Rating8.4
Rating8.0
Rating8.1Adults OnlyAbove Average
Based on 10.1k reviews
Exceptional Staff Service
Guests consistently commend the staff for being attentive, welcoming, helpful, and energetic, making for a truly pleasant stay.
Prime Beachfront Location
The resort's direct access to Palm Beach, known for its soft white sand and calm, clear turquoise waters, is a major draw and highly praised.
Overall Cleanliness
The hotel is frequently noted for its immaculate condition, with staff maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the property.
Diverse Buffet Dining
The main buffet restaurants receive positive feedback for their wide variety of food options, live cooking stations, and themed culinary experiences.
Lively Entertainment & Activities
Guests appreciate the extensive daily and evening entertainment programs, including shows, live music, and Riu parties, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere.
À La Carte Restaurant Reservations
A recurring challenge involves the difficulty and inconvenience of securing reservations or tables at the à la carte dining venues, often requiring early queuing.
Room Condition & Odors
Some guests report that certain rooms, particularly those not yet renovated, can appear dated or have noticeable unpleasant smells, such as paint or an 'old' scent.
Renovation Disruptions
The ongoing and future renovation projects are a point of awareness, as they may cause some noise disruptions or temporary closures of certain areas.
Elevator Functionality
Occasional issues with elevator outages have been mentioned, which can be an inconvenience for guests.
Aggregate score derived from public review platforms. Category scores reflect our editorial assessment based on analysis of guest reviews. ResortFlock is not affiliated with or endorsed by any review platform.
Crystal Apple Award
2008 for Best Staff & Service in the Caribbean
Apple Vacations
Travelife Gold Award
Sustainability Certification
Travelife
Hotel Riu Palace Aruba sits directly on Palm Beach — the best-known stretch of Aruba's coast, where the water is reliably calm, the trade winds keep temperatures from sweltering, and the white sand stretches far enough to accommodate resort density without feeling cramped. It occupies prime territory in a competitive market, which is why the $25M renovation in 2015 mattered: pre-renovation, it was showing its 2007 origins; post-renovation, it was competitive with newer entrants.
However, the key planning note: a further renovation is scheduled, with a complete closure from April 4 to August 6, 2026. If you're considering booking near that window, verify the exact reopening status before committing.
This property works for a broad audience — families (RiuLand kids' club, children's pool), couples (five specialty restaurants, adults-oriented evenings), and social groups (Riu Party culture, exchange privileges at adjacent Riu Palace Antillas). The dining program is one of the stronger points: five restaurants including Japanese (Sayuri), gourmet fusion (Krystal), Italian (Milano), and a poolside steakhouse (Nautilus), plus the American Country casual option.
One honest critique: the reservation system for specialty restaurants has drawn mixed reviews — some guests report the process as cumbersome, with booking windows that close quickly. Plan this as a day-one priority.
