Expert: Andy Mendyk - 5/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hey!  From chicago here. Me and my fiance are torn between two resorts for our honeymoon. Either Riu Palace or the Occidental. Could you tell which one is better and why?  Oh and we are in our twenties and want to be around the action of the island too.

ANSWER: Hi Mark!!  Easy question. No mistake, take the Riu. A bit higher in price, but Occidental has unfavorable reports on food, service and maint. noise here and there. Riu is set up for a relaxing vacation with everything you need right on the premises.
Riu did have a problem a few months back with burgluries being done by in-house staff, but from what I heard, they were caught and not employed there anymore. It has been quiet since then, so you should be OK!  Have a great trip!!!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have heard that the Riu is like the Carival Cruise or Vegas.  ALso heard the pool is unshaded, but at Occidental it is shaded.  Is that true? Is there a pros and cons list of both that you have?

Answer
Hi Mark..no pool in aruba is shaded, and any shade is determined by the time of day (position of the sun). So, there will be shade and sun at different parts of the pool pending the structure.
All I can say about the Riu is that it is an upscale property with a bit higher class clientel. It was buile specifically for those with a higher level for service, food and accomodations!
Really never heard a bad review about the place with the exception of those thefts, which has been taken care of!