Our time at Riu Palace Antillas was very enjoyable.

The food was great and always something different. We found it very windy therefore the beach was uncomfortable with the sand blowing all the time. The pool was always full and found you have to be there very early in the morning to reserve a spot by laying your towel on the lounge. The staff was very attentive and always there to help with anything.

Great Holiday

The riu Palace Antillas was great. We had a fabulous time. I ve come to realize you should never read reviews. There was absolutely nothing negative at this resort. I rate this hotel a 5 in every category and i am support fussy. The staff were super friendly, always going out of there way to help us, always smiling and making small talk. The beach was amazing, walking the beach was breathtaking as well as the boardwalk. The hotel was super clean, public bathrooms were cleaned 24/7. Our roo [... read more]m was awesome, ocean view and again very clean. We would recommend this hotel to anyone. For us, the only downfall is the size of resort, lots of people, we prefer smaller resorts with 200-300 people. But thats just us. Saying that, i would go back to Riu Palaca Antillas.

Vacation Foibles

First (and probably last time) we've ridden on Sunwing Airlimes. Cramped space and no alternative seating available. For a 4.5 hour trip this is hardly acceptable. Visited Aruba during the rainy season - both windy and rained about 3 times a day each day. Wasn't aware it would be that bad. Swimming pool was cold as was the ocean. Very surprising! Hotel safe was repaired 3 times while we waited in the room. Beach in front of the hotel was rife with garbage and glass in places. Picked [... read more] up as we went along. Funny thing, other hotels groomed their beach front. Worst of all, smoking allowed on the hotel grounds, around the pool, the casino and lounge areas outside as well. Not going back there, thanks!

Amazing vacation

We absolutely loved Aruba and were very happy at the Riu Antilles. The people working there are all amazing, happy and friendly and everyone speaks english. The grounds were kept meticulous. They are always cleaning and making sure everything looks perfect. The rooms were very clean. My only negative would be that they need to be updated. The rooms are very big but the bathroom needs fixing up badly. The food was great. We went to every restaurant except the Arubian one. They were all am [... read more]azing and the buffet was incredible. Everything was fresh and always different varieties of food. The beach and pool areas were beautiful. Never a problem getting a chair at the beach. They do not do bar service at the beach only at the pool area. but the bar is right there so not a problem for us. We loved walking out the front door and being able to walk into town within minutes. There is also a boardwalk that runs along the entire beach which was great too. Gorgeous water colors, powdery white sand, there was never any seaweed. We would return to the Riu in a heartbeat.

ARUBA IS AMAZING

Spent one week at the Riu Palace Antillas in Aruba, this place is PARADISE. Everything about the RIU was Great. The Food, The People the Location the facilities - it was Perfect From the moment we got there to the time we left the staff was amazing making you feel at home and asking to do anything for you. Can't wait to go back!!!!!!!

Great place

This hotel is a remodel from an old Westin I believe. It's not really a 5 star as advertised where you might expect perfection but it is still a very nice hotel with great service. You have access to the neighbouring Riu Palace as well. Their pool was better but our food was better. Our bathroom tub was refitted and it was not solid which was a bit of a slipping hazard and the bathroom tap leaked a bit. The food was excellent with many choices at each meal. The al a carte restaurants were easy  [... read more]to get into without much wait and the pager system worked very well, you can get a drink in the bar while you wait. The steakhouse was very good but our friends found the Italian one just ok. They had premium alcohol at the bars which was a nice change to other resorts we've been to. Music around the pool was missing except for when they had activities going on. Doesn't have to be loud but it's a nice touch around the pool. Brian, and Jayme from the entertainment staff were hilarious. You do have to reserve chairs by the pool but it wasn't too difficult and there is plenty of chairs on the fantastic beach with lots of huts for shade. Service at all bars and restaurants was excellent and the staff was all very friendly. The manager even managed to set up a super bowl party which was appreciated, but they wouldn't let us take food out of the buffet area to supplement the small food selection they had set up. That was frustrating. All in all it was a fantastic week and I would definitely recommend this hotel and I would go back as well.

