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Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino {ABW}
Posts older than 2016 rebranding as a Hilton for this OPEN THREAD can be found in the
ARCHIVE THREAD for Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino Links to moved posts should still work. Kiwi Flyer Hilton HHonors forum co-moderator |
Have some friends staying here in a couple of weeks using a US Govt rate. She is HH Gold. She called the hotel with a couple of questions regarding the hotel. When she inquired about her chances of an upgrade at check-in, she was told since she was using a Govt. rate they would not upgrade her. Anyone had any experiences getting upgraded as a gold?
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Absolutely. Breakfast at Gilligans every day was a great part of our trip! Loved it there every morning!
- John... |
When I called the hotel, I talked with the manager on duty. We received our 3 Hilton reservations (staying for 6 nights). She was very friendly and assured us that all Diamond benefits apply. She said that if we can not be accommodated in the lounge, we will receive a coupon for a free appetizer and drink each night. Guess we'll see this Sunday. Anyone know if the lounge has s dress code? Shorts and button up t-shirt ok?
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Trouble in Paradise...
Just completed a 4-night stay as an HH gold at this property. We had booked an Executive Level, partial ocean view room in January 2016. As is the case with most Hilton properties, a room on the Exec level is significantly more expensive that the same room on a lower floor.
Upon arrival, we were given a 6th floor standard room, partial view and passes for the lounge. When we complained about not being on an Executive level, we were told that the hotel has done away with "Executive floor" rooms. Three separate conversations at the front desk and a demand to speak with the manager resulted in us being transferred to the seventh floor, full ocean view room. The seventh floor was an Executive floor (the lounge is on the eighth floor). Needless to say, the new room had better/nicer amenities than what we had on 6. For example, new room had a massive lounging chair with integrated ottoman, bathrobes in the closet, etc. I recognize that the hotel may change the classifications of the rooms but not honoring previous reservations that guests paid a premium for is an unadulterated bait-and-switch. In contrast, when I have stayed at other Hilton properties, the staff went out of their way to upgrade us and treat us well (I'm looking at you London Hilton Tower Bridge!). At the Hilton Aruba I feel that the hotel intentionally tried to downgrade us on the sly. As for the lounge, it was great during breakfast and evening reception. Tea time was rather pathetic and snacks had to be requested during this time. Most of the lounge staff was awesome, however one supervisor there was dreadful and seemed to try to discourage us and everyone else from using the lounge. On 2 of the 4 days we got breakfast coupons to eat in the restaurant, which is supposed to be at Laguna's. The passes can also be accepted at Gilligan's, which is where we ate. If taking breakfast at Gilligan's, be sure to show the coupons to the wait staff prior to seating because some of them know how to ring them up and others don't. Other highlights of the trip were the awesome beach and the aviary. Pepe the Cockatoo was especially friendly and entertaining. For those that need it, there is a Dunkin' Donuts at the edge of the property on the beach. It is on the dock between the Hilton and the Riu, which is the hotel on the adjacent property. As for condition of the property, our rooms were satisfactory but showing signs of age. Typical with Caribbean style, there is a lot of dark wood in the rooms and scratches tend to show easily. The maintenance department has been generous with the caulk in the bathrooms over the years. The open-air lobby is lovely but we also got a glimpse of the Marriott lobby which is enclosed and air conditioned. I would rate the Marriott's lobby half a star nicer. Reserving a Palapa (large fixed beach umbrella made of palms) is recommended. You can reserve a Palapa for the next day if you queue up for 4:00 p.m. assignment at the towel hut. Some people get on line early for this (i.e. 3:15) but we waited until the line subsided (4:20) and got one every day. In summary, this property has the potential to be awesome but we got off to a bad start with not being given the Executive Level room that we paid for immediately upon check-in. Feel free to post any questions or comments - we greatly appreciated the info from previous guests and would like to pay it forward. SilverGoat |
SilverGoat--You mentioned Marriott( we also got a glimpse of the Marriott lobby) -- how does the beach compare?
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Aruba Marriott vs. Hilton
The beaches are virtually identical. The Marriott Stellaris also has the same Palapa umbrellas, both have food & beverage service on the beach.
The Hilton's pool area seemed a bit larger, but the Marriott had more restaurants/bars near the beach to choose from. Lastly, the Marriott had a fair amount of seaweed in the shallow water, the Hilton had less. You can't go wrong with either one. |
Originally Posted by SilverGoat
(Post 26491069)
The beaches are virtually identical. The Marriott Stellaris also has the same Palapa umbrellas, both have food & beverage service on the beach.
