This Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort is one of the few resorts for the brand in the Caribbean and it charts its own course with design. Unlike the cavernous atrium lobbies with foliage and waterfalls familiar to the brand, here, there are dual-height, floor-to-ceiling windows permitting ample natural light and beach views. Along one wall is an abstract design of the Divi tree, a local tree found all over the island leaning in the direction that the wind blows. Overhead is a modern display of birds artistically suspended from the ceiling representing the birdlife that migrates here.
It’s impressive how this resort showcases so much island culture while still providing the familiar Embassy Suites value-adds and Hilton Honors benefits so many travelers love. Here are five top reasons to visit the Embassy Suites by Hilton Resort Aruba on your next trip to the islands.
The suites
There is no question that the two-rooms-for-the-price-of-one model of Embassy Suites is a dream for families (and couples). Bedrooms come with king or paired queen beds that open to living areas with an additional sofa bed. They also have kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators and a small dining table.
Bathrooms come stocked with BeeKind-branded toiletries in eco-friendly pump bottles. The way that the suites are designed, people can access the bathroom from either room so as not to disturb people in the other. Glass showers have excellent water pressure, which when paired with ample vanity space, show a thoughtfulness in design that many hotels miss.
Furnished balconies vary in size depending on the room. All have entertaining views, mostly of the sea, but surprisingly popular are those facing the other side of the hotel looking toward the island. There is so much happening with various resorts in view, but it is the nature and bird sanctuary just across from the hotel that draws the most attention it seems.
The pool
This is the beating heart of the resort and where you will find most of the activities. Each day, there is a roster of complimentary events for guests including water aerobics and bingo that come with free prizes. It’s such a fun atmosphere that everyone around the pool tends to participate without the atmosphere feeling too intruded. There is something for everyone, and with the Aruban heat and wind, it fits the bill.
In addition to the main swimming pool, there is also a whirlpool and children’s pool area that draw travelers. Everything is all connected to the main building from side walkways as well as the main stairway to the lobby. With windows overlooking the main pool area, the fitness center is well-equipped and open at all hours. New to the resort is the ability to book a massage from a spa menu at reception.
The complimentary perks
As with all Embassy Suites hotels, cooked-to-order breakfast is part and parcel of the rate. It’s something elite status travelers have come to love at all hotels, but, here, it’s for everyone. In fact, it’s not just a complimentary continental breakfast. Here, it’s quite extensive with omelets, pancakes, a salad bar, grilled beans, sausage and vegetables, an oatmeal station, cereal and fresh fruit.
Business travelers and tourists will appreciate this money-saving amenity. Many guests are here to tap into the remote work trend where they split their time between work and pleasure. The resort has many panoramic spots to work from with your laptop. The free perks continue each evening when guests are treated to two drinks from the bar. There is also a small buffet of light appetizers to complement the drinks.
The food
While there are walkable options, the main Brickstones Kitchen restaurant has some interesting dining choices that make hanging around (and earning Hilton Honors points) worth it. Aside from an impressive breakfast buffet, the main restaurant opens for dinner with a long menu of steaks, burgers, salads and seafood. By the pool, Splash has its own menu with servers bringing trays of tasty food and drinks to the lounge chairs and cabanas that ring the pool.
Don’t worry if there are leftovers because guest rooms come with microwaves and dining tables. There is also a grab-and-go bar serving Starbucks coffee plus pre-made sandwiches, salads and packaged snacks. A gift shop sells everything from sunscreen and clothes to wine and more snacks. No one will go hungry here.
The beach
Accessible via an underground pedestrian path, guests do not need to traverse the road to reach one of the world’s most famous beaches (Eagle Beach) like they would at other resorts. Many properties in Aruba are actually across the street from the public beaches, and this can be a challenge for families with kids, towels and toys in tow. Kudos to designers for thinking of this.
New to the resort in the past few months is the addition of its beach bungalows with beach staff on hand to set up chairs with towels and refreshments beneath thatched canopies. Watersport vendors are nearby giving guests the chance to enjoy some activity on the sea. While some areas of the water are difficult to walk on due to coral, there is a cordoned-off area here that is perfectly swimmable. And the sand in Aruba is unique in that it is cool, even in the scorching sun, because of its fine nature and the porous earth below it that keeps it from heating up.
Event space includes traditional ballrooms and meeting venues, but the outdoor terrace and grassy patio are ideal for weddings and receptions. The resort hosts a lot of local functions in addition to international meetings and events.
