J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 79, Palm Beach - Oranjestad - Aruba, Palm - Eagle Beach, Aruba | (297) 586-3900
All-inclusive resort with direct access to scenic Palm Beach
High-Rise Hotel District location -- walk to plenty of shopping and dining
Rooms include minibars and flat-screen TVs
Suites offer balconies or terraces, as well as separate sitting areas
Two outdoor pools, including one with a whirlpool and swim-up bar
Several on-site restaurants and bars
Popular casino with more than 200 gaming machines and table games
Large fitness center with a variety of equipment
Swish spa offers a range of treatments
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free self-parking
Food quality in restaurants is average
Finding a spot on the beach can be challenging during peak times
Evening entertainment is lackluster
Drinks in the casino cost extra
Hotel Riu Palace Aruba is a three-and-a-half pearl hotel located on crowded Palm Beach. The resort’s 450 guest rooms are attractive, and many include balconies or terraces. The Riu checks all the boxes you would expect from an all-inclusive resort: large pools, a swim-up bar, a wide selection of mediocre dining venues, and a lovely spa and fitness center—it also has a high-energy atmosphere. There's also a large casino with slots and table games, which is currently undergoing major renovations and will close for part of 2026 (May through September).
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Scene
Lively resort caters to couples of all ages looking for good times and unlimited drinks

The Riu Palace dominates the skyline of the High-Rise District, its distinctive domes and turrets providing a marked contrast to the neighboring buildings, which are universally massive resorts. The bold design continues in the hotel’s lobby, which features crystal chandeliers and stained-glass ceilings, as well as pops of fuchsia and zebra prints. A prominent, tree-lined path leads to the pool, evoking a grand entranceway to some extravagant palace. It’s all undeniably eye-catching, though it can border on tacky depending on your tastes. Guest room decor is noticeably more restrained and classic. With a casino, liquor dispensers in each room, and unlimited drinks 24/7 provided by numerous on-site bars, the Riu is set-up with partying in mind. We spotted a few families during our visit, most of whom took advantage of the hotel’s kids’ club; but overall, most guests are revel-ready couples, ranging in age from young honeymooners to older retirees.
Location
In the island’s High-Rise Hotel District, surrounded by dining and entertainment
The Riu Palace is set along one of Aruba’s main beachfront roads in Palm Beach’s lively resort area, home to Aruba’s most popular bars, shops, and casinos.
Rooms
Modern rooms include large bathrooms and free liquor dispensers

Rooms at the Riu Palace are attractive enough, with tile floors and dark wood furniture lending a classically modern look to the spaces. However, dated elements detract from the atmosphere, including curtains and dusty rose linens on the beds that aren't the most contemporary design choice we've seen. Large closets hold safes and irons, while flat-screen TVs are set on glossy dressers. All beige-colored bathrooms feature pretty border tiles and crown Junior Suites offer balconies or terraces. A multi-phase renovation of all 450 guest rooms began in 2025 (with new rooms planned to be added by 2026).
Features
Palm Beach access, a casino, and a large fitness center and spa

The hotel backs onto a beautiful stretch of Palm Beach. Palapas are interspersed between palm trees. Palapas and loungers are first-come-first-serve, and generally fill up early in the morning. During peak season, the beach can get downright crowded. The hotel's casino offers 211 gaming machines and eleven table games. Keep in mind that drinks in the casino are not included in the hotel's all-inclusive rates. There’s a large fitness center with a good range of cardio equipment and free weights. The hotel’s Vita Novus Spa includes an appealing whirlpool set in a quiet, low-lit room. The spa offers a variety of beauty and therapeutic treatments. There’s also a modest kids’ club, Riuland, which provides supervised activities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and there are two conference rooms on-site. The hotel also provides wedding planning services.
Pools
Three outdoor pools plus swim-up bars

The hotel’s massive main pool features an adjoining whirlpool bath set on an elevated area. A second rectangular pool is quieter, and incorporates jacuzzis for ultimate relaxation. Families will be happy with the family-friendly pool, with a separate hot tub nearby so you can enjoy a beverage while keeping an eye on your kids.
All-Inclusive / Food
Mediocre all-inclusive dining venues feature buffet and a la carte options

The Riu Palace’s all-inclusive package includes meals, drinks, snacks, and room service 24 hours a day. The hotel’s main restaurant, Don Nicolas, is a sprawling buffet. It’s quite attractive, with kiwi wall art and matching lime green chairs. Reservations are required for the a la carte restaurants, and most guests report that the food is uninspiring overall. For drinks, open-air Barry’s Bar offers great views over the pool. Lobby Bar picks up the lobby’s eclectic decor with its bright red cushions and zebra stripe patterns. It includes a counter serving ice cream and pastries. Sports Bar also hits guests over the head with its theme, as it's decorated with photos of various athletes. It offers light sandwiches, hot dogs, and nachos. Oddly, the business center is located within this bar, with a row of PCs found along one wall. The all-inclusive package includes entry to the hotel’s busy casino, but drinks come at an additional cost there. The poolside Nautilus recently went through renovations as part of the hotel’s two-year renovation plans. Guests are also able to enjoy lunch, snacks, and drinks at the adjacent adults-only Riu Palace Antillas.
Double Room
Jacuzzi Suite
Junior Suite
Junior Suite with Ocean View
Suite
J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 79, Palm Beach - Oranjestad - Aruba, Palm - Eagle Beach, Aruba
(297) 586-3900