Aruba Surf Resort

Housed in a bright stucco building with red clay tile roofs and turquoise trim, Aruba Surf Resort is a apartment hotel aimed at vacationers, including families and couples. The overall vibe is casual, from the small reception area filled with tourist brochures (but without much room to lounge, save for a wicker chair). The grounds are peaceful, with lots of palms and ferns, plus a small fountain area and some grassy lawns. Overall, the entire space resembles an apartment building more than a hotel, and is a good choice for those looking for a residential vibe. The hotel lacks an elevator, however, so travelers with mobility issues should request a room on the ground floor.

Aruba Surf Resort is located in Broadbeach on Australia's Gold Coast, within a short walk of area shops and restaurants, plus a five-minute walk from the nearest beach. Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre is a nine-minute walk from the hotel, while there's a Woolworths for grocery shopping a five-minute walk away. Additional shopping and dining options are located at the nearby Pacific Fair Shopping Center, a six-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the hotel. The famous community of Surfers Paradise can be reached in about half an hour on foot or 10 minutes by car. The Gold Coast Airport is a half-hour drive from the hotel without traffic.

Aruba Surf Resort offers Studio, One-Bedroom, and split-level Two-Bedroom Apartments, all with air-conditioning and furnished balconies with city views. Decor is a bit dated but cheerful, with white walls, gray or blue carpets, and light turquoise trim around the windows, plus a mishmash of furniture and tropical or more muted bedspreads. Studio Apartments have kitchenettes with microwaves, while One- and Two-Bedroom Apartments have full kitchens along with washers and dryers, plus queen beds in the rooms (one per bedroom) and sofa beds in living rooms. Extra beds and cots can be arranged on request. Living areas feature separate sitting and dining areas plus flat-screen TVs and ceiling fans. Simple bathrooms come with roomy walk-in showers. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Note that amenities like toilet paper aren't restocked unless staying over nine nights, but they can be purchased at reception. 

While there are no on-site dining options (outside of the rooms) at Aruba Surf Resort, the property does have a decent number of features. There's a heated outdoor swimming pool that's long enough for swimming laps, plus a few lounge chairs and a small hot tub on the surrounding terra-cotta deck. Right next to the pool is a barbecue area for guest use. The resort also has its own tiny fitness center with a few cardio machines and a single piece of cross-training equipment, though it's on the basement level and doesn't get much light. Wi-Fi is available for a fee, and strollers, highchairs, DVD players, airport transfers, and beach towels can be rented through the front desk. Parking is free in the secure basement-level garage.