Tamarijn Aruba is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive beach resort that's popular with vacationing families. The 236 rooms all face out over Druif Beach and have patios or balconies, but its the facilities -- not the rooms -- that really stand out here. These include floodlit tennis courts, a well-equipped fitness center, a beauty salon, and free non-motorized water sports on the hotel's adjacent beach, not to mention kids' facilities ranging from a kids' club to a 30-foot climbing wall. Note that kids' club is only open on weekdays. The five restaurants provide good variety, with buffet and a la carte options ranging from seafood to Italian fare. Guests also get access to the facilities at the nearby Divi Aruba, a sister property that's more suited to couples than the family-focused Tamarijn.
Tamarijn Aruba is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive beach resort that's popular with vacationing families. The 236 rooms all face out over Druif Beach and have patios or balconies, but its the facilities -- not the rooms -- that really stand out here. These include floodlit tennis courts, a well-equipped fitness center, a beauty salon, and free non-motorized water sports on the hotel's adjacent beach, not to mention kids' facilities ranging from a kids' club to a 30-foot climbing wall. Note that kids' club is only open on weekdays. The five restaurants provide good variety, with buffet and a la carte options ranging from seafood to Italian fare. Guests also get access to the facilities at the nearby Divi Aruba, a sister property that's more suited to couples than the family-focused Tamarijn.
Hotel Riu Palace Aruba is a three-and-half pearl hotel located on crowded Palm Beach. The resort’s 450 guest rooms are attractive and many include balconies or terraces. The Riu checks all the boxes you would expect from an all-inclusive resort: large pools, a swim-up bar, a wide selection of mediocre dining venues, and a lovely spa and fitness center -- it also has a high-energy atmosphere. There's also a large casino with slots and table games. It’s worth comparing rates with the nearby Occidental Grand Aruba Resort, which has nicer rooms and usually comparable rates.
Hotel Riu Palace Aruba is a three-and-half pearl hotel located on crowded Palm Beach. The resort’s 450 guest rooms are attractive and many include balconies or terraces. The Riu checks all the boxes you would expect from an all-inclusive resort: large pools, a swim-up bar, a wide selection of mediocre dining venues, and a lovely spa and fitness center -- it also has a high-energy atmosphere. There's also a large casino with slots and table games. It’s worth comparing rates with the nearby Occidental Grand Aruba Resort, which has nicer rooms and usually comparable rates.
Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, renovated in 2010, is the most sprawling of the five Divi properties on the island. All 348 suites , decorated in understated island-style decor, appeal to families with king beds, queen-size pull-out sofas, modern bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens. Despite its name, the property is actually a short walk away from Druif Beach, located across the road. However, guests enjoy close proximity to tennis courts, a 9-hole golf course and, and a modern clubhouse, containing two restaurants with scenic views. All-inclusive packages include access to the restaurants and bars at neighboring Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba, as well as to resorts' activities and kids' club. This resort grounds are expansive -- be prepared to walk, or take advantage of the free shuttle service between resorts and the casino.
Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, renovated in 2010, is the most sprawling of the five Divi properties on the island. All 348 suites , decorated in understated island-style decor, appeal to families with king beds, queen-size pull-out sofas, modern bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens. Despite its name, the property is actually a short walk away from Druif Beach, located across the road. However, guests enjoy close proximity to tennis courts, a 9-hole golf course and, and a modern clubhouse, containing two restaurants with scenic views. All-inclusive packages include access to the restaurants and bars at neighboring Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba, as well as to resorts' activities and kids' club. This resort grounds are expansive -- be prepared to walk, or take advantage of the free shuttle service between resorts and the casino.
Located in Oranjestad's bustling cruise port, the upscale Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is packed with features not many Aruba hotels can match. Stand-out features include two casinos, eight bars and restaurants, two pools, and a luxury mall. The hotel is actually a massive resort complex with two distinct properties inside: the adult-only Renaissance Marina and the family-friendly Ocean Suites. All 556 rooms are impeccably modern, with a blend of sophisticated and retro decor plus coffeemakers, MP3 players, and flat-screen TVs. While the lagoon beach is a little underwhelming, it's hard to beat the hotel's private island (and visiting flamingos), and the beach there is more relaxed than the one at the similarly priced Holiday Inn Resort Aruba.
