There's no delicate way to say this: The 175-room Aruba Blue Village is a value property in need of major TLC. While everything looks fine enough on the surface, rooms aren't attractive and complaints range from a general lack of housekeeping to problems with insects and lizards. But hey, at least there's air-conditioning and well-equipped kitchenettes. Guests can count on free breakfast, decent food, and two pools, but the beds in the hotel's rooms aren't in good shape and the Wi-Fi only works in the lobby. All in all, a stay here proves the adage, "You get what you pay for." Those who want a comfier stay might try two-and-a-half-pearl Sasaki Apartments, with an outdoor pool and brighter rooms.
There's no delicate way to say this: The 175-room Aruba Blue Village is a value property in need of major TLC. While everything looks fine enough on the surface, rooms aren't attractive and complaints range from a general lack of housekeeping to problems with insects and lizards. But hey, at least there's air-conditioning and well-equipped kitchenettes. Guests can count on free breakfast, decent food, and two pools, but the beds in the hotel's rooms aren't in good shape and the Wi-Fi only works in the lobby. All in all, a stay here proves the adage, "You get what you pay for." Those who want a comfier stay might try two-and-a-half-pearl Sasaki Apartments, with an outdoor pool and brighter rooms.
For its budget status, two-pearl Perle D’Or offers a surprisingly solid set of amenities less than a 10-minute drive of Eagle or Palm Beaches. The bright, mid-size pool and pretty garden, along with affordable food at tasty Pam Pam Restaurant, draw the mostly young Dutch students who stay here. The hotel doubles as temporary housing for international students, which usually generates a lively vibe and may explain the austere, dorm-like rooms. Despite having mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs, the rooms are worn and unpleasant, and lack of hot water -- strange even for such a cheap hotel. The simple rooms here are brighter but much smaller in size than at comparably priced Aruba Blue Village.
For its budget status, two-pearl Perle D’Or offers a surprisingly solid set of amenities less than a 10-minute drive of Eagle or Palm Beaches. The bright, mid-size pool and pretty garden, along with affordable food at tasty Pam Pam Restaurant, draw the mostly young Dutch students who stay here. The hotel doubles as temporary housing for international students, which usually generates a lively vibe and may explain the austere, dorm-like rooms. Despite having mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs, the rooms are worn and unpleasant, and lack of hot water -- strange even for such a cheap hotel. The simple rooms here are brighter but much smaller in size than at comparably priced Aruba Blue Village.
There’s a common misconception that the budget White Beach Apartments are located on a beach, or at least within walking distance of the sea -- but both locations are actually a 10-minute drive from Aruba’s most popular beaches. For independent budget travelers who prefer to avoid the high-rise scene, these properties are a solid choice: rooms are stylish (if a bit worn), kitchens are well-stocked, and the privacy is hard to beat. Outdoor pools provide places to swim at both locations, but beyond a grill there's not much in the way of features. Sasaki Apartments is worth a look for similar amenities. Its pool is bigger and it's closer to Eagle Beach, but rates will be higher and the style is dated.
There’s a common misconception that the budget White Beach Apartments are located on a beach, or at least within walking distance of the sea -- but both locations are actually a 10-minute drive from Aruba’s most popular beaches. For independent budget travelers who prefer to avoid the high-rise scene, these properties are a solid choice: rooms are stylish (if a bit worn), kitchens are well-stocked, and the privacy is hard to beat. Outdoor pools provide places to swim at both locations, but beyond a grill there's not much in the way of features. Sasaki Apartments is worth a look for similar amenities. Its pool is bigger and it's closer to Eagle Beach, but rates will be higher and the style is dated.
Look slightly to the left of the parking lot of Aruba’s most well-known supermarket and you’ll see Sasaki Apartments, an apartment-style budget hotel. While the hotel's central location is convenient to Aruba’s tourist sights, the beach isn't as close as the hotel promises -- it takes about 15 minutes to reach on foot -- and roads in the immediate area are quite busy. The reasonable rates might be worth the hike, as the 24 apartments include full kitchens. However, don't expect much in the way of style -- the rooms are dated, but clean, and there's a nice pool as well. Nearby Bubali Bliss Studios features lovelier, modern suites but a smaller pool and higher price tag.
