For a small island, Aruba’s lodging options are vast, from intimate boutiques to luxurious towers with casinos and spas to full-service condos and everything in between. Most properties are strewn along Eagle and Palm Beaches, but save money by booking a room just across the street — Aruba’s beaches and access points are all public.
The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
Separated from its neighbors by a grove of sea grapes, this 320-room resort has the north end of Palm Beach almost to itself. Don’t miss the spa, which has enlisted an herbalist to create a line of products made from locally gathered botanicals. ritzcarlton.com
Boardwalk Small Hotel, Aruba
These 14 colorful casitas are a funky alternative to larger properties, and they feature full kitchens and private patios with barbecue grills. The twin-sister owners share their favorite island experiences through handcrafted treasure boxes that offer maps, descriptions and other details on artsy laminated cards. boardwalkaruba.com
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Large rooms, activities galore and beachfront access make this 388-room property popular with couples, groups and families. The adults-only Tradewinds Club, a hotel-within-a-hotel, offers ways to opt out of the action, with a private lounge, beach area and a pool. marriott.com
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa and Casino
Four-legged friends are welcome at this 357-room beachfront resort, which also features ZoiA Spa. Want to reserve a coveted beach or pool palapa but don’t want to wake up super early? Nab your spot the prior afternoon via the resort’s special booking website. aruba.hyatt.com
Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort
Arrayed around a pool, the 72-room low-rise feels cute and kitschy. Rooms and suites have kitchenettes, and the beach is a short hop across the street. amsterdammanor.com
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
With 104 rooms, this adults-only oasis offers big-resort amenities like free use of an iPad and spa treatments using local coconut, sand, aloe and sea salt. bucuti.com
Tamarijn Aruba
Book at this all-inclusive and fall asleep listening to the ocean: Each of the hotel’s 236 rooms opens directly onto the beach. Access to amenities next door at Divi Aruba doubles your options for food and fun. tamarijnaruba.com
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
This 556-room resort offers two distinct accommodation options. Couples should book a room at the just-renovated, adults-only Renaissance Marina Hotel, while families will love the one-bedroom Renaissance Ocean Suites with mini-fridges, microwaves and sofa beds. Both are within close proximity to Oranjestad’s designer boutiques and nightlife, and everyone will love flamingo-filled Renaissance Island, a beach paradise that’s accessible by boat only. renaissancearubaresortandcasino.com
Tierra Del Sol
Condos and rental homes in this golf community come with a host of amenities, like free airport pickup, daily maid service, access to spa facilities and reduced rates at the Robert Trent Jones II-designed course. tierradelsol.com
Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort
For home-away-from-home accommodations at this 240-room resort, upgrade to a beach tower one-bedroom suite and you’ll get all the usual amenities — turndown service, a balcony overlooking the ocean — plus a full kitchen and a second bathroom. diviresorts.com
