Family-friendly resort in Aruba.
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Amenities
Traveler Insights(23 discussions)
Hotel Riu Palace Aruba occupies an interesting position in the travelers all-inclusive conversation: it's consistently called the best all-inclusive on the island, but Aruba as an all-inclusive destination gets debated every time it comes up. The island's strength - incredible standalone restaurants, world-class windsurfing, beautiful beach, perfect weather - is also the argument against doing all-inclusive there at all. Multiple travelers regulars suggest that the money spent on the AI premium is better allocated toward a nicer resort in Mexico or toward the freedom to eat at the genuinely excellent Aruban restaurant scene.
That said, if you're committed to all-inclusive in Aruba, RIU Palace is the clear pick. Food is described as 'good for a RIU' which means it's above the brand average - a real distinction when most RIU properties get food criticism. The two-bedroom family rooms solve the family-of-five problem that most Aruba properties can't accommodate. The RIU Palace tier brings a service level and property quality that the standard RIU or the Barcelo Aruba can't match. Palm Beach itself is one of the best stretches of sand in the southern Caribbean.
Riu Palace Aruba makes the most sense for families who specifically want all-inclusive with accommodations for 5+ people, travelers for whom Aruba is a bucket-list destination regardless of value comparison to Mexico or DR, and anyone celebrating a milestone occasion on an island with virtually zero crime risk and guaranteed sunshine. The property is dated enough that travelers agents sometimes steer clients away unless they're getting a deal - look for promotional pricing and compare to Mexico options at the same spend before committing.
Pros
- +Considered the best all-inclusive resort in Aruba by multiple travelers travel agents and experienced travelers, in a destination with limited all-inclusive options overall
- +Two-bedroom family room options available, making it one of the only Aruba all-inclusives that can accommodate families of 5+ in a proper multi-bedroom configuration
- +Food quality is described as 'good for a RIU' - above the brand average, which is a genuine differentiator given how poorly most Riu properties are rated on food
- +Aruba's consistent trade winds keep temperatures comfortable year-round and the island sits below the hurricane belt, making it a genuinely safe weather bet compared to Dominican or Jamaica trips
- +Palm Beach location puts you on one of the most consistently beautiful beaches in the southern Caribbean - calm, clear, stunning
- +European plan (room only) options available if you prefer flexibility over all-inclusive, a rarity among Caribbean resort properties
- +Aruba is a famously safe island destination with virtually no crime concerns in tourist areas, giving families and solo travelers genuine peace of mind
- +RIU Palace tier consistently delivers better service and facilities than standard RIU properties - the Palace brand carries meaningful quality guarantees
Cons
- −Some travelers travel agents describe the property as 'quite dated' for the price point - the physical infrastructure hasn't kept pace with newer Caribbean competitors
- −All-inclusive in Aruba is generally considered poor value by travelers regulars - the island has exceptional standalone restaurants and the AI option limits you to what is still a relatively modest food program
- −Limited all-inclusive options on the entire island means you're essentially comparing it to Barcelo Aruba or European plan hotels rather than the full range of Caribbean AI options
- −travelers mixed reviews exist specifically on whether the Aruba AI experience is worth the premium over doing room-only with meals at the excellent local restaurant scene
- −Price point is high - comparable to or exceeding Mexico and DR options of similar or better quality, which is a recurring travelers observation
- −Some travelers report being better off using the extra all-inclusive cost to go 'all out on a super nice resort in Mexico' rather than the Riu in Aruba
- −Aruba flights are less frequent and often more expensive from US cities compared to Cancun or Punta Cana routes, inflating total trip cost
- −Water sports and excursions that make Aruba special (wreck dives, windsurfing, kitesurfing) are not included in the all-inclusive package and require additional spend
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Our 3rd trip to Riu and still doesn't disappoint! Extra friendly staff! Very clean, everywhere! Beach clean and water crystal clear and calm. And did I mention safe?! Almost unheard of!! Can't wait to come again!!!”
“This was our first time in Aruba and we booked our stay at the Riu understanding it was all-inclusive. I love the location and the look of the hotel. It does indeed look like a palace on the outside and the spot of beach it sits on is beautiful and n...”
“Our family recently stayed at the RIU from October 20–27, and our experience was nothing short of exceptional. The service throughout the resort was impeccable—every staff member went above and beyond to ensure guests felt genuinely welcomed and care...”