Reading Time: 7 minutes Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino Full Review: A Mixed Bag for Our Anniversary Getaway
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When we booked our anniversary trip to the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino through Costco, we were excited for a relaxing, romantic escape on the picturesque island of Aruba.
We’d heard great things about the resort, and the package seemed like a fantastic deal.
In reality, our experience ended up being a mixed bag, with some significant disappointments tempered by the undeniable beauty and charm of both the resort and the island itself.
Here’s the full breakdown of our stay.
Table of Contents
Arrival and Check-In: A Rocky Start
From the moment we arrived, things went south. Our itinerary stated we would be greeted with a tropical drink, but were never offered any.
The front desk staff informed us that the resort had overbooked and, unfortunately, our room had been downgraded.
We had booked a King room, which felt perfect for a romantic anniversary getaway, but were instead given a room with two queen beds. To say we were disappointed would be an understatement. This was supposed to be a special trip, and the downgrade, was insulting, but it was the only option we had.
We tried to negotiate for alternatives, like a room with a better view or even a suite, but the staff seemed limited in their options. After some back-and-forth, they offered us compensation, starting with a lowball amount that felt dismissive. Eventually, we managed to negotiate $250 in resort credit, but it still didn’t feel like enough to make up for the inconvenience.
The entire check-in process was slow, with no sense of urgency from the staff, though they were friendly enough. It left a sour taste in our mouths and set a frustrating tone for the start of our trip.
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The Room: Partial Ocean Views and a Nice Balcony
Once we settled into our downgraded room, we tried to focus on the positives. The room itself was clean and comfortable, with a partial view of the ocean.
The balcony was a highlight. We could see some of the ocean, although the view mostly overlooked the resort’s many pools. It wasn’t the breathtaking oceanfront vista we’d hoped for, but it was pleasant enough.
The room felt safe and well-maintained, which was reassuring, but the downgrade still stung.
It is worth noting that nearly all of the rooms that include a view at this particular resort are partial.
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The Resort: Pools, Activities, and Cashless Convenience
The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino boasts an impressive array of amenities, and we made the most of them during our stay. The resort has multiple pools, all of which were warm and inviting.
We spent a fair amount of time lounging by the water, though we quickly learned that the tiki tents, which are the shaded spots everyone wants, fill up fast. If you’re not an early riser, you’ll likely be left with lounge chairs by the ocean, which are always available but can get uncomfortably hot under the blazing sun. Tiki huts are reservable via the hotel app starting the night before at 6 pm.
One thing to note is that the resort operates on a cashless system, with most charges going directly to your room. This was convenient, though it made it easy to lose track of spending, particularly given how expensive everything was. You can view your room charges via the hotel app, and accumlated chargers are also visible on your room tv.
There were 6-8 restaurants on the resort to choose from. The locations varied from fine dining, to quick bites. There was a delicious sushi bar in the main lobby of the hotel, along with a starbucks- which was busy around the clock. You can expect to wait 15-20 minutes to order your brew in the morning, and wait another 20 minutes for your drink.
We dined at one of the fine dining locations on our last night. We made reservations and didn’t have to wait. The food was a mix of American and Mediterranean. The bread they served before your meal was some of the best I’ve ever had. While it was amazing to leave the resort and experience some local eateries, you can still get a wide array of menus if you choose to stay on location.
Food and alcohol, in particular, were shockingly pricey, though we kept reminding ourselves that everything on the island is imported, so higher costs are to be expected. Still, coming from Missouri, the prices felt exorbitant.
The resort offers plenty of activities, from water sports to casino nights, and we enjoyed the variety.
The construction mentioned on the Costco website was a non issue for us, and it didn’t disrupt our stay at all. Overall, the resort itself is beautiful, clean, and safe, but the high costs and occasional frustrations detracted from the experience.
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The Island of Aruba: A Friendly, Safe Paradise
While the resort had its ups and downs, the island of Aruba itself was a highlight of the trip. The island is small, you can see nearly the entire thing while flying in, and it’s incredibly friendly.
The locals we met spoke impeccable English, often without accents, making communication easy and comfortable. We felt safe everywhere we went, even during long runs that took us through different parts of the island. There was very little trash, and the overall cleanliness was impressive.
The weather was another major plus. The temperature was amazing, with constant refreshing breezes that kept us comfortable even in the heat. Rain was brief and never disrupted our plans.
We were surprised by how safe and welcoming the island felt, especially compared to other destinations we’ve visited. It’s a place where you can truly relax and feel at ease.
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Diversity and Cultural Observations
One thing we noticed during our stay was the lack of diversity at the resort. Both the staff and guests seemed fairly homogenous, which stood out more than we expected.
Everyone we interacted with was friendly and professional, but it would have been nice to see more representation across both staff and visitors. For travelers who value diversity as part of the overall experience, this is worth noting.
This was not a dealbreaker for us, but it is something future guests may want to factor into their expectations, depending on what they prioritize when choosing a resort.
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Final Thoughts: A Beautiful Destination with Some Disappointments
Overall, our stay at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino was a mixed experience. The resort itself is beautiful, with plenty of pools, activities, and a safe, clean environment. The island of Aruba is a gem, friendly, safe, and stunningly beautiful, with great weather and a relaxed vibe.
That said, the rocky check in process and room downgrade left a lasting negative impression, especially for a trip that was meant to be a special anniversary celebration. The high costs of food and alcohol also added to the frustration, even though we understood the reasons behind them.
If you’re considering this resort, it helps to manage expectations, particularly when it comes to room assignments and pricing. Be prepared to negotiate if something goes wrong, and do not expect a strong sense of urgency from the staff.
Would we return? Maybe, but we would likely explore other lodging options on the island first to see if there might be a better fit. For now, we are left with memories of a beautiful destination, tempered by a resort experience that did not fully live up to expectations.
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