Costa Linda Beach Resort Rating: 3.0 Pearls

Aruba

The Natural Pool

On a relatively unpopulated stretch of J. E. Irausquin Boulevard, the Costa Linda is primarily a time-share for families with children in tow. Since these regulars stay two or three weeks at a time, they all know each other well (and I stood out like a sore thumb). But new families would probably blend right in!

I was greeted by an extraordinarily warm staff at the front desk, though their enthusiasm was probably fueled by curiosity. After all, I was practically the only guest there who wasn't a regular. So when a waitress called me a wimp for ordering a gin and tonic, I assumed the novelty had worn off. Still, that wasn't an excuse for the bellman to invite me to go cruising for hookers (I declined).

View on a Larger Map

About a 20-minute drive from the restaurants, shopping, and bars in Oranjestad and the High-Rise complex, the Costa Linda is far from most of the glitzy resorts and casinos. There is one casino -- the Alhambra -- within walking distance. This means guests don't have to fight with other beachgoers for a spot in the sun. But it also means they're hard-pressed for entertainment.

Unless guests rent a car, as many do here, they have to wait around for a taxi to get to town. The resort lies about 15 minutes ($22 cab fare) from Riena Beatrix International Airport. Usually it's fairly easy to get a ride in Aruba, but on this relatively unpopulated stretch, I waited more than half an hour!

The beach

Serene, even awe-inspiring, the beach at Costa Linda didn't have hordes of tourists hogging the beach or water-sports kiosks hawking their wares. It was the first time I could actually hear the roar of the ocean and watch the waves come crashing to shore. On a more practical note, with fewer tourists, guests didn't have to fight for a chair. The beach also has a well-maintained jungle gym for the kids.

The One Bedroom Suite

My suite on the first floor shared a long stretch of porch with its neighbors. Many guests spend their evenings here, lounging on the ample patio furniture and catching up on news. Overall, the suite was clean, but the decorations were a bit drab and outdated.

The suite itself is a series of rooms connected by a narrow hallway that runs all the way down one side of the space, opening to a living room, bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen. Like most other railroad-style suites, this means the only room that gets natural light is the living room by the front door. It has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the porch.

Large groups will revel in the space and accommodations. After all, the living room has a large pull-out couch, and the huge kitchen at the far end of the suite is packed with amenities. I found a stove and oven, a microwave, a dishwasher, a coffeemaker, and a toaster, just to name a few. The fridge, however, was empty and the closest grocery store was a car ride away.

My small, dark bedroom had no windows and looked like it was straight out of a retirement home -- grungy carpet and a bizarre assortment of animal-themed lamps. Plus, there's no wireless Internet or Wi-Fi signal here. The TV was secured to its stand with a belt.

The bathroom, on the other hand, was large and well-lit. There was a huge shower stall right next to the tub and shower, which sort of felt like a waste of space.

Ocean kayaks

The Costa Linda has an awesome lagoon pool. Shaped like an exotic island, it has a broad deck brimming with lawn chairs and hot tubs tucked into every corner. It's also right by the hotel's main restaurant, Turtle's Nest Bar and Grill.

There's a pool table and giant chess pieces by the lobby. If you want a more vigorous workout, head to the small gym on the first floor. This L-shaped room doesn't look like it was meant to be a fitness center, but it's clean and has a good array of up-to-date equipment. Plus, there's a trainer on duty. No lockers, steam rooms, or saunas, though.

In the evening, the hotel has a screen for movies or, in my case, a boxing face-off between De La Hoya and Pacquiao. Only two people showed up. Guess there weren't too many boxing fans.

Apart from the suspiciously gray carpet in my bedroom, I didn't find any signs of dirt. But the furniture everywhere looks like it's at least 20 years old. It isn't necessarily worn down, just dated.

Live entertainment at the Turtle's Nest Bar and Grill

There are a few places to eat at the Costa Linda, but only Turtle's Nest Bar and Grill is open for lunch and dinner. Between the pool and the ocean, the kitchen is open for lunch and dinner and the bar is fair game anytime in between. Entertainment includes excellent live covers of Motown classics and an inventive menu. Grouper encrusted with plantains and dipped in piña colada sauce? Yes, please!

For breakfast, Sea-Shore Coffee has a buffet. Late-risers needn't fear -- Frangiapani's on the other side of the lobby has a great selection of tea, coffee, and pastries. It's open throughout the day.

The lobby bar has multiple TVs. It's a way to pass the time as you wait (and wait) for your taxi into town!