Riu Palace Aruba

We had to cancel our trip to Cayman in March 2020 due to Covid so we were REALLY looking forward to this one. Riu didn’t disappoint. They truly did an amazing job given the circumstances they have to deal with. The resort was only 12% full so for us, it was nice! We just about owned the beach and pool. The staff still kept it business as usual, though despite the lack of guests. Games, water zoomba, questions of the day, live music at nite. Water sports were still up n running on the beach as well. The resort was clean and you could smell the bleach. Made me feel good to see all the extra disinfecting going on. Hand sanitizer available everywhere and masks were required when social distancing wasn’t possible. All employees were in masks all the time! They only had one restaurant open and there was a buffet for the 3 main meals. Dinner included an ala cart menu as well so you could do either. The food was yummy. Kudos to the chef for adjusting food amounts being served to keep the food hot n fresh! Not an easy thing to do. They have people serving the food to you at the buffet and there are “sneeze guards” I’ll call them in front of the food on our side. You MUST wear your mask when walking around the restaurant and when getting your food. It can be removed at your table. They are taking your temperature as you enter the restaurant. Our room was very clean but a bit humid for me. It did dissipate within a day. A warning.. don’t leave your door open to the balcony. The humidity makes your floor VERY slippery. Only other thing I didn’t like in the room was there’s no vent in the bathroom. 🤔 They are only allowing 4 people in the elevators at a time. The coffee shop was open as was the gym. Only the bar by the pool was open. Yummy drinks! We walked to an area with other restaurants and shopping. It’s only like a half mile. This was my second trip back to Aruba and second time at the Riu. Overall, an excellent stay despite a virus running around. Excellent job by all at the resort being accommodating, friendly and clean!!

Just returned from two weeks at the RIU Palace. We tested negative in NYC and said "why wait- let's go!" Though we had a written notice of negative COVID-19 results, they were not accepted at the airport. However, the airport testing unit was very organized and we were tested and out of the airport quickly- less than an hour. At the RIU we had to stay in our room until the results came back. That took only about 6 hours. The hotel provided us with meals and drinks while we waited. We wish we had known before hand that there was no room service (for morning coffee!) but other than that we really enjoyed the hotel. We have been returning to the Palace or the Antilles for years. As always, the staff was lovely! Rina and Diego at the lobby bar. Kelly, Julia, Marisol, Lina and Madelyn serving up coffee and water and smiling eyes at the breakfast and lunch buffet. I wish I could remember who was staffed at reception as they were as always, efficient, friendly and helpful. Yes, there were only two of the restaurants and the buffet open each evening but that was enough variety for us. Definitely a different experience as there were few guests but we were in Aruba and very happy! Looking to return soon.....

We just left today after a week at the riu palace Aruba. We booked last minute and were able to book the jacuzzi ocean view suite. Due to the pandemic, the hotel was at a low capacity, and it seemed as though riu did everything the could to comply, and keep their guests safe while there. The hotel itself is the old style, and in desperate need of the updates offered by other riu locations. The resort was very clean, just worn out. The pools were nice, grounds and landscaping impeccably maintained per our normal Experience with Riu. The staff all worked tirelessly to assure everyone had a good time, was safe, and had everything they needed. The beach was clean, and drink service was good. It was strange being able to get a front row palapa mid morning. Or a spot by the pool. The low census was nice. The beach at riu antillas next door has a finer sand with less shells and rocks, and a great snorkel area by the pier. The food was limited with only one restaurant open, and the buffets having just a handful of options. That being said, the food was adequate. Probably won’t go back, but also do recommend it to anyone who wants a good affordable trip to Aruba.