The Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Aruba

Prepare to mingle with young Dutch folk – this place doubles as temporary housing for international students, hence the lively vibe. Everyone congregates around the outdoor pool and garden, as the budget bedrooms are rather basic (with mini-fridges, air conditioning and flat-screen TVs but limited hot water). You’re within walking distance of a bus stop and close to the island’s giant supermarket and pharmacy, as well as a 15-minute drive from downtown Willemstad and the marina, home to waterfront restaurants, casinos and a luxury mall.

This one’s an adults-only mid-range boutique resort, with great deals for sun worshippers. The 97 rooms are pleasantly neutrally decorated, and you’ve got access to two restaurants and three bars, including a club and pool bar. Don’t fancy the onsite pool and gardens? There’s a dedicated space on the popular Palm Beach, which is a 5-minute walk away and abuzz with a trendy bar, watersports options and volleyball nets. You’ll also find sun loungers for guests on the beach – the sunset view from one of these is to sigh for.

The best thing about this place is the sunny restaurant overlooking the pool and sundeck area. But we also love the extensive garden, the sun terrace and the free wifi throughout. You’re a 5-minute drive from Palm Beach and a 25-minute walk away from South Beach. The 40 rooms are spacious – both studio and suites have fully equipped kitchenettes and flat-screen TVs – and come with a free buffet breakfast. You’re also spoilt for shopping, bar and restaurant choices, just outside the resort, on the road to South Beach.

Here on the north side of Aruba, tropical-themed Aruba Blue resort has 175 rooms, varying from studios to one- and two-bedroom suites, all with a porch, air conditioning, a well-equipped kitchenette and a view of the pool. Breakfast is free, and a shuttle bus deposits you in 5 minutes by the bars and restaurants of white-sand Eagle Beach. With a relaxed restaurant and bar, an exuberant garden, BBQ facilities, a kids’ playground and two outdoor pools, this is great value for families and holidaymakers up for exploring Aruba by car.

Aruba’s sprawling Holiday Inn resort has all the amenities you’d expect of a large chain, including a spa and five restaurants. Each of the 590 rooms includes a flat-screen TV, a hairdryer and toiletries, along with a 24-hour front desk, a cash machine and a hair salon on site. Accommodation ranges from standard rooms to junior suites – make sure yours has a sea view for that crucial tropical sunset. It’s buzzing at Palm Beach, so expect plenty of bars and places to dine right on your doorstep. Feeling lucky? Try the onsite casino. Want to get active? Complimentary bikes are available, as are opportunities for diving, water aerobics and playing volleyball.

You can count on a personal welcome at this cozy three-bedroom B&B in central Santa Cruz – a great spot for exploring the island that comes with free parking. Spacious rooms each have a bath, a minibar, air conditioning and ceiling fans, as well as free wifi. Breakfast is included, and a pool and loungers guarantee perfect relaxation. The B&B is mere minutes from Arikok National Park Visitors Centre and the island’s Donkey Sanctuary. No beach is more than a 20-minute drive away, and staff steer you happily to the best diving, fishing and swimming spots.

Run by a Dutch couple, Little Palm Apartments Aruba offers superior quality self-contained accommodation. There are four apartments to choose from, all spotlessly maintained, with facilities including a microwave, a fridge, an eclectic kettle, a coffee machine and a hob. Air conditioning, free toiletries and a hairdryer add to the bargain. The location is in Noord – Aruba’s northern “prong”, which is good for bars and restaurants. It’s also an easy 20-minute walk to Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, as well as the Renaissance Mall, Philip’s Animal Garden and the Butterfly Farm.

Privately (Dutch) owned, Aruba Cunucu Village comprises apartments handily located for Palm Beach, which is only 5 minutes away. Cunucu refers to the traditional pastel bungalows of Aruba, and these colorful two- and three-bedroom properties fit the brief, with air conditioning, island-inspired furnishings and a fully equipped kitchen area. There are a communal swimming pool, a terrace and a clubhouse, as well as convenient free parking on site. A supermarket is just a 2-minute walk away, while Eagle Beach, Hooiberg Mountain, and the island’s biggest malls (Paseo Herencia Mall and Palm Beach Plaza Mall) are on your doorstep.