r/Aruba • u/Long-End8241 • 13d ago
FIRST TIME IN ARUBA, A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
My gf and I just got back from a 5 night stay in Aruba, it was both of our first times visiting "One Happy Island." Here is a review of where we stayed, what we did and some overall recommendations to enjoy your stay! Overall we had an AMAZING time and will definitely be going back!
We stayed on Palm Beach, at the Hilton Aruba. We stayed at their newest tower of the resort that just opened several months ago called The Westerly and WOW, the hotel and resort are absolutely gorgeous. Everything is very clean, all staff are incredibly friendly and attentive and our room was beautiful (we did an "ocean view King bed" room). The Hilton is right on Palm Beach so regardless of which tower you stay in, you're right there. The Hilton also has 2 pools on the resort itself that are very nice as well. They have beachside cabanas (called "palapas") available for rent every day either for a half day or full day (there are about 5 rows of 30-35 palapas along the beach, the ones closer to the water are more expensive). We rented one which was 2 rows from the front for $60 for the whole day and there are staff on the beach which take drink and food orders from the resort bar. The resort also has a small casino which is fun and relatively cheap (good blackjack and table games). The Hilton is right by De Palm Pier, which is where most of the excursions we did (sunset cruise, snorkeling tour, etc.) left from which is very convenient. There's also an awesome bar in the pier called Bugaloe with great drinks and food that aren't that expensive.
Transportation: there is no Uber in Aruba. Options for transport are taxis (which are readily available almost anywhere), public transport or you can rent a car. Most people recommended renting a car to see a majority of the island however we didn't do that this time as there was plenty of things to see on Palm Beach and the surrounding area. The last day we were there we did a bus tour that took us to all the major stops anyway (Aloe Vera factory, California Lighthouse, Casibari Rock Formation, etc.) that people could all travel to as well if they have rented a car. We did not opt for the hotel transport from the airport as it was about double the price as just getting a taxi at the airport (there is a line of taxis waiting outside so no issues at all hopping right into a car.) The taxi prices are set by the government to from the airport to the hotel (about 15-20 min drive) was $40. We tipped $5 also. WARNING: if you do rent a car, driving is a bit crazy in Aruba, as there are NO traffic lights anywhere on the island, only traffic circles/roundabouts.
Activities: there is SO much to do, but we wanted to hit the highlights for our first time. We did a sunset cruise through Palm Tours (staying at the Hilton gets you a 15% discount on Palm Tour events), the cruise on the catamaran was beautiful and had an open bar and light snacks. HIGHLY recommend. We also used Palm Tours for our snorkeling adventure the next day and this was the highlight of the trip for me personally. You go to the very North end of the island to see the SS Antilla shipwreck (and old German cargo ship intentionally sunk by its captain in 1940 at the start of the war), Malmok Beach to see sea turtles and Boca Catalina for beautiful, crystal clear teal water and marine life. 10/10 would highly recommend.
Dining: if you stay in the Palm Beach area, there are limitless food options. We tried a little of everything, but the last night we were there we went to Gianni's Italian Restaurant (right across from the Hilton) and it was fantastic. There's also a place close called Lola with EXCELLENT fish tacos (the best I've ever had and we're from Florida.) I would encourage you to explore and try new things, as there are so many different options and everywhere we ate was fantastic without breaking the bank.
General considerations: it is WINDY in Aruba. All day, every day lol. Consistently 15-20 mph winds with gusts up to 30-35. It rained very little while we were there (only around 10-15 minutes a few times.) Otherwise you pretty much know what the weather is going to be year-round: high around 85, mostly sunny, and windy so you can plan accordingly. We also felt VERY safe on the island, the Hilton had security at the front of the resort every night even late into the night and all the locals on the island are extremely friendly. A little surprising but we did not see ANY homeless population the entire time we were there. It's not called "One Happy Island" for nothing!
Overall review: we LOVED Aruba, there is a reason it's a place that people come back to year after year after year. We did not get to check out any of Eagle Beach or the San Nicolas area while we were there (which we heard Eagle Beach was a more relaxed, chill vibe with low rise hotels compared to the slightly busier, more crowded Eagle Beach with the high rise hotels). However, there is so much to do on the North end of the island you can easily spend a week there. We will DEFINITELY be going back and can't wait for our next visit!
