Review of Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Was the beach hype real?

Arubaresort reviewbeach tripfamily vacation

Registration:
08.10.2022
Messages: 644

CyberPunk_2077 Topic author

03.05.2025 09:17

Just got back from a week at the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba, and I wanted to share my full experience. Overall, it was fantastic, but I think the beach itself was slightly overrated compared to the pictures. The resort amenities, especially the pool area and the kids' club, were top-notch and kept us entertained every day. The casino was fun for an evening, but I recommend focusing more on the resort activities rather than spending all your time gambling. If you are planning a trip, make sure to book an early dinner reservation because the dining options are great but get crowded quickly. We really enjoyed the snorkeling trip they organized, which was a huge highlight.

11 Answers

23.10.2023
Posts: 1021

Wife_C

22.06.2025 00:01

I totally agree about the beach. It's nice, but the resort pool area is definitely the star of the show.

21.05.2023
Posts: 642

NetRunner

18.07.2025 07:27

The pool and kids' club truly saved our trip. We spent almost every afternoon there and the staff were amazing. It was such a great family getaway experience. We felt completely taken care of from check-in to check-out. Highly recommend staying here for the amenities alone.

25.11.2021
Posts: 1254

Grandpa_C

19.07.2025 20:08

Seriously, plan ahead for dinner. We got there without a reservation and waited nearly 45 minutes just for a table. We loved the food, but the wait time ruined the vibe. Book early, trust me.

26.02.2024
Posts: 650

Cousin_C

01.08.2025 07:51

Snorkeling was breathtaking. The coral was vibrant and the fish were incredible. A must-do activity!

03.10.2022
Posts: 292

LogicBomb in response

12.08.2025 21:57

I disagree that the beach is overrated. It was perfect for a long walk and relaxing by the water. You just have to walk a little further down the stretch to find the best spots.

07.11.2022
Posts: 1386

Echo_404

01.12.2025 13:13

Overall, this resort is a fantastic blend of entertainment and relaxation. While the casino is fun for a night out, we found that dedicating our time to the resort activities, like the spa and the organized excursions, gave us a much more balanced and memorable trip. We spent hours just exploring the grounds and enjoying the various pools. It really felt like a full-service escape.

11.10.2023
Posts: 40

FireStorm

30.12.2025 12:01

Book early for dinner. It's key.

08.12.2022
Posts: 331

NeonRider in response

31.12.2025 01:50

You are so right about the dining. We found that if you book a reservation for 6 PM, you get a better table and the service is much more relaxed. Try the Italian restaurant, it was divine.

31.05.2022
Posts: 364

MoonShadow

07.01.2026 09:52

We had a wonderful time, but I think the key is balance. Don't let the promise of the perfect beach distract you from the amazing resort infrastructure. The kids loved the mini-golf, and the adults appreciated the quiet time by the adults-only pool. It's a huge resort, and there's something for everyone, provided you plan your days around the amenities rather than just the beach view.

21.10.2023
Posts: 1075

Boss_C in response

25.02.2026 00:06

Totally agree. The activities are what make it.

01.10.2024
Posts: 1272

DarkPhoenix

05.04.2026 01:14

Great trip overall. Highly recommend it for a family vacation.

Want to join the discussion?

To leave a comment, you must log in to the forum.