Where Not to Stay in Aruba (and What to Know If You Do)
Aruba is known for its beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and all-around Caribbean good times. But even in paradise, not every part of the island is ideal for every type of traveler. No matter if you’re visiting for a romantic honeymoon, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, where you stay can shape your entire experience.
That said, this guide isn’t here to badmouth any part of Aruba. (We LOVE Aruba.) Instead, it’s here to help you make informed choices based on safety, convenience, and your travel style. We’ll highlight a few areas that are less ideal for certain visitors and offer tips on how to make the most of your stay if you do choose them.
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1. Downtown Oranjestad: Great for Daytime Exploring, but Not for Beach Lovers
The Good
Oranjestad is Aruba’s capital and cultural center. It’s colorful, central, and full of great shopping, dining, and history. If you want to experience the local culture, this is where you’ll find it. Staying here also means you’re close to the cruise terminal, museums, and the Renaissance Marketplace.
The Challenges
Oranjestad isn’t beachfront. While there’s a small artificial beach at Renaissance Island (private to Renaissance guests), the downtown area lacks the long sandy stretches you’ll find in Eagle Beach or Palm Beach. The setting is also more urban, with occasional traffic noise and fewer resort-style amenities.
If You Stay Here
- Book at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort if you want exclusive access to a private island.
- Rent a car or budget for taxis to reach the northern beaches.
- This is a great location if you’re only staying a couple of days or combining Aruba with a cruise.
2. San Nicolas: Authentic and Artsy, but Far From the Action
The Good
San Nicolas is Aruba’s second-largest city and a center for local culture. It’s home to the incredible street art of the Aruba Art Fair and some of the island’s most authentic restaurants. Baby Beach, located nearby, is one of the best beaches for families with calm, shallow water.
The Challenges
It’s a long drive, about 30–40 minutes, from San Nicolas to the resort area in Palm Beach. That means long trips if you want to dine at high-end restaurants, visit casinos, or join popular tours that depart from the north side. The area is also quieter at night, which may not suit travelers looking for nightlife.
If You Stay Here
- Rent a car, as taxis can be expensive and public transportation is limited.
- Book a stay near Baby Beach at a VRBO or the new Secrets at Baby Beach, for more of a secluded beach retreat.
- This area is great for off-the-beaten-path travelers, especially if you’re prioritizing peace, snorkeling, and a local experience.
3. Residential Neighborhoods: Quiet, but You’ll Need a Car
The Good
If you’re after quiet, space, and local flavor, Aruba’s inland neighborhoods are full of hidden gems. Vacation rentals and Airbnbs in Paradera, Santa Cruz, and parts of Noord can offer excellent value. These areas can be more peaceful than the high-rise hotels and offer a more “local” experience.
The Challenges
You’ll be far from the beach, sometimes 15–20 minutes by car. And, there are fewer walkable dining or shopping options. If you don’t have a rental car, getting around could be frustrating.
If You Stay Here
- Definitely rent a car. It’s not optional if you want to explore.
- Use this opportunity to explore less-touristy attractions, like Arikok National Park, the Ayo Rock Formations, and local bakeries and markets.
- Look for homes or villas with a pool, since you’re trading direct beach access.
4. Close to the Airport: Convenient, But Not a Vacation Vibe
The Good
These areas are practical for quick stays. If you’re arriving late, leaving early, or on a work trip, being near the airport or near L.G. Smith Boulevard or Wayaca can make life easier. Some business hotels and guesthouses in this area offer solid amenities at a good price.
The Challenges
It’s not scenic, and it lacks beaches or traditional tourist attractions. You may hear airport noise, and you’ll miss the relaxed island feel found elsewhere.
If You Stay Here
- Treat this as a first-night or last-night stop before heading elsewhere.
- Don’t expect a resort atmosphere. Rather focus on convenience and proximity.
- If you have a long layover in Aruba, this can be a strategic place to rest.
5. Palm Beach during “Hell Week”: It’s Not Unsafe, Just Loud and Crowded
The Good
Palm Beach is usually one of the best places to stay in Aruba, with top resorts, amazing restaurants, and direct beach access. However, one specific time of year, Yeshiva Week, also nicknamed (not by us) “Hell Week“, typically the last two weeks of January, can transform the area.
During this time, large groups of teens and families descend upon Aruba, especially the Marriott properties, including the Surf Club and Ocean Club. The atmosphere is loud, crowded, and sometimes chaotic. Think “Spring Break” in Florida.
The Challenges
If you’re looking for peace, relaxation, or romance, you might not find it in Palm Beach during Hell Week. The beaches can be crowded, the pools noisier, and the overall atmosphere just more intense.
If You Stay Here
- Consider staying at a nearby hotel outside the Marriott cluster (like The Ritz-Carlton or a boutique hotel).
- Book a quiet room, oceanfront and high floor, if possible.
- Use this time to explore Aruba’s quieter sides, like Mangel Halto or Arikok National Park.
Tips for Choosing the Right Place to Stay in Aruba
Even the areas listed above can be great choices if you plan accordingly. Here’s how to hedge your bets:
- Know Your Priorities: Are you here for the beach? Nightlife? Nature? Understanding your must-haves will make it easier to pick the right location.
- Factor in Transportation: If you’re not renting a car, staying in or near the hotel zone (Palm Beach or Eagle Beach) will make your trip easier. If you are renting a car, you have more flexibility to stay inland or in quieter areas.
- Read Reviews Carefully: Some accommodations may look great online but have issues not shown in photos, like noise, construction nearby, or tricky access. Use recent reviews on multiple platforms to get the full picture. Hint: They’re not always sorted by “Most Recent”.
- Avoid Booking Blind: Always know the exact location before booking a vacation rental. “Close to the beach” can sometimes mean a 20-minute drive. By that definition, everything in Aruba is “close to the beach”.
Aruba is Very Safe, Just Be Smart about Convenience
There’s no part of Aruba that’s truly unsafe for travelers. It’s one of the Caribbean’s safest islands, with low crime rates and a strong tourism infrastructure. But some areas are simply less convenient or less suited to certain types of vacations.
So instead of asking, “Where should I not stay in Aruba?” the better question is: “Where should I stay in Aruba based on the kind of trip I want to have?”
Wherever you stay, Aruba’s warm sunshine, turquoise waters, and friendly people are never far away.
Have additional questions about where not to stay in Aruba?
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