You’ve seen the photos. That specific shade of Caribbean blue that looks like it’s been hit with a saturation filter, even when it hasn't. But when you start looking for a place to stay on Palm Beach, things get pricey fast. Like, "maybe I don’t need both kidneys" pricey. That is exactly where the hotel aruba holiday inn—officially the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino—enters the chat. It sits on a massive chunk of prime real estate, yet it often gets overlooked by people chasing the brand-name luxury of the Ritz or the Hyatt next door.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a sleeper hit.
If you’re expecting gold-plated faucets and someone to peel your grapes, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want to walk out of your room and be on the sand in approximately thirty seconds without draining your 401k, this is the spot. It’s one of the oldest players on the island, and that comes with some serious perks that the newer, cramped resorts just can't match.
The Location "Cheat Code" Most People Miss
Palm Beach is crowded. There is no way around that. As the island has boomed, the high-rise hotels have packed in tighter than sardines. However, because the hotel aruba holiday inn was one of the first resorts built here back in the day, they snagged a disproportionately large amount of beachfront.
They have a quarter-mile of beach.
Think about that for a second. While guests at other resorts are waking up at 5:00 AM to "reserve" a palapa (those little thatched umbrellas) like they’re competing in the Hunger Games, the Holiday Inn spread usually has more breathing room. You aren’t literally touching elbows with the stranger in the next lounge chair. It’s a luxury of space that you usually have to pay double for elsewhere.
The resort is split into three towers: Sea, Ocean, and Palm. Here is a pro tip that most travel blogs won't tell you: the Sea Tower is generally the quietest and closest to the "action" of the nearby pier, while the Palm Tower puts you right next to the Moomba Beach Bar. If you’re a light sleeper, avoid the Palm Tower. Moomba is legendary for its Sunday night parties, and while the music is great, hearing a Dutch EDM remix at 1:00 AM from your pillow isn't everyone's vibe.
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Is the All-Inclusive Option Actually Worth It?
This is the big question. Aruba is unique because, unlike Punta Cana or Cancun, it’s incredibly safe and easy to walk around. There are dozens of world-class restaurants right across the street in the Paseo Herencia and Palm Beach Plaza malls.
So, why would you go all-inclusive?
Basically, it comes down to math and laziness. If you’re the type who wants four frozen daiquiris by the pool and doesn't want to think about a $150 dinner bill every single night, the all-inclusive package at the hotel aruba holiday inn makes sense. They have five on-site restaurants, including Sea Breeze and Da Vinci. The food is... good. It’s not "Michelin-star-I’ll-remember-this-forever" good, but it’s solid. The breakfast buffet at Corals is actually pretty impressive with the omelet station.
However, if you’re a "foodie," you’re probably better off doing room-only. You can walk five minutes and hit Giannis for Italian or Papiamento for a high-end local experience. The flexibility is the real draw here. You aren't "trapped" like you are at some resorts on the southern end of the island.
Dealing with the "Old" Reputation
Let’s be real. People love to complain on TripAdvisor. You’ll see reviews claiming the resort is "dated."
Is it the Burj Al Arab? No. But the rooms have been renovated recently with clean, tile floors (which is way better than gross humid carpet) and crisp white linens. It’s a beach resort. You’re going to find a little sand in the hallway. You might see a stray iguana trying to share your fries. That’s just Aruba.
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The trade-off for the slightly older architecture is the price point. You’re staying on the exact same beach as people paying $800 a night, but you’re likely paying half that. That extra cash buys a lot of sunset sails and Jeep tours.
The Kids Stay Free Rule
This is a massive needle-mover for families. Holiday Inn’s corporate policy of kids eating and staying free (under certain ages/conditions) applies here. In a place like Aruba where a burger can cost $22, this is a legitimate budget-saver. The "Activity Center" isn't just a sad room with some crayons; they actually have a gaming zone and organized crafts that keep kids busy while parents have a moment of silence with a Balashi beer.
The Wind, The Sun, and The Logistics
One thing nobody warns you about: the wind. Aruba is famously breezy because of the trade winds. It’s why the Divi-Divi trees all lean one way. At the hotel aruba holiday inn, the way the buildings are positioned creates a bit of a wind-tunnel effect in certain corridors, but it also keeps the beach from feeling like a literal oven.
You need SPF 50. No, really.
Because of that constant breeze, you won't feel yourself burning. You’ll feel cool and refreshed, and then you’ll go back to your room and realize you’re the color of a boiled lobster. The resort has a shop on-site for sunblock, but bring your own. It's $25 a bottle there.
Beyond the Resort Walls
You can't stay at the hotel aruba holiday inn and just stay at the hotel. That’s a waste.
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- The Boardwalk: There is a literal paved path that runs along the beach. Walk it at sunrise.
- Butterfly Farm: It’s a ten-minute walk away. It sounds cheesy, but it’s actually incredibly zen.
- The Casino: The on-site Excelsior Casino is "old school" Vegas. It’s small, it’s a bit smoky, but it has a low-key charm that the big corporate casinos lack.
Things to Know Before You Book
Don't expect the WiFi to work perfectly on the sand. It’s great in the lobby and decent in the rooms, but the Caribbean Sea is a natural signal blocker. If you’re planning to "Work from Home" by the pool, bring a hotspot or prepare for some frustration.
Also, the elevators can be slow. It sounds like a minor thing until you're on the 7th floor and you forgot your sunglasses. Build in a five-minute "elevator buffer" for everything.
The staff here are the real stars. Many of them have been working at this specific property for twenty-plus years. They remember guests. They know the best spots for snorkeling (hint: head up toward Arashi Beach for the best fish).
The Nuance of Value
When people talk about the "best" hotel, they usually mean the most expensive. But the best hotel is actually the one that fulfills the promise of the destination without making you feel like you've been robbed.
Aruba’s slogan is "One Happy Island." It’s hard to be happy when you’re stressed about the bill. The hotel aruba holiday inn removes that stress. It provides a clean bed, a cold drink, and front-row seats to the best sunset in the world.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
To get the most out of a stay here, don't just click "book" on the first site you see.
- Join IHG One Rewards: Even if you never stay at another Holiday Inn, the member rate at this property usually drops the price by $20-40 a night. It’s free to join.
- Request a High Floor: The view difference between the 2nd and 6th floor is massive. If you want to see the ocean over the palm trees, you need height.
- Book Your Palapa Online: The resort uses an online booking system for beach umbrellas. Check the link in your confirmation email a few days before you arrive so you aren't stuck in the back row.
- Visit the Pelican Pier: It’s right outside the resort. Go there for a "Pelican Nest" cocktail at 5:30 PM. It’s the quintessential Aruba experience.
- Pack a Reusable Water Bottle: Aruba’s tap water is some of the purest in the world (filtered through a massive desalination plant). Don't waste money on bottled water.
Skip the high-maintenance resorts if you’re looking for a chill vibe. Grab a spot on the sand at the Holiday Inn, watch the pelicans dive for their dinner, and just breathe. You're in Aruba. Everything else is secondary.