6 Best Hotels in Aruba

In this charming complex, brightly colored cottage-style studios have their own kitchens, and guests have access to a garden patio and gazebos, a modern barbecue, and a large communal table—plus it's only a 5-minute drive to Mangel Halto Beach. Owner Desiree Eldering also runs the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba (just 7 minutes away), which is why you’re bound to find a few donkeys on-site (in a fenced-in area), as well as a dozen or so rescued cats (not allowed in the rooms) and a few tortoises. It’s a great rural stay in an authentic local neighborhood.

Connected directly to the airport by a covered walkway, this contemporary hotel serves the needs of business and leisure travelers on a budget and is especially convenient for those with flight cancellations. It's part of the Aruba Airport Business Center project that hosts a large high-tech convention center, a spacious food court, retail shops, dining, and lots of modern office space to encourage “workations”.  The hotel has a 24-hour on-site market, a breakfast nook, an alluring pool bar for tapas and drinks, and a fitness center. It's pet-friendly, too.

A tiny budget boutique hotel across the road from a very quiet portion of beautiful Eagle Beach, this is your best bet for a no-frills, clean and comfortable stay at a good price. With only 19 rooms, refreshed top to bottom in 2017, it is an intimate enclave with a friendly, homey feel and warm and welcoming staff.

These lovely little apartments set within a large residential home on the way to Savaneta are a prime example of many new spots offered in this region for those who prefer a more local, self-catering, and economical Aruban holiday. There is a choice of two apartments, one split-level one-bedroom with a good fold-out couch and a loft that sleeps four people, and a smaller space for two on the ground floor. Both have shared access to a pool and shaded lounges, and each have their own outdoor kitchen with a covered porch and garden dining area. There is a little local fish restaurant at the Nautical Yacht Club within walking distance, too. Thoughtful extras include folding chairs and coolers for outings to the beach. Mangel Halto is only a three-minute drive away.

Riu bought this property, formerly the Westin Hotel, in 2014, right next door to its other Palm Beach family-friendly all-inclusive Riu Palace. But this one is rare for Aruba: an adults-only all-inclusive, though more are planned in the future. The tower structure is not a typical Riu design, but sea views from most rooms are great, and the Westin’s original pool area and water circuit is extensive. A bonus is that guests at the adults-only can also avail themselves of all the facilities next door at the sister resort, giving them far more choices of dining, entertainment, and activities. And it also has its own nightclub.