Stunningly gorgeous, exceptionally safe and oh-so luxurious, Aruba is an ideal destination for travelers who simply want to sit back, relax and watch the beautiful, sapphire-blue waves crash against white-sand beaches — and the best hotels in Aruba cater to that very experience.
Ready to travel? Plan and book your trip with Fora to level up your stay in Aruba. We’ll handle the pain of booking for you, score you VIP perks at the coolest hotels and load you up with A+ travel suggestions so you get the most out of your vacation.
(Note: this article covers traditional luxury hotels in Aruba. If you’re looking for all-inclusive resorts in Aruba, check out this guide instead.)
3 of the best hotels in Aruba
Read on for three of our favorite places to stay in Aruba. (And if you’re wondering how to spend your time while you’re there, our 10-day Aruba itinerary has plenty of great ideas.)
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba: a bespoke beach resort on a comparatively secluded section of Palm Beach
Image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
Among the most luxurious hotels in Aruba, The Ritz-Carlton provides everything you need to enjoy an incredible island vacation without ever having to leave the resort grounds (but if you do, our local’s luxury guide to Aruba has you covered). There’s a ritzy casino, full-service spa, huge fitness center and, of course, unbridled access to Palm Beach (plus a lovely pool complex) right from the resort’s doors.
As for the accommodations, all the rooms and suites feature private balconies and views of the ocean with a decor style best described as “island elegance.” The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is also the northernmost resort on Palm Beach, providing a relatively exclusive experience.
Fora Perks at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
2. Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino: a family-friendly alternative to The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
Image courtesy of Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino
One of the best resorts in Aruba for families, Hyatt Regency Resort Spa and Casino offers many of the same amenities and accommodations as The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba — even down to a similar decor style — but there are key differences.
For one, Hyatt’s resort is a bit more casual. It’s still a fantastic hotel, but you won’t get quite the same commitment to exceptional service, the rooms are just a bit smaller and some of The Ritz-Carlton’s fancier amenities aren’t present here. The trade-off is that the Hyatt resort tends to be more affordable, which may appeal to larger groups, families and travelers who don’t mind (or prefer) a more down-to-earth experience.
On another note, Hyatt Regency Resort Spa and Casino is also in a livelier part of Palm Beach, lending it a youthful and buzzing energy, contrasting with The Ritz-Carlton’s comparatively quiet atmosphere.
Both resorts are awesome. They just cater to different audiences. Can’t decide between The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba and Hyatt Regency Aruba? We can help! Plan and book your stay with Fora — we’ll help you narrow down all your choices so you stay at the resort that best fits your preferences.
(P.S.: Hyatt Regency Aruba is also featured in our LGBTQ+ friendly guide to Aruba.)
Fora Perks at Hyatt Regency Aruba:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
3. Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba: a more intimate property that’s still close to Palm Beach
Image courtesy of Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
Just behind The Ritz-Carlton, Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba — which is located on a former coconut plantation — offers a wholly different experience from our first two choices.
Whereas the aforementioned hotels go all out with experiences, dining options and the like, this charming yet surprisingly luxurious Aruba hotel offers a much more intimate experience. (In fact, this may be one of the best hotels in Aruba for couples looking for a relaxing romantic getaway.) The decor and theme here are artful and deliberate, with a sort of vibrant pop that’s both eye-catching and a touch whimsical.
For those worried about the seeming lack of beach access, fret not. Palm Beach is only about five minutes away on foot, or you can take advantage of the hotel’s shuttle service.
Need more intel on this cool hotel? See our full Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba review.
Fora Perks at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel:
Welcome treat in room on arrival.
Upgrade & guaranteed late check-out.
Want VIP Perks at the best hotels in Aruba? Connect with Fora
Want tailored recommendations for hotels in Aruba that fit your travel preferences? How about VIP perks — like complimentary spa tickets or daily breakfast — and status? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip, and we’ll hook you up with both.
Not quite ready to travel? Maybe the guides below have the right inspiration:
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This article has been fact checked by Fora Advisor Linday Vaughn-Hintz, an expert on travel to Aruba.