Located in Oranjestad's bustling cruise port, the upscale Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is packed with features not many Aruba hotels can match. Stand-out features include two casinos, eight bars and restaurants, two pools, and a luxury mall. The hotel is actually a massive resort complex with two distinct properties inside: the adult-only Renaissance Marina and the family-friendly Ocean Suites. All 556 rooms are impeccably modern, with a blend of sophisticated and retro decor plus coffeemakers, MP3 players, and flat-screen TVs. While the lagoon beach is a little underwhelming, it's hard to beat the hotel's private island (and visiting flamingos), and the beach there is more relaxed than the one at the similarly priced Holiday Inn Resort Aruba.
Divi Aruba All Inclusive is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive resort straddling the white sands of Druif Beach, a 10-minute drive from Oranjestad. Many (but not all) of the 261 rooms and suites look out over the beach and all have furnished balconies, Nespresso coffeemakers, and sleek bathrooms. However, it's the facilities that really stand out, including multiple buffet and a la carte restaurants, a spa, a nine-hole golf course, four pools, and free use of non-motorized water sports equipment. Nightly entertainment includes fire shows and live music. Guests also get access to the facilities and restaurants at the nearby Tamarijn Aruba, which has more for kids and is a better option for families, owing largely to the presence of a kids' club.
Divi Aruba All Inclusive is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive resort straddling the white sands of Druif Beach, a 10-minute drive from Oranjestad. Many (but not all) of the 261 rooms and suites look out over the beach and all have furnished balconies, Nespresso coffeemakers, and sleek bathrooms. However, it's the facilities that really stand out, including multiple buffet and a la carte restaurants, a spa, a nine-hole golf course, four pools, and free use of non-motorized water sports equipment. Nightly entertainment includes fire shows and live music. Guests also get access to the facilities and restaurants at the nearby Tamarijn Aruba, which has more for kids and is a better option for families, owing largely to the presence of a kids' club.
There's no delicate way to say this: The 175-room Aruba Blue Village is a value property in need of major TLC. While everything looks fine enough on the surface, rooms aren't attractive and complaints range from a general lack of housekeeping to problems with insects and lizards. But hey, at least there's air-conditioning and well-equipped kitchenettes. Guests can count on free breakfast, decent food, and two pools, but the beds in the hotel's rooms aren't in good shape and the Wi-Fi only works in the lobby. All in all, a stay here proves the adage, "You get what you pay for." Those who want a comfier stay might try two-and-a-half-pearl Sasaki Apartments, with an outdoor pool and brighter rooms.
There's no delicate way to say this: The 175-room Aruba Blue Village is a value property in need of major TLC. While everything looks fine enough on the surface, rooms aren't attractive and complaints range from a general lack of housekeeping to problems with insects and lizards. But hey, at least there's air-conditioning and well-equipped kitchenettes. Guests can count on free breakfast, decent food, and two pools, but the beds in the hotel's rooms aren't in good shape and the Wi-Fi only works in the lobby. All in all, a stay here proves the adage, "You get what you pay for." Those who want a comfier stay might try two-and-a-half-pearl Sasaki Apartments, with an outdoor pool and brighter rooms.
The two-and-a-half-pearl Vistalmar Apartments is a mixed bag -- on one hand, rates are reasonable and dive companies are just down the street in Varadero Caribe marina. On the other, rooms are dated, there are no common features, and the airport-adjacent location feels abandoned. That being said, rooms are spacious and impeccably clean, and they also include full kitchens and breezy balconies. As such, this is a fine choice for unfussy budget travelers or scuba divers looking for a simple, no-frills place to crash -- provided that they have there own cars (it's a 10-minute drive into Oranjestad). Those looking to socialize, or to be closer to popular spots like Eagle Beach, should consider Sasaki Apartments, which has a lovely pool and similar rates.
