Trying to decide between an all-inclusive resort or regular hotel in Aruba? This comprehensive guide breaks down the pros, cons, and costs to help you make the best choice for your vacation style and budget.
Quick Answer
All-inclusive resorts in Aruba are typically NOT worth it for most travelers because the island has excellent local restaurants, safe drinking water, and easy transportation. However, they can be a good value for certain travelers, particularly those who:
- Plan to spend most time at the resort
- Want to drink alcohol regularly
- Prefer complete predictability in vacation costs
- Are traveling with teenagers (big appetites)
Cost Comparison
All-Inclusive Costs
Average daily rates for two people:
- Budget: $400-500 (Barceló Aruba, Holiday Inn)
- Mid-Range: $500-700 (RIU Palace, Divi Aruba)
- Luxury: $700-1,000+ (Barceló Royal Level)
Includes:
- All meals and snacks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Non-motorized water sports
- Entertainment
- Gratuities
- Some activities
Regular Hotel Costs
Average daily rates for two people:
- Budget: $200-300
- Mid-Range: $300-500
- Luxury: $500-800+
Additional daily costs:
- Breakfast: $30-40 per couple
- Lunch: $40-60 per couple
- Dinner: $80-150 per couple
- Drinks: $50-100 per couple
- Activities: $50-100 per couple
Pros of All-Inclusive Resorts
Convenience
- No need to carry wallet
- Everything in one place
- No decision fatigue
- Easy with children
- Predictable costs
Value for Certain Travelers
- Heavy drinkers save money
- Big eaters get value
- Activity enthusiasts
- Pool/beach focused visitors
- Families with teens
Peace of Mind
- No surprise bills
- Everything pre-paid
- No tipping needed
- No restaurant research
- Easy budgeting
Cons of All-Inclusive Resorts
Limited Experience
- Miss local restaurants
- Less cultural interaction
- Resort bubble effect
- Repetitive food options
- Fixed entertainment
Potential Quality Issues
- Mass-produced food
- Lower quality liquor
- Crowded facilities
- Rushed service
- Limited restaurant hours
Cost Considerations
- Pay for unused meals
- Locked into resort food
- Premium for convenience
- Hidden upgrade costs
- Activity limitations
Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Aruba
Barceló Aruba
Price: $400-600/night
- Best overall value
- Good food quality
- Central location
- Multiple restaurants
- Royal Level option
RIU Palace Aruba
Price: $500-700/night
- Extensive dining options
- Modern rooms
- Good entertainment
- Adult pool area
- Quality drinks
Divi Aruba All-Inclusive
Price: $450-650/night
- Beachfront location
- Multiple properties access
- Good for families
- Water sports included
- Various room types
Tamarijn Aruba
Price: $400-500/night
- Budget-friendly
- Oceanfront rooms
- Good for families
- Multiple pools
- Active atmosphere
Who Should Choose All-Inclusive?
Perfect For:
- First-time visitors
- Families with teens
- Heavy drinkers
- Resort-focused travelers
- Convenience prioritizers
Not Ideal For:
- Foodies
- Light eaters/drinkers
- Cultural explorers
- Budget travelers
- Adventure seekers
Who Should Skip All-Inclusive?
Better Alternatives For:
- Culinary enthusiasts
- Local culture seekers
- Light eaters
- Non-drinkers
- Adventure travelers
Money-Saving Alternatives:
- Regular hotels
- Vacation rentals
- Timeshare rentals
- Boutique properties
- Local guesthouses
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Worth It If:
- Drink 4+ alcoholic beverages daily
- Eat 3 full meals daily
- Use included activities
- Stay at resort mostly
- Travel with teens
Not Worth It If:
- Drink minimally
- Eat light meals
- Explore off-resort
- Skip breakfast
- Travel on budget
Tips for Choosing
Research Thoroughly
- Read recent reviews
- Check included items
- Compare restaurant options
- Review activity lists
- Consider location
Consider Your Style
- Vacation preferences
- Eating habits
- Drinking patterns
- Activity interests
- Budget priorities
Making the Most of All-Inclusive
If You Choose All-Inclusive:
- Book premium restaurants early
- Try all facilities
- Check activity schedules
- Use included amenities
- Plan some off-resort meals
Maximizing Value:
- Book in low season
- Look for packages
- Compare upgrade costs
- Check drink brands
- Review meal times
Final Recommendations
Choose All-Inclusive If:
- Want predictable costs
- Plan to drink regularly
- Prefer resort atmosphere
- Travel with hungry teens
- Value convenience most
Skip All-Inclusive If:
- Foodie interests
- Light eater/drinker
- Adventure seeker
- Budget conscious
- Culture focused
Remember that Aruba is a safe, easy-to-navigate island with excellent restaurants and transportation. Your choice should align with your vacation style and priorities rather than convenience alone.