The Ritz Carlton Aruba - European Plan

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

3651 reviews

• 

  Too much money for inattentive front end staff that has mailed it in. Stay elsewhere.

  First of all, the two star review is based on past experiences at the Ritz...not apples to apples with a Fairfield. The front of the house staff was just not friendly at all. At other Ritz, they strive to learn your name. Here, you don't even get a good morning when you pass the clerk and you're the only two people in the lobby. My wife and I received a nice beach bag in honor of my Marriott status. The note was inscribed to the wrong guest. We went down to the front desk and told them that our feelings were not hurt at all at all, but we wanted to make sure that this other person got their bag. The front desk agent walked us over to the concierge. We reiterated that it wasn't a big deal to us. We're super laid back Midwesterners that look people in the eye and try to treat others with respect and empathy. She must've been embarrassed, because she became very rude. My wife asked her the best way to get to the beach during our stay (as it was our first day and first stay at the property). She pointed through the lobby, past the lobby bar, out of a side door, through a patio, and down a staircase way over to the side. Then she turned her attention away from us as if she was inconvenienced to answer the most frequently asked question at the property. First of all, that is, in no way, the simplest way to get to the beach. There is an elevator to the ground floor that let's you out right by the pool/beach area. The idea that you would trudge through the lobby in your bathing suit is preposterous. The staff at the beach were kind and very hard working. The hot tub was broken during our stay, but they fixed it. I can't tell you how many places I stay where the hot tub is permanently out of order while they claim to be "working on it." That was a very pleasant surprise. The weird part is that you cannot get a towel after 6 pm. WTH? The sun wasn't even down yet. What's the point in lighting up the pools and hot tub if you don't provide towels? They clearly did not want to encourage people to use them. Maybe for noise purposes? Also, one, averaged size hot tub is insufficient for a resort this size. We had eight people and it was uncomfortable/awkward. There were ample opportunities to increase engagement with the property. They could have hosted games in the outside bar like gin, trivia, etc. I understand that it's a Ritz, but you can connect travelers without partying. We spent less money at this resort than any we have ever stayed at because there was literally no reason to stay here other than sleep. The service and food at the BLT steakhouse was great! We really enjoyed it, and the jalapeno mashed potatoes were to die for. I would definitely not recommend this property. I am a Marriott Ambassador with a ton of points and was looking for a Ritz, St. Regis, etc in the Caribbean. While Aruba is nice enough, I would recommend trying a different island and definitely a different hotel. For perspective, I've traveled to all 50 states, dozens of countries, have over 100 hotel nights per year, eat out all the time, and this is the first review I've ever written. It was that ehh.

  Dec 18, 2025
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  Good Stay Overall- Food was Bad

  I really wanted to love this property, as we loved the RC in Turks and Caicos. Our overall experience was good, but I was expecting it to be great for the cost and name. Pro's: Lots of staff. There was a lot of staff everywhere, beach staff, front desk, breakfast service- expect Noori (sushi bar in lobby, will get to that in my cons) Beach is nice. Good amount of chairs, not too busy however we did have to reserve ahead of time otherwise there aren't many options. We particularly love the beaches in Turks and Caicos, so this one was a little rocky for us, but otherwise it was a 9/10. Property is clean, room was clean and nice Lovely music entertainment each night outside Con's: The food. Let me start by saying I am NOT a foodie, and neither is my husband. I had such high expectations for the food and it was meh, one of our meals was inedible. From the beach bar we had, chicken quesadillas, Caesar salad, fish tacos, watermelon salad and tuna tostada. Of those, both salads were fine, nothing was great, maybe good. The tuna tostada was bad. The tuna looked bad, tasted bad, the quality was absolutely not what I'd expect from a rc. My local sushi restaurant in DC is 10x better. We had buffet breakfast included, it paled in comparison to turks. Taste, quality etc. was meh. We had a dinner at BLT which was good (not great). Noori- the sushi bar was good, but still not as good as turks. Also, it took at least 30 mins (not exaggerating) to get 1 roll and 2 orders of sashimi on a Monday night- literally this is raw food, there is no cooking required. Overall for the cost I think we're less likely to stay here again considering there are SO many hotel options within a 5 min drive.

  Dec 13, 2025
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  10/10 the best!

  Staff, service, property were all phenomenal! Everyone you meet here is so friendly and helpful! Special thanks to Ms Busby who helped us with our suite! We absolutely loved the deluxe ocean front! The views in that room will forever be with me! Thank you so much! Also thanks to Alfredo who was always helpful at the front desk, Dylwin who always checked up on us at the beach and Anne & Kate at breakfast every morning! Those who like to venture off property, it’s $8 a cab ride to the Hilton area. It’s a tiny bit more after 10pm or on Sundays. Most drivers are honest but we did have 2 that changed us $12 and $14 which we found was not very honest. Fisherman’s Hut, Daniel’s Steak and Chop, Tango and taco Tuesday at Lola’s were all great!!

  Dec 02, 2025
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  Paradise at The Ritz

  I had such a great experience at the Ritz Carlton Aruba! The service and the food were phenomenal. I stopped by the pop up bar and Jose crafted a delicious passion fruit cocktail that made me feel like I was in tropical heaven. 10/10

  Nov 29, 2025
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  Excellent!!!

  The moment we arrived at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba it was like arriving home. My wife and I were met with the most genuinely friendly staff and our Casino Host Rino Kuiperi. Rino invited us as part of the Black Jack Tournament in October. I was very excited about this opportunity. The staff was very attentive to our needs. Even after meeting them for moments they remembered my name. The level of service was truly amazing. Every staff member was very attentive and eager to help without feeling intrusive. The room was very spacious, clean and spectacular views of the ocean. We loved the turndown service with the chocolates. The proximity to the white sand beach was so great and many lounge chairs were available all day. The service on the beach and pool was amazing. The guys on the Segways were very impressive with the service. We dined at all the restaurants and they were amazing. The waitstaff was very attentive to us. Very professional and friendly. My wife had a massage with Wendy and had to go back for another one because she was so happy with the massage. She said it was one of the best massages she as received. The staff in the spa were excellent. The concierge team was incredible helpful with making reservations and making recommendations for local places to eat. The overall atmosphere was so incredible giving us time to unwind and relax that we can't wait to go for our next visit.

  Nov 25, 2025