Look slightly to the left of the parking lot of Aruba’s most well-known supermarket and you’ll see Sasaki Apartments, an apartment-style budget hotel. While the hotel's central location is convenient to Aruba’s tourist sights, the beach isn't as close as the hotel promises -- it takes about 15 minutes to reach on foot -- and roads in the immediate area are quite busy. The reasonable rates might be worth the hike, as the 24 apartments include full kitchens. However, don't expect much in the way of style -- the rooms are dated, but clean, and there's a nice pool as well. Nearby Bubali Bliss Studios features lovelier, modern suites but a smaller pool and higher price tag.
For Aruba vacationers who want to escape the hustle and crowds of Palm and Eagle Beaches, look no further than the OCEANZ Boutique Hotel Aruba. This 13-room boutique hotel can feel like a sanctuary, but it might be a bit too far off the beaten path for first-time Aruba visitors or those without a car. Still, it's a five-minute walk to the cute and uncrowded Boca Catalina beach, or another 10 minutes down the road to Arashi Beach -- a local favorite. The serene rooms are individually decorated and two have a semi-private infinity pools with ocean views. Features include a chic swimming pool, free made-to-order breakfast, and dinner restaurant (reservations required). For travelers who want a social scene directly on the beach, rates are comparable at Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino.
For Aruba vacationers who want to escape the hustle and crowds of Palm and Eagle Beaches, look no further than the OCEANZ Boutique Hotel Aruba. This 13-room boutique hotel can feel like a sanctuary, but it might be a bit too far off the beaten path for first-time Aruba visitors or those without a car. Still, it's a five-minute walk to the cute and uncrowded Boca Catalina beach, or another 10 minutes down the road to Arashi Beach -- a local favorite. The serene rooms are individually decorated and two have a semi-private infinity pools with ocean views. Features include a chic swimming pool, free made-to-order breakfast, and dinner restaurant (reservations required). For travelers who want a social scene directly on the beach, rates are comparable at Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino.
Aruba Tropic Apartments is a two-and-half pearl hotel located two miles from downtown Oranjestad, the capital city. The hotel’s seven charming apartment-style rooms offer kitchens with cookware and four-burner stovetops -- which is good, as there isn't a restaurant or breakfast served here. The atmosphere is intimate, and the hotel’s pool and courtyard are quite pleasant, set with thatch umbrellas and lounge chairs. There are some restaurants and shops within a quarter-mile, but guests need their own transportation to reach the island’s main entertainment centers and beaches. As an alternative, it’s also worth considering Beach House Aruba which offers easier access to beaches and nightlife.
Aruba Tropic Apartments is a two-and-half pearl hotel located two miles from downtown Oranjestad, the capital city. The hotel’s seven charming apartment-style rooms offer kitchens with cookware and four-burner stovetops -- which is good, as there isn't a restaurant or breakfast served here. The atmosphere is intimate, and the hotel’s pool and courtyard are quite pleasant, set with thatch umbrellas and lounge chairs. There are some restaurants and shops within a quarter-mile, but guests need their own transportation to reach the island’s main entertainment centers and beaches. As an alternative, it’s also worth considering Beach House Aruba which offers easier access to beaches and nightlife.
Walking distance to Aruba’s High Rise hotel strip, the four-room My Aruban Home is the antithesis of its nearby resort-style neighbors -- and that’s exactly what it’s aiming for. Run by a retired husband and wife team, this spot is full of extremely mindful amenities like car rides to familiarize you with the island, guest-curated Aruba guides, and a barrage of in-room comforts all purposed at making you feel like a well-taken-care-of family friend. There’s no pool, restaurant, or bar but it’s the ideal place to feel like a local without lifting a finger -- or spending too much cash.