The Hilton's pool area seemed a bit larger, but the Marriott had more restaurants/bars near the beach to choose from. Lastly, the Marriott had a fair amount of seaweed in the shallow water, the Hilton had less. You can't go wrong with either one. |
Originally Posted by SPLP007
(Post 26490447)
SilverGoat--You mentioned Marriott( we also got a glimpse of the Marriott lobby) -- how does the beach compare?
When you check in at the Hilton.. they give everyone a card to make charges to your room.. If you are gold member they will be CB on that card for continental breakfast. We used the credit to eat some days at Gilligans and some at Laguna Buffet. Also asked for an upgrade and got a suite. After renovations this place will be great... |
Palapas can be reserved at both properties. I do not know the costs at the Marriott, but the Hilton charges $40 per day for a waterfront palapa (further from the water is less expensive). Reserve it the day before at the towel hut before 3:00 p.m.
And I agree with gogiantsfan11, after some renovations the Hilton will be awesome. |
Originally Posted by SilverGoat
(Post 26508018)
Palapas can be reserved at both properties. I do not know the costs at the Marriott, but the Hilton charges $40 per day for a waterfront palapa (further from the water is less expensive). Reserve it the day before at the towel hut before 3:00 p.m.
And I agree with gogiantsfan11, after some renovations the Hilton will be awesome. |
I do not know the details of reserving a palapa in advance at the Marriott. We stayed that the Hilton and learned the routine for that property, which is that you can reserve a specific one for a fee in advance. Reserving for a fee must be completed by 3:00 p.m. the day before (I don't know how far in advance you can do this, but if you're willing to pay in advance, I suspect that the Hilton will gladly accept!). At 4:00 p.m. you can reserve a palapa at the Hilton for no charge, on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is why people queue up starting at 3:30 - you can usually get a waterfront location if you are early. We were happy with NOT waiting on line and getting a palapa further back. The upside for us was that we were closer to the pool, restroom and restaurants.
While in Aruba we caught up with some friends that were staying at the Marriott and we went to their property and hung out on the beach with them. My impression was that the Marriott also offered reserving a palapa in advance for a fee but I do not know the specific procedure or how far in advance this can be done. |
Considering this property or the Hyatt. Am Diamond with both. Can anyone thats been to both provide a comparison? Thanks in advance.
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Originally Posted by gogiantsfan11
(Post 26504261)
IMO.. The beach area in front of the Hllton is much better then the Marriott. I have found the Marriott to be more crowded.. More likely to have a slimy bottom.
When you check in at the Hilton.. they give everyone a card to make charges to your room.. If you are gold member they will be CB on that card for continental breakfast. We used the credit to eat some days at Gilligans and some at Laguna Buffet. In any case, I asked if we could do Gilligan's instead of the Lounge and was told no -- only if the lounge was completely full. That being said, I ended up being glad the way it worked out -- because the Exec Lounge breakfast (and especially the 5-7pm evening time) turned out to be great! - John... |
Great review!
How did you transit from the airport to the hotel? What are some of the options available? |
We have always taken a taxi from the airport to the hotel. The price is set at US$25. From what I hear, they will take up to 5 people in one taxi. If you have more than 5, you need to take more than one.
I don't know of any other options. When you exit the airport, go to the LEFT and you'll see the line of taxis. There are metal poles/fences to get people to line up properly. Usually, there is a guy there asking you how many people and where you are going -- then he'll call up the next cab. It's pretty organized (as long as people actually get in the line-up area instead of just walking straight to the curb -- which some are tempted to do as they exit the airport). But, again, just go left, get in line, and you'll be all set. Same thing coming back -- basically, if your flight is pretty much any normal time, you just walk outside your hotel after checkout and there will be a taxi sitting there ready to take you back to the airport. Note that, in general, they want you to the airport 3 hours ahead of time. This can vary and there is lots of discussion about this elsewhere if you want to search. Sometimes, you're through the airport and at your gate in 30 minutes. Sometimes, it is 2.5 hours. So, to be safe, believe the 3 hours unless you KNOW it is a less popular time (i.e. first thing in the morning). If you haven't been to Aruba before, leaving is a unique experience (if you're going back to the USA). Basically, you go through the normal Aruba side of things as you're leaving the airport... So, you check your bags at the counter, go through security and such -- like you would leaving any country. But THEN you go and PICK UP YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE AGAIN! You then take it through USA immigration/customs right there in the airport! Once you've done all that, you put it back on a conveyor belt to go onto your plane. Then you go to your gate like usual. Basically, you do the country-exiting AND USA immigration and customs right there in the airport. What that means is that when you get back to your USA destination, you get to arrive with the other normal domestic flights. No customs/immigration at the arriving airport. Pretty slick! (But that's why you have to get there so early.) - John... |
John, you are awesome! Thank you for such a detailed explanation.