The two-and-a-half-pearl Vistalmar Apartments is a mixed bag -- on one hand, rates are reasonable and dive companies are just down the street in Varadero Caribe marina. On the other, rooms are dated, there are no common features, and the airport-adjacent location feels abandoned. That being said, rooms are spacious and impeccably clean, and they also include full kitchens and breezy balconies. As such, this is a fine choice for unfussy budget travelers or scuba divers looking for a simple, no-frills place to crash -- provided that they have there own cars (it's a 10-minute drive into Oranjestad). Those looking to socialize, or to be closer to popular spots like Eagle Beach, should consider Sasaki Apartments, which has a lovely pool and similar rates.
The family-owned, three-pearl Surfside Marina is a beachside boutique hotel that's a welcome alternative to the bustling megaresorts fighting for space on Aruba’s jam-packed beaches. With only six suites, it’s a tiny place, but there's enough to like to make this one of the area's nicest mid-range hotels -- guests get abundant breakfasts delivered daily to their private balconies, which feature views of Surfside Marina and the beach. The rooms are modern and homey, with a mix of hardwood furniture and bright accent colors keeping them cheerful. Flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi all come standard, and it's a 15-minute walk to the center of Oranjestad. Compare this hidden gem with Talk of the Town Hotel Beach Club just across the street, which has and on-site pool and only slightly higher rates.
The family-owned, three-pearl Surfside Marina is a beachside boutique hotel that's a welcome alternative to the bustling megaresorts fighting for space on Aruba’s jam-packed beaches. With only six suites, it’s a tiny place, but there's enough to like to make this one of the area's nicest mid-range hotels -- guests get abundant breakfasts delivered daily to their private balconies, which feature views of Surfside Marina and the beach. The rooms are modern and homey, with a mix of hardwood furniture and bright accent colors keeping them cheerful. Flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi all come standard, and it's a 15-minute walk to the center of Oranjestad. Compare this hidden gem with Talk of the Town Hotel Beach Club just across the street, which has and on-site pool and only slightly higher rates.
There’s something about the budget Camacuri Apartments Aruba that gives it a surprising charm, despite its modest apartment-style rooms and simple amenities. Maybe it's the hotel’s grounds, which have a bit of Caribbean romance, including an interior courtyard that's dotted with street lamps and leads to a tropical pool area. Each of the 39 rooms have kitchens and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, though the style is dated. While the most popular tourist sights require a drive to reach, the nearest beach is a 12-minute walk from the hotel, though the proximity to the airport means noise can be an issue. This is a safe bet for independent travelers, though Bubali Bliss Studios is closer to the most famous beaches and is more modern, though rates are higher.
There’s something about the budget Camacuri Apartments Aruba that gives it a surprising charm, despite its modest apartment-style rooms and simple amenities. Maybe it's the hotel’s grounds, which have a bit of Caribbean romance, including an interior courtyard that's dotted with street lamps and leads to a tropical pool area. Each of the 39 rooms have kitchens and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, though the style is dated. While the most popular tourist sights require a drive to reach, the nearest beach is a 12-minute walk from the hotel, though the proximity to the airport means noise can be an issue. This is a safe bet for independent travelers, though Bubali Bliss Studios is closer to the most famous beaches and is more modern, though rates are higher.
For its budget status, two-pearl Perle D’Or offers a surprisingly solid set of amenities less than a 10-minute drive of Eagle or Palm Beaches. The bright, mid-size pool and pretty garden, along with affordable food at tasty Pam Pam Restaurant, draw the mostly young Dutch students who stay here. The hotel doubles as temporary housing for international students, which usually generates a lively vibe and may explain the austere, dorm-like rooms. Despite having mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs, the rooms are worn and unpleasant, and lack of hot water -- strange even for such a cheap hotel. The simple rooms here are brighter but much smaller in size than at comparably priced Aruba Blue Village.
For its budget status, two-pearl Perle D’Or offers a surprisingly solid set of amenities less than a 10-minute drive of Eagle or Palm Beaches. The bright, mid-size pool and pretty garden, along with affordable food at tasty Pam Pam Restaurant, draw the mostly young Dutch students who stay here. The hotel doubles as temporary housing for international students, which usually generates a lively vibe and may explain the austere, dorm-like rooms. Despite having mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs, the rooms are worn and unpleasant, and lack of hot water -- strange even for such a cheap hotel. The simple rooms here are brighter but much smaller in size than at comparably priced Aruba Blue Village.