Where to Stay in Aruba: Best Parts of the Island & More

Aruba beaches

When planning your trip to the stunning island of Aruba, one of the first things you’ll need to decide is where to stay. Aruba offers a wide variety of accommodations, from luxurious beachfront resorts to quaint boutique hotels and budget-friendly hostels. Whether you’re searching for the best place to stay in Aruba, a great vacation rental, or the best hotels in Aruba, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about where to stay in Aruba.

Let’s dive into the best areas to stay in Aruba followed by the types of accommodations you can choose from, and last but not least, how to pick a hotel in Aruba with so many amazing choices available!

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Best Areas to Stay in Aruba

Choosing the right part of Aruba to stay in can hugely impact your trip. Do you want to be in the heart of it all or in a more quiet and romantic off the beaten path spot? While there’s no one size fits all accommodation, there are plenty of choices to ensure there’s one that fits you and your wants.

Here’s a look at the best places to stay in Aruba, each offering its own unique vibe and accommodation options.

1. Palm Beach

Palm Beach is one of the best places to stay in Aruba for first time visitors. It’s known for its central location, busy atmosphere, and luxurious high-rise hotels. It’s the perfect area if you want to be in the heart of the action in Aruba, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

This also means you can get around easily on foot once you’ve arrived at your hotel. Just take a taxi from the airport and then hang around Palm Beach or take tours to get to where you want to go. It’s the easiest way to have a relaxing vacation. It’s also home to many of the top all-inclusive resorts in Aruba if you want to go one more step toward vacation mode.

Do note, that if you’re looking for a more remote spot or to be away from the crowds – hotels in Palm Beach are not for you!

Recommended Hotels in Palm Beach

  • The Ritz-Carlton Aruba: This top hotel in Aruba offers five-star luxury, a stunning beachfront location, and a world-class spa. It lives up to the Ritz name.

2. Eagle Beach

For a more relaxed experience, Eagle Beach is an excellent choice. This area is home to low-rise hotels and some of the best hotels in Aruba. It’s perfect for travelers who want a quieter stay but still want to be near the beach and great restaurants. Not only will you find the resorts are smaller holding less guests each, but they are also more spread out. This helps you really enjoy the relaxing side of Aruba.

However, if you’re staying in Eagle Beach, Aruba, you may want to rent a car as there are less restaurants, attractions, and nightlife in walking distance. This will give you the best of both worlds. You can stay where it’s a bit more peaceful and travel to the popular spots in Palm Beach in just 10 minutes.

Recommended Hotels in Eagle Beach

  • Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort: One of the best places to stay Aruba for couples on a romantic getaway, this adults-only resort is focused on relaxation and sustainability.
  • Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa: A top choice for those seeking a wellness focused resort, Manchebo offers beachfront yoga and an indulgent spa.

3. Oranjestad

If you want to be closer to Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad is the place to be. The city offers a variety of top hotels in Aruba, along with easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. It’s also close to the airport, which makes it a convenient option for short stays.

The downside of staying in Oranjestad, Aruba is simply that you have to travel to get to the beach. That being said, you often will have a pool at your accommodations and plenty of things to do within walking distance. Not to mention public transit like the bus and streetcar use Oranjestad as their hub making it easy to get around on a budget!

Recommended Hotels in Oranjestad

  • Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort: This fabulous hotel in Aruba combines city life with a private island experience, making it one of the best places to stay in Aruba for luxury travelers. You’ll be able to gain access to Flamingo Beach any time you want!
  • Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club: A great hotel in Aruba for budget travelers, Talk of the Town is laid-back and located close to Surfside Beach and downtown attractions.
  • O Condominium Aruba: Stylish accommodations located just a short walk from downtown, O Condos are perfect for those who want a more local feel.

4. Noord

Noord is a quieter residential area, just inland from the popular Palm and Eagle Beach, offering a more local experience. It’s one of the best places to stay Aruba for those who prefer vacation rentals or smaller boutique hotels.

You’ll be a bit more remote, making a rental car a great option for getting around, but you’ll be rewarded with some of the best boutique hotels in Aruba.

Recommended Hotels in Noord

  • Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba: This boutique hotel is often considered one of the best Aruba hotels, featuring charming casitas and a tropical garden setting.
  • Aruba Beach Villas: Stay in one of these peaceful villas with an ocean view, perfect for travelers seeking a bit of quiet while still being beachfront.
  • Bananas Apartments: These adult-only apartments are an affordable option in Noord, ideal for budget-conscious travelers looking for a quiet stay that’s walkable to the beach.

5. San Nicolas

For a different side of Aruba, San Nicolas offers an artsy, and more local feel. It’s close to Baby Beach and several natural attractions, making it one of the best places to stay in Aruba for those wanting to explore its natural beauty.

If you’re staying in San Nicolas, you’ll also want to rent a car as it is far from the airport, Oranjestad, the beaches, and most of the top restaurants on the island. So why should you stay in San Nicolas? Well, its where the locals live and still have more autonomy over the city and how it works. You’re less likely to be surrounded by tourists throughout your entire trip.