Its my 1st time there with the misses. We are going for 6 nights (all at Hilton) and this was the only item on my list to plan out.
Originally Posted by jgoggan
(Post 26540056)
We have always taken a taxi from the airport to the hotel. The price is set at US$25. From what I hear, they will take up to 5 people in one taxi. If you have more than 5, you need to take more than one.
I don't know of any other options. When you exit the airport, go to the LEFT and you'll see the line of taxis. There are metal poles/fences to get people to line up properly. Usually, there is a guy there asking you how many people and where you are going -- then he'll call up the next cab. It's pretty organized (as long as people actually get in the line-up area instead of just walking straight to the curb -- which some are tempted to do as they exit the airport). But, again, just go left, get in line, and you'll be all set. Same thing coming back -- basically, if your flight is pretty much any normal time, you just walk outside your hotel after checkout and there will be a taxi sitting there ready to take you back to the airport. Note that, in general, they want you to the airport 3 hours ahead of time. This can vary and there is lots of discussion about this elsewhere if you want to search. Sometimes, you're through the airport and at your gate in 30 minutes. Sometimes, it is 2.5 hours. So, to be safe, believe the 3 hours unless you KNOW it is a less popular time (i.e. first thing in the morning). If you haven't been to Aruba before, leaving is a unique experience (if you're going back to the USA). Basically, you go through the normal Aruba side of things as you're leaving the airport... So, you check your bags at the counter, go through security and such -- like you would leaving any country. But THEN you go and PICK UP YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE AGAIN! You then take it through USA immigration/customs right there in the airport! Once you've done all that, you put it back on a conveyor belt to go onto your plane. Then you go your gate like usual. Basically, you do the country-exiting AND USA immigration and customs right there in the airport. What that means is that when you get back to your USA destination, you get to arrive with the other normal domestic flights. No customs/immigration at the arriving airport. Pretty slick! (But that's why you have to get there so early.) - John... |
Originally Posted by jgoggan
(Post 26540056)
We have always taken a taxi from the airport to the hotel. The price is set at US$25. From what I hear, they will take up to 5 people in one taxi. If you have more than 5, you need to take more than one.
I don't know of any other options. When you exit the airport, go to the LEFT and you'll see the line of taxis. There are metal poles/fences to get people to line up properly. Usually, there is a guy there asking you how many people and where you are going -- then he'll call up the next cab. It's pretty organized (as long as people actually get in the line-up area instead of just walking straight to the curb -- which some are tempted to do as they exit the airport). But, again, just go left, get in line, and you'll be all set. Same thing coming back -- basically, if your flight is pretty much any normal time, you just walk outside your hotel after checkout and there will be a taxi sitting there ready to take you back to the airport. Note that, in general, they want you to the airport 3 hours ahead of time. This can vary and there is lots of discussion about this elsewhere if you want to search. Sometimes, you're through the airport and at your gate in 30 minutes. Sometimes, it is 2.5 hours. So, to be safe, believe the 3 hours unless you KNOW it is a less popular time (i.e. first thing in the morning). If you haven't been to Aruba before, leaving is a unique experience (if you're going back to the USA). Basically, you go through the normal Aruba side of things as you're leaving the airport... So, you check your bags at the counter, go through security and such -- like you would leaving any country. But THEN you go and PICK UP YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE AGAIN! You then take it through USA immigration/customs right there in the airport! Once you've done all that, you put it back on a conveyor belt to go onto your plane. Then you go your gate like usual. Basically, you do the country-exiting AND USA immigration and customs right there in the airport. What that means is that when you get back to your USA destination, you get to arrive with the other normal domestic flights. No customs/immigration at the arriving airport. Pretty slick! (But that's why you have to get there so early.) - John... He will meet you post customs with a sign with your name and help with everything. Friendly and easy going. Just email him and make arrangements. http://www.arubabound.com/transp/bully.htm Same with the airport return. He just makes a great start/end to your vacation |
I notice that the Team USA rate does not incur the 14.5% nightly service charge but all other rates (AAA, Best, etc.) do. Please note this charge is different than the 9.5% nightly tax.
