The hype
Clean, modern, and friendly staff, but the 'beach resort' label is a bit misleading due to the distance.
Courtyard By Marriott Aruba Resort
$240-350/ night
Book this if You want a modern, reliable basecamp near Palm Beach without paying beachfront prices.
Why People Love It
- Walkable to the Palm Beach strip's dining and nightlife
- Significantly cheaper than the high-rise resorts across the street
- Three distinct pools (including a quieter adults-only option)
Quick Take: It's a glorified motel with resort amenities that sits across the street from the beach, not on it.
Reviewed by @saramontoyam: I honestly had the dreamiest time here. The staff treated me like royalty—from the golf cart rides to the beach to setting up the most incredible sunset picnic. Definitely get the piña colada at the pool bar; it was my absolute favorite part of the trip!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will fight for beach chairs ('Hunger Games' style) if you don't take the first shuttle at 9 AM.
- You plan to rent a car and explore the island rather than sit on one beach
- You want to save $200+/night to spend on dinners and excursions
- You prefer a self-contained complex with easy parking
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is generally reliable, though some guests report missed spots on balconies.
- Bathroom hygiene: Modern and clean, though the open-concept showers can flood the bathroom floor if you aren't careful.
- Maintenance: Renovated rooms are sharp; older rooms show wear on furniture and AC units.
- Linens & towels: Standard Marriott quality — crisp white linens, but pool towels can run out by afternoon.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, but ground-floor rooms can get a musty/humid smell if AC isn't running constantly.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- The Mill Nightclub (after-hours spot nearby)
- Thin connecting room doors
- Hallway traffic due to motel-style exterior corridors
Before you book
Good to know
- Self-parking is free (rare in Palm Beach)
- A $45/night resort fee is added at check-in
- Breakfast is NOT included in standard rates unless you book a specific package (~$25/pp otherwise)
What to pack
- Insulated water bottle (ice machines are frequent but cups are small)
- Quick-dry travel towel (hotel beach towels can be scarce)
- Earplugs (essential for weekend stays)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Pool View rooms on the 2nd floor (more privacy, less foot traffic)
- Renovated rooms in the main building (ask specifically for these)
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor Garden View (often faces parking lot/walkways)
- Rooms near the ice machines or elevators (noisy)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a 2nd-floor room with a Pool View, away from the elevators and The Mill nightclub side. Please ensure it is one of the recently renovated units.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it really walking distance to the beach?
Yes, it's about a 5-10 minute walk across a busy street and through a path next to the Hilton/Riu. The shuttle is easier if you're carrying gear.
Do I have to pay for beach chairs?
Technically no, if you use the hotel's designated section, but spots are limited. If full, you'll be renting from vendors ($10-15/chair).
Is the pool heated?
No, but in Aruba's climate (80°F+ year-round), it's refreshing rather than cold.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Absolutely. You are 5-10 minutes from the Palm Beach Strip with dozens of restaurants, malls, and casinos.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, approximately $45 per night, which covers the shuttle, wifi, and pool towels.
Are the renovations finished?
Not entirely. Phased renovations are ongoing through late 2025; expect some visual clutter or daytime noise.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Garden View' often means 'Parking Lot View' — upgrade to Pool View if you care about aesthetics.
- ✨
Walk to 'The Mill Town' food truck park nearby for late-night bites (open until 3 AM).
- ✨
Use the path between the Riu and Hilton for the quickest walking access to the beach.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Swim-up Bar' is often unmanned during slower hours; you have to flag down a server.
💡The 'Kids Cave' is more of a small unsupervised room than a full club.
💡Housekeeping can be stingy with towels; you might have to call the front desk for extras.
💡The exterior corridors mean everyone walking by can hear your TV (and vice versa).
💡You can use the palapas (thatched umbrellas) on the public beach for free if you bring your own chair — don't let vendors bully you.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Courtyard By Marriott Aruba Resort is located and what's nearby.