Best Hostels in Aruba

Learn about the best hostels in Aruba and what other budget accommodation options are available on the island.

Aruba is known as being one of the most expensive (and safest) Caribbean islands to visit. Don’t let that scare you away from visiting this beautiful island! There are ways to visit Aruba on a budget and the tip of the iceberg is finding a cheap place to stay in Aruba.

Let’s take a look at what your options are to save money on hotels in Aruba to have more wiggle room for spending your budget on fun adventures and delicious food. But before we dive into the hostels in Aruba, let’s touch quickly on what a hostel is to avoid any surprises about this type of accommodation!

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What is a Hostel?

A hostel is a budget-friendly accommodation option that typically offer dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities like bathrooms and communal areas. They tend to be most popular among solo travelers, budget travelers, and young travelers.

Hostels also often provide amenities such as common kitchens for self-catering, lounges for socializing, and sometimes even organized activities like city tours or group outings. Hostels tend to encourage interaction among travelers which makes them perfect for meeting new people and exchanging travel tips and experiences.

Aruba Hostels

Hostels are a great budget accommodation option around the world. Unfortunately, in Aruba there are just a few hostels to choose from, and there aren’t really any of the large, name brand ones you’ll find around central or South America. (I’m just saying… this is a business opportunity for Selina, am I right?!)

Anyway, what you should know about hostels in Aruba:

There are only a few Aruban hostels to choose from.

Most budget accommodations and hostels in Aruba are located in Oranjestad. You typically have to sacrifice on location to save money on hotels in Aruba.

The hostels that do exist in Aruba offer clean and safe accommodations but are lacking on the social side. Rooms are small – typically max of 4 beds in the dormitories, shared social areas are limited, and activities and events are almost none existent. If you’re looking for a hostel in Aruba to make friends during your trip, I recommend you check out an excursion or two instead. (Check out this party bus!)

Map of Hostels in Aruba

Check out where you’ll find cheap places to stay in Aruba to help you decide what’s best for you and your trip.

Best Hostels in Aruba

While there are limited hostels in Aruba, you will find a few options for those looking simply for a crash pad on the island versus the endless hotels and all-inclusive resorts in Aruba.

Pista Q Hostel and Apartments

My favorite hostel in Aruba is Pista Q. This small hostel offers both male and female dormitories with just 4 beds, along with private rooms for singles, doubles, and quadruples! Each room offers air conditioning and Wi-Fi along with access to a shared kitchen for those looking to save money on eating out.

While the rooms are fantastic, what really makes this hostel stand out is the location and perks. You’ll be less than 10 minutes from Surfside Beach and the Renaissance and have access to a lovely outdoor swimming pool, shared lounge, and garden. They really take hospitality seriously here!

Address: Wilheminastraat 86-88, Oranjestad, Aruba
Breakfast is not available
Free parking

Check availability of Pista Q

Hostel Room Aruba

Hostel Room Aruba is a small, locally owned Aruba hostel located in Oranjestad, walking distance to the bus station, supermarket, and beach. It offers everything you need for a comfortable stay with 4-bed dormitory accommodations, Wi-Fi, security lockers, and air-conditioning.

It is however located in a family’s house, meaning you will be sharing the kitchen and bathroom facilities with those who live there full time. This can be a pro or con depending on what you’re looking for. The hosts are a local family and a great sources of information about Aruba

Address: Van walbeeckstraat #15, Oranjestad, Aruba
Breakfast not included but available for an extra fee
Offers airport shuttle services, bicycle rentals, and towel rentals for extra cost
Free parking

Check availability of hostel room

Palmita Hotel Hostel

At Palmita Hotel Hostel Aruba, you have options for various room types. Choose from the traditional bunk bed mixed dormitory, a budget single room for one or two people with shared bathroom facilities, or upgrade to rooms with private bathrooms. It is located near Oranjestad and offers a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.

If you’re looking for a hostel or budget hotel in Aruba, Palmita can suit your needs. I do however caution you to read through the reviews before booking as there are some rules that trip up visitors and create negative experiences.

Address: Palmitastraat 9a, Oranjestad, Aruba
Breakfast available for $10
Offers airport shuttle services and bicycle rentals for extra cost
Free parking

check availability of Palmita

Other Budget Accommodations in Aruba

Where there are only three Aruba hostels to choose from, you will find that there are a few other affordable places to stay in Aruba. In fact, if you’re looking to save money on hotels in Aruba, I recommend you check out some of the amazing rentals available. We’ll touch on a few that are amazing below, but first, let’s see what the other budget places to stay in Aruba are.

Backpack Cabin A 49149

One of the slightly more unusual accommodation options of where to stay in Aruba is Backpack Cabin A 49149. This “cabin” is actually a mobile home with a garden surrounding it. While this offbeat accommodation might not be for everyone, it is a great option for those looking for privacy on a budget.

At Backpack Cabin A, you’ll find barbecue facilities, a sun terrace, free Wi-Fi, and more! Additionally, you’ll only be a 10 minute walk to Surfside Beach and the Renaissance area. If you’re open to unique accommodations, check it out!

Address: Cumana 79 D 1, Oranjestad, Aruba
Free parking

check availability at backpack cabin

Budget Rental Properties in Aruba

A great way to visit Aruba on a budget is by renting a room, villa, apartment, etc. from a local. They tend to be a fraction of the cost of hotels in the area and offer a clean and safe place to stay in Aruba with just a few less amenities. A few of my favorite budget rentals in Aruba are: