The gated community at the upper-middle-range Gold Coast Aruba is like its own self-contained neighborhood. The 300 stylish condos, town houses, and villas that line these quiet streets offer plentiful and up-to-date amenities, such as spacious living and dining rooms, well-equipped kitchens, and many have family-friendly extras like backyard pools and washer and dryer units -- but Wi-Fi incurs a fee. The property also offers two communal pools as well as four tennis courts. Guests will need a car, however, as beaches aren't within walking distance. At half the price of the nearby Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino, guests who stay at Gold Coast get the benefits of a fully-furnished, private vacation rental -- though not nearly as many on-site features.
The gated community at the upper-middle-range Gold Coast Aruba is like its own self-contained neighborhood. The 300 stylish condos, town houses, and villas that line these quiet streets offer plentiful and up-to-date amenities, such as spacious living and dining rooms, well-equipped kitchens, and many have family-friendly extras like backyard pools and washer and dryer units -- but Wi-Fi incurs a fee. The property also offers two communal pools as well as four tennis courts. Guests will need a car, however, as beaches aren't within walking distance. At half the price of the nearby Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino, guests who stay at Gold Coast get the benefits of a fully-furnished, private vacation rental -- though not nearly as many on-site features.
The two-and-a-half-pearl Sunset Beach Studios has a low-key social atmosphere with poolside happy hours, sunset gatherings by the water, and a gazebo full of seating. Its reasonable rates and convenient access to the most popular beaches makes it a popular choice with budget travelers, though Wi-Fi is spotty and many of the 13 studios are slightly dated. Nevertheless, they're clean and have full kitchens as well as cozy porch areas. Guests should note that the beach by the hotel isn't swimmable, but Malmok Beach -- which is excellent for snorkeling -- is a six-minute walk north. For a more traditional hotel with an intimate and romantic vibe, check out the Boardwalk Hotel Aruba, which is a five-minute walk from Palm Beach, though rates may be slightly higher.
The two-and-a-half-pearl Sunset Beach Studios has a low-key social atmosphere with poolside happy hours, sunset gatherings by the water, and a gazebo full of seating. Its reasonable rates and convenient access to the most popular beaches makes it a popular choice with budget travelers, though Wi-Fi is spotty and many of the 13 studios are slightly dated. Nevertheless, they're clean and have full kitchens as well as cozy porch areas. Guests should note that the beach by the hotel isn't swimmable, but Malmok Beach -- which is excellent for snorkeling -- is a six-minute walk north. For a more traditional hotel with an intimate and romantic vibe, check out the Boardwalk Hotel Aruba, which is a five-minute walk from Palm Beach, though rates may be slightly higher.
The 31-room Aruba Beach Villas is an ideal self-catering option for those who want to be on the beach, windsurf until the sun goes down, or just enjoy nightly panoramic sunsets away from the hustle and bustle of Aruba’s tourist drags. Actually, it’s the only option off windsurfer-friendly Malmok Beach, which makes the hotel’s deal of free windsurfing from January to April (when prices are highest) even sweeter. Rooms have no-frills Caribbean decor, pesky venetian blinds, and spotless fully equipped kitchens. Though there is no restaurant, this budget hotel does have a small pool with hot tub, spacious units, and a friendly home-away-from-home vibe along with some visible wear and aging.
The 31-room Aruba Beach Villas is an ideal self-catering option for those who want to be on the beach, windsurf until the sun goes down, or just enjoy nightly panoramic sunsets away from the hustle and bustle of Aruba’s tourist drags. Actually, it’s the only option off windsurfer-friendly Malmok Beach, which makes the hotel’s deal of free windsurfing from January to April (when prices are highest) even sweeter. Rooms have no-frills Caribbean decor, pesky venetian blinds, and spotless fully equipped kitchens. Though there is no restaurant, this budget hotel does have a small pool with hot tub, spacious units, and a friendly home-away-from-home vibe along with some visible wear and aging.