Room: The ONLY thing that disappointed me about Aruba was our hotel room! My mom and I chose to stay in an “Ocean Suite” with an ocean view (just FYI, the rooms without ocean views overlook a parking lot). Many people who go to the beach don’t really care about their hotel room… they’d rather be out by the pool and swimming in the ocean the whole time so it doesn’t really matter what their room looks like. I just felt that the rooms were old, the carpets were worn and they needed some updated furniture and paint. We could tell that they had renovated the hotel rooms a lot over the years… in our bedroom, there was a random wall with a clear glass panel in it for absolutely no reason at all! However, despite the need for renovation, I will say that the beds were nice and new and VERY comfortable – we got really good sleep on the trip!
Food: We thought the food in Aruba was INCREDIBLE! We didn’t eat at our hotel at all, but rather walked over to the little marketplace beside our hotel for a lot of meals. We ate at an Italian restaurant, Casa Tua, three different nights because it was so good hahah! One night we had incredible salads, one night we split a margherita pizza and the last night we split an amazing gnocchi dish. There are a lot of restaurants located next to the hotel, and we felt very comfortable walking around at night to the restaurants and stores. One night we made reservations at the Flying Fishbone which I would highly recommend. You do have to take a taxi there, but it’s worth it! The restaurant is located right on the beach, there are even tables on the sand where the water comes up to your feet! Definitely take advantage of the fresh seafood at this restaurant (and for dessert, order the baked alaska – mmmmm!). I am really trying to eat clean right now, and I was worried this would be difficult in Aruba, however it really wasn’t – pretty much every restaurant we went to had amazing, fresh salads or lean protein and I was able to eat healthy but feel completely satisfied.
Shopping: I was highly impressed with the shopping in Aruba! If you like high-end stores, they have an abundance – there’s a Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Cartier, etc., located right next to the Renaissance Resort. But there are also all sorts of little island shops selling unique items and clothing. My mom found a beautiful hand-made straw tote for only $30 (she put up a picture of it here!).
Cost: The rooms are pretty reasonably priced, especially considering the amazing tropical location. Although we didn’t love our hotel room, we did think it was worth it to be able to visit Flamingo Beach anytime we wanted! For that reason alone we were really happy that we had picked our hotel. If we decided to go back to Aruba, I might stay at a different resort but still buy day-passes to go to Flamingo Beach.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend Aruba as a place to vacation – I simply fell in love with the island upon arrival (and the flamingos!!!). One thing that is definitely worth mentioning is how safe we felt there. I have visited a lot of tropical places and you are often warned not to leave the resort because it “isn’t safe.” Well that is truly not the case in Aruba! We felt comfortable exploring and walking the whole island (even at night) by ourselves. On the plane ride over, we met a really nice couple who had visited Aruba 15 times, and they said one of the things they loved most about it was how safe it is! I can see myself coming back one day with my kids in tow. 🙂
Let me know if you had any other questions in the comments and I’ll get back to you!
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The rainbow in the background of the flamingo pic is gorgeous 😍😍
Gorgeous photos and outfits! Love living vicariously through this trip as we brace for a few more weeks of winter here in the NE. 😉
That sounds like an amazing trip! And I loveee the bow one piece!
Kim
http://trendkeeper.me .. How to be invited to NYFW & a Non-Cliche Valentine's outfit!
Your outfits on this trip couldn’t have been cuter!! Thanks for the review!
https://www.alexisdezayas.com
Next time you visit Aruba, you should stay at the Bucuti and Tara resort or at the Oceania condos, both are on Eagle Beach, which is prime spot with the most beautiful, relaxing, best beach on the island! Also, going to Two Fools and a Bull for dinner is a MUST. The experience was the highlight of our last trip there.
Thanks for the recommendations!!! I wrote them down for next time! 🙂
Thinking about going there for a honeymoon! Were there any fun activities to do there?!
Hey Jessie,
Yes there were lots of activities! Snorkeling, ATV riding, sailboats, etc.! We chose not to do any of the fun activities since we weren't there that many days, but there were a lot of different activities to choose from!
Reading this post is giving me a major travel bug, Aruba is officially added to my bucket list! Your outfits, and pictures are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing! xo
Sarah Lillian | https://livinglifewithsarahlillian.blogspot.ca
Thanks for sharing your experience in Aruba!! I totally want to go here now and I’m book marking this post as I type haha. That sounds so amazing to be hanging out with flamingos, totally putting it on my bucket list. You look gorgeous as always in all your super cute outfits!
I have a time share at this resort and go yearly. The panel you speak of at one time was a door into the bathroom. This is how they closed it. Some of the floors have new furniture and carpets. When I was there they were working floor by floor to update.
I go yearly something else it is out of the hurricane belt. So you can enjoy year round.
So many beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing!
omg I may need to plan my next vacation in Aruba! gorgeous outfits as always.
http://www.jillianeliza.com
I am staying at this same hotel in May for my birthday we booked it though Costco, and it wasn’t too expensive and included round trip flight! Thanks for this review I’m excited to go there in May!