Not a Palace

While I do not think this was a 5* hotel, I did have a nice stay. The staff were pleasant and the service was very good. There was a manager that was constantly asking us if the service was good and if there was anything he could do to make our stay better. The food was exceptional with great variety, especially at the buffet. The drinks were so-so (the orange juice was Tang or something other than orange juice). The public areas and rooms are dated and require updating but they are fun [... read more]ctional. The room we stayed in was very musty smelling - even when the air conditioning was left on all day, there was no difference. I liked the activities around the pool area that were held at different times during the day. The beach area is beautiful and the water is clear. Some of the shows at night were very good and they put on a great Superbowl Party for us on the Sunday, complete with a large screen television and Superbowl buffet. ps On the bus going to the hotel , the woman with the microphone tried to sell us $10 bracelets to ward off the "bad mosquito problem in Aruba". Don't buy one, I never saw one mosquito.

Perfect Getaway

Great vacation! Hotel was very nice, food was very good, and the service was excellent. Beach was beautiful, perfect sun set every night. Friendly and safe island...... I will be back to this resort.

Rius Palace Antillos

We had a great vacation the accommodations were great. The entertainment team was fantastic and very friendly with everyone, they organized many different activities. The restaurants had great food and the food display was very elegant. I think that they could or should have some limitation on reserving chairs on the beach and at the pool so everyone can have access. There was times when towels were put on chairs in early morning and nobody shoed up till the end of the day which made it hard to  [... read more]find areas in the shade. They should put some time limit on unattended chairs to allow the use by other guests. The staff was very friendly and courteous and helped the guests as much as possible. The rooms were always very clean and well equipped with whatever was needed. I would like to thank everyone that made this a wonderful trip.

Exceeded our Expectations

Firstly let me say that the people of Aruba and at the hotel are extremely kind and professional. We couldn't get over how clean everything was and how well run the hotel was also. There were always managers around asking if everything was good and if they could do anything for us. We had connecting rooms which was great as we were a family of 4. The food was absolutely amazing and always a variety. With all 4 of us liking different things we never went to bed hungry. They had live music pl [... read more]aying at the supper buffet (something different each night) which really made it that much more special.. With spending most of our time at the beach and refusing to stay inside while on holiday, we can't say too much about the night life. We were beat come bed time. We were aware of the winds in Aruba, and we loved it, otherwise it would have been too hot. Hats off to Sonny the operator for checking in on us when we arrived to see if all was good and to our liking. Really can't say anything negative about the hotel at all. We had King beds and they were extremely comfortable. The top of our list was a clean hotel and great food. This hotel had it all. We ate at the Italian restaurant and it was also very good. We didn't meet anyone there that didn't like the hotel or had any issues. We read alot of reviews about the rooms smelling moldy, but we found as any hotel on the ocean, of course if you leave the patio doors open the room will get humid, so we kept the a/c on all was good. We thoroughly enjoyed the adult only hotel. We only went in the pool on the last day as the beach was more what we were looking for. The water is truly amazing!! The staff on the beach getting your loungers worked like crazy to keep everyone happy and in a great spot on the beach. Overall just a great place!!! We loved it and will definitely be going back again!!!

Service was on the poor side

The resort was well maintained. Food selection was awesome. Bartenders and wait staff in specialty restaurants were fabolous. However staff in main dining area and front desk were definitely not friendly at all.

A great week!

Hotel grounds were immaculate. Staff work hard to ensure all is clean. Food was excellent. Only complaint is there was no Japanese dining option at the Antilles and we could not use the Riu Palace Aruba a la cartes. Mattresses were not the best and pillows were uncomfortable. Staff definitely elevate the hotel to a higher class. Great location.

Great resort

The resort itself is in need of some serious renos. It fails in comparison to other resorts that have spend the time to bring their resorts up to a better standard. The rooms are tired and mold in the bathtub is not a plus. The bed was not comfortable at all, it was lumpy and cause both me and my wife back pain. we both ended up at the spa for back massage to help ease the pain. Now on the brighter side, the staff at this resort is exceptional. I had a great time around the pool with the entert [... read more]ainment staff. The buffet food was very good, the other restaurants where very good staff excellent in all food areas. great selection of food choice as well.. I would come back to this resort again but a few changes would have to happen in order to get my business again..

