The Riu Palace Aruba is located on the northern part of the island, and it’s a quick drive to some of the most famous beaches. There are many things to do on this resort, even if you aren’t a guest at the hotel. In fact, you could spend your entire vacation here without having to leave! It’s that massive and has so much to offer. There are two fantastic pools with swim-up bars, several restaurants with delicious food, and plenty of places for adults to relax after spending time with the kids. The Riu Palace Aruba is an all-inclusive resort that caters well to adults AND families. There is something for everyone here. As always, there are pros and cons when staying at any hotel in any location. This isn’t just about what we liked – although you’ll find that too – but also things you should know before booking your trip or perhaps see as potential red flags if you’re already researching this hotel as an option for your next trip.
Awards and Recognition
The Riu Palace Aruba has a few awards under its belt, but none of them have anything to do with the hotel. It has received awards for being a top travel destination in the Caribbean, but nothing specific to the hotel itself. There are no awards for room cleanliness, service, or anything like that. That said, it’s a great place to stay and is one of the top-rated resorts on the island. It’s very close to being “Ideal” in our opinion.
Best season to visit
The Riu Palace Aruba is open year-round, which is great for people who want to visit at any time of the year. There are, of course, some seasons that are better than others, both weather-wise and room-price-wise. You’ll find that the best time of year to visit is between the months of September and May. September is the beginning of the low season, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy all the beach activities. The prices are generally lower. The months of June and July are typically very hot and humid, with temperatures often topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll find that the beaches are quite crowded, and rooms are at a premium because of it.
Rooms & Services Available
Amenities
There are so many amenities at the Riu Palace Aruba that it’s hard to keep track of them all. Luckily, there’s a handy little guide that the hotel offers guests. There are a few categories of amenities that guests can take advantage of while staying at this all-inclusive resort. First off, guests can take advantage of the services at the hotel, of course. There is a generous and well-maintained pool area. There are plenty of loungers, towels, and water sport options for kids and adults alike. The pools are open from 8am to 10pm and are very well-lit after dark. There are also two Jacuzzis on site, though they only operate from 10am-11pm. There are plenty of bars to choose from at the pool area, and they offer basically any type of drink you can think of. There’s also a small spa on site, a casino, babysitting services (a fee applies), a gym, and more. - All Inclusive amenities. Families will be happy to know that there are plenty of amenities for them, too. There is a kids’ club for those aged 4-12 (no infants). There’s also a teen club for kids aged 13-17. There are no adult-only clubs, unfortunately. There are also babysitting services available, but at a cost. The beach is fantastic and is another place where guests can take advantage of amenities. There is a wide variety of loungers and umbrellas for guest use. There are also plenty of towels available for guest use.
Food and Dining
When it comes to the dining options at the Riu Palace Aruba, they are fantastic. There are 6 restaurants on site, and they serve a wide variety of different cuisines. Guests can enjoy Asian, Italian, Caribbean, and much more while they are staying here. There are two specialty restaurants that require an additional fee, but they are well worth it. The food is high quality, portion sizes are generous, and the service is excellent. There are also plenty of bars throughout the resort where guests can grab a drink, snack, or even a full meal. There is also a 24-hour snack bar.
Activities for Adults and Children
There are so many activities at the Riu Palace Aruba that it’s hard to keep track of them all. The hotel has a daily activities program that guests of all ages can take part in. There are a few activities that are geared towards children, but there are enough for adults too. Guests can enjoy pool games, sports, arts and crafts, dance classes, excursions, and so much more. There are also a few different clubs that kids can attend while parents are busy enjoying their own time at the resort.
Pros & cons
Pros - The Riu Palace Aruba offers a fantastic experience for all guests. There are plenty of dining options for people with all kinds of tastes. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the staff is friendly. There are plenty of amenities for guests of all ages.
Cons - There isn’t much to dislike about this resort. It does get a bit crowded during the high season, so it’s best to visit during the low season if you can. The rooms are pretty average and don’t have stunning views. There aren’t many things to do off the resort, and it’s not walkable to a town or village.
Getting there
The Riu Palace Aruba is located on the northern part of the island, next to the Arashi Beach Resort and Casino. It’s a quick drive to many of the island’s most famous beaches, including the Manchebo Beach and Eagle Beach. There are many airports nearby that offer flights to Aruba. The nearest airport is the Aruba Airport, which is located about 14 miles away. You can take a taxi, which will cost about $60, or hire a rental car for about $38. You can also book a shuttle service to take you there. If you are coming from the United States, you can fly directly from most major cities, including New York City, Washington, D.C., Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and more.
Bottom line: Is the Riu Palace Aruba worth it?
The Riu Palace Aruba is a fantastic all-inclusive resort. It’s perfect for couples and families alike. The food is delicious, the rooms are spacious, and the staff is friendly. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, and it’s a quick drive to some of the island’s most famous beaches. This is a fantastic choice for your next vacation.
