Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa

Brickell Bay's pale yellow exterior and architectural design may seem dated, but the building's age is only really noticeable in the overall cosmetic skeleton of the place. From the contemporary and snazzy lobby lounge furniture to the colorful pop art decor from Andy Warhol on the walls, Brickell feels years younger on the inside. Outdoor areas like the pool, Sand Bar and Lounge, and small garden walkways feel fresh, clean, and updated. Although it holds less than 100 rooms, with tons of space, restaurants, bars, a pool, spa and more, the resort feels expansive. Even at high capacity, it feels private and spacious, which lends to a relaxed and casual feeling. It's particularly quiet during the day when most guests can be found on the hotel's crowded beach space. You don’t have to be a member to stay at Brickell Bay Beach Club, but you do need to be at least 16 years old.

Brickell Bay is located along the main drag of the High Rise hotel zone, and is surrounded by restaurants, shops (the I "Heart" Aruba shop is right next door), bars, hotel casinos, and even the local cinema. However, as a small fish in a big pond, Brickell doesn't have direct beach access like the larger mega-resorts lining the beach in this area -- but it is within a five-minute walk from a dedicated space near the Hyatt. With the beach and a high concentration of other points of interest within walking distance, you absolutely do not need a car to have a good time staying here. Downtown Oranjestad is around 10 minutes south, while the airport can be reached in under 20 minutes. 

Contemporary rooms are outfitted in mostly neutral tones, with beachy color accents in coral or blue, and have tile floors, chaise sofas, and warm woods, although there are a few slightly dated decor accents like large floor-to-ceiling mirrors, golden-plated coral lamp bases, and ancient (and loud) floor-based air-conditioning units. Rooms are also poorly lit unless the blinds are open, which then causes the entire room to be easily viewed from the outside. Unfortunately, the large windows are fixed and some rooms may have a musty smell due to lack of ventilation and the island's high moisture air -- which can also be felt in some rooms. The majority of the rooms here are in the Deluxe category and come with flat-screen TVs, iDock radios, bathrobes and slippers, and mini-fridges. There are no coffeemakers, but some suites have a wet bar area with cups, as well as large marble bathrooms with showers, dual vanity sinks, and fluffy towels. All room have an evening turndown service and come with a free bottle of water, while all bathrooms have designer toiletries and hairdryers. Suites can be connected for large parties. 

Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa may not be on the beach, but it does have a small spa. Located by the pool, the full-service spa palapa can polish your toes, cut your hair, scrub your face, or give your body a relaxing rub down on a cushy table inside or outside. The pool area is small but efficient with contemporary white loungers, gazebos, and covered cabana with cushioned brown wicker seats for poolside laziness. There's also a swim-up bar with cocktails, water, and frozen grapes to help take off the heat. Farther down the property, Sand Bar and Lounge sits on the property edge with a slick black bar, flat-screen TVs, a dance floor, covered lounge area, and VIP bottle service spots. The hotel's third bar is located inside the Italian-themed restaurant Tomato Charlie's (which has delicious pizzas). The hotel also has full- and half-board options. Inside the hotel lobby guests have access to a 24-hour business center and limited mini-market, lending library, 24-hour reception, and chilled water. There are also a tiny 24-hour gym, laundry facilities, free calls to US and Canada (via app), free high-speed Wi-Fi, and free parking out front. 

Brickell Bay Beach Club may not be directly on the beach, but a dedicated space on a popping section of Palm Beach is a five-minute walk away. This is not a relaxing and quiet beach spot, but instead a social, highly trafficked area. Surrounded by craft tables, a thumping beach bar, water sports company hut, and a few amenities for guests at other hotels (like beach volleyball nets), Brickell has a collection of blue fabric loungers along the beachfront. However, the hotel typically packs up the chairs before 5 p.m., so guests have to sit on a towel if they want to wait to enjoy the sunset.