TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

This is the review of the Hilton Aruba (with construction) that I was searching for before we booked our trip this year. TL; DR: If you go to the Hilton because you love this particular spot, the staff, and the beach, you’ll probably still love it with the construction. If you’re looking for an Aruba vacation in general, you may prefer another hotel this year. The construction is loud. How much this bothers you will probably depend on your expectation of peace and your mood. The changes: Lobby: The check in area is more airy, with more desks. The two elevators in the Aruba tower are now called by different buttons, which makes things less efficient. Aruba tower rooms have been painted and have updated thermostats, but generally look/feel the same (that’s not a complaint, to be clear). There is more seating in the lobby. Sunset Grille - thank goodness Juan (aka “Juan Happy Island”) is still there. The menu has become more generic (I missed the local flavor - grouper, churrasco steak, etc.. Now it’s salmon and filet - upscale wedding vibes.). It’s still good, but less special. But I have to say the crab cake was among the best I’ve had. Gilligan’s - gone (sob!). They did a nice job with the Miramar Bar/food truck area. The printed menu is a bit bizarre (does anyone want a short rib sandwich while wearing a bathing suit?), but they also have fish and shrimp tacos as non-printed additions to the menu. It was wonderful to see familiar friendly faces (Elvita and Carlos, as well as Steve and Eugemar behind the bar). I hope the new spot keeps the beach vibes - and brings back the catch of the day! Mira Solo - now the Sunset Bar. It looks the same (though now has some bizarre cocktail napkins that are pulled off a roll like toilet paper), but has an updated menu. They still offer a nice twist on cocktail classics, and the food menu is more robust than it had been. We really missed the live music (it wasn’t always great, but it was always fun – now there are DJs spinning background music that is not noticeably different from the house sound system), but we were happy to see Tico, Jean Pierre, Elvin, Ramon, and others. Worth a mention - Ronaldo was working inside at Sunset Grille - we had to go find him to say hello because we missed him outside! Laguna: We’re not big breakfast people, so this is usually a once-only visit. I think there is more outdoor seating, and the inside has a fun diner vibe. What hasn’t changed: The beach: always great. I appreciate the palapa reservation system, and the beach staff who set it all up. They’re wonderful. I still wish they’d upgrade the beach chairs from the 80s-tastic plastic slats to a solid surface with a chair cover. Perhaps with the St. Regis opening a couple of doors down, they’ll do it (the pool chairs have already been upgraded). And for anyone else who’s curious, the St. Regis looked lovely but the beach set up is very…European (two chairs per umbrella, no space in between them). The spa: a nice massage, when we can tear ourselves away from the beach. Oscar’s: very much appreciate grabbing coffee in the morning, but the covers for the iced coffee are trash (literally - every single one broke). The staff: The people who work at the Hilton really make the place. We look forward to returning every year (and this is the only vacation where we go back to the same place!). We’ve stayed at a couple of other places, but the people make this one special.

Another amazing vacation at our home away from home. Construction going on but not intrusive at all. Breakfast at Laguna was great, servers always go above and beyond. Great seeing our favorite bartenders at the Sunset Bar, but must say disappointed they no longer have live music. Just not the same vibe. Looking forward to returning fall of 2025 and seeing the completed Gilligan’s beach bar and restaurant.

Always spend a week during my time on the island. One thing you can always count on is excellent service a special shout out to Elton he’s my favorite but everyone goes the distance to make sure you’re happy! The hotel is in major construction on a new tower and upgrades . Little noisy but when it’s done at the end of year it will be well worth it! I will be excited to see the finished product next year. Great stay as usual!

The nicest team members ever . We have traveled may places and the lovely team members here at the Aruba Hilton property have knocked hospitality out of the park. From their warm reception to the ability to assist in most situations they excel. Ms Milly and Luis on the first day we arrived to Miguel in the sunset grill to Mattijas who made me the most amazing Gin Cocktail ever. At the Laguna restaurant Ms Audrey was extraordinary. She truly loves her job and you can tell it is not work for her but a passion in customer service . Regarding our room the view was less than desirable but they are under construction in making a new tower. Our accommodations met our needs . The bed was comfy and the water pressure was great . House keeping was also top notch. we appreciated the refillable water bottles that were complimentary. That is an excellent idea. The ice machine dispensed the good ice!! We loved that . There were only 2 .5 restaurants open on property at the time and that was a bit of challenge for finding affordable dining . The food was delicious in the restaurants where we dined , even though limited . I had the filet and wedge salad and it was delicious. I do think the view with the construction should have been conveyed to us and somewhere else offered if available. Not a deal breaker for sure just a bummer . An all inclusive option would certainly be a better value as we are used to that style of stay . That said we knew it was not as we were here with a group. Well done Hilton we will return. Danki

This hotel is completely under constructiion, although noise was not a big issue. The site was very limited and I felt like We lacked the type of emenities the Hilton is known for. If you are looking for a truly luxurious vacation, go somewhere else. My room faced construction and the entire resort was construction fence and closed down. Really disappointed in the entire resort, it was mediocre. But, I will say the staff was amazing. Not the experience I was looking for.