Riu Palace Aruba - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

9408 reviews

• 

  3-star today, deserves to be a 5-star again.

  Traveled to RIU Palace Aruba from the USA in September 2025. This was our third trip to the RIU. New there would be remodeling going on ONLY months after we booked the trip through Cheap Caribbean. The finished building we stayed in still had several issues to know about before you travel there. Slow shower drains-made newly remodeled room smell No TV most of week and no instructions on how to use Family members room took most of week and multiple people to solve a constant running toilet Minimal instructions on how to operate air conditioning system Bubbles in new wallpaper and uneven tile on new floors in both our rooms Slow, intermittent Wi-Fi Elevator issues in our building most of the week, either not working or having to share with construction workers and room cleaning staff. Need separate service elevators installed Some younger, and at times obscene, loud visitors observed during week. Not sure if those groups were guests of RIU or just locals visiting for the day. RIU staff just watched and didn't stop it, and some Pool/Beach staff even joined in. RIU staff should be reminded that their location is a family environment, and some activities should be monitored more closely. Not sure what crowd they're trying to cater to. Interesting since most guests were older like us and some young families. Music entertainment shows at night are nothing to brag about On the other hand, beach was great, music during day at pool was great, food and drinks were great, staff was friendly and courteous, property was clean and well maintained, remodeling noise was not that bothersome and can use pool and restaurants at adjoining RIU Antilles. At one time I think the RIU Palace Aruba deserved a 5-star rating. Maybe it can be again!

  Sep 14, 2025
• 

  Loud construction noise all day

  Horrible! The entire resort is under renovation. Construction noice starts at 8am through 8pm. This is my second day here and I feel more stressed than I was prior to coming here. You pay a lot of money for being in the middle of the construction!

  Sep 07, 2025
• 

  Do Not Book Riu Palace Aruba – Under Construction & Unacceptable Conditions

  My recent stay at Riu Palace Aruba was one of the worst hotel experiences I have ever had. The property is currently under construction, which I was not informed of prior to my arrival. As a result, the conditions were far from acceptable: • The water was turned off multiple times, and there was no hot water during my entire stay. • My remodeled room had a severe sewage-like odor, comparable to a porta potty. • A trainee staff member called my room and pressured me to immediately remove my “Do Not Disturb” sign so housekeeping and maintenance could access the bathroom. When I asked for 20 minutes, I was told that was “too long” and that staff would leave for the night if I didn’t comply. • After one of the water shut-offs, I requested to speak with a manager. Instead of addressing my concerns, he brushed me off, said he needed to use the restroom, and never came back. Following the return of the water- floor 7 flooded- elevator opened to a shower! There was no announcements or signs notifying guest- that is a safety concern. • I eventually spoke with the sub-director, Lucia, who was polite and empathetic but unable to provide any solution beyond an apology. This hotel is nowhere near the standard expected for the Riu brand and should not be accepting guests in its current condition. Frankly, it felt like the property should be condemned until construction is complete and basic services are restored. I have been working with Expedia, who I booked through, to request compensation for this disastrous stay. While Aruba itself is stunning and absolutely worth visiting, I strongly recommend booking any other hotel until this property has been fully renovated and operational.

  Sep 03, 2025
• 

  6 floor walk up with no hot/running water

  I recommend this hotel to my friends for our recent trip in August. It was extremely disappointing that it was not the experience I had on my last visit. There is very loud, constant construction with dust and debris flying all day long. The pool is missing tiles in spots which not only looked bad, but were rough to the touch. There was no hot water for my whole stay. After spending the day at the pool and beach on my first full day there, I went to take a shower to learn the water was turned off! No running water in the whole building. When it came back, there was a flood in one elevator. No warning sign saying the elevator was out of order. I was not expecting a 6 floor walk up with no hot/running water for my relaxing Aruba vacation. My ceiling fan was wobbly and loud compared to other guest rooms. Was promised by management it would be fixed, but no one ever came to look at it. The food was cold and it was the same choices every day. On my last morning there, the water was turned off again. The only warning was a sign posted on the bottom floor elevators. Since I was using the stairs, I had no idea I would not be able to shower before checkout. I spent an exuberant amount of time in the lobby waiting for answers from management. Still waiting to be compensated as promised. The only good part of this hotel was the pool wait staff. Billy and Raul were amazing, kind, friendly and attentive.

  Sep 03, 2025
• 

  NOT a 5-star Resort!!!

  Went to Aruba for a wedding and family vacation. I read most of the reviews and was aware of the issues with this property. We decided to stay here because this is where the wedding was and all of my family was staying here. I was hoping - which was a long shot that these reviews were exaggerated or my experience might be better. MOST of the issues people wrote in there reviews are true. The rooms are very dated and pretty much have a bed, dresser, couch and two side chairs. The room is bare bones. The t.v was so old it was barely functional. There were no blankets / comforters on the beds just sheets. They did provide these rough wool blankets that felt terrible! The room was damp all the time, I packed camp rid which seemed to help. The AC unit was loud but was working. Getting fresh towels every day was PAINFUL! I literally had to ask every day repeatedly to get fresh towels and wash clothes. I had to start stock piling them because I wasn't sure if I would get any the next day. It was as if I was asking for an organ when I asked for towels- it was exhausting! The food was just okay, we mainly ate at the buffet which got old after 3 days. Restaurants were crowded and people were turned away because they close early and are unable to accommodate all the guests. We did luck out one night and ate at the Italian restaurant and that was very good! We ate at the little tiki bar on the beach and that was great! The staff at the Rui are very hard-working and are friendly for the most part. I had to befriend one of the housekeeping staff to ensure I got towels. I tipped her well and hopped she had my room everyday. It was hard to communicate with her because she didn't speak English. The beach was AMAZING, clean and safe. The pool needs work, broken tiles and flimsy umbrellas. I wouldn't stay at another Rui property ever again! This place is NOT a 5-star resort not by long shot! I've stayed at 5-star resorts and this place is a holiday inn at best. Take heed to the reviews and don't stay here!

  Aug 31, 2025