Here are a few points…
Riu Antilles is dated and needs some new paint and such, but it is clean and the staff overall are friendly. The food is far superior over the breathless resorts and the Bravaro resort we stayed in Mexico. The buffets were all very good, fresh and lots of variety.
Aruba is super windy… but it that makes the weather very nice in terms of temps. The evenings were amazing with almost sweatshirt weather at times.
We took two excursions. One was a jeep tour around the island. It was super bumpy… but I enjoyed it. Some people in our group did not. The second was a Catamaran half day tour with snorkeling. It was nice. Everyone seemed to like that.
There was a fun bar on a pier right down from us that played American and Dutch music. It was really fun… amazing staff.
You did have to get up early to save beach chairs and clips are needed to secure towels. There are clips we bought on amazon before we went.
Hi Dave,
Yes we had a blast!! Not sure how I could ever put it all into one email.
We did a package deal for UTV, sunset cruise and aloe tour with the same company that you booked our transfers with. It was a great package and highly suggest it for those wanting to do a few different things.
As for the rooms, we started with a high floor with an odd number it and faced the resort next door. Decent view but we asked the front desk for an upgrade. They provided on the next day with a floor down but even number. Therefore, I suggest if you book people, ask for a high floor, low numbered even room. It overlooks the pool and can see the sunsets and cruise port. Room 1406 was the best!
The staff was friendly and food delicious. We didn’t do the nice restaurant because it was small portions and long line for limited seating. We did the steakhouse and Aruban restaurant on site with the buffets. Room service took a while and had a limited menu.
I would avoid the shows, as they were boring. Decent dancing , but really bad lip-syncing. The live music was better and the show with the audience was the best.
Anything else you might want to know that I might be missing?
Sincerely,
Lauren