7 nites, 2 rooms. we had a great time, not sure Id go back. There was nothing wrong with Aruba but nothing to justify a return also remember its just about in south america so the added 2hrs from say San juan is a pain.
the best rooms are high floors like 16-18 room 00, this has a double balcony that looks directly at the ocean. 01,02 are almost as good, 04 you can see the ocean and pool. 03 ocean and the Riu.
higher floor is a bit more quiet, I was on 9th and the view was great but napping in the afternoon would be tough.
staff was always nice and attentive, I only got my rooms cleaned once, and they did a great job, I say them out side in our hall corner cleaning every morninng and just asked for a couple of bottles of water and they didnt hesitate to give them to me with a smile.
Blossoms jap.sushi was very good, Pago Pago was good but better steaks can be found elsewhere, Bon Bini breakfast buffet isnt bad for $21 its just not needed. Nice place called Salt & pepper just 1/4 down across the street next to Sopranos great full american breakfast for $12
happy hours were great 12-1 and 4-6 at pool for all frozen drinks, and 9-11 martinis at lobby bar. Girls said the spa was ok, nothing special not overly pricey as spas go.
casino is ok, smallish, but no riff raff just guests.
there was daily activiies sheets with about 8-10 things a day scheduled , some things for kids , some for adults (beer drinking contest) and others for all bingo, movie nite.
didnt use there service for our atv tour, snorkel tour, or parasail as they just mark up and add little value.
the pool is ok, a bit lack luster but it is fairly old, the beach was pristine, cleaning started at sunset a crew would go out and pick it spotless.
palapas were available for reservation every day for free before 8:30ish, and if you got up late some would come available by 12-1ish. you can reserve them at $27 per day but I'd just send someone down in the morning to reservce one day of for free.
temp's were warm low 90's definetly a very breezy island, i dont think there was a day there wasnt atleast a 10mph breeze and somedays 15-20 with gusts, so lots of sand mixed in with SPF 50 is kinda crappy.
also as nice as DIVI 9hole course and Tierra Del Sol 18hole courses were the winds where just not fun to play in.
favorite spots,
#Salt and pepper for breakfast
#Sopranos piano bar for after dinner drinks
#madam Janettes couldnt be more hyped but I have to say the meal was delish.
#Chalet Suisse was also delish, but we were the only folks in there under 40yrs old.
#Giannis was good nothing out of this world but good
#Pizza napolitano? just 2 doors down from Giannis was actually very good and reasonable.
#promenade had a kind of all you can eat tapas deal and it was good especially for the money and very low markup on wine.
#Amazonia wasnt so good, lots of meat , but mediocre meat, try Texas Brazil instead.
more to share if needed
Bill