Stayed and both places.We have stayed at the Occidental ever since it was the Americana, then Allegra, then Occ. The place is wonderful. The food is basically good, if not great. The hotel has gone from very open to closed and airconditioned (nice) -great renovation! RIU is very BIG and open -for me too open and not comfortable. Although pool is great, the rooms are mediocre compared to the Occidental, food not bad for AI. Language at the Riu was a little difficult because all or most employees were from elsewhere, and not aruba. To us the aruban people are Great, friendly and help make your vacation pleasurable
. We are going back next month for 10 days our 6th trip. hope this helps.