Incredible!

Fantastic staff, SUPER clean, great food and beautiful beach! 10+ For Us! Five minute walk to downtown Noord. Could not be more pleased with our vacation experience at the Riu Palace Antillias! We Would Return! A special thank you to Trip Central for their detailed care along the way in ensuring our trip was outstanding!

Beautiful Resort

Beautiful resort and beach. This is the second time we’ve been to this resort and we would go back. Service and the staff were excellent. Rooms recently renovated and food is incredible. Nobody wore masks and no hand sanitizer available anywhere on resort but we didn’t feel uncomfortable. A new resort is being built next door so there is construction noise while you are on the beach but it’s not all day long and wasn’t too annoying.

A lovely holiday.

We stayed a week on the non-construction side on the 13th floor. Pros: our Sunwing flights were good and without delay, friendly staff throughout, hot sunny weather, well kept grounds, beautiful sandy beach, easy walk to shops, nice to have the option of bars, buffet restaurant and pool at sister resort next door, good selection of food in restaurants and buffet, great housekeeping and coffee shop, renovated room with spacious balcony with ocean view, good activities staff. Cons: constructio [... read more]n next door was very loud six days a week (loud pool music couldn’t muffle it), difficult to get a palapa during prime time (we arrived very early or late afternoon), NO Covid protocols (NO hand sanitizer at buffet or near elevators- gross). Wouldn’t return unless price fell significantly. Overall a 7/10.

Nice ; don’t go til construction is done and you don’t expect much covid protocols. are not

The Pros:The resort was beautiful and well maintained and kept very clean. We requested a room with 2 Beds and on opposite side from Construction and they did accommodate our request. The service by wait staff, bar tenders etc was excellent and everyone is friendly and happy. Our room was kept impeccably clean by the maid staff. The Cons: The construction next door is very loud and could be heard at pool and beach and is disturbing. Honestly, I would not recommend this hotel until the lo [... read more]ud construction is completed unless you are getting a super good deal and don’t mind loud banging and grinding sounds constantly from Mon to Sat inclusive. We were fortunate that our hotel room Was on the opposite side- the guest staying in the rooms on the construction side overlooking the pool must have been awoken early by the noise. We were disappointed in the lack of attention to covid protocols At the buffet and throughout the Resort. There were NO Bottles Of hand sanitizer anywhere; We asked one of the managers about this One day at the buffet and she said something about not Being able to get it Supplied. There are several spots where tongs are shared so there should have been hand sanitizer everywhere in the buffet dining room, by elevators etc. Saw very few staff wearing masks ; the odd person but it seems there is no covid in Aruba! Bring your own hand sanitizer and just know that there doesn’t seem to be any extra precautions being taken regarding Covid.

Amazing Resort

This hotel was amazing in all aspects. The food was great, the rooms were clean and updated, amenities were awesome. The staff were very helpful at all times. Carlos at the front desk was very friendly and we were given a spectacular room on the 18th floor so that we could stay together with our friends. All the staff at the Restaurants and bars were always extremely courteous. The Assistant General Manager was always around speaking with guests to get their feedback and ensuring guests were wel [... read more]l looked after. Food and drinks were always in plenty. The rooms were slso stocked up with all kinds of well known drink brands and even after check out food and drinks were available till we physically left the hotel. Awesome, awesome!!

Amazing week

Just got back from the RIU Antilles and had to share. What an amazing resort. Staff all levels from front desk to cleaning staff are so very friendly and will go out of their way to accommodate if possible. Room was beautiful, we had ocean view junior suite. Asked maid for xtra bath towels and some days we got them, others just the two. There IS ongoing construction and our room faced that way but as the workers there don't start until close to 8am, it was never a concern for us. ALL even number [... read more]ed rooms face this way, staff did offer to move us but we were already settled so didn’t. Food is fantastic, steakhouse being best and lineups prove that. Restaurant opens at 6:30pm but line ups start at 5:30pm. Entertainment is good, make sure you catch the pirate show!!!! You can go from one show to the other at the RIU palace side. You can also eat over there BUT only in their buffet. 7mins walk to Palm Beach area shopping and it is fantastic, make sure you go in the evening when it’s cooler and it’s all alive with lights. You can walk the main rd area or simply walk towards beach of resort and there’s a paved pathway through all of the neighbouring resorts. Lovely walk. Aruba is crime free so totally safe. Beach is lovely and you can walk for miles. Always a nice breeze so never feels humid but it is very very hot so make sure you take lots of sunscreen. Never need a sweater, very comfortable in the evenings. Beautiful island, very modern on one side and desert like on the other. We took the Aruba island tour $51 for 4-1/2 hrs, booked via SunwIng, Peter our guide was great. We were stressed over recent Sunwing issues and went to airport 4hrs ahead, we were all checked in and through security within half hour!!!! The elite plus was well worth it for xtra leg room and priority line to check in. Your luggage also comes off first. Sunwing were represented well at the resort from 8:30-4:30pm every day. Flight took off on time both ways, all in a fantastic vacation.

