Hotel Riu Palace Antillas

We just returned from the Riu Palace Antilles (August 25-Sept.1) in Aruba for my wife’s 70th Birthday. This was our 5th time and it just keeps getting better everytime we go…we know it’s because of the staff. These are some of the staff that will make your stay amazing and I’d like to thank them…Jacky, Mauricio, Yuly and Mary. These people make the Riu Antilles what it is today and I thank them for always making our stay just amazing. We will always go back just because of them. Thanks Bill & Jennifer D’Angelis

I stayed here at least 3 times in the past and had a great time . This is the “ party” hotel , adults only , with all kinds of activities, drinking games etc so if you want to vacation and party then this is for you . The food is good , it is a bug hotel and the variety is enough for everyone . The Riu Palace ( sister resort) is next door and you can go back and forth between hotels , including for dinner , shows etc . The Riu Palace is children-friendly and has a different vibe. The fact that you can go to the adjacent hotel and watch other shows / try other restaurants as part of the all inclusive package, is a plus. All rooms have been updated and smell like new .

Posting this for anyone who is still wondering if they should stay at RIU Palace Antillas! I read SO many mixed reviews before our trip, so hopefully this helps someone who is still trying to decide. Overall, we had an excellent time, and while there are definitely some things that could be improved, they did not ruin our vacation. Food: I thought the food was pretty good! We tried one specialty restaurant and didn’t love it—the buffet was actually better to us. There were SO many options that I think most people should be able to find something they like. We talked to another guest who said she hated the food except for breakfast, and our whole group was confused. 😂 But food is subjective! I personally couldn’t call it anywhere near inedible. The 24-hour café was a lifesaver. The food was very basic—gas station/convenience-store level to me 😂—but it served its purpose! We went every day, sometimes multiple times, for cappuccinos, coffee, a hot dog, or a quick snack. Rooms: Comfortable and mostly clean, but definitely dated. Not luxury, but also nowhere near a “roach motel.” We were given the wrong room the first night, which was inconvenient because we had to move the next day, but the staff made it right. We actually liked our second room and view much better. Now my BIGGEST issue: THAT HALLWAY CARPET. 😩 I saw people mention it in reviews and still wasn’t prepared. It desperately needs to be replaced. There’s also a strange smell in the hallways—not necessarily stinky, just not pleasant. It sounds minor, but the carpet was honestly THAT bad to me. 😂 The Antillas side definitely shows its age. Pools/grounds: I didn’t care for the Antillas pool. It looked dingy because the pool itself is older and has noticeable wear and tear, which made the water less appealing to me. We swam on the Palace side instead, and it was beautiful and clean. The outdoor areas overall were lively and fun with plenty of places to eat, sit, drink, and hang out. Drinks: Not very strong, but drink enough and they’ll eventually do their job. 😂 We spotted a couple people who definitely figured that out! The pool bartenders were fun. Entertainment: Pretty blah to me, but it didn’t hurt our trip. We had plenty of fun at the beach, doing excursions, and exploring Aruba. Location & staff: HUGE positives. You’re within walking distance of so much in Palm Beach, and the staff were helpful and attentive throughout our stay. Would I stay again? Maybe—but probably not on the Antillas side unless they replace that carpet. 😂 I would stay on the Palace side based on what we experienced over there. Overall, Antillas isn’t luxury and definitely needs some updating, but I also don’t think it’s nearly as terrible as some reviews make it sound. We ate well, were comfortable, enjoyed the atmosphere and location, were treated well by the staff, and most importantly, we had an amazing vacation and made some great memories.

We had a wonderful time at riu Antilles. We loved the food. Lobster at almost every meal as well as the staff. We have only great things to say about this trip. We love adults only , however you could go next door to you palace if you chose to. Huge shoutout to Emma at the main and swim up bar pool. She was fantastic and worked her tail off everyday to make everyone happy. We loved her sweet, vivacious spirit. We also had positive interactions with Piri and manager Jorge. If you are wondering where to stay this all inclusive is wonderful

I was so disappointed in our stay here. When there is an issue - they truly do not care. They have your money and they don’t care about your comfort or needs. We travel often, and this was probably the worst experience we have had as far as customer service. Some specifics- It smells. There is a moisture problem here. I realize it is on the ocean, and there are wet suits and clothes, but they need to figure this one out. The rooms, the hallways. Everything smells. Don’t need anything. I got very ill during this trip. One middle of the night, I asked for cleaning supplies. Happy to clean up myself. They brought me only extra towels and wouldn’t take the soiled ones away. They told me the morning staff would deal with it. Do not use their on site car rental. Just don’t. Worst experience ever. We love a good all-inclusive. This is not it. Skip this one and stay somewhere else that might care a little bit more about the customer experience that you are paying for.