I assume the service charge rate removal was negotiated specifically by Team USA - but want to be sure that the service charge won't be assessed after the fact. I checked the "rate details" page and it doesn't show for Team USA but does for AAA, Best Available, Honors Sale rate, etc. Anyone have any experience here? Can I trust this service charge won't be assessed if it doesn't show within the "rate details"? |
Stay Report - 5/20 - 5/22
https://photos.smugmug.com/Travel/Ar...IMG_5768-L.jpg Location: The hotel is located an easy 15 minute drive from AUA. Getting out of the airport can be a little tricky at night (it involves a few roundabouts) but once you get through Orjanstadt it's a straight shot and the hotel is easily visible from the road. Nearby are a bunch of touristy restaurants (a Hooters, a Benihana, a Hard Rock Cafe), some gas stations and fast food places, and a half mile to the east, two great places to eat, Linda's Dutch Pancake House and the Old Cunucu House Hotel: A really beautiful property. The lobby is in an expansive open air setup which leads directly to the beach. There are two pools, a poolside bar, a coffee shop and a couple of other stores and a restaurant in the lobby. Also, the 8th floor has a small executive lounge. Do note that there is no valet parking, and while self parking is free, the lot is very small and spots can be hard to come by. Check In: Handled very well by a friendly agent. He told us we'd been upgraded to a junior suite before I could ask and explained all the benefits of the hotel. We were offered discounts on spa treatments, free slot play in the casino and a list of what the hotel offered. https://photos.smugmug.com/Travel/Ar...IMG_5735-L.jpg Room: Definitely more junior than suite, but having the couch and the full dining room table was nice. Wifi worked well, the bed was comfortable and there were plenty of outlets. The bathroom was a little small and the shower water temperature had a habit of switching from freezing cold to boiling hot at a moment's notice. Also, the room had a really odd smell to it. https://photos.smugmug.com/Travel/Ar...IMG_5726-L.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Travel/Ar...IMG_5727-L.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Travel/Ar...IMG_5728-L.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Travel/Ar...IMG_5738-L.jpg Lounge: On the 8th Floor is a small lounge. It serves breakfast from 7-11, tea from 3-5 and appetizers from 5-7. I only went for breakfast but it was very good. Hot dishes were scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, pancakes and they also made eggs and omelets to order. Service up there was great too. https://photos.smugmug.com/Travel/Ar...IMG_5739-L.jpg Beach/Pool: The pools are only open during the day. The beach is wonderful. When you arrive at the beach if you go to the towel hut you get one towel per person. You can reserve a cabana at the pool or umbrella on the beach the day before (the line starts at 4 PM). We had no trouble snagging a beach umbrella at 10 AM. Waiters come around offering drinks (they're REALLY expensive...about $10 for a Pina Colada) and you can also do a number of watersports and parasailing. https://photos.smugmug.com/Travel/Ar...IMG_5742-L.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Travel/Ar...IMG_5743-L.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Travel/Ar...IMG_5745-L.jpg My rate was $140/night thanks to the Hilton flash sale. I really loved this hotel, service was great, so was the beach, and the room minus the funky smell was decent enough. I'd love to be back. |
i've been looking to book a 5 night award stay at this property.
prices are decent for november and december 2016 (considering we live in a post devaluation world)... generally around 60,000 a night. but searching for february 2017, prices are outrageous... the cheapest room is 158,000 - 172,000 points a night. i stayed here many times when it was the radisson... probably as many as 100 nights... and its a lovely property. i don't care how much money hilton has put into it or how they have improved it... it ain't no 158,000 points a night property... even in the dead of winter. i can stay at a hilton property in one of the most expensive cities in world, london, at half the rate (or less) year round. are those real prices or have they just not figured out how to price this property yet? |
Originally Posted by UK Stages
(Post 26745529)
are those real prices or have they just not figured out how to price this property yet?
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amazingly, those are for their basic rooms... king bed and king bed garden view.
interestingly, on a few select nights in november, i did just see they have an "hhonors special" for 47,800 points... that's before the hhonors VIP five night discount... and that's for a king partial ocean view. so you could actually pay less for that room than the basic room. in any event, i think it may be too soon to speculate on what the prices/points may be for february 2017... i don't think they have occupancy or yield figured out yet and i think they've just set prices and points ridiculously high to avoid dealing with it in the short term... or to test the waters. |
Does Hilton do any form of comps or discounts for those intending on gambling? I have some pull with Harrah's, but they don't have a property in Aruba.
This question is for this property, or any other Hilton properties with a casino. If yes, how would one pursue this? |
When staying for "free" using HH points, do you have to pay taxes/fees for your stay?
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Originally Posted by TravelinSperry
(Post 26628698)
I notice that the Team USA rate does not incur the 14.5% nightly service charge but all other rates (AAA, Best, etc.) do. Please note this charge is different than the 9.5% nightly tax.