Beautiful Resort

Rui Antillas is a very nice Resort. Clean and well maintained. Hotel Staff and Room Service were Great. Food was good, lots of selection for picky People. If you like your food spicy, bring your own hot sauce. Rooms were cleaned daily and in a timely fashion. Beach is clean and staff always ready to get you a chair. We didn’t have any issues getting a chair at any point in the day and didn’t have to get up at 5am to put out a towel. Its windy on the beach at times and you real [... read more]ly need to be careful of the Sun as its deceiving you will get a sun burn. There is a great Store in the hotel that sells Aloe Vera Products made in Aruba. Activities were good, the staff does a good job of getting People to participate. Casino is open late for all those who love to gamble their money away. Shopping is close, you can either walk 5 mins to a shopping area filled with restaurants or you can take the local bus for $2.60 into town. There are 2-night clubs within 5 mins of the Hotel which were awesome. Since it was Memorial Day weekend the Soul Beach Festival was on, we went to the Comedy Night with Mike Epps, Concerts with Mary J Blige and New Edition & Bobby Brown. It’s a great time of the year to be in Aruba. There is Construction next door to the resort but honestly it was not an issue at all. The only thing that could have been better was our Sun Wing Rep. She was not very informative nor communicated anything to us. Every vacation I’ve been on with Sun Wing the Rep usually has an information session the next morning, so you are aware of how the Restaurants work, where things are in the Hotel like the Gym or Spa. Information on best Excursions or what’s happening around the Island. How to go about Shopping. She provided no Information we had to find out this information on our own by asking other Guests The Hotel Lobby has an information board which details all the events happening in the hotel it would have been nice to know this instead of finding it a few days before we left. The service provided by Sun Wing Rep was horrible!! Other than that, we had an amazing time and would definitely recommend this Hotel for future travel.

White Sand Beach & Amazing Service

My husband and I have always wanted to go to Aruba and decided to play it safe and go with an all inclusive. I loved everything about this hotel except one thing, the a la cart restaurants. We stuck to the buffets and went out for dinner a couple nights. Please, do yourself a favour and have dinner at a restaurant outside the hotel, so many within walking distance, or grab an electric scooter. You won’t be disappointed. The beach is gorgeous, the hotel was incredible and the bars are great. We [... read more] had a basic room but it exceeded our expectations, I believe it was recently renovated so much nicer than the pictures I saw when booking. I believe we got lucky that the hotel was not at full capacity so we always had greats spots at the beach and pool area. The entertainment staff was awesome and kept the energy going. My husband and I are in our mid thirties and found the majority of people staying there were 45 plus so don’t go expecting a big party. However, that’s not to say there wasn’t a party vibe, it was more mature but perfect for the type of trip we were looking for. Also, room service sucks, good luck getting food late night. If I had to change one thing, they need more food options for the people who go dancing till 1am lol! Overall, it was a great time and certainly recommend if it’s your first time to Aruba. PS do the side by side tour, so much fun!

Very Pleased

Very Satisfied except for last two days there was no hot water. Covid caused extra wait times to travel. Unknown renovations were disappointing and caused the closure of some restaurants Staff all spoke English and were very accommodating.

Amazing resort

We loved everything about the Riu Palace Antilles! The construction is nearly done and it did not bother us at all. The beach is beautiful! The man who gives out the chairs was so helpful and always put our chairs exactly where we asked! The restaurants are all good. We decided to try the Buffett at the Palace Aruba next door, my husband likes fish and that night, most of the fish dishes had shellfish in them, which my husband is allergic to. We mentioned it to a young lady working at the car [... read more]very and she outdid her self for us! Theresa immediately asked what he would like, and proceeded to prepare a lovely swordfish, with vegetables and sauce just for him! We so appreciated this extra effort and kindness! The Antilles was a little quieter than the Aruba and that was fine for us! We loved everything about our trip and will return!

Older resort

I have been to several Riu resorts and have enjoyed all of them so picking the Riu Antillas was a no brainer. I feel I should warn people what to expect from this one though. Rooms are in need of a complete renovation. Musty smell in our room, patio door was off/broken rollers. Sink would not drain, patched hole in wall not finished or painted. Had gfi breaker fail in room which they fixed right away. Closet bifold door was broken/worn out so door wouldn’t close properly. Water marks fro [... read more]m past leak. I talked to front desk right away and asked if they had a refurbished room, but was told I “didn’t pay for an upgrade ??” but would just change the room for us. Got a call from the manager two days later and asked if I had any complaints which I did. He said he would look into a redone room and get back to me next morning...he never did !! We don’t spend much time in the room but expect it to be a 5 star I would rate it at best a 3 star resort. The Riu that was built from new was next door for families, it was much nicer. I must say this, the staff was friendly and helpful (except above), food was great, pool and beach were also great. Perfect weather with always a nice breeze. It was our second time to Aruba, first to this resort. I will check another resort when we go back next time.

