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Ahhh, Aruba… the Happy Island! With white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and sunshine nearly every day of the year, it’s no wonder this Caribbean gem is a dream destination for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. But when it comes to choosing where to stay in Aruba, things can get a little overwhelming, especially if it’s your first visit.

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! From the buzzing Hotel Zone to quiet romantic corners, this guide will help you find the best areas to stay in Aruba based on your travel style, budget, and whether you’re bringing your flip-flops or your whole family.

Now, we stayed on this happy island for a month, soaking up the sun and working as digital nomads in equal measure. So, we can say from experience that Aruba is great for both regular vacations and workcations if you can work remotely.  

We stayed in an Airbnb near Eagle Beach and enjoyed this area for its chill, laid-back residential vibe. However, we explored several beaches and all of the amenities these locations have to offer and this is what you need to know before you book your Aruba hotel. 

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What to Consider When Booking Your Stay in Aruba

Before you hit that “Book Now” button, keep these key points in mind:

Budget

Aruba can get pricey, especially during peak season (December–April). However, Aruba is good to visit all year round, so look for deals in the off-season (May–November), and check for discounts if you stay a week or longer.

The most expensive area of Aruba is Palm Beach but you can find more affordable properties on Eagle Beach, Divi Beach, and in the capital of Oranjestad. You can get a small Airbnb in Oranjestad for as low at $60 USD per night or spend $600 USD per night for a sea view suite on Palm Beach. The good news is that that Aruba offers a wide range of price points so the budget is really up to you.

🚗 Transportation

If you want to know where to stay in Aruba without renting a car, staying in the Hotel Zone is ideal because you’ll be walking distance to beaches, shops, and restaurants. Many tours also pick up directly from hotels in this area.

Plus, Aruba has a bus system that can take you between downtown Oranjestad to the Hotel Zone, meaning you can see Aruba’s capital city and a few additional beaches like Arashi Beach and Tres Trapi Beach by taking the bus.

Renting a car is useful for seeing attractions like Baby Beach, the colorful murals of San Nicolas, Arikok National Park, and the Casibari Rock Formations. All of these attractions are lovely to see, but not necessary if you are short on time or simply don’t want to rent a car.

However, if you are up to renting a car, we can highly recommend Discover Cars as they have some of the lowest rental prices that we’ve seen. Check to see if a car is available your dates here.

🍽️ Dining Preferences

Some resorts offer all-inclusive options at premium prices, while others are close to great local restaurants. Decide whether you want to eat out every night or enjoy convenience on-site dining.

🏖️ Beach Access

Want to roll out of bed and into the sea? Look for beachfront accommodations—many are right on the sand, while others are just across the road.

💔 Where Not to Stay in Aruba

The good news is that Aruba is a very safe island, so it’s safe to stay anywhere on the island. Nonetheless, here are a few things to avoid to make the most of your trip.

• Staying Too Far Inland: Properties far from the beach may be cheaper, but you’ll need a car, and you’ll miss out on that beachy island vibe that you flew a thousand miles to experience.
  
• San Nicolas (for overnight stays): San Nicolas is a great spot to visit for colorful murals and culture, but it’s far from the main tourist infrastructure and not ideal for most travelers to base themselves.
  
• Manchebo Beach: Although Manchebo Beach is in the hotel zone, the sea water here is quite choppy and hard to relax in. We went to Manchebo Beach and Eagle Beach on the same day, and we’re so surprised how calm the water was at Eagle Beach and how choppy the water was at Manchebo. However, there are some nice resorts in this area though so if you really like one of the resorts here, a good compromise to to walk to Eagle Beach if the waters at Manchebo Beach are choppy. Alternatively, you can enjoy one of the resorts many pools if the water is choppy.

The Best Area to Stay: Welcome to the Hotel Zone

If you’re visiting Aruba, chances are you’ll want easy access to the beach, restaurants, activities, and maybe even a happy hour or two. That’s why we highly recommend staying in Aruba’s Hotel Zone. This strip on the western side of the island has so many benefits and almost no drawbacks. It is the perfect place to stay for your first trip to Aruba. As you search for accommodations in the hotel zone, try to focus on the following beaches. 

🌟 Palm Beach – Where the Action Is!

Palm Beach is one of the best areas to stay in Aruba because it’s where the action is! It has high-rise resorts, restaurants, casinos, shopping malls, nightlife, and water sports. If you love being in the heart of it all and don’t mind a livelier vibe, this is your spot!

Perfect for: First-timers, couples, families, and party-goers
Don’t miss: Sunset cocktails at Bugaloe Bar & Grill at the end of De Palm Pier. They have a super fun happy hour!

Where to Stay in Palm Beach Aruba

• Hotel Riu Palace Aruba– A luxurious all-inclusive resort right on the beach
• Radisson Blu Aruba – Comfortable suites just a short walk to the beach
• Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort – Located right on the beach with beach chairs and umbrella included pure vacation relaxation

🌴 Eagle Beach – For a Relaxed, but Beautiful Stay

Just south of Palm Beach, Eagle Beach offers a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere with low-rise resorts and a laid-back vibe. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world, and honestly, we agree! The water at Eagle Beach is dramatically blue and beautiful.  It’s definitely the prettiest beach in the hotel zone.

The only drawback is that Eagle Beach is a little further away from the shopping malls, casinos, and nightlife. However, this drawback could be a benefit if you prefer a quieter, less busy beach experience.   

