A five-minute walk to Varadero Caribe, home to a cafe and diving center
Apartments are large, clean, and private
All units have big outdoor patios and full kitchens
Downstairs rooms are accessible for those with disabilities
Barbecue facilities are available
Bikes, inflatable kayaks, and beach chairs available
Free airport pick-ups and free self-parking
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Location might feel remote to some
Occasional noise from airplance
Room decor is outdated
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.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Subdued apartment-style budget property for independent travelers
Right off the bat, the most noticeable thing about Vistalmar is the
silence. Save for the occasional airplane flying overhead, the rustling of the
trees from the constant sea breeze is all to be heard on this dead-end street,
where the hotel and a few boats on the private dock are the only residents. The
quiet atmosphere is a refreshing change from the island’s typically crowded
beaches and tourist-packed streets. This eight-unit apartment complex is a simple place, but it does well
with what it has. Palm trees and bursts of colorful flowers decorate the tidy
walkways that surround the cream-colored two-story buildings. There's nothing in the way of common areas at this hotel, so travelers looking for a lively party vibe will want to head elsewhere. Instead, the hotel has the feeling of actually living on the island of Aruba, and you'll see lived-in details like slim bikes propped up against the back wall. The hotel’s proximity to Varadero Marina draws everyone from dive enthusiasts to amateur boaters. The hotel's straightforward vibe and affordable rates are best for independent travelers looking for a no-frills place to rest their heads.
Location
Five-minute walk to Varadero Caribe, but a long drive from popular beaches
Situated right next to Queen Beatrix International Airport, the hotel is in a fairly remote spot by Aruban terms. There's little in the immediate area besides the sea across the street and the Varadero Caribe marina, a five-minute walk down the road. The marina is home to a cafe and one of the island's most well-known dive companies -- it also makes for fine sunset watching in the evening. Lively Arubaville is also a five-minute walk from the hotel for pricey Caribbean-inspired dinners. Downtown Oranjestad -- which is home to a luxury mall, marina,
casinos, nightlife, and restaurants -- is a 10-minute drive from here. There is one strip of sand that’s close by -- Mangel Halto -- that's good for snorkeling and is just over five minutes away by car. Surfside Beach, is just about 10 minutes away by car, or can be reached by bike along the Linear Path. However, the island's most popular beaches will require a longer drive to reach. Eagle Beach is 25 minutes away by car, and Palm Beach is five minutes beyond that. Though the hotel is next to the airport, it will still take between five and ten minutes to reach the terminal by car.
Rooms
Utilitarian apartments with large bathrooms and full kitchens
The eight units here are impeccably clean and spacious, offering 65 square meters (700 square feet) of space for guests to spread out. That being said, the look is simple and dated, with mid-tone wood furniture that has dorm-like style, plus boxy couches and chairs, and homey throw-back elements like torch lamps and mint-green sheer curtains. The bedrooms are similarly styled, with flowery bedspreads, heavy wooden furniture with old-school silhouettes, and light blue walls. We did spot a bit of wear, particularly on the countertops in the kitchens. All apartments have living areas with pull-out sofas and separate bedrooms. The also include full kitchens with microwaves, blenders, coffeemakers,
stovetops, and toasters. Expect flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of storage space. Bathrooms are also large and bright, and include a bar of soap and towels, plus generous marble counter space and shower/tub combos -- the look, of course, is dated, bordering on unintentionally retro. The big outdoor patios are a highlight -- they’re private, shady, and face the
ocean across the street in many units. Keep in mind that the hotel’s proximity to the airport means the sound
of airplanes flying overhead might be bothersome.
Features
Free airport pickup, outdoor grill, beach chairs and bike rentals
The hotel is small and simple, so extra features are
understandably limited. The hotel does offer a gas grill for communal use, and beach
chairs, towels, coolers, bikes, and an inflatable kayak are all available as well. The
hotel provides a free airport pick-up service and rides to the local grocery store
as needed. Car rentals can also be arranged through the hotel, a convenient perk for
independent travelers. Wi-Fi is
free and functional throughout the property, and parking is free as well.
