Aruba Hotels

Aruba Hotel Reviews

"Cuida nos turista" ("Take care of our tourists") is the island's motto, and many Arubans are taught the finer points of hospitality as soon as they learn to read and write. With such cordial hosts, it's hard to go wrong no matter where you decide to stay. Accommodations in Aruba run the gamut from large high-rise hotels and resorts to sprawling time-share condo complexes to small, locally owned boutique establishments.

Most hotels are west of Oranjestad, along L.G. Smith and J.E. Irausquin boulevards. Many are self-contained complexes, with restaurants, shops, casinos, water-sports centers, health clubs, and car-rental and travel desks. Room service, laundry and dry-cleaning services, in-room safes, minibars or refrigerators, and babysitting are standard at all but the smallest properties. Most places don't include meals in their rates, although the island now has a few all-inclusive resorts. Still, you can shop around for good dining options, as hotel restaurants and clubs are open to all island guests.

Many people prefer to stay in time-shares, returning year after year and making the island a kind of home away from home. Some time-share patrons say they like the spacious, homey accommodations and the opportunity to prepare their own meals. Note that hotel-type amenities such as shampoo, hair dryers, and housekeeping service may not be offered in time-shares; if they are, they often cost extra. Time-shares and hotels typically charge a combined total of 19% taxes and service charges on top of quoted rates, so be sure to ask about taxes before booking to avoid sticker-shock when you check out.

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