Hey Adrienne, Ahh I'm so jealous!! I wish I was going back in May, have a wonderful trip!!! 🙂
Oh my goodness, this looks AMAZING! I bet you had the best time. And those flamingos!
Nineteen Windsor
Hi Caitlin! Do you know about any other hotel near to flamingo beach that could be a little bit cheapear than Renaissance Resort? Thank you! 🙂
Hi Caitlin! Do you know of any other hotel near to Flamingo Beach that cheapear than Renaissance Resort?
Thnak you! 🙂
Hey Laura! Aruba is very small so pretty much every hotel is close by Flamingo Beach- only a walk or short cab ride away! I would look at TripAdvisor and set the Price from Low to High to see some of the best hotel deals! hope that helps 🙂
Sounds like you had a great trip.
http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home/
I absolutely love your travel diaries and location reviews, they're always on point and make me want to go to those same places too. 🙂 So from now on, Aruba is on my wish list too! 🙂
https://lartoffashion.com
This sounds like the most spectacular trip you shared with your mom. Sorry your room wasn't wonderful but the pictures are stunning!
Arum Lilea
Dreamy! Adding Aruba to my travel bucket list right away! 🙂 <3
xx
http://mariannelle.com
Omg Aruba sounds like an absolute dream! Such gorgeous photos as always Cait!
I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
Love all of the pictures!! Especially the one piece bikini with the bows! So cute!
Love your straw bag! So pretty for a beach vacation/summer!
Paradise <3
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
The pictures are so gorgeous! Looks like you had an amazing time there!
xx, Jeany from http://vogueetvoyage.com
I really love this post of your instagram pictures, I have been following you for 2 years and I love your pictures here, your face is really fresh and so much less makeup than you usually put on.
SO beautiful!
Thank you!!! That's really sweet of you!!
That first one piece is too cute! It sounds like you had an amazing trip!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com
This is making me miss Aruba so much! I wish I would've gotten to see the flamingos when I went! If you ever go back, Madame Jeanette's is a must.
Ellen | A Pop of Pink
Ah you look so gorgeous in all the pics, specially the one with flamingos!
http://www.thestyletune.com
Aruba! Love that place. Nice outfits aswell.
http://utochspring.com
omg, I love all your suits!! SO cute! What a gorgeous trip!
xxoo
Mary
http://www.BelleOnTrend.com
Wow Flamingo Beach looks incredible! I've added it to my travel list and I really hope to visit soon!
Allegra xx
Allegra Ghiloni Fashion Stylist
http://www.allegraghiloni.com
Thanks for sharing these all beautiful images of aruba tour, Do you know, Aruba was declared a useless island because of its absence of natural resources, including precious metals. one day agra tour
Really I have read you all activity of aruba private beach thats amazing tip for you and your mother.I also miss aruba that wonderfull trip ..Thanks
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Hey! So, I’ve also been to Aruba years ago and stayed at that hotel. I am going back again in April but this time to get married 🙂 I will say that I only stayed at the Adult Marina hotel side and as I did research about the hotel for this year, the Marina side has apparently was recently updated. Next time try that side (if you don’t have kids in tow!) Also, always eat at Diane’s. It is super well known (you’ll need a taxi to get there) and their Dutch pancakes and pizza are TO. DIE. FOR. You really get a taste of the Dutch influence in Aruba. 🙂
Planning on visiting Aruba with my family. I am so glad you mentioned (adult only) for the Flamingo Beach! Also found hotel information very helpful. Your dining and shopping tips are great options. Thank you!
I love Aruba- been there a few times! Next time try the Ritz or Marriott. The Ritz is a newer hotel & has a beautiful beach!
Thank you so much for sharing this! You are drop dead gorgeous!!! I live outside of Charlotte and really would love to go there! Can I ask you about how much was the flight? What is a reasonable price? How many days did you stay? Can you give a ballpark of the total cost .. hotel flight you paid so that can help me know when I go to book it! Thank you so much! Look forward to hearing from you!!
Thank you so much for sharing this! You are drop dead gorgeous!!! I live outside of Charlotte and really would love to go there! Can I ask you about how much was the flight? What is a reasonable price? How many days did you stay? Thank you so much! Look forward to hearing from you!!
Love this post! We are headed to Aruba in April- so this was helpful! One q- when you mentioned the high end stores (Gucci etc), is it less $$$ there Bc of taxes or are prices the same? Just curious..
Hey! Lovely article – I’ve been to Aruba a couple times and the last time I went, we were taken to a completely different hotel (booked under the Renaissance) to which we were super confused as we didn’t like the rooms here much, either! Apparently there are 2 Renaissance Hotels on the island – one is for adults and one is for families i.e. The Marina vs. the Ocean Suites – the adult one (The Marina) is beautiful; very modern, lots of lounge-y type spots, bars, the rooms are lovely, shopping is just beneath etc. whereas the Family-oriented one (Ocean Suites) isn’t very nice which is where I think you stayed, unfortunately. After taking one look at our room here, I asked to be switched to the one we typically stay at which I learned was The Marina – there’s even a spot where the ocean meets the hotel (like a sort of beautiful indoor river) where you get the boat that takes you to the island.