Best Beach Hotels in Oranjestad, Aruba

Located on the northern edge of J.E. Irausquin Boulevard's Low Rise hotel zone, the 449-room La Cabana Beach Resort and Casino is across from Eagle Beach and walking distance to restaurants, shops, and bars. This upper-middle-range time-share resort packs in a lot of features from a casino, to a spa, to a large health club, and even a little chapel. Rooms are spacious with impressively equipped kitchens featuring garbage disposals and dishwashers -- plus private outdoor space. It's a social spot, so if you're looking for a romantic vacation, you might want to check next door at the Amsterdam Manor. 

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.

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.  

There's a lot to like about the three-pearl Paradise Beach Villas, and the hotel's familiar, social, and easygoing vibe are first among them. The 80 apartment-style rooms are pleasant, but decor is spartan and a bit dated. They include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and full kitchens, and many have separate bedrooms. Two huge pools and Eagle Beach -- just across the street -- are nice-to-have perks, and there are three restaurants plus a spa. Wi-Fi is only free in the lobby, and the restaurants aren’t cheap either (breakfast is not included in room rates). Travelers can also consider nearby Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort for more services, though it will come at a higher price tag.