Walking distance to Aruba’s High Rise hotel strip, the four-room My Aruban Home is the antithesis of its nearby resort-style neighbors -- and that’s exactly what it’s aiming for. Run by a retired husband and wife team, this spot is full of extremely mindful amenities like car rides to familiarize you with the island, guest-curated Aruba guides, and a barrage of in-room comforts all purposed at making you feel like a well-taken-care-of family friend. There’s no pool, restaurant, or bar but it’s the ideal place to feel like a local without lifting a finger -- or spending too much cash.
Caribbean Palm Village Resort is a 170-room time-share resort on the north side of Aruba. Slightly away from the tourist-heavy High Rise and Low Rise areas, this mid-range spot is ideal for those seeking a quiet Aruban vacation and who don't mind sacrificing easy beach access. The resort has two pools, hot tubs, a restaurant and bar area, tennis courts, and a casual spa, but it's pretty dead a few hours before midnight. Rooms are spacious with nicely equipped kitchenettes or kitchens, and even the non-renovated rooms are clean and in decent shape. However, if you are looking for any type of scene or want to frequent the beach, there are similarly priced options closer to the action, such as the MVC Eagle Beach.
Caribbean Palm Village Resort is a 170-room time-share resort on the north side of Aruba. Slightly away from the tourist-heavy High Rise and Low Rise areas, this mid-range spot is ideal for those seeking a quiet Aruban vacation and who don't mind sacrificing easy beach access. The resort has two pools, hot tubs, a restaurant and bar area, tennis courts, and a casual spa, but it's pretty dead a few hours before midnight. Rooms are spacious with nicely equipped kitchenettes or kitchens, and even the non-renovated rooms are clean and in decent shape. However, if you are looking for any type of scene or want to frequent the beach, there are similarly priced options closer to the action, such as the MVC Eagle Beach.
Arubiana Inn is a two-pearl hotel close to Eagle Beach. While the property is pleasantly removed from the hustle and bustle of the island’s busy beachfront strip -- it's a 15-minute walk to the beach -- there are still a number of restaurants and shops found within walking distance. The 18 guest rooms are simple and inviting, and all have small terraces overlooking the picturesque courtyard. It may be worth comparing rates and amenities with Carinas Studio Apartments.
Arubiana Inn is a two-pearl hotel close to Eagle Beach. While the property is pleasantly removed from the hustle and bustle of the island’s busy beachfront strip -- it's a 15-minute walk to the beach -- there are still a number of restaurants and shops found within walking distance. The 18 guest rooms are simple and inviting, and all have small terraces overlooking the picturesque courtyard. It may be worth comparing rates and amenities with Carinas Studio Apartments.
Upscale Tierra del Sol is an upscale time-share community spanning 600 acres. It includes Aruba’s only 18-hole golf course and a Spanish-inspired clubhouse with a range of amenities, including a stunning pool, day spa, fitness center, hair salon, tennis courts, and stylish restaurant. An ever-changing stable of Condos, Villas, and Estate Homes are available for resort guests to rent as home-away-from-home alternatives to traditional hotel rooms. Individually decorated layouts range from two- to five-bedrooms, but maintenance issues can be an annoyance. Many residences back right onto the golf course with sweeping views to the Caribbean Sea, and some even have private pools. Tierra suits golfing fanatics and families seeking an upmarket timeout, though the short drive or shuttle ride to the beach can be a drag. For something right on the beach, try Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort -- but it's adult-only.
Upscale Tierra del Sol is an upscale time-share community spanning 600 acres. It includes Aruba’s only 18-hole golf course and a Spanish-inspired clubhouse with a range of amenities, including a stunning pool, day spa, fitness center, hair salon, tennis courts, and stylish restaurant. An ever-changing stable of Condos, Villas, and Estate Homes are available for resort guests to rent as home-away-from-home alternatives to traditional hotel rooms. Individually decorated layouts range from two- to five-bedrooms, but maintenance issues can be an annoyance. Many residences back right onto the golf course with sweeping views to the Caribbean Sea, and some even have private pools. Tierra suits golfing fanatics and families seeking an upmarket timeout, though the short drive or shuttle ride to the beach can be a drag. For something right on the beach, try Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort -- but it's adult-only.