My secret to an affordable Aruba spring break? Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba

I’ve visited the Caribbean many times. But for my money, nothing beats Aruba. I’ve stayed at many hotels all over Aruba; in my experience, there’s not a bad one in the bunch. However, on my most recent vacation, Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort suited me like cookies to milk. 

Reasons I love Aruba

What is it about Aruba that draws me like a magnet? As an independent country that’s part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it’s a melting pot of influences. Locals are polyglots who speak the two official languages, Dutch and Papiamento (a lyrical mix of Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish) as well as English. 

The food here trends fabulous. Aruba’s strong ties with the Netherlands creates a delectable fusion of island-grown ingredients and fresh seafood paired with Dutch products. 

While most of the Caribbean is lush; Aruba surprises with a stunning desert landscape. And Don’t even get me started on Aruba’s beaches. My favorite is Eagle Beach, with sand as powdery as confectioner’s sugar and water the color of an emerald. It’s no wonder it consistently ranks as one of the world’s best beaches. 

Embassy Suites punches above its price point

While an Aruba getaway isn’t cheap, Embassy Suites is a popular and well-reviewed option that offers excellent value and many perks. Opened in 2023, it’s a bustling resort with 330 rooms. A giant swimming pool surrounded by comfy sunbeds, palm trees, and fragrant flora is at the center of the action. Don’t expect a calm yoga retreat; upbeat music and an energetic staff add to the fun. 

Each room is a two-room suite with a bedroom (with either a king or two queen beds) and a separate living area with a sofa-bed and mini-fridge, giving families room to spread out. My private balcony had an Instagram-worthy sea view. 

The vibe is family-friendly with kids up to age 18 staying free. My husband and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary without our kids and felt right at home. We met several honeymooning couples who were also having a ball. 

The resort provides extras that I didn’t expect at a budget-minded resort. The bathroom had a spacious shower with high-end products, including Crabtree and Evelyn body wash, Zero brand shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer by Gilchrist and Soames. 

I’ve been to expensive resorts that are stingy with pool towels. At Embassy Suites, there were no annoying towel cards to trade in; I was given as many fluffy, blue-and-white striped beach towels as I desired. 

Each morning, we borrowed shiny new e-bikes and pedaled along Aruba’s fabulous car-free path. 

A complimentary supervised kids club is just a few steps from the swimming pool. It’s a clean, colorful space loaded with art supplies. I saw a few smiling children; however, most kids were romping in the pool with their families. 

There’s plenty of food included in the price

A bountiful breakfast buffet is a real money-saver. It was one of the most lavish morning spreads I’ve ever seen. Tables were loaded with assorted fruits and juices, baked goods, cheese and charcuterie, a DIY waffle station, breakfast meats, plus a made-to-order omelet bar. Hot beverages were plentiful, and the resort also has for-purchase Starbucks at the coffee shop. 

There’s a daily cocktail reception in the late afternoon. Adults and kids are each given two drink tickets to exchange for cocktails, mocktails, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Tables laden with unlimited sweet and savory nibbles like Gouda cheese chunks, dried fruit, and pretzels offer substantial snacking.  

Location is everything

Embassy Suites is right across the road from a cove-like beach nestled between packed Palm Beach and the pristine shores of Eagle Beach. While all beaches in Aruba are public, I only saw hotel guests using this under-the-radar stretch of sand. 

At the beach, I showed our room key to the friendly Embassy Suites attendant who set us up with lounge chairs under the shade of a palapa. The water was gorgeous, although I’ll bring water shoes to protect my tootsies from the pebbly sea floor next time. 

It’s all in the details

Cross the road and you’ll be at the beach in around 30 seconds. However, the hotel has cleverly constructed an underground passageway that allows you to avoid vehicle traffic, perfect if you move slowly, are pushing a stroller, or holding a tiny hand. The tunnel is decorated with murals of famous people, from the Beatles to Martin Luther King. 

Embassy Suites hit the sweet spot between an all-inclusive and a regular resort

There’s a lot to be said for vacationing at an all-inclusive resort. It’s an easy getaway, with meals, entertainment, and accommodation included in the price. The downside is guests tend to stay within the resort’s cocoon without exploring the local culture, missing out on a fundamental part of travel.

Embassy Suites hit the sweet spot between an all-inclusive resort and a regular hotel. I enjoyed the complimentary breakfast, hearty evening reception, pool, and beach; I also loved leaving the premises. I felt like I was Goldilocks finding the bowl of porridge that was just right.

A few of my favorite things to do in Aruba

Here are some of my personal musts for an Aruba vacation:

• Get out on the water for a sunset sail with Red Sail Sports. You’ll enjoy scenic views of the island and unlimited drinks from the comfort of a luxury catamaran. 
• Arikok National Park is a wonderland of desert flora. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense heat. 
• Climb to the top of the California Lighthouse. Constructed in 1910, it’s a cherished island landmark. Visit at sunset for a glorious goodbye to the day’s last rays.
• Awash with candy-colored buildings and murals, Aruba’s charming capital, Oranjestad, is home to several fine restaurants, none better than Wilhelmina. Food, from fish to pasta, is delicate and delicious, though it’s the setting, inside a garden of palm trees dotted with tropical flowers, that’s unforgettable. It’s not a cheap meal but we were able to splurge on a celebratory dinner thanks to the modest price tag at the Embassy Suites. 

More from FamilyVacationist: