Riu Palace Aruba - All Inclusive

We originally booked at Riu Palace Aruba – All Inclusive, but were moved to Barcelo Aruba due to renovations — with no price adjustment, despite a glaring downgrade in quality. We traveled as a large family with three separate rooms, and the issues were consistent across all of them. The rooms lacked essentials you'd expect at a 3-star hotel — no hair conditioner, no body lotion, and showers clearly not cleaned daily. Multiple requests to replenish the shower gel dispenser went ignored. Our children reported identical conditions and virtually nonexistent service in their rooms. My son's room phone didn't work. Despite acknowledging the issue and promising a replacement, it was never fixed. Paint was visibly peeling off hallway ceilings — clear signs of neglected upkeep that contradict the hotel's rating. Beach umbrellas were severely insufficient, forcing us to wake up at 4:30 AM to secure shade and chairs — an artificial problem not seen at neighboring hotels and easily fixable. The towel policy was equally frustrating: service was listed until 6 PM, yet staff refused to hand out towels after 5 PM, while the pool and beach remained open and in use. For an all-inclusive resort, the food quality, variety, and dietary options were disappointing and well below what the hotel's rating and price suggest. Overall, a deeply disappointing experience for a large amount of money — consistent across our entire family.

The entire staff were extremely welcoming, friendly and professional. The rooms were large and comfortable; the facilities were well maintained, and the gym was well equipped, and opened 24 hours. I really enjoyed my stay here.

Dining staff at dinner restaurant were rude. Wait time for dinner was unreasonable and they do not take reservations. Room A/C temperature was locked. Room never got cold and would be slightly damp due to humidity, not enjoyable.

10/10 I can’t complain about anything. Food perfect/ perfect view of the pool and sea. And great customers service.

Beautiful location and facilities. The rooms were clean, the beds very comfortable and the food was excellent. We purchased the all-inclusive package which saved us a fortune and was most convenient to running out for meals. They served sushi grade tuna on the buffet the night before our return - my favorite.

Basically one big pool. Clean. Hotel staff friendly. Right on the beach.

Staff was very helpful. Room was clean. Property nine out of 10. Some deferred maintenance in the pool area.

Very enjoyable trip. Would return to the adult side next time.

Pool experience was amazing