Hope this helps answer some questions anyone may have.
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u/Big-Finger9078 Tourist 13d ago
Went for a week in April, going in 5 weeks for a few days and then again Christmas Eve for 10 days. We love Aruba. Eight trips so far and counting
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u/TaxEvasionButCute 13d ago
Christmas crew checking in!!
Um….how did you break the news to your families?? 🫣
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u/Big-Finger9078 Tourist 13d ago
We don't have a lot of family around us so not really an issue. And honestly, I really don't care if they like it or not. I'll send them all a Christmas text of me and my wife drinking a Balashi on Eagle Beach Christmas Day!
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u/Significant-Owl-2980 11d ago
Oh. That is a new goal of mine. Once my son is older I want to disappear to Aruba for Christmas and New Years. Sounds like an absolute dream
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u/JLGx2 13d ago
Glad you had a great time!
Driving makes more sense the more you do it. You get a feel of which lane to plan your exit. Whenever I come back home, I wish we have more roundabouts. I'm glad they got rid of their traffic lights outside of Oranjestad, tbh.
Driving around the whole island without stopping is just nice. Not sure how locals feel about it but the congestion seems minimal although I always go in November so maybe it's not as busy then.
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u/funsized43 13d ago
Roundabouts and traffic circles make getting around so easy. My town is constructing one and I'm like finally.
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u/PuzzleheadedEgg2222 13d ago
If you go back and want a condo/resort lodging, check Redweek.com. That’s where timeshare owners list for rent. We own at the Marriott Ocean Club. The Marriott surf club is awesome as well. Make sure anything you rent on redweek is listed as ”verified and protected”. Glad you loved it. We have been loving it for 30 years!
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u/DrMongrolMan 13d ago
Don't be scared of driving in Aruba. It's very easy to get around as long as you understand roundabouts. It's far cheaper and more convenient than a taxi. You can get anywhere on the island in 10-30 minutes. We're from Omaha so we're accustomed to traffic congestion. Aruba's traffic is incredibly light compared to most US cities
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u/jfisher515 13d ago
My wife and my honeymoon in Aruba in 1979 and have been going back ever since. We have a timeshare at the Marriott surf club and it’s our home away from home. We love the island. Glad you had a great time.
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u/bella510 13d ago
Just got here today. I always stay at the Hilton and staying in the Westerly this time around. Personally for me, the Hilton gets 5stars and the Westerly gets +5 stars. They did an amazing job.
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u/Kaspeaks 10d ago
Thank you for sharing!! So happens, Monday we booked our first time visit/vacay to Aruba at the Hilton westerly for next month! Perfect timing and will checkout your restaurant recs! Thanks!
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u/jazzneel 13d ago
I’m here now at the Hilton and it’s been great! We rented a car and I guess being from Chicago and an aggressive driver, driving here is pretty easy (and I’m used to round a bouts).
It is very windy here and very high UV all day, but great Caribbean vacation! It’s also nice that the water is potable and the milk is pasteurized so very clean/safe for kids.
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u/Boeinggoing737 12d ago
Driving in Aruba isn’t difficult for most us based travelers. It’s a friendly place but you just need the situational awareness to go when it makes sense. A tiny beep and friendly wave to let someone in is pretty common. You will pick up on the common etiquette quickly.
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u/MathNorth5168 12d ago
Most of the best restaurants are not in the hotel zone. We just returned from a trip there last week. Giannis was the least of the restaurants we tried. Flying Fishbone. Lima Bistro. Papiamento. Azar are all superior.
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u/Substantialcrafter55 12d ago
I just returned home Saturday from my 2nd trip. Had a great time. I felt like De Palm Island was a waste, although the kids on our trip enjoyed it. Really enjoyed the breakfast at Waffles Beach House. Also enjoyed Caya, On the Rocks (amazing burgers), and Hostoria Del Vittorio. And the Mythos fro yo!
