Looking for the perfect place to stay in Aruba? This guide breaks down each area of the island to help you choose the ideal location for your vacation. Whether you’re seeking bustling resort areas or quiet local neighborhoods, we’ll help you find the perfect spot for your needs and budget.
Quick Answer
For first-time visitors, Palm Beach (High-Rise area) offers the best combination of beaches, dining, and entertainment. Families and couples seeking a quieter vacation should consider Eagle Beach (Low-Rise area). Budget travelers and those wanting a more local experience should look at Oranjestad.
Palm Beach (High-Rise Area)
Best for: First-time visitors, resort lovers, nightlife seekers
Pros
- Bustling resort atmosphere
- Most dining and shopping options
- Best nightlife and casinos
- Multiple entertainment options
- Easy to walk everywhere
- Most water sports operators
Cons
- Most expensive area
- Crowded beaches
- Less authentic feel
- Higher food prices
- Can be noisy
Best Hotels in Palm Beach
- Luxury: Ritz-Carlton Aruba ($500-1,200/night)
- Mid-Range: Hyatt Regency ($400-900/night)
- Budget: Holiday Inn Resort ($250-500/night)
Eagle Beach (Low-Rise Area)
Best for: Couples, relaxation seekers, families wanting quiet
Pros
- Wider, less crowded beach
- More peaceful atmosphere
- Better value hotels
- Local restaurants nearby
- Award-winning beach
- More spacious properties
Cons
- Fewer dining options
- Limited nightlife
- Need car/taxi for attractions
- Quieter evenings
- Less shopping
Best Hotels in Eagle Beach
- Luxury: Bucuti & Tara (Adults-only, $450-800/night)
- Mid-Range: Amsterdam Manor ($250-450/night)
- Budget: Paradise Beach Villas ($200-350/night)
Oranjestad (Downtown)
Best for: Budget travelers, culture seekers, shoppers
Pros
- Most affordable hotels
- Local culture and history
- Main shopping district
- Close to airport
- Good public transportation
- Authentic restaurants
Cons
- Not directly on beach
- Busy during cruise ships
- Less resort amenities
- Fewer luxury options
- Can be hot/busy downtown
Best Hotels in Oranjestad
- Luxury: Renaissance Wind Creek ($300-600/night)
- Mid-Range: Talk of the Town ($150-250/night)
- Budget: Aruba Blue Village ($100-200/night)
Noord (Residential Area)
Best for: Long-term stays, local experience seekers
Pros
- Local neighborhood feel
- More affordable rentals
- Quiet atmosphere
- Access to local markets
- Close to Palm Beach
- Good for families
Cons
- Need rental car
- Limited walking options
- Few tourist amenities
- Distance from beaches
- Fewer restaurants
Best Options in Noord
- Vacation rentals ($150-400/night)
- Airbnb options
- Small hotels and guesthouses
Savaneta (Local Beach Area)
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travelers, seafood lovers
Pros
- Local fishing village
- Best seafood restaurants
- Quiet beaches
- Authentic experience
- Lower prices
- Snorkeling spots
Cons
- Far from tourist areas
- Must have rental car
- Limited accommodation
- Few amenities
- Distance from attractions
Best Options in Savaneta
- Boutique hotels ($150-300/night)
- Local guesthouses
- Beach houses
San Nicolas (South)
Best for: Art lovers, cultural explorers
Pros
- Street art district
- Local culture
- Baby Beach nearby
- Lower prices
- Authentic food
- Few tourists
Cons
- Far from main areas
- Limited accommodations
- Need rental car
- Basic amenities
- Distance from airport
Best Options in San Nicolas
- Local guesthouses
- Small hotels
- Vacation rentals
Best Areas by Traveler Type
For First-Time Visitors
- Palm Beach
- Easy to navigate
- All amenities nearby
- Many activities
- Tour pickup locations
- Resort experience
For Families
- Eagle Beach
- Calmer waters
- Spacious rooms
- Kitchen facilities
- Quieter atmosphere
- Safe area
For Couples
- Eagle Beach (Romantic)
- Palm Beach (Active)
- Savaneta (Authentic)
For Budget Travelers
- Oranjestad
- Noord
- San Nicolas
For Luxury Seekers
- Palm Beach
- Eagle Beach
- Renaissance Island
Transportation Considerations
Palm Beach/Eagle Beach
- Walking distance to amenities
- Regular bus service
- Plenty of taxis
- Tour pickups
- Water taxi service
Oranjestad
- Free trolley service
- Main bus terminal
- Close to airport
- Walking downtown
- Taxi hub
Other Areas
- Rental car needed
- Limited bus service
- Higher taxi costs
- More planning required
- Less convenient
Money-Saving Tips
- Stay in Oranjestad or Noord
- Visit in low season
- Consider vacation rentals
- Book away from beach
- Use public transportation
Final Recommendations
Choose Palm Beach If You Want
- Resort experience
- Nightlife and casinos
- Multiple dining options
- Shopping nearby
- Water sports
Choose Eagle Beach If You Want
- Quieter atmosphere
- Better beach experience
- More space
- Lower prices
- Relaxation
Choose Oranjestad If You Want
- Local culture
- Shopping options
- Lower prices
- Convenient location
- Authentic experience
Choose Other Areas If You Want
- Local experience
- Lower prices
- Quiet atmosphere
- Space from tourists
- Authentic Aruba
Remember that Aruba is a small island, and no location is more than a 30-minute drive from attractions. Consider your priorities, budget, and desired atmosphere when choosing where to stay.