Any thoughts on the new Riu hotel hows it comming, almost finished ? any word on opening? Have Stayed at the new OCCidental Grand thinking about trying the Riu ?

The Riu is far from finished. It is huge..I don't know how they will accomadate all of the guests if they rent cars...The building looks more like something in Dubai than aruba....a monster....

I do not know anything about the Riu but am heading to the Occidental in May and was wondering what you thought of it.

We stayed there back in 2000 when it was the Allegro and we loved it.
Any comparisons?

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It's looking really really great! Like a palace! Can't wait for it to open! In the Aruba newspaper it said that it will open in July! I recommend u try it!

I was at the Hyatt last week the Riu looks great we actually sent an email to inquire about having our wedding there in October but they are not booking functions till Nov 07. They are working night and day to get finished this summer we would definitely check it out.

the Occidental was nice very nice but a little expensive with the all inclusive and you have to do all inclusive we looked into them also for our wedding.

Patty M, the Occidental has come a long way since we first stayed there when it was the Americana,It was great then and is great know. Nice upgrades,food good,drinks great ,Arubians Fantastic. Were Traveling with 16 other people so we thought we'd try the riu but love the Occidental still.

Patty,
Heading to the Occidental (former Allegro) for the 6th year in a row (except last year due to renovations). I love it and my daughter loves it. They have added 3 restaurants and it looks beautiful online. To be honest, I loved it as much when it was the Allegro. Food is great and the all inclusive plan is so worth it. No struggling or hurrying to leave the beach, get changed, get a cab or bus to restaurant reservations. I guess it is all in what you prefer. I find the all inclusive so convenient for both myself and my girls and the food is fantastic. Hope you enjoy.