Recommended Hotels in San Nicolas

  • Magical Garden: This budget-friendly bed and breakfast is located just east of San Nicolas and run by an incredible host that makes it feel like home.
  • Coral Reef Beach Aruba: This beachfront guesthouse offers comfortable accommodations near Aruba’s best natural spots between San Nicolas and Savaneta.

5 Types of Accommodations in Aruba

From lavish beachfront resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, here’s a look at the different types of accommodations you’ll find when deciding where to stay in Aruba.

1. Luxury Resorts

For those looking for the best place to stay in Aruba, luxury resorts are a popular choice. These resorts, mostly located in Palm Beach, offer world-class amenities, fine dining, and often include all-inclusive packages. This is perfect for those looking to relax on vacation and pamper themselves a bit.

Top Recommendation

The Ritz-Carlton Aruba: The Ritz is one of the best luxury hotels in Aruba, offering unrivaled luxury and direct beach access.

2. Boutique Hotels

Boutique hotels in Aruba are known for their personalized service and unique decor. They can be found in areas like Eagle Beach and Oranjestad, providing a more intimate experience than the large high-rise resorts.

Top Recommendation

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba: A great hotel in Aruba known for its tropical setting, Boardwalk is perfect for a romantic stay.

3. All-Inclusive Resorts

For a stress-free vacation, all-inclusive resorts are a fantastic choice. They provide everything you need, from meals to activities, in one package. This allows you to sit on the beach with a cold drink in your hand or grab a bite to eat by the pool. You don’t have to go far to have all of your needs and wants met!

Top Recommendation

Barceló Aruba: This best place to stay Aruba offers all-inclusive packages with multiple dining options and activities.

4. Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals offer a home-away-from-home experience. They’re ideal for families or groups or long term stays. Whether you’re staying in Noord or Eagle Beach, Aruba’s vacation rentals provide great value with more space but typically less amenities. Here’s how you can find the best rental properties in Aruba.

Top Recommendation

Aruba Beach Villas: Offering privacy and comfort, the Aruba Beach Villas are a great place to stay in Aruba for longer vacations as they offer some of the comforts you’d find at home, like a fully equipped kitchen.

5. Budget-Friendly Hotels and Hotels

If you’re traveling on a budget to Aruba, don’t worry! There are many great budget hotels and hostels in Aruba that offer excellent value without sacrificing comfort.

Top Recommendation

Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club: One of the best budget hotels in Aruba, Talk of the Town offers a convenient stay near Oranjestad.

Tips for Choosing the Right Place to Stay

Deciding where to stay in Aruba is a bit part of making your vacation a success. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you choose the best option for your trip.

1. Decide on Your Budget

From the best luxury resorts to great budget hotels in Aruba, setting a budget will help you narrow down your options quickly. Keep in mind that Aruba is not a cheap destination and budget accordingly. Here’s a sample rundown of the cost of visiting Aruba to help you plan appropriately.

2. Think About Location

If you love being in the middle of the action, Palm Beach is the best place to stay in Aruba. For something quieter, Eagle Beach or Noord might be more suitable.

I personally love Palm Beach for first time visitors or families with kids that want to be kept busy all day. For romantic getaways, consider a less busy area like Eagle Beach or try an adult-only hotel. If you’re looking to stay in Aruba on a budget, you may have to sacrifice location.

3. Consider All-Inclusive Resorts

If you don’t want to worry about extra costs of food and drink, all-inclusive resorts are a great choice, especially for families and honeymooners. Choose to stay at your hotel the entire trip, or use it as your base and go out to eat when you’re feeling up for it. Either way – you have full flexibility and full-control on the cost of your vacation!

4. Research Amenities

Always check the amenities offered by the hotel, especially if you need specific services like a kitchen, spa, or activities for kids. Many of the best hotels in Aruba offer everything you’ll need. In fact, most hotels in Aruba are well-equipped with amenities. We’re talking beachfront pools, restaurants, spas, casinos – the works!

5. Check Proximity to Attractions

While we’ve touched on location, you should also consider how close your hotel is to the beach, nightlife, and other attractions. Staying at one of the top hotels in Aruba near your desired activities will save you time and transportation costs – particularly if you aren’t planning to rent a car.

Taking taxis everywhere can get expensive quickly and relying on the public bus can be limiting on destinations and timing.

It’s Time to Decide Where to Stay in Aruba

Finding the best place to stay in Aruba is all about matching your preferences with the right area and type of accommodation. Whether you’re looking for the best Aruba hotels in Palm Beach, a boutique hotel in Eagle Beach, or a budget-friendly option in Oranjestad, there’s something for every traveler.

Now that you know where to stay in Aruba, you’re all set for an unforgettable vacation on this beautiful Caribbean island.

Have more questions about the best places to stay in Aruba?

Let us know in the comments.

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