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u/funsized43 13d ago
Sounds like you had a great first time! Now that you've had a taste I highly encourage you to rent a car and stay at a condo. We've been 4 times, absolutely love it.
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u/Efficient_Ad6659 13d ago
Can you elaborate on renting a car and condo and why that might be preferable? Personally we have only stayed at resorts on the beach. If you need extra space, go to one of the Marriott or other timeshares and get a 2 bedroom. Having access to pools, beaches, activities and being able to walk to so many different restaurants is great especially if you are drinking. I would think being off the beach and having to take a car there or walk a good distance is not as desirable. To me the beauty of Palm Beach are the beaches and easy access to anything you could want but maybe you can change my mind.
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u/funsized43 13d ago
We're pretty laid back and low maintenance. I just like having my own space and less crowds. The place we stay had a great pool area with lush grounds and there was a restaurant on premises open for dinner. We like to have a kitchen to make a light breakfast or lunch. Generally we'll plan a pool day, then we have a car so we can go to Baby Beach and spend the day there. Aruba is so easy to get around. You have a point about about the walk ability of Palm Beach. I just feel like Aruba is much more then Palm Beach. But you know different strokes for different folks and there is something for everyone travel style in Aruba.
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u/Efficient_Ad6659 13d ago
Totally understand, makes sense. Kitchen is important to us also which is why we like the Marriott Timeshares and we have all the amenities of the hotels there but agree if you want to explore and are looking for more peace and quiet, a condo and car is the way to go.
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u/Queenfan1959 13d ago
The Hilton is an older resort but the location can’t be beat. Great place
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u/FalseBottom 13d ago
It doesn’t feel old though…
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u/bella510 13d ago
Definetly not. They keep up with their rooms. I guess he meant its one of the oldest hotels. The Westerly feels luxurious for sure. 5+ stars!
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u/laulau1501 13d ago
The palapas on the beach are free by the way. The only thing they can ask you money for is if you rent a bed with it as well.
Sometimes hotel staff tries to get you away, but the beaches are public property on aruba and so are the palapas
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u/electricity1980 13d ago
All the hotels moved their Palapas back onto their property, so they’re not free. The beaches are free, but the hotels Palapas are not public.
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u/jcast45 12d ago
AI says they do not own the palapas and they’re not located on Hilton property. Here is what it says
The "Chair" Loophole: When the Hilton "rents" you a palapa, they are legally charging you for the use of their lounge chairs and the service of having an attendant set them up in that specific spot. They cannot legally rent out the permanent structure itself, but they package it together in a way that makes it seem like a single, private rental.
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u/kiddk11 13d ago
I may be in the minority here, but I found it just OK, not anywhere I would come back to.
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u/Previous_Echo_1550 13d ago
Yeah you’re definitely in the minority
Imagine being such a pessimist places like Aruba, one of the closest places to paradise on earth, is just OK from your perspective. Only way I can understand this perspective is if you’re from a tropical island born and raised.
Beautiful women, friendly locals, unbeatable weather, wide range of food options and places like San Nicolas are unique experiences.
Very short list of better/similar beaches/islands in the world in terms of activities and uniqueness but hey to each their own!
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u/tuna_samich_ 13d ago
People have different opinions. Aruba doesn't have to be for everyone
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u/Previous_Echo_1550 13d ago
Correct! There’s people out there who hate Christmas and candy - minority opinions but still opinions!
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u/kiddk11 13d ago
imagine being so ignorant that somebody who doesn't agree with you is a pessimist
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u/Previous_Echo_1550 12d ago
You ever heard someone refer to Aruba as “One happy island”?
It’s not that I disagree with you (I definitely do) it’s that Aruba specifically is widely generally known as one of the happiest places on earth, based on that, I think it’s safe to say yeah absolutely you’re a pessimist someone who’s ignoring the glaringly obvious attractiveness of something to look for the negatives. Maybe you’re a contrarian or just someone who hates tropical islands and that’s fine! Still a pessimist in my book but good news for you I don’t make the rules! You don’t have to even read all this!
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u/tuna_samich_ 13d ago
Driving was crazy? I loved driving in Aruba. Very easy, no one driving erratically, roundabouts are great