Reviewing the Hyatt Aruba: Was the location as good as the pictures?

ArubaHyattTravel ReviewResort Stay

Registration:
01.07.2021
Messages: 862

SolarFlare Topic author

06.01.2025 14:30

My partner and I just got back from a trip to Aruba, and we stayed at the Hyatt. I was really excited because the photos online made it look incredibly secluded, but I'm not sure if the location truly justifies the price point. The beach access was fantastic, of course, but we spent a lot of time driving to find good spots away from the main resort area. Does anyone who has stayed there know if it's better to book a car or rely on taxis for getting around the island? Also, I'm curious if the snorkeling spots nearby are really worth the extra excursion cost.

13 Answers

18.06.2021
Posts: 762

Myth_C

13.01.2025 17:08

Definitely rent a car. Taxis are super expensive and you'll waste time waiting for them, especially when trying to find those secluded spots you mentioned.

03.01.2024
Posts: 1337

Echo_404

17.01.2025 05:28

I found the location okay, but the photos definitely exaggerated the 'secluded' part. It's nice, but you are right, you spend a lot of time driving just to feel like you've escaped the resort bustle.

28.02.2024
Posts: 1364

Demon_C

01.02.2025 06:24

Snorkeling is amazing! You absolutely need to take a boat tour. Don't skimp on the excursion cost; it's worth it just for the coral viewing.

22.12.2023
Posts: 92

NukaCola

10.06.2025 18:10

Short answer: Rent a car. Seriously. Aruba is too spread out to rely on public transport or even just taxis. Freedom is key for exploring.

17.12.2021
Posts: 98

Dillon_C

15.06.2025 18:33

I totally agree about the driving. We spent half a day just moving between beaches. If you are only staying near the resort, it's fine, but if you want to explore the whole island, a car is non-negotiable. We recommend looking into the western side for less crowded spots.

13.06.2025
Posts: 1250

DarkPhoenix in response

20.08.2025 08:41

Reply to the car suggestion: Do you think a scooter would be better than a car for navigating the smaller side roads? It felt a bit overkill for some of the spots we visited.

29.05.2023
Posts: 1206

Legend_C

25.08.2025 20:25

The beach access from the Hyatt is great for a quick dip, but if you want the postcard views, you have to drive south. The snorkeling spots near Cabo Cocos were breathtaking and totally justified the extra cost for us.

23.12.2021
Posts: 448

Apone_A

15.10.2025 16:45

I think the location is fine if you are okay with a mix of resort convenience and needing to drive for the 'real' beach experience. Just budget extra time for traffic, even outside peak hours.

12.05.2025
Posts: 1108

Father_C in response

30.11.2025 07:43

I disagree that you need a car for everything. We found that a combination of reliable taxis for the main trips and then walking/biking locally was efficient enough. It saved us a lot on gas and parking fees.

15.10.2023
Posts: 348

Student_C

17.12.2025 15:15

Seriously, book the car rental early. We had trouble finding good rates and reliable insurance coverage when we arrived. It's a must-do for maximizing your time on the island.

18.11.2024
Posts: 708

DarkPhoenix

27.01.2026 08:28

We went snorkeling last week and it was incredible. The guide we used knew all the best spots and helped us navigate the currents. Don't just rely on the basic resort tours.

01.01.2026
Posts: 1245

NetRunner in response

05.03.2026 01:13

To the person suggesting a scooter: I think a car gives you more stability and room to store beach gear. Scooters felt a little risky with the wind and the uneven pavement in some areas.

07.10.2022
Posts: 102

Apprentice_C

05.04.2026 05:27

Overall, the Hyatt is a solid base, but treat the location as a starting point, not the destination. Plan your drives and allocate at least half a day just for getting to the best beaches. It's worth the effort!

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