Private gated community with two outdoor pools and tennis
courts
Spacious, well-equipped condos, some with
private pools
Town houses and villas are available
All units have fully-equipped kitchens
Directly across from Tierra del Sol Golf Club
Five-minute drive to beaches, dining, and nightlife
Babysitting, massages, and personal training can all be arranged
24-hour gated security
Parking is free on-site
Beach is not within walking distance
Wi-Fi is not free
Some bathrooms and bedrooms are a bit small
The gated community at the upper-middle-range Gold Coast Aruba is
like its own self-contained neighborhood. The 300 stylish
condos, town houses, and villas that line these quiet streets offer plentiful
and up-to-date amenities, such as spacious living and dining rooms, well-equipped
kitchens, and many have family-friendly extras like backyard pools and washer and dryer
units -- but Wi-Fi incurs a fee. The property also offers two communal pools as well as four tennis courts. Guests will need a car, however, as beaches aren't within walking distance. At half the price of the nearby Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino,
guests who stay at Gold Coast get the benefits of a fully-furnished, private
vacation rental -- though not nearly as many on-site features.
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.
Scene
Peaceful gated community with a suburban vibe
The gated community at Gold Coast looks like a serene
suburban haven in the Caribbean. Early-morning joggers wave at their neighbors
as they lap the complex of condos, each with tidy
green shrubs and tropical flowers decorating its entranceway. Add the young
children splashing around in the community pools while parents look on from the
shade of tiki huts, and the picture-perfect scene is almost complete -- all that’s missing are white picket fences. These individually owned vacation rentals range from condos to town houses and villas, and all are tastefully decorated and feature
a generous range of facilities, including fully equipped kitchens and spacious
living and dining rooms. There aren't any features beyond the pools and tennis courts, though, so this isn't the right choice for anyone looking for a lively party scene. The
pleasant, secluded vibe and kid-friendly perks make this a popular choice for
families wanting an independent vacation, as well as large groups looking for an
alternative to the high-rise hotel zone.
Location
Near a golf course and a short drive to nearest beaches
Gold Coast, like most resorts and hotels in Aruba, requires
a car rental or shuttling around via taxi to get to most of the island's sights. It’s
in the Malmok region of the island, and it faces Tierra del Sol Golf course, which is about
a 13-minute walk away, depending on where one is staying in the village. Boca Catalina Beach is a three-minute drive from the property, as is Malmok Beach, which is great for snorkeling. Popular Palm Beach is an eight-minute
drive from the property, and Eagle Beach is just under 15 minutes away, both of which feature a ton of
options for waterfront dining. The California Lighthouse is relatively close, just a 10-minute drive north. The restaurants, nightlife, and shopping of Oranjestad, the capital, are about a 20-minute drive, and it will take up to 25 minutes to reach Queen Beatrix International Airport.
Rooms
Villas, condos, and town houses with trendy decor and generous amenities
Of the 300 individually-owned units, guests can choose
between villas, condos, or town houses, all of which have similar facilities, including two or more bathrooms, fully-equipped kitchens, and between one and four
bedrooms. Some also offer backyards with terraces, private pools, and barbecue
areas. These are sunny homes, personally decorated by their owners, and while
they range in terms of decor, the general look is sophisticated and chic. Expect creamy hues and soft lighting. Sparingly used details like vibrant abstract wall art or handsomely patterned textiles give the rooms a sharp finish, and furniture all has the look of -- well -- a suburban home, which makes sense given the gated-community setting. We saw plush couches and chairs, lots of dark wood, and details like granite surfaces on our visit. The washer/dryer units that come standard are convenient for families, as
well as the towel service and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, but there’s little more than bars of soap and toilet paper supplied. While units generally offer plenty of space, especially in comparison
to a typical hotel (they can fit between two and eight people), some bathrooms
are a bit small and bedrooms can feel cramped as well, with just enough
space for the king-size beds. There are, however, private balconies, walk-in
closets, and sofa beds in the living rooms. Housekeeping is included and comes every other day.
Features
Two pools and tennis courts, but fee for Wi-Fi
The hotel features two on-site pools and a kiddie pool, which are pretty calm and don't get too crowded. They’re shielded from the street by high bushes and some palm trees offering a bit of shade, while a few tiki huts and daybeds provide a place to lounge and relax. Grills are also available here for guests' use. The property has four tennis courts. Other services include babysitting, in-house
massages, and a personal trainer for hire. While there is Wi-Fi, it’s only available for purchase
and is sometimes considered a separate fee from the rentals themselves.
