Hotel Riu Palace Antillas Aruba Reviews: Your Complete Guide to This Adults-Only All-Inclusive Gem
Introduction
Dreaming of a tranquil tropical escape with white-sand beaches, endless cocktails, and no interruptions? If so, Hotel Riu Palace Antillas Aruba might be what you’re after. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort sits on famous Palm Beach and promises romance, relaxation, and nonstop pampering—24 hours a day. But does it truly deliver?
In this 1,200+–word guide, we’ll explore everything: location, accommodations, dining, entertainment, big advantages, guest concerns, authentic reviews, and practical tips. You’ll also find a handy FAQ at the end to help you decide if Riu Palace Antillas is perfect for your next getaway.
Riu Palace Antillas Aruba reviews, Location & First Impressions
Located at J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 77 on Palm Beach, Hotel Riu Palace Antillas Aruba is ideally situated on one of Aruba’s most pristine shores. It’s just about 6 miles (10 km) from Queen Beatrix International Airport, easily accessible by airport transfer or rental car.The Tourist Checklistaruba.com
Guests enjoy not only the resort’s own amenities, but also shared access to its sister property, Riu Palace Aruba, thanks to a connecting bridge.aruba.com
Riu Palace Antillas room, Comfort Accommodations & suites
Rooms at this resort are all about Caribbean charm and comfort. Options include:
- Junior Suite Ocean View – 35 m², with a super king-size or twin beds, sofa lounge, Wi-Fi, minibar, coffee maker, and balcony or terrace.hotelriupalaceantillas.comantillaspalace.com
- Superior and One-Bedroom Suites – More space (40 m²–63 m²), hydromassage tubs, living area, and sometimes corner layouts with sweeping sea views.antillaspalace.comaruba4u.com
All rooms include AC, satellite TV, minibar, and Wi-Fi. Most guests rave about the view and balcony, though some mention that décor has become dated in areas.TripadvisorTripadvisor
Dining & All-Inclusive Perks (Keyword: Riu Palace Antillas dining, all-inclusive Aruba)
The resort’s all-inclusive package includes:
Buffets: Full American breakfasts, hot/cold lunches, dinners with themed buffet nights.hotelriupalaceantillas.comantillaspalace.com
Three À la Carte Restaurants:
- Krystal – Fusion cuisine
- Rimini – Italian fare
- Palm Beach – Steakhouse
There’s also a pizza/pasta poolside restaurant called Atlantis.hotelriupalaceantillas.comquamistravel.com
24-Hour Eats & Drinks: Snacks, room service, minibar, and unlimited premium beverages—including drink service at the pool.hotelriupalaceantillas.comantillaspalace.com
Dress codes apply for dinner: no sleeveless shirts for men; long trousers required at themed restaurants.hotelriupalaceantillas.comantillaspalace.com
Riu Palace Antillas activities, Aruba resort amenities
Guests enjoy a wealth of adult-focused experiences:
- Leisure & Wellness: Two pools (including a swim-up bar), free gym, steam bath, spa, beauty salon, and massages.hotelriupalaceantillas.comantillaspalace.com
- Water Fun: Wind-surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, SUP, and an introductory scuba lesson in the pool.hotelriupalaceantillas.comantillaspalace.com
- Entertainment: Daily daytime programs, live music, evening shows, free access to the casino and Pacha nightclub (drinks extra).hotelriupalaceantillas.comantillaspalace.com
Access to Riu Palace Aruba facilities, plus meeting rooms, gift shop, and Wi-Fi throughout the property.antillaspalace.comaruba.com
Guest Reviews: The Good & The Not-So-Good
What Guests Loved
Positive feedback includes:
- “Food was superb, staff went above and beyond.”
- “Beautiful beach, easy resort navigation.”
- “Great dining variety—each restaurant brought something unique.”
- “Serene, romantic setting.”
- “Cleanliness and hospitality made it feel like paradise.”The Tourist Checklist
- Redditers praised the friendly beach, clean rooms, solid drinks, and engaging restaurant staff.Reddit
Common Complaints & Concerns
Some recurring issues:
- Construction noise & outdated rooms: Many guests reported renovations nearby, leading to drilling or view-blocking construction.TripadvisorTripadvisor
- Customer service lapses: Issues like ice machines broken, delayed wheelchair support, poor responses to maintenance, and lack of room service or medical support were noted.Tripadvisor
- Service queues: à la carte reservations often require lining up early—some guests found it frustrating.Tripadvisor
- Serious guest complaints on Reddit:
- One guest recounted a near-fall from poorly lit stairs and a loose glass banister.Reddit
- Another described poor hospitality during a medical emergency—their elderly parents were denied access to care and forcibly removed.Reddit
- There was also mention of being denied re-entry after intoxication—with no support from security staff.Reddit
- Some found the rooms outdated or prone to issues like plumbing or bugs.Reddit
Quick Comparison Table
| Aspect | Highlights | Concerns to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Prime spot on Palm Beach, near airport | Nearby construction can impact views or noise |
| Rooms | Spacious, sea-view balconies, well-equipped | Some areas feel dated or report maintenance issues |
| Dining | Buffets + specialty restaurants, 24/7 options | Formal dress codes, limited à la carte availability |
| Amenities | Pools, spa, gym, water sports, entertainment | Occasional service delays or broken facilities |
| Service & Safety | Many praised the hospitality | Serious concerns raised about guest safety & care |
| Overall Value | Great for couples seeking all-inclusive luxury | Consider timing relative to construction or events |
FAQ – Your Top Questions Answered
Is Riu Palace Antillas really adults-only and all-inclusive?
Yes—it’s exclusively for guests 18+ and runs a 24-hour all-inclusive program covering meals, drinks, activities, and more.hotelriupalaceantillas.comaruba.com
What kind of dining options are available?
Guests enjoy buffet restaurants, three themed à la carte restaurants (fusion, Italian, steakhouse), 24/7 snacks, and room service. Dress codes apply at dinner.hotelriupalaceantillas.comantillaspalace.com
What activities and entertainment does the hotel offer?
Options include pools with swim-up bar, gym, spa, water sports, live shows, evening entertainment, and free entry to Pacha nightclub and casino.hotelriupalaceantillas.comantillaspalace.com
Is the beach any good?
Absolutely—Palm Beach is known for its white sand and calm turquoise water. Guests frequently praise its beauty and cleanliness.The Tourist Checklist
Are there any serious guest complaints I should know about?
Yes—some Reddit reports highlight safety concerns (slippery stairs), poor emergency response to medical incidents, and issues with security handling intoxicated guests.Reddit+2Reddit+2
Any ongoing renovations I should worry about?
Many recent reviews mention nearby construction noise and disruption. It’s wise to request a room away from construction when booking.TripadvisorReddit
Would you recommend this hotel overall?
If you’re a couple seeking an adult-focused, all-inclusive experience with beautiful views and lively entertainment, it’s a compelling choice—especially when not near construction. On the other hand, if safety responsiveness and modern rooms are critical, you might want to carefully consider or time your stay.
Conclusion
Hotel Riu Palace Antillas Aruba shines as a romantic, adults-only retreat with elegant suites, varied dining, lively entertainment, and prime oceanfront access. For many, it delivers a blend of luxury and convenience just steps from the sand.
Yet, it’s not without its issues. Construction noise, outdated rooms, and troubling guest experiences—especially around safety and service—deserve attention. If you’re considering booking, check recent reviews, ask about renovation status, and prioritize safety requests ahead.