Lovely vacation venue

The grounds and entire facility were very clean. The rooms could use an update. The food was great with everything imaginable. The staff were efficient and so warm and friendly. The pool and common areas were lovely, white sand beach, and a nearby plaza within walking distance and easy bussing to downtown for shopping. All very safe. Unfortunately there is not a cappuccino machine near the pool. I left my white hoodie, with writing Niagara 2021, in the room, and called about it and it was no [... read more]t found. It was definitely left in the room. The weather in Aruba is fantastic, sunshine every day. No bugs or bites this trip.

Piece of Heaven

We were in the Villas section of The Riu. Our room was first class all the way. The grounds around our Villa were well maintained lovely pool private to Villa guests only. Nice beach and ocean view from both room and pool area. Staff cleaning our room in the morning were excellent and always friendly. The main Hotel Tower lobby was very nice well kept friendly staff at check in and checkout. Had a chance to see rooms in the main tower and for what people were paying for was far from five star ac [... read more]commodation. The rooms were very dimly lit very old decor and paint on the walls wold have to rate them at best three star. Restaurants okay buffet good variety. Ala Carte restaurants no reservations required meant people were lining up forty five minutes before they opened. We found that in the two we tried the food was just average and not that great so we opted for the buffet. All staff in the restaurants were excellent in the service they provided. The outdoor areas outside of the Villas ,pool bars grounds were well maintained. All in all our stay was five star others I’m sure would rate their stay closer to three star.

So so on resort

the grounds were well kept and nice.Did not like or appreciate the over the top show when the owner showed up nor did others.It was like the king and queen were having dinner and the peasants watched from afar.We participated in the comedy show which was fun,however nightly entertainment was very weak compared to neighbouring resorts.Staff people were very friendly.Did not like being bused from main terminal to another to catch flight.

Great resort in a fantastic location

Our room in the resort was a little run down. We wish we had stayed next door at the Riu Palace Aruba because it is newer. Our bed was not very comfortable. Nonetheless, the food and service was very good so it balanced out in the end.

Very good experience!

We are a couple in our 50's and stayed for a week in late February. We had a really good experience. Checking in was really fast and I think it was due to Sunwing and the hotel setting up a separate check in desk for Sunwing people. We had the top floor, partial sea view facing north toward the Palace resort. Below us were the roof air conditioning units and they are noisy so staying outside on the patio for any length of time was something we didn't do much. The room was large and included an i [... read more]n room bar with the fridge re-stocked every day. Bed was comfortable. There's an in room safe as well. Overall the service from the staff is really good. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful. Learn a couple of local phrases and they really seem to appreciate that. We tipped a few times during the week but really the service is the same whether you do that or not. There is drink service around the pool but not on the beach. Finding room on the beach is always a challenge everywhere due to the people getting up first thing and reserving spots whether they're using them or not. However we always found a decent spot even though we'd wander down around 8:30am. There's guys on the beach who help you setup your loungers. Food was generally very good to excellent. There are no reservations at the restaurants which meant lineups sometimes. The steak place always fills up so line up around 6pm. It opens at 6:30 and if that seating is full they give out pagers for the later seating and once those are gone it's full. We used the buffet at the Palace as well and it was good but be ready for lots of kids. Booking thru Tripcentral worked worked well and they were great at providing emails with updates, tips and trip details. All in all we had a very good trip!

Amazing resort

The resort was awesome from service ... food and service from the hotel staff. We would have a nightly recap... the staff always recommended a drink that we may enjoy. The hotel manager was always approachable and friendly whenever we walked by. Very professional and friendly... Thank you

Great resort

Hotel was a bit outdated but very clean. We accidentally left our safe open one day and when we returned to the room, Realized it and all our valuables and cash was left untouched. Honest maids. Very friendly atmosphere.

Riu, antillas palace, and palace Aruba

Nice hotel, needs some upgrades, the Aruba palace side nicer, and more newer looking. But both hotels are conviiently c lose to beach.service was slso very good..Aruba very nice island and very happy atmosphere. Happy island.

Fantastic

Riu Palace Antillas Junior superior suite ( villa) location was perfect. I would always want to be on the 3rd top floor to take advantage of the amazing ocean view. The suites were dated but nice. We changed rooms once because the hot tub jets were not working and the shower stall drain was plugged. There were also 4 light bulbs that were burnt out that needed replacing. Once we change rooms the shower stall drain was still plugged in that room. We asked to have that fixed 3 times and they kept  [... read more]saying it would be taken care of but never was. So by the time I finished taking a shower I’d be standing in a good 4 to 5 inches of water. I heard they were going to do some renovating . I would love to go back to the same location after the renos. Grounds were beautiful The buffet was different every night with a great selection of foods. service was also great . Much better than the al la carte restaurants . All in all we had an excellent time and loved Aruba .