Pros

  • Lovely grounds with appealing tropical landscaping
  • Within walking distance of beach and short drive to downtown Oranjestad
  • Simple, clean apartments have full kitchens
  • Large and lovely on-site pool
  • Beach chairs, towels, and coolers for rent
  • Self-service laundry on-site (at a fee)
  • Free self-parking and Wi-Fi
  • Free use of outdoor grill area
  • 24-hour video security
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Cons

  • Away from major tourist destinations like Palm Beach
  • Decor is dated and airport noise can be an issue
  • Amenities like irons and microwaves cost extra
  • Toiletries are not provided
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Bottom Line

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. 

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

Camacuri Apartments Aruba

Scene

Simple, discreet hotel offers a good value

The discreet Camacuri Apartments doesn’t give anything away upon first glance. A small dirt parking lot is all you’ll see, with a tall gate hiding the rest of the hotel. However, upon stepping inside, there's a perfectly clean, brick-paved walkway that's lined by small studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, each separated by natural bamboo dividers. It’s a quaint and romantic welcome, complete with a fountain and old-fashioned street lamps casting a soft glow in the evenings. The design has a tidy, almost European sensibility, though palm trees and bright flowers add a tropical touch.

This hotel has been around since the eighties, initially offering just a smattering of simple rooms that later expanded to include two-bedroom apartments overlooking the garden and pool. The spacious pool area looks especially lush -- guests might even spot a green iguana slyly camouflaged in the grass. Guests generally keep to themselves, which is a plus for those independent travelers who pass through looking for peace and quiet. The hotel attracts many Dutch travelers, as well as other leisure tourists drawn by the reasonable rates and secluded location.  

See More Scene

Location

Five-minute drive to downtown, and a 12-minute walk to Surfside Beach

Some might consider Camacuri Apartments to be off the beaten path, and compared to the series of high- and low-rise hotels along the popular west coast beaches, this might be an accurate portrayal of the place. The closest beach is the local, often uncrowded Surfside Beach, just a 12-minute walk away. To reach most sights, guests will want a car. Popular Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are a 15- to 20-minute drive from here. Dining, shopping, and nightlife are found most readily in downtown Oranjestad, which is about a five-minute drive away. While Camacuri doesn’t offer breakfast, De Suikertuin is a lovely local brunch restaurant that’s a five-minute drive away (or a 20-minute walk for the ambitious). The international airport is also quite close, about a five-minute drive from the hotel, which means noise might be an issue.

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Rooms

Modest apartments with limited kitchen amenities and simple, dated decor

Rooms here range from studios to one- and two-bedroom apartments. Some face the courtyard while others have garden or pool views. Rooms are simply furnished, with items like paper lantern lamps, wicker furniture, and natural wood pieces. Floral patterned bedspreads are dated, while white tile floors and bare white walls make the spaces feel a bit stark. 

All apartments have full kitchens equipped with the essentials, like electric ranges, full-size fridges, and coffeemakers, but anything extra, like microwaves -- blenders, high chairs, or irons -- incurs a fee. Studios have open floor plans, with shared sleeping, living, and dining areas, while the one- and two-bedroom apartments have separate living rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are small and basic, with little counter space and showers. Toiletries are not provided. All units also have outdoor areas, like furnished patios or verandas. Rooms are cleaned daily (except Sundays and holidays). 

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Features

Limited facilities include outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi

As the hotel is most frequently used by independent travelers looking for self-catering options, the features on offer reflect that fact. Still, there are a few nice additions. Camacuri has a lovely garden that leads to the rectangular pool with a small waterfall and a surrounding sundeck lined with colorful lounge chairs. A couple of thatched umbrellas offer some shade. The hotel rents beach chairs, coolers, and beach towels. There’s also a grill area on-site that’s free for guests. A mini library in the reception is a thoughtful touch and there are laundry facilities available for guest use for a fee. Wi-Fi is free, as is parking.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Camacuri Apartments Aruba

Scene

Simple, discreet hotel offers a good value

The discreet Camacuri Apartments doesn’t give anything away upon first glance. A small dirt parking lot is all you’ll see, with a tall gate hiding the rest of the hotel. However, upon stepping inside, there's a perfectly clean, brick-paved walkway that's lined by small studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, each separated by natural bamboo dividers. It’s a quaint and romantic welcome, complete with a fountain and old-fashioned street lamps casting a soft glow in the evenings. The design has a tidy, almost European sensibility, though palm trees and bright flowers add a tropical touch.

This hotel has been around since the eighties, initially offering just a smattering of simple rooms that later expanded to include two-bedroom apartments overlooking the garden and pool. The spacious pool area looks especially lush -- guests might even spot a green iguana slyly camouflaged in the grass. Guests generally keep to themselves, which is a plus for those independent travelers who pass through looking for peace and quiet. The hotel attracts many Dutch travelers, as well as other leisure tourists drawn by the reasonable rates and secluded location.  

See More Scene

Location

Five-minute drive to downtown, and a 12-minute walk to Surfside Beach

Some might consider Camacuri Apartments to be off the beaten path, and compared to the series of high- and low-rise hotels along the popular west coast beaches, this might be an accurate portrayal of the place. The closest beach is the local, often uncrowded Surfside Beach, just a 12-minute walk away. To reach most sights, guests will want a car. Popular Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are a 15- to 20-minute drive from here. Dining, shopping, and nightlife are found most readily in downtown Oranjestad, which is about a five-minute drive away. While Camacuri doesn’t offer breakfast, De Suikertuin is a lovely local brunch restaurant that’s a five-minute drive away (or a 20-minute walk for the ambitious). The international airport is also quite close, about a five-minute drive from the hotel, which means noise might be an issue.

See More Location

Rooms

Modest apartments with limited kitchen amenities and simple, dated decor

Rooms here range from studios to one- and two-bedroom apartments. Some face the courtyard while others have garden or pool views. Rooms are simply furnished, with items like paper lantern lamps, wicker furniture, and natural wood pieces. Floral patterned bedspreads are dated, while white tile floors and bare white walls make the spaces feel a bit stark. 

All apartments have full kitchens equipped with the essentials, like electric ranges, full-size fridges, and coffeemakers, but anything extra, like microwaves -- blenders, high chairs, or irons -- incurs a fee. Studios have open floor plans, with shared sleeping, living, and dining areas, while the one- and two-bedroom apartments have separate living rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are small and basic, with little counter space and showers. Toiletries are not provided. All units also have outdoor areas, like furnished patios or verandas. Rooms are cleaned daily (except Sundays and holidays). 

See More Rooms

Features

Limited facilities include outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi

As the hotel is most frequently used by independent travelers looking for self-catering options, the features on offer reflect that fact. Still, there are a few nice additions. Camacuri has a lovely garden that leads to the rectangular pool with a small waterfall and a surrounding sundeck lined with colorful lounge chairs. A couple of thatched umbrellas offer some shade. The hotel rents beach chairs, coolers, and beach towels. There’s also a grill area on-site that’s free for guests. A mini library in the reception is a thoughtful touch and there are laundry facilities available for guest use for a fee. Wi-Fi is free, as is parking.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Cabanas

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Full Kitchen

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.