Hotel Riu Palace Antillas

This trip was very special as my daughter and I went to celebrate her birthday. Aruba is beautiful and very safe . We stayed on the adults section beautiful resort ; the bed not the most comfortable booked 2 separate beds , when we went up to the room was given one bed , was too tired to have it changed as they had a room package ready so their was no opportunity to confirm my option but no big deal . To get a beach seat you have to getup very early to reserve with a towel on your chair to save a spot it rained quite a bit so the pool was closed fora day. The specialist restaurants you have to line up from 5.30 to get in as they do not do booking. This system is a pain wish it was not like this. Went only to the steak restaurant; as could not be bothered with lining up early also because it is the rainy season their was a lot of mosquitoes my daughter got bitten up at the steak restaurant as it is outdoor . Wish I had prepared with deet spray. The cleaning staff did a good job staff very friendly and accommodating. The guys on the beach if you tip will drag you 2 chairs . Did we enjoy our trip we sure did don’t stay on the resort. Explore the island and go to the city and see all the nice shops. The resort have a casino. It is very tight very hard to win. Played at the casino in the city a bit more loose but all in all very safe off the resort . Would I return to Riu yes I would and yes Aruba you have a part of my heart .

Terrible hotel. If you have ever stayed at a Marriott/Hilton/Hyatt or even an Aloft you will find this place a total dump! You might think I am exaggerating - but hear me now and believe me later - if you stay at this hotel you will regret it. When you realize you just spent your hard earned money on a tragic vacation that could have been spent on enjoying life and all the wonderful things life can bring you - you will remember what I am telling you now. That being said if you like a good pina colada, fresh squeezed juice in the morning, or french fries and that is all that matters to you, then by all means stay here. If you need more from your stay than those three items run away! Do not ruin your vacation, do not waste your money, do not wish you were back at the office working and book elsewhere! The halls smell like mold. The room itself was clean and fine, until the room started to leak on us. (picture attached). The room would not cool to a level I found comfortable, nor would management allow the AC to go to a lower temperature. Management would not speak to us - I have no idea why they are in the business of hospitality beyond its good money in their pocket. If you choose to stay here plan to spend hours in line waiting to get into an average to below average restaurant. And when I say hours in line that is before it opens. If you get there too late and stand in line you will have to come back hours later to enjoy your sub par meal. Just don't. Its a disaster. Don't listen to family members who say its fine and enjoyable. Think college dorm, and not the one where the rich kids live. Again, if you have ever stayed at a nice hotel in the states you will HATE it. I promise!

First time in Aruba! I had read good and bad reviews of this resort but booked it as it was exactly what we were looking for to celebrate a milestone birthday. I booked through their website and opted for the shuttle to/from the airport (additional fee). I was able to book our airfare, shuttle service and junior suite with an ocean view easily. We had a little difficulty finding our shuttle but that was because we didn't see the person holding a sign with our name. We arrived at the resort and checked in after a short wait. A wonderful gentleman brought us champagne while we waited. I had requested a King Bed but when we got to the room, it was 2 double beds BUT the view was amazing (17th floor). I went down to the front desk and they assured me they could bind the 2 beds together and put a topper on it OR we could move to another room the next day. We stayed in the room and they did a great job putting the beds together. We went directly to the buffet for Mexican night. It was a pleasant surprise and the food was good. You should be aware the resort does have a dress code for the men, for dinner. 3 days were at the beach and the water was nice but not clear due to lots of storms in the area and the increase in boats coming in and out for excursions. We were lucky enough to get a palapa but you do have to get down there early, same for the pool chairs. We ate most of our meals at the buffet and only tried the Italian restaurant. The staff at both were amazing and very attentive. We were concerned the buffet might get old but with the different theme nights, it wasn't. Plenty of choices to mix it up! We ventured to Baby Beach 3 days as the water was beautiful. Our evenings were spent out by the beach bar with Freddy and Jerry. What a great time with lots of laughs! We enjoyed the staff and the resort and they even decorated our room for my birthday and had a special dessert with champagne come to our table at the Italian restaurant (thanks Lucia!). We met some great people too! Our experience here was great and it really is One Happy Island.

I have travelled the WORLD. Japan, Maldives, Egypt, Spain, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, you name the country, I've been there. I have NEVER been to an All Inclusive to where I did NOT want to leave!!! MY wife and I had sooo much fun at the RIU Antilles. I swear to you, we loved every minute. We ventured over to the Family resort, the Palace but the food was NOT as good as the Adult side of the Antilles. Shout out to Emmanuel at check in and check out!! HE was very helpful. The rooms were gorgeous. We were in room 820 and the view was GORGEOUS!! The ONLY CON to this entire experience was the hard mattress, but after day 3, you get used to it. The FOOD was DELICIOUS!! So flavorful. The Steak house was to die for!! We did NOT enjoy the Italian resteraunt as the food was extremely salty and the French resteraunt was just OK, but we went to the Steak house TWICE!! That resort is at the TOP of our must stay list!! IF you want your money's worth, STAY at the RIU Antilles! You will NOT regret it!

One of the worst hotels I have stayed in ever. Rooms are dated. AC didn’t work properly. Food is below average. The General Manager of the hotel refused to meet me despite my trying to see him 3 times and leaving my mobile number. They advertise their theme restaurants as part of the value proposition, but you have to start lining up at 5:15 in hopes of getting a slot. Obviously they would prefer you dine at their buffet for all meals. Simply a terrible experience and certainly not worth the price.