport to the resort. Plus their shuttle for the return trip was leaving at 5:15am. Since our flight wasn't scheduled to leave until 9am we decided to just get a cab instead, which was much more direct. It cost $25 but it was a much better deal. All in all, the hotel is a great place to stay and I will definitely be coming back."
Posted: Wed, Mar 28, 2012- Overall Experience:
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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David Stillitano from Greensburg, PA
"Communication upon arrival was not the best. We were not told of hotel services or where to eat when lunch/dinner is over (Sports Bar). Staff was hit and miss, some were rude when asked questions others were very friendly. At one restaurant we wanted to try another item on the menu but were told no. Rooms were very clean and services for extra towels, etc. was very good. Food was plentiful and delicious.Would stay here again."
Posted: Wed, Mar 07, 2012- Overall Experience:
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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David Stillitano from Greensburg, Pennsylvania
"Hotel was beautiful; but communication upon arrival should be better. There was no explanation of what the hotel could or would do if you have questions. We were not told about the sports bar or where to eat if lunch/dinner is over. We had to inquire by asking other guests. Some hotel staff was super friendly and nice while others were very rude when asking questions. While at one restaurant we wanted to try another item on the menu but were told no - only one meal per quest. This being all inclusive it should be no problem to let you try another item. Rooms were very clean and the service for towels etc. was very good. They should just let you keep your wrist bracelet on the day you leave. It is not like you can give it to someone else. The paper ticket they give you is flimsy and can easily be blown out of your hand or wet and destroyed. Overall was a very good trip and the food was plentiful and delicious."
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- Would Return or Recommend?Yes
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Patricia Dickey from Randolph, New Jersey
"We just got back yesterday for our 5 night stay at Riu Palace in Aruba. What a fabulous time we had. "
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"Wonderful dinning, we faced the pool and enjoyed our balcony"
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- Choice of 5 restaurants. Full American breakfast buffet, Special evenings: theme buffets (twice a week), 24-Hour Room service
- Unlimited local and imported beverages 24 hours a day with Mini-bar and regularly restocked liquor dispenser
- FREE Wi-Fi In Lobby AND Guest Rooms!
- Complimentary entrance to the Casino (drinks not included)
- Daytime entertainment program for adults (six times a week)
- Live music (several times a week)
- All accommodations, taxes and gratuities.
- - Choice of 5 restaurants. Full American breakfast buffet, Special evenings: theme buffets (twice a week), 24-Hour Room service
- - Unlimited local and imported beverages 24 hours a day with Mini-bar and regularly restocked liquor dispenser
- - FREE Wi-Fi In Lobby AND Guest Rooms!
- - Complimentary entrance to the Casino (drinks not included)
- - Daytime entertainment program for adults (six times a week)
Max occupancy: 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child.
Max occupancy: 2 adults + 2 children or 3 adults and 1 child.
Max occupancy: 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child.
Max occupancy: 2 adults + 2 children or 3 adults and 1 child.
- All-Inclusive
- Beach Front
- Beauty Shop/Salon (+)
- Billiards
- Casino (+)
- Conference Rooms (+)
- Continental Breakfast
- Fitness Facility
- Full Breakfast
- Gift Shop on Property (+)
- Golf (nearby) (+)
- Jacuzzi/Hot Tub
- Lounge/Bar
- Multiple Swimming Pools
- Outdoor Pool
- Public Internet Access (+)
- Restaurant
- Room Service (+)
- Sauna
- Shopping (nearby) (+)
- Sun Deck
- Swim-Up Bar
- Water Sports (nearby) (+)
- Wireless Internet (+)
(+) = Additional fees may apply for the use of these amenities.
(*) = Free, some restrictions may apply.