Perfect for: Couples, honeymooners, and retirees seeking serenity
Don’t miss: The peaceful morning walks along the coastal boardwalk. This was a favorite of ours!

Where to Stay in Eagle Beach

• Eagle Aruba Resort – This resort offers a lot of activities and is walking distance to the beautiful Eagle Beach and the Superfood Supermarket
• Bluegreen at La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino – This resort is right on the beach offering relaxing beach chairs and loungers.
• JOIA Aruba by Iberostar – Wake up to sea views at this luxurious 5-star resort.

🏖️ Divi Beach for All-Inclusive Relaxation

Divi Beach offers a great blend of tranquility and convenience. It’s home to a few beautiful all-inclusive resorts that make vacation planning easy because all food and many activities are included. However, the water at Divi Beach can get a little choppy, even on days when the water is calm at Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. 

Perfect for: People who love all-inclusive resorts!

Don’t miss: The beautiful oceanfront restaurants!

Where to Stay on Divi Beach

• Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort – Large resort with multiple pools and restaurants and is directly across from the beach.
• Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Resort – A beachfront all-inclusive with great amenities and food selection.
• Divi Aruba All Inclusive Resort – A lovely all-inclusive property located on the beach with beachfront dining options.

Shop for even more Hotel Zone properties below!

💕 Where to Stay in Aruba for Couples

If you are looking for a romantic getaway for a honeymoon or an anniversary. These adults-only hotels are a great option sharing beautiful views and beautiful experiences with your partner.

• Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort (Eagle Beach) – Adults-only, quiet, and super romantic.
  
• Boardwalk Boutique Hotel (Palm Beach area) – This spot has charming casitas tucked into a tropical oasis. It’s private and exclusive for ultimate romance.
  
• Renaissance Wind Creek (Oranjestad) – A great resort that has access to the private Flamingo Island. This spot is great for couples and honeymooners who love a mix of city and beach.
  

👨‍👩‍👧 Where to Stay in Aruba with Family

Want a place the whole family can enjoy? Well, check out these family friendly hotels that offer a variety of amenities that both kids and adults rave about.

• The Mill Resort and Suites – Budget-friendly and packed with family-friendly pools and amenities.
  
• Marriott Aruba Surf Club (Palm Beach) – Has a lazy river and great activities for kids.
  
• The Cove Condo Hotel – Book a condo for the entire family, sleeps up to 6, and is just steps away from shopping and the beach.
  

🌟 Unique Places to Stay in Aruba

Want something unique in Aruba? These unique properties offer distinctive architecture and exquisite nature, making your trip one to remember.

• Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort – This luxurious hotel gets you access to a private flamingo island. Plus, it’s in the capital of Oranjestad giving you easy access to downtown, shopping, and the airport.
  
• Wonders Boutique Hotel (Oranjestad) –  This is a beautiful house, adapted to be a hotel with lush gardens and is adults-only, eco-conscious, and super peaceful.

• Aruba Ocean Villas – Want to have an over-the-water bungalow experience in Aruba? This eco-friendly villa provides a luxurious experience with beautiful views.
  

🍹 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Aruba

Looking for the best all-inclusive resorts in Aruba? Although we mentioned a few of these in other categories, here’s a round-up of the best all-inclusive resorts in Aruba.

• Barceló Aruba (Palm Beach) – Great location, good food, and beachfront bliss.
  
• RIU Palace Antillas (Palm Beach) – Adults-only and lively.
  
• Tamarijn Aruba (Divi Beach) – Oceanfront rooms and an unbeatable view.

• Divi Aruba All Inclusive Resort – A lovely all-inclusive property located on the beach with beachfront dining options.
  

💸 Where to Stay in Aruba on a Budget

Aruba can be a challenging place for the budget traveler. However, here are a few options in the $50-$150 USD range that are perfect for the budget traveler.

• Aruba Blue Village (Noord) – Affordable apartments with a pool. The only drawback is that it’s far from the beach.
  
• Talk of the Town Hotel (Oranjestad) – This beachfront 3-star hotel is walkable to downtown Oranjestad and is very wallet-friendly starting at $130 USD per night.
  
• Oranjestad Apartments – Starting at $50-$70 per night, Oranjestad has some of the cheapest apartment rentals on the island.  You will need a car rental to take advantage of some of these apartments.  However, even with a car rental, these apartments with car rental fees combined can still be cheaper than the hotels in the Hotel Zone.  
  

🌅 Final Thoughts on the Best Areas to Stay in Aruba

No matter your travel style—romantic, all-inclusive, family-oriented, or budget-conscious—Aruba has the perfect spot for you to stay. Just remember:

• Want action? 👉 Stay near Palm Beach
  
• Want peace? 👉 Try Eagle Beach or Divi Beach
  
• Want local charm? 👉 Consider the capital Oranjestad
  
• No car? 👉 Stick to the Hotel Zone
  

Now go ahead, sip that rum punch, and let Aruba’s warm breezes do the rest. 🌺

Now that you know where to stay in Aruba, learn even more Caribbean travel tips below!

• 15 Things To Know Before You Go to Aruba
• The 25 Best Things to Do in Curacao
• 25 Incredible Things to Do in Willemstad, Curacao

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Got questions about planning your Aruba stay? Drop them in the comments—we’re always happy to help you travel smarter.