Camacuri Apartments Aruba

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.  

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.

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). 

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.