Barcelo v RIU: Any recent visitors?

[GetToLivin]

We visited Barcelo in 2017 and really liked it, however, considering RIU for this next trip in November. I've looked at TripAdvisor and reviews seem mixed post-pandemic for both locations. Wondering if anyone from our CC community has recently been to either resort for a day-pass and what your impression was?

[zippybossrock]

We spent the day with a pass at Barcelo in May.  The beach was nice.  We met a couple walking down from Riu who said the Barcelo beach was much nicer and cleaner than Riu’s.  We thought the food and the drinks were sub-par. They mentioned they had stayed at Barcelo before and found the food at Riu better. But for half the price of the Riu’s day pass, it was fine.  We were really there for the beach. 

[RichYak]

On 10/26/2022 at 7:09 PM, zippybossrock said:

We spent the day with a pass at Barcelo in May.  The beach was nice.  We met a couple walking down from Riu who said the Barcelo beach was much nicer and cleaner than Riu’s.  We thought the food and the drinks were sub-par. They mentioned they had stayed at Barcelo before and found the food at Riu better. But for half the price of the Riu’s day pass, it was fine.  We were really there for the beach. 

Did you reserve the pass ahead of time? And if so, how? Direct with the resort or through a 3rd party online?

[zippybossrock]

I emailed the hotel initially for info and they told me I could just buy one at the front desk. No need to pre-purchase through a 3rd party. 

[Moonglo]

Hi. We're thinking of going to Riu. We arrive via cruise ship and are there for the day from 9- 5pm. I was hoping do a tour for 3hrs or so and then go to the resort. But I'd hate to only spend 3hrs or so at the resort for that price. Im torn what to do..........(but Im leaning towards just spending the day totally at the resort). Is any one else doing an Aruba tour first and then go to the resort?

[RichYak]

On 11/4/2022 at 3:53 PM, Moonglo said:

Is any one else doing an Aruba tour first and then go to the resort?

For the price they're asking, I struggle to justify Riu unless I could be there all day through lunch and dinner.

[bajathree]

On 11/11/2022 at 3:37 PM, RichYak said:

For the price they're asking, I struggle to justify Riu unless I could be there all day through lunch and dinner.

You can't justify the price. Food and drinks are terrible.