Tamarijn Aruba is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive beach resort that's popular with vacationing families. The 236 rooms all face out over Druif Beach and have patios or balconies, but its the facilities -- not the rooms -- that really stand out here. These include floodlit tennis courts, a well-equipped fitness center, a beauty salon, and free non-motorized water sports on the hotel's adjacent beach, not to mention kids' facilities ranging from a kids' club to a 30-foot climbing wall. Note that kids' club is only open on weekdays. The five restaurants provide good variety, with buffet and a la carte options ranging from seafood to Italian fare. Guests also get access to the facilities at the nearby Divi Aruba, a sister property that's more suited to couples than the family-focused Tamarijn.
Tamarijn Aruba is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive beach resort that's popular with vacationing families. The 236 rooms all face out over Druif Beach and have patios or balconies, but its the facilities -- not the rooms -- that really stand out here. These include floodlit tennis courts, a well-equipped fitness center, a beauty salon, and free non-motorized water sports on the hotel's adjacent beach, not to mention kids' facilities ranging from a kids' club to a 30-foot climbing wall. Note that kids' club is only open on weekdays. The five restaurants provide good variety, with buffet and a la carte options ranging from seafood to Italian fare. Guests also get access to the facilities at the nearby Divi Aruba, a sister property that's more suited to couples than the family-focused Tamarijn.
Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, renovated in 2010, is the most sprawling of the five Divi properties on the island. All 348 suites , decorated in understated island-style decor, appeal to families with king beds, queen-size pull-out sofas, modern bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens. Despite its name, the property is actually a short walk away from Druif Beach, located across the road. However, guests enjoy close proximity to tennis courts, a 9-hole golf course and, and a modern clubhouse, containing two restaurants with scenic views. All-inclusive packages include access to the restaurants and bars at neighboring Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba, as well as to resorts' activities and kids' club. This resort grounds are expansive -- be prepared to walk, or take advantage of the free shuttle service between resorts and the casino.
Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, renovated in 2010, is the most sprawling of the five Divi properties on the island. All 348 suites , decorated in understated island-style decor, appeal to families with king beds, queen-size pull-out sofas, modern bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens. Despite its name, the property is actually a short walk away from Druif Beach, located across the road. However, guests enjoy close proximity to tennis courts, a 9-hole golf course and, and a modern clubhouse, containing two restaurants with scenic views. All-inclusive packages include access to the restaurants and bars at neighboring Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba, as well as to resorts' activities and kids' club. This resort grounds are expansive -- be prepared to walk, or take advantage of the free shuttle service between resorts and the casino.
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.
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.
Divi Aruba All Inclusive is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive resort straddling the white sands of Druif Beach, a 10-minute drive from Oranjestad. Many (but not all) of the 261 rooms and suites look out over the beach and all have furnished balconies, Nespresso coffeemakers, and sleek bathrooms. However, it's the facilities that really stand out, including multiple buffet and a la carte restaurants, a spa, a nine-hole golf course, four pools, and free use of non-motorized water sports equipment. Nightly entertainment includes fire shows and live music. Guests also get access to the facilities and restaurants at the nearby Tamarijn Aruba, which has more for kids and is a better option for families, owing largely to the presence of a kids' club.
Divi Aruba All Inclusive is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive resort straddling the white sands of Druif Beach, a 10-minute drive from Oranjestad. Many (but not all) of the 261 rooms and suites look out over the beach and all have furnished balconies, Nespresso coffeemakers, and sleek bathrooms. However, it's the facilities that really stand out, including multiple buffet and a la carte restaurants, a spa, a nine-hole golf course, four pools, and free use of non-motorized water sports equipment. Nightly entertainment includes fire shows and live music. Guests also get access to the facilities and restaurants at the nearby Tamarijn Aruba, which has more for kids and is a better option for families, owing largely to the presence of a kids' club.
The two-and-a-half-pearl Vistalmar Apartments is a mixed bag -- on one hand, rates are reasonable and dive companies are just down the street in Varadero Caribe marina. On the other, rooms are dated, there are no common features, and the airport-adjacent location feels abandoned. That being said, rooms are spacious and impeccably clean, and they also include full kitchens and breezy balconies. As such, this is a fine choice for unfussy budget travelers or scuba divers looking for a simple, no-frills place to crash -- provided that they have there own cars (it's a 10-minute drive into Oranjestad). Those looking to socialize, or to be closer to popular spots like Eagle Beach, should consider Sasaki Apartments, which has a lovely pool and similar rates.
The two-and-a-half-pearl Vistalmar Apartments is a mixed bag -- on one hand, rates are reasonable and dive companies are just down the street in Varadero Caribe marina. On the other, rooms are dated, there are no common features, and the airport-adjacent location feels abandoned. That being said, rooms are spacious and impeccably clean, and they also include full kitchens and breezy balconies. As such, this is a fine choice for unfussy budget travelers or scuba divers looking for a simple, no-frills place to crash -- provided that they have there own cars (it's a 10-minute drive into Oranjestad). Those looking to socialize, or to be closer to popular spots like Eagle Beach, should consider Sasaki Apartments, which has a lovely pool and similar rates.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wonders Boutique Hotel is a three-and-a-half-pearl adults-only hotel located a 15-minute walk from downtown Oranjestad. The eight guest rooms feature distinctive decor, and many have furnished balconies or terraces. There’s a striking outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens, as well as a number of intimate sitting areas for reading and lounging, but the beach is a 10-minute drive away. For travelers who prefer to stay within walking distance of a beach, the Wonders’ sister property -- Carina's Studio Apartments -- is a good alternative.
Wonders Boutique Hotel is a three-and-a-half-pearl adults-only hotel located a 15-minute walk from downtown Oranjestad. The eight guest rooms feature distinctive decor, and many have furnished balconies or terraces. There’s a striking outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens, as well as a number of intimate sitting areas for reading and lounging, but the beach is a 10-minute drive away. For travelers who prefer to stay within walking distance of a beach, the Wonders’ sister property -- Carina's Studio Apartments -- is a good alternative.
Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club is a three-pearl hotel located across the street from Surfside Beach in downtown Oranjestad, one of the island’s busiest entertainment hubs. The location is perfect for guests who like to be in the center of the action, but it could be too crowded for others. The hotel’s 62 rooms and suites feature sleek decor and balconies or terraces, and some have kitchenettes and separate living areas. The outdoor pool and courtyard area is pretty, and a free daily buffet breakfast is included in the room rate. Travelers seeking a hotel with a quieter location, closer to some of the island’s main beaches might consider the Brickell Bay Beach Club instead.
Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club is a three-pearl hotel located across the street from Surfside Beach in downtown Oranjestad, one of the island’s busiest entertainment hubs. The location is perfect for guests who like to be in the center of the action, but it could be too crowded for others. The hotel’s 62 rooms and suites feature sleek decor and balconies or terraces, and some have kitchenettes and separate living areas. The outdoor pool and courtyard area is pretty, and a free daily buffet breakfast is included in the room rate. Travelers seeking a hotel with a quieter location, closer to some of the island’s main beaches might consider the Brickell Bay Beach Club instead.
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.
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.