Aruba Riu Palace Antillas vs. Riu Palace: Which is Better?

When it comes to choosing the perfect resort for your Aruba vacation, the options can feel endless. If you want an all-inclusive resort in Aruba, the Riu Hotels stand out as two top contenders: Riu Palace Aruba and Riu Palace Antillas.

Both hotels are located on the stunning Palm Beach and offer luxurious, all-inclusive amenities, but they cater to slightly different crowds. With a decision to make between a family-friendly vibe at Riu Palace or an adults-only retreat at Riu Antillas, it’s essential to weigh what each resort has to offer.

In this post, we’ll break down the details of each hotel and help you decide which one is the best fit for your vacation style.

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Why Stay at Riu Hotels in Aruba?

So why would you choose a Riu Hotel in Aruba? The biggest draw of a Riu in Aruba is the all-inclusive package. Most resorts in Aruba are not all-inclusive. Instead, they include breakfast but not lunch, dinner, or drinks.

Because food and drinks are not added to the price at other places, your vacation bill can quickly add up due to the high prices in Aruba, especially if you are traveling with kids. For some, the peace of mind of spending the money upfront, without worrying about extra expenses on meals, drinks, and activities, is a huge advantage.

Riu is also a highly recognized hotel chain worldwide, consistently earning 5-star ratings. The signature white domed roofs of the Riu Palace and Riu Palace Antillas are both stunning and located side by side in Aruba, giving you access to some of the best amenities on the island.

Location of Riu in Aruba

While the two resorts share a common location in the heart of Palm Beach, the experience differs slightly depending on whether you stay at the Riu Palace or the Riu Palace Antillas.

Fortunately, their Palm Beach location is a prime spot with easy access to the beach, restaurants, and local attractions. You can stroll the entire stretch of beach, stop by Bugaloe Beach Bar on DePalm Pier, or walk to nearby dining options.

Since all beaches in Aruba are public, you’ll also be able to enjoy the sand and sea even if you don’t opt for the resort’s beachfront lounges. Additionally, the location means you won’t need to rent a car unless you want to explore the island beyond Palm Beach. Sounds amazing – right?

Hotel Riu Palace Antillas

• Adults Only: Exclusively for 18 years and older, the hotel offers a quiet environment. This makes it ideal for those looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of family-centric resorts.

• 24-Hour All-Inclusive: Enjoy round-the-clock dining, drinks, and entertainment, including themed parties and live shows.

• Beachfront Location: Located right on the beach, you’ll have easy access to both the ocean and the hotel’s adult-only pools.

• Spa & Wellness: Take time to unwind with the resort’s spa treatments, which include a range of beauty and wellness services, as well as a fully-equipped gym.

• Water Sports & Activities: From snorkeling and kayaking to paddleboarding, you’ll have plenty of ways to explore the Caribbean waters. The resort also offers bicycle rentals for those wanting to venture beyond the hotel grounds.

• Variety of Dining: You can indulge in various dining options, including the main buffet restaurant or thematic a la carte restaurants like Krystal (fusion cuisine), Rimini (Italian), and Malmok (Aruban).

• Entertainment: After dark, enjoy entertainment with the RIU Party events, live music, or try your luck at the hotel’s casino.

The Riu Palace Antillas in Aruba is known for its adult-only atmosphere, beautiful beachfront, and quiet, relaxing environment. It’s a perfect choice for adults who appreciate a peaceful, romantic atmosphere combined with great food and entertainment options.

Hotel Riu Palace Aruba

• Family-Friendly: Unlike its counterpart, Riu Palace Aruba welcomes all ages, making it an excellent option for families. There is also a kid’s pool and RIU Land entertainment program designed for younger guests.

• 24-Hour All-Inclusive: Similar to the Riu Palace Antillas, this resort offers an all-inclusive experience that includes meals, drinks, and entertainment at any time of day.

• Beachfront Location: Enjoy lounging by the beach or pool, with direct access to the pristine Palm Beach shoreline.

• Spa & Wellness: For those looking to relax, the Renova Spa offers a whirlpool bath, beauty treatments, and a variety of spa services to rejuvenate during your stay.

• Variety of Dining: With five restaurants to choose from, including a buffet, a Japanese restaurant (Sayuri), an Italian option (Milano), and the Nautilus steakhouse, you’ll have plenty of dining options to satisfy all tastes.

• Entertainment & Activities: The resort provides a full range of entertainment options for both children and adults, including live music, shows, beach volleyball, and water sports like kayaking and paddle surfing.

• Nightlife: Head to the Pacha nightclub for a lively evening, or relax at one of the hotel’s several bars.

Riu Palace Aruba offers an exceptional all-inclusive experience for families and groups looking to enjoy a wide variety of amenities, from kid-friendly entertainment to world-class dining options.

So Which Should You Choose? Riu Palace Antillas or Riu Palace Aruba

So, which Aruba Riu should you pick? With two great properties to choose from, it really depends on your trip. Here’s some deciding factors.

Traveling Without Kids

If you’re traveling without kids, the Riu Palace Antillas is the clear choice. It’s an adults-only resort that guarantees a quieter, more peaceful experience, with access to a beautiful beach and plenty of activities. It’s the best choice for couples or anyone seeking a relaxing, child-free environment.

Traveling With Kids

If you’re vacationing with family, the Riu Palace Aruba is not just a better fit, but your only Riu option. The family-friendly atmosphere and extra amenities for children, such as a kid’s pool and specialized entertainment programs, make it a perfect place for a family vacation.

Food Preferences

Both resorts offer a great selection of restaurants with similar cuisines, but there are a few differences. Riu Palace Aruba offers a Japanese restaurant (Sayuri), while Riu Palace Antillas offers an Aruban restaurant (Malmok). If you have a preference for either of these, it might influence your decision.

Both offer fusion, Italian, and steakhouse options, so you’ll be in for a culinary treat regardless of where you stay.

It’s also worth noting that while you can use some of the amenities of the sister Riu hotel during your stay, you cannot dine at the hotel’s specialty restaurants if you are not staying there.

Pool Differences

If you’re looking for a larger pool or more variety, Riu Palace Aruba has the advantage with its larger pool area, which is perfect for families. The Riu Palace Antillas, while also beautiful, has a more relaxed, adults-only vibe.

Ultimately, both Riu Palace Aruba and Riu Palace Antillas offer excellent all-inclusive experiences with top-notch amenities. They both make great options depending on your vacation needs. Whether you prefer a family-friendly resort or an adults-only retreat, you’re guaranteed a wonderful stay at either hotel.