Great resort

We loved the RUI. The resort was very clean, ate at al la cartes all 7 nights and dinners were excellent. Wi-fi is available through out entire resort and even the beach (although know should unplug while on vacation.) Only thing I would say needs improvement would be night entertainment. Would go back again for sure love that only a 20minite rode from airport.

Fabulous resort

The hotel was amazing, clean and very friendly staff. The manager greeted us on our first day, he welcomed us and asked if everything was to our satisfaction. The staff at the reception/main lobby was also very helpful. Bartenders and servers all very helpful, the whole resort was very clean. Excellent place to vacation, we'd definitely be back.

Fabulous Resort

Great vacation! Rooms were nice, staff was great, pool and beach were awesome. Enjoyed the casinos in both Riu Hotels. Food was really good, including the buffets. I would highly recommend this resort!

Riu Palace Aruba is a great place for the family

Overall the hotel is great. excellent service and staff. the grounds/rooms are clean and well maintained. the food and restaurants are well above average for an all-inclusive, especially the buffet (we usually aren't big fans) changing the variety daily. the proximity of the hotel for walking the beach/boardwalk to see the shops and various beach bars is perfect. Also for walking down the street to the shops, restaurants and coffee shops at night. very safe. $11 taxi ride to downtown Oranjesta [... read more]d but the area near the hotel is better. great nightlife. beach is beautiful and clean. the island is safe to explore. we rented a jeep and toured the entire island on our own. on the downside is the lack of quality beer and alcohol. only one type of beer. the hot tub in the pool was broken the entire week. The one pool table in the sports bar was also out of order all week and the second pool table wasn't working for the last part of the week with no repair date set (we asked). overall we had a great time and would recommend Aruba and Riu Palace to everyone.

Beautiful beaches

The hotel is in a great location not far from shops and restaurants. It’s a very large hotel with lots of dinning options. This is our 4th time visiting Aruba and our first time at the Riu. We had perfect service the staff was great. And never bothering you for tips. The pools are large lots of options and shaded areas. My only down fall would be the rooms they are a little dated. But very large and clean. The hallway carpet has a bit of a smell and is very old but overall we had a great time  [... read more]at this beautiful resort. Thanks riu antillas

Great food, great people!

I was extremely pleased with the quality of food. Even the hamburgers were delicious! Everything, from the entrees to the desserts, was a feast to the palate. The staff were very pleasant and helpful. The cleanliness, both inside and out, was obviously a big priority. The staff were always available and eager to meet our every need. The only complaint I have is that the hotel Riu Palace Antillas requires serious renovations and updating. Many times we had to open the toilet tank to replace the  [... read more]chain that kept falling out, to allow the water to flush. The stopper to the bathtub didn't have a chain to pull on to allow the water to drain. We used a nail file to pry the plug up before we could remove it. The mattress and pillows were very outdated and lumpy. In general, the hotel is very drab in colour and lighting. The Riu Palace Aruba, next door, was recently renovated. The lobby was gorgeous. The only reason we didn't book that one is because it was a family resort rather than an adult-only resort.

Even better than the 1st time!

Our second time visiting Aruba and staying at this resort. Once you step off that bus, you enter a world of amazing service, friendly people who appear to truly enjoy their jobs, incredible food with large variety and freshness day after day and immaculate cleanliness. Managers always circling the resort - highly visible and engaging - ensuring guests are satisfied and enjoying themselves. Gomez and Justin were an amazing part of our trip. Engaging, entertaining and always going above and beyo [... read more]nd to ensure the guests were happy. They made an incredible difference to everyone they encountered. The beaches are well maintained and service to get chairs reserved is efficient and easy for guests. Only negative comment I will continue to say is the lack of engagement and participation from the entertainment team. They are not visible nor engaging. With Aruba having the best beaches in the world you would expect them to walk the beach to talk to guests and be as entertaining as they marginally are at the pool. The entertainment team helps make a vacation even more fun. It’s just a tip to make this resort even better since they’re already awesome. Will be back yet again next year. Love this place and would recommend it to anyone and everyone !