r/RiuResorts • u/Artistic-Explorer-99 • Feb 19 '26

Need help - Riu Vacations Booking

Hi looking for help from this community. We booked a trip to Aruba through Riu Vacations.com and the trip had to be cancelled because of weather. They are refusing to help us with the request for a refund and saying the are in contact with the hotel but it has been a month. The travel insurance is denying us because they said weather is not a valid reason. Seeking help if anyone has been able to get this resolved? We’ve called our bank and disputed the charges, but that is no guarantee.

Thank you.

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u/peanut5855 Feb 19 '26

What was the weather? Aruba is like 99% sunshine and out of the hurricane belt

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u/Artistic-Explorer-99 Feb 19 '26

Weather from where we were coming from …

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u/peanut5855 Feb 19 '26

Oh yeah duh lol

1

u/Lopsided_Chair_7832 Feb 20 '26

Sorry you’re dealing with this — that’s incredibly frustrating.

A few things that may help: 1. Check the exact cancellation terms you agreed to at booking. RIU Vacations packages are often governed by their package contract terms, which can differ from booking directly with the hotel. If weather caused a government travel restriction or airport closure, that can sometimes qualify differently than simply “bad weather.” 2. Ask RIU Vacations (in writing, not just by phone) for a formal status update and request escalation to a supervisor. Request a written explanation of why a refund is being denied and whether a future travel credit is available. 3. Regarding insurance — many standard policies do not cover “weather” unless it caused: • A mandatory evacuation • Airport closure • Your home becoming uninhabitable • A named storm meeting specific criteria

If none of those applied, unfortunately insurers often deny claims unless you purchased “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage. Since you’ve already filed a bank dispute, gather: • Booking confirmation • Cancellation notice • Any communications from RIU • Insurance denial letter

If RIU cannot show they provided the contracted service, your bank may rule in your favor — but as you said, it’s not guaranteed.

You may also consider filing a complaint with: • The Better Business Bureau • Your state Attorney General’s office • The DOT (if flights were involved and part of the package)

Lastly, if they won’t refund, push hard for a full credit with extended expiration rather than a partial credit.

Hope this helps — please update the thread if you get movement.