We have just returned from a fabulous 14 nights stay at the Riu Palace.
The weather was fantastic 14 days of sun and no rain !
Our room was 932 in block B and I e-mailed the hotel to advise that it was our wedding anniversary & asked for a room in block B, our request was granted, we also had a bottle of champagne waiting which was a nice touch.
We have been to the Riu Palace Playacar a few times, this hotel is of the same standard with a much better beach and location.
If you are a beach lover & like to be able to go out into town to shop or visit a variety of bars and restaurants then this is the island for you.
We will definitely be returning soon.

We have just returned from the Riu Aruba Palace and must say it is absolutley fabulous, could not pick a fault with anything. There was 7 of us all together, myself, my husband, our youngest daughter and her boyfriend, our two closest friends and there 13 year old daughter. We stayed from the 12th to the 26th May. Like most people we had read the negative reviews and were a little worried about our holiday, but we decided to go with an open mind and were really pleased that we did because we had a brilliant time and did not want to come home. Yes there is a strong breeze which we found to be a god send, it would have been really uncomfortable without it, we got used to it after a day or so. The staff were very friendly, nothing was too much trouble, you didn't even have to go to the bar for your drinks if you didn't want to it was all waiter service, the entertainment wasn't brilliant but nice to sit and listen to if you wanted to sit in the air conditioned piano bar, which we did on a couple of nights, other nights we found it nice just to sit out on the balcony of Barry's bar. The food was excellent, we especially enjoyed the steak house. Our daughter and her boyfriend really liked the Italian restaurant, they got engaged whilst we were there and the staff were really good helping her boyfriend organise it in secret. We spent our time around the pool but did go down to the beach for a dip in the sea, it was absolutley beautiful. The pool area was nice too, everywhere was spotless, the pool was cleaned every morning and the sun beds hosed down. Our rooms were in block A on the ground floor, we had junior suites which were very nice, they over looked the pool area. The Riu really dominates the eagle beach area as you can see it for miles, its grand entrance stands out by far from all the hotels along the strip. This is the 6th Riu hotel we have stayed in and they have never disappointed us yet, we would return to most of them but especially this one. If your going or thinking of going, go and enjoy yourselves, its fantastic.

just returned yesterday. overall, the experience was great. food was exceptional....plentiful and fresh. pool & beach absolutely beautiful. only complaint was the bed. not sure if it's a european thing or spanish thing but the beds were beyond just firm..they were down right painful. also, if u're young and single this probably isn't the place for you as i discovered... not much night life.

Let me start by saying, do not let the bad reviews sway your decision on booking a vacation at the RIU Palace. All I kept thinking to myself was, that some people are SO hard to please. My husband and I just returned on Saturday and are so sad it had to end. Each day in Aruba the weather is perfect of course. But on top of all that the RIU really held up to our expectations. The food was great. Buffets full of so many choices and very good quality. Restaurants were great. Great service and food. My only complaint is I wished there were an 8:00 seating. 6:30 seemed a bit ealry for us but 9 was too late. But to each their own. I read past reviews complaining about making reservations.... It literally takes minutes.. the line moves fast (when there was one). I really believe some people are just never to be pleased..
Service all around was great. On and off the resort. Everyone is just so friendly in Aruba. My husband made friends with the activities director Raymond. He was great. All day from water aerobics to volleyball, drinking contests. Always something going on. At night we also read not much entertainment but a few nights in the lobby bar they had shows and dancing. Our room was beautiful and spacious. Our balcony was a nice size plenty of room for our table, chairs plus some. I just can't say enough good things. My husband and I are very easy going and just love to kick back and have fun. For those of you who expect royalty you may want to find an island all your own ;-)