Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa — Hotel Review Rating: 3.0 Pearls

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Oyster Hotel Review

Reporter: Dipayan G.
Updated: August 31, 2009

 Scene

This is definitely a family hotel, but that's not to say it's ordinary. In fact, with lizards leaping past winding garden paths and a cacophony of parrots (albeit caged parrots), I felt more in touch with the local fauna here that I did at any other hotel in Aruba.

Waiting in the colorful lobby, I heard a couple gush that it was their 10th visit to the Radisson. I asked why and they said, "Look around you! Everyone's really nice and there's no attitude!" I agree. Neither the staff nor the guests seemed to have any pretensions.

 Service

Geared toward fun, the jocular staff is anything but stuffy. In fact, they kept teasing guests by mock-posing for their camera, then running away before they could take the shot. This was, apparently, hilarious.

But here's the true test of service: They didn't freak out when I spilled juice all over the lobby. In fact, they profusely apologized for my mishap. They needn't have; it was totally my fault!

 Location

On Palm Beach, sandwiched between the Riu and the Occidental resorts, the Radisson is in a line of beachside hotels.

On the water, the resort is near the De Palm Pier. There, guests can kick back, get a drink, and take a speedboat for a spin (I recommend doing these things in reverse order).

Just outside the resort, Gianni's Italian restaurant and Danielle Steak and Chop share a building on the other side of the street. There's a strip mall, Arawak Garden, half a block down the street. It houses Soprano's Piano Bar, Tango Argentine Grill, Fishes and More, and Salt and Pepper.

The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Oranjestad. Hop in a cab, or save some cash by just waiting for the bus that comes by about every 20 minutes. There's a bus stop right by the Radisson's entrance.

 Beach

The Radisson shares its popular beach with several other oceanfront hotels, like the Riu and Occidental resorts. Guests should plunk down on the first free seat they see, as the beach tends to get busy.

Apart from the standard smattering of water-sport kiosks, this beach's greatest asset is De Palm Pier, a long, wooden gangway into the ocean. The pier has a lively bar at its very tip. I noshed on some quesadillas at the bar and then caught a sunset cruise around the coast. The complimentary wet bar onboard was great!

 Rooms

My Garden View Room was on the small side, but it easily fit two double beds, a desk, a lounge chair, and a media center. But even when the floor-to-ceiling wooden shutters by the balcony were open, the room was as dark as a cave.

Simply put, the beds were horrible. Beneath four layers of sheets and blankets -- an arrangement that makes no sense in tropical Aruba -- the mattress was springy and uncomfortable, like something found in a dorm room.

The balcony was large enough for actual lounging. I saw many guests on their terraces in the evening, reading a book or taking in the view. But mosquitoes were prevalent during my stay in December.

Cramped and dark, the bathroom isn't luxe, but everything worked perfectly.

Guest rooms are scattered across three buildings -- the main Aruba Building, the partially attached Curacao Wing, and the completely separate Bonaire Tower. All three are connected by garden paths winding over brooks and miniwaterfalls. Pretty? Yes. But it's also a breeding ground for mosquitos. Pile on the bug spray.

The Radisson is a very popular destination, so early arrivals probably won't be able to get into their rooms before the 4 p.m. check-in. Some guests on TripAdvisor were peeved, but I just took my complimentary beach bag to the beach. Why wait?

 Features

I saw more animals at the Radisson than at any other hotel in Aruba. Exciting, but simultaneously depressing. The parrots, caged in small pens around the property, looked incredibly miserable. At least the small, neon-green lizards got a better deal; they had free rein of the lawns and bushes.

The Radisson has two large pools. Like a wavy exclamation mark, the winding lagoon and the circular pool at its tip are separated by a slim walkway to the beach. But be warned: The line for towels can get pretty long in the midafternoon. Guests should save themselves the hassle and bring one down from their room.

There's a huge, modern gym with windows looking out over the water. This bright space with high ceilings has a great mix of cardio and weight-training equipment. It's free for guests, as are the saunas and steam rooms in the adjoining spa.

The Larimar Spa is a beautiful flagship facility; it's the first in a chain that's set to open at the Radisson's hotels worldwide. The spa is named after a rare gem found only in the Dominican Republic. Souvenirs sporting this stone are available at the spa's gift shop.

 Casino

Small and dark, the Radisson's weakest link is definitely its casino. It looks like an obligatory add-on, meant to keep pace with every other Aruban resort.

 Cleanliness

Considering the two pools, the hotel's proximity to the beach, and the gaggle of kids and teenagers running everywhere, I was surprised not to find a grain of sand or dirt in my room or anywhere inside the buildings. Even the bugs seem to stay out, which is pretty incredible!

 Food

The Sunset Grill, the Radisson's fine-dining option, is open evenings.

Mira Solo is perched above a fake waterfall with a view from the pool to the beach. Right by the stairs that lead to the pool, this shady bar is a good place to get over a sunburn.

Gilligan's restaurant, out past the pool and at the far end of the beach, has a lively bar where crowds from surrounding hotels congregate in the evenings. There's even a booth mid-beach with the added bonus of an ice-cream cart!

Right by the casino, the Laguna restaurant floats over an artificial lake between the Curacao and Bonaire buildings. Guests should wear loads of bug spray!

Coffee and Cream, right by the lobby, is a tiny cafe open during the day. It serves sandwiches, coffee, and pastries.

Just outside the resort, Gianni's Italian restaurant and Danielle Steak and Chop share a building on the other side of the street. There's a strip mall called Arawak Garden, half a block down the street. It houses such notables as Soprano's Piano Bar, Tango Argentine Grill, Fishes and More, and Salt and Pepper. Basically, guests won't go hungry.

 Bottom Line

Sporting two large pools, exotic landscaping (with caged parrots), a top-notch spa and fitness center, and a long beach where kids and teens run wild, the Radisson is an excellent value, even with a dingy casino and squeaky mattresses. The location is ideal; there are ample restaurants and places to party, on-site and off.