I believe the Riu is an all inclusive, meaning the meals are included in the price. Whereas it will keep the cost down, one of the strengths of Aruba is the tremendous amount of really terrific restaurants. I would not want to be tied to the restaurants at a single location.

I have never stayed there, but it is in the middle of the strip in Palm Beach and easy walking access to most of the casinos. The Stellaris is a bit of a hike from there and you will have to drive/taxi to Oranjestad to get to the Crystal and Seaport casinos. I believe you will need transportation to the Alhambra as well, but I'm not sure how to walk there (only been there by car).

It was renovated not long ago when it became the Riu, so I imagine the rooms are nice. I have never been in one, though. The casino is small, but within easy walk to many others (the Westin and Radisson are on either side, both of which have casinos, followed by the Occidental Grand (Aura) and Hyatt Regency). The strip also has a number of great restaurants.

Palm Beach is more crowded than Eagle Beach, but you get easy walking access to the casinos and strip restaurants.

When it went up, the Riu created a bit of an uproar because of the...middle eastern, I guess, architecture which does not match the Caribbean style of most of the hotels. It does not bother me, but it's hard to miss it. Albert Scalzo just took a great picture of it from the water. Maybe he will post it here.

When you are ready to go, please send me an e-mail and I will give you what advice I have for the casinos. It has been a few years since I've gone, so I will leave most food recommendations to Brian.

For historical reference, it started life as the Aruba Sheraton (see my scan below). Plenty of history there.

Hey, if you're in Aruba, it's not too bad, no matter where you stay.

Michael Siskin