Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino

Guests at the Hyatt Regency Aruba can easily stay entertained without ever leaving the property -- and many don’t. Large pools, diverse restaurants with children’s menus, and a supervised kids’ club make this resort popular with families. A great beach, big casino, superb spa, and four bars make it an equally attractive option for adults looking to unwind and party. As with most resorts of this large size, the variety of entertainment comes with the loss of intimacy; however, above-average restaurants, lovely landscaping, and Spanish-style architecture impart more character than you might expect from a chain resort. The grand, open-air lobby is dramatically set with circular chandeliers and enormous white planters filled with tropical plants. The space opens up to an elaborate outdoor complex of tumbling waterfalls and paths winding between interconnected pools through tropical gardens of palm trees and bougainvillea. A water fountain filled with artificial rocks lights up with a flame at night. In the lush gardens surrounding the pool, black swans glide in a huge koi pond, scarlet macaws squawk in cages, and cute colorful iguanas scurry about the place. 

The Hyatt is located in what’s known as the High-Rise Hotel area, which, as its name suggests, is home to most of Aruba’s large resorts. It’s a 20-minute drive to downtown Oranjestad and Queen Beatrix International Airport. The hotel’s main entrance faces towards the island’s primary road, J.E. Irausquin Blvd, which is lined with other hotels, as well as restaurants and shops. The Paseo Herencia Mall and Arawak Gardens & Shopping Mall can both be reached in about five minutes on foot. The hotel backs onto an appealing stretch of Palm Beach which is bustling with tourists and activity. Other nearby beaches include Hadicurari Beach (five-minute drive), Eagle Beach (eight-minute drive), and Arashi Beach (nine minutes by car). Free self-parking is offered across the street from the hotel. 

Guest rooms at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort are clean, practical, and rather subdued. Wood furniture in walnut and blond complements neutral walls and carpets, offset with white bedding, and the occasional cheery pop of orange and green. Rooms include iHome clock/radios, free Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers. Minibars are well-stocked with various liquors, beers, sodas, and juices. Flat-screen TVs are mounted over dressers. Some suites feature separate sitting areas, sofa beds, stereo systems, and larger work spaces. Irons, ironing boards, and safes are included, and higher categories have plush robes. Large bathrooms offer speckled granite countertops and a selection of free toiletries. Some bathrooms include shower/tub combos, while others offer showers with rainfall heads. All guest rooms have windows that open and offer views of the garden, pool, and at least part of the ocean. Standard Rooms don’t have balconies, and other categories offer tiny, step-out balconies, or furnished balconies wide enough for sitting.

Features are the true highlight of the resort. The hotel offers a huge tri-level pool with cascading waterfalls and two whirlpools terraced down towards the beach. There are a number of spacious patio areas surrounding the pool, lined with lounge chairs and umbrellas. The hotel also includes a freshwater lagoon (not for swimming) complete with swans and a two-story waterslide. The pool area leads down to a gorgeous stretch of Palm Beach which is dotted with plastic lounge chairs set under palapas. The palapas are nicely spaced so as not to feel overly crowded, and the handy online booking system allows guests to reserve one in advance. This is a major hit with guests. With eight restaurants and bars, there’s no shortage of places to dine and imbibe on-site. Swim-up Balashi Bar and Grill is located within the pool complex, for drinks and light fare. There are a few stools set in the water along the bar -- a cute feature that allows guests to have a snack without leaving the pool. Ruinas del Mar is the hotel’s signature restaurant, offering breakfast, dinner, and Sunday brunch. It sits between Mexicado, specializing in regional Mexican dishes; and Cafe Piccolo, serving stone oven pizzas. Palms Restaurant emphasizes island flavors, while Palms Beach Bar offers daybeds and televised sporting games, like an upscale island-style sports bar. Pampered in Paradise is set up on the beach each evening for intimate, fine-dining experiences. Alfresco Bar essentially serves as the open-air lobby bar, although it doesn’t open until later in the day. Piet’s Pier Bar is an excellent place to watch the sunset with a glass of wine, down on the pier off the beach. There’s also a Starbucks and Kadushi Juice Bar set between the pool and the beach. Note that drinks and meals are charged with an additional 15-percent tip. A large, 24-hour fitness center features French windows that face towards the hotel’s landscaped grounds. It’s equipped with bikes, treadmills, and a variety of resistance strength training equipment. Camp Hyatt kids’ club offers supervised pool activities as well as arts and crafts. Charming, earth-toned ZoiA Spa provides massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services. Hyatt Regency Casino includes 13 gaming tables, 221 slot machines, and a casino bar. Live music and dancing are featured on most nights.Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The hotel features 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, as well as a large business center with several personal computers and printing facilities.