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

I have visited the Caribbean many times. But for my money, nothing beats Aruba. I have stayed in many hotels throughout Aruba; in my experience, there aren’t any bad ones among the bunch. However, on my last vacation, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort was to me like cake to milk.

The reason I love Aruba

What is it about Aruba that attracts me like a magnet? As an independent country that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this country is a melting pot of various influences. The local population is a polyglot who speaks two official languages, Dutch and Papiamento (a mixture of Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish lyrics) as well as English.

The food here is trending amazing. Aruba’s strong ties to the Netherlands create a delicious blend of island-farmed ingredients and fresh seafood combined with Dutch products.

Although most of the Caribbean region is fertile; Aruba surprises with its stunning desert views. And don’t get me started on the beaches of Aruba. My favorite is Elang Beach, with sand as fine as confectioner’s sugar and emerald water. It’s no surprise that this beach is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.

The Embassy Suites is above its price point

While a vacation in Aruba isn’t cheap, the Embassy Suites is a popular and well-reviewed option that offers great value and plenty of amenities. Opening in 2023, it is a lively resort with 330 rooms. A giant swimming pool surrounded by comfortable sun loungers, palm trees and fragrant plants is the center of the action. Don’t expect a serene yoga retreat; Upbeat music and energetic staff add to the fun.

Each room is a two-bedroom suite with a bedroom (with a king bed or two queen beds) and a separate living room with a sofa bed and mini refrigerator, giving the family space to relax. My private balcony has Instagram-worthy ocean views.

The atmosphere is family friendly with children up to 18 years old staying free. My husband and I celebrated our anniversary without our children and felt right at home. We met several honeymooners who were also having a party.

This resort provides extras that I wouldn’t expect in a budget resort. The bathroom has a spacious shower with high-end products, including Crabtree and Evelyn body wash, Zero brand shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer from Gilchrist and Soames.

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

Every morning, we borrowed shiny new e-bikes and pedaled along Aruba’s amazing car-free trails.

A free, supervised kids’ club is just steps from the pool. It’s a clean, colorful space full of art supplies. I saw some children smiling; However, most of the children splash around in the swimming pool with their families.

There are many meals included in the price

The rich breakfast buffet really saves money. It was one of the most extravagant morning shows I’ve ever seen. Tables are stocked with a variety of fruit and juices, baked goods, cheese and charcuterie, a DIY waffle station, breakfast meats, plus a made-to-order omelet bar. Hot drinks are plentiful, and the resort also has Starbucks available for purchase at the coffee shop.

There is a daily cocktail reception in the afternoon. Adults and children are each given two drink tickets to exchange for cocktails, mocktails, soft drinks, beer and wine. A table laden with endless sweet and savory snacks like chunks of Gouda cheese, dried fruit and pretzels offers snacks galore.

Location is everything

Embassy Suites is directly across from the bay-like beach that sits between bustling Palm Beach and pristine Eagle Beach. While all the 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 concierge and set us up with lounge chairs in the shade of a palapa. The water was beautiful, although next time I’ll bring water shoes to protect my feet from the pebbled seabed.

It’s all in the details

Cross the road and you’ll be at the beach in about 30 seconds. However, the hotel cleverly built underground passages that allow you to avoid vehicle traffic, perfect if you’re moving slowly, pushing a stroller, or holding tiny hands. This tunnel is decorated with murals of famous people, from The Beatles to Martin Luther King.

Embassy Suites is the best choice between all-inclusive resorts and regular resorts

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

Embassy Suites is the sweet spot between an all-inclusive resort and a regular hotel. I enjoyed the free breakfast, warm evening reception, pool and beach; I was also happy to leave that place. I felt like Goldilocks who found the perfect bowl of porridge.

Some of my favorite things to do in Aruba

Here are some of my personal must-dos for a vacation in Aruba:

• Get out on the water for a sunset sail with Red Sail Sports. You’ll enjoy beautiful island views and unlimited drinks from the comfort of a luxury catamaran.
• Arikok National Park is a wonderland of desert flora. Visit in the morning or evening to avoid the scorching heat.
• Climb to the top of the California Lighthouse. Built in 1910, it is an admired island landmark. Visit at sunset to say goodbye to the last rays of the day.
• Awash in candy-colored buildings and murals, Aruba’s charming capital, Oranjestad, is home to several fine restaurants, none better than Wilhelmina. The food, from fish to pasta, is delicate and delicious, although the setting, in a palm tree garden decorated with tropical flowers, is 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.

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