I assume the service charge rate removal was negotiated specifically by Team USA - but want to be sure that the service charge won't be assessed after the fact. I checked the "rate details" page and it doesn't show for Team USA but does for AAA, Best Available, Honors Sale rate, etc. Anyone have any experience here? Can I trust this service charge won't be assessed if it doesn't show within the "rate details"? |
Originally Posted by jgoggan
(Post 26538223)
We are a Hilton Diamond member. Some notes:
1. Asked for an upgrade at check-in and they checked, but said that no ocean-view rooms were available. So, we took our assigned Garden View room in the Bonaire Tower. It actually ended up having a great view of the garden area and even had a partial ocean view anyhow. 2. Without asking, we were told at check-in that we could use the Executive Lounge and were given the card with "EL" on it. (When we visited in October, the Lounge was not open at the time and I had to argue with them a bit to get them to give us a card with "CB" (Continental Breakfast) on it. As many people know, they have fluctuated back and forth a bit about honoring Hilton status with CC bookings. Right now, they seem to be fine with it. - John... No upgrade either. And one of the pools is under construction. A poor start :mad: |
Originally Posted by TravelinSperry
(Post 26816718)
I am a Diamond member and was told I am not allowed to use the Executive Lounge. I asked multiple times and the check in lady said only for people who book the "8th floor". Doesn't even seem like there are 8 floors here. Is this incorrect? Should I ask to speak to a manager? Also, my card has the words "EP" on it. What does that mean?
No upgrade either. And one of the pools is under construction. A poor start :mad: |
Originally Posted by CMK10
(Post 26817836)
During my stay last month I wasn't booked on the 8th floor, I'd escalate the situation. Sorry to hear about the lack of upgrade and closed pool though :(
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Just an fyi for those of you who are Diamonds and who used to get executive club lounge usage here as such. As of June 20, 2016 the property has discontinued allowing Diamonds access to the lounge and has renamed it to Royal Palm Club. So be forewarned if you choose this property you will solely receive comp breakfast and internet but no lounge access.
The property said they were seeing up to 20 Diamonds and their families per day and their small lounge couldn't support such numbers. |
Originally Posted by TravelinSperry
(Post 26827010)
Just an fyi for those of you who are Diamonds and who used to get executive club lounge usage here as such. As of June 20, 2016 the property has discontinued allowing Diamonds access to the lounge and has renamed it to Royal Palm Club. So be forewarned if you choose this property you will solely receive comp breakfast and internet but no lounge access.
The property said they were seeing up to 20 Diamonds and their families per day and their small lounge couldn't support such numbers. |
Originally Posted by scubaccr
(Post 26827695)
Sounds like this hotel was forced to act due to number of HHDs. Wonder what %age are real HHD and recent zero stay matches, and thus if it is current HH match offer to blame.
which is far too high |
There's no reason to start deciding it's new Diamonds or credit card Diamonds or anything else. The lounge is small and also there's a chance that the reason the hotel has come up with isn't truthful.
Whatever it is, I'm not happy with this move and may choose to stay at the Hyatt or Marriott next time I'm there. |
Originally Posted by CMK10
(Post 26827850)
There's no reason to start deciding it's new Diamonds or credit card Diamonds or anything else. The lounge is small and also there's a chance that the reason the hotel has come up with isn't truthful.
Whatever it is, I'm not happy with this move and may choose to stay at the Hyatt or Marriott next time I'm there. |
MASTER THREAD Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino---
With mods permission I thought the seamless thing would be a new thread starting
Aruba--- July 2016 and later . The current thread is it seems majority of thread is 1- early posts speculation about what property will be like 2- complaint about Carson bookings being "recognized" for HH status , esp diamond. Hence most of the posts on that thread are sort of moot and academic at this point. Now we can have a master thread for the HILTON Aruba. |
Posts relating to prior to the hotel rebranding as a Hilton in 2016, including discussion of Hilton HHonors benefits on stays post-rebranding on bookings made pre-rebranding, have been moved to an archive thread.
Kiwi Flyer FT Hilton HHonors forum co-moderator |
Originally Posted by TravelinSperry
(Post 26827010)
Just an fyi for those of you who are Diamonds and who used to get executive club lounge usage here as such. As of June 20, 2016 the property has discontinued allowing Diamonds access to the lounge and has renamed it to Royal Palm Club. So be forewarned if you choose this property you will solely receive comp breakfast and internet but no lounge access.
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Looks like the lounge is indeed now for people paying for it only:
Hi all, Thank you for posting about this - we were able to get in touch with the property, and here's what we found out: Due to unique market and competitive conditions, the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino has opted to differentiate its lounge from the standard Executive Lounge one would find at other Hilton properties. Guests who book a specialized rate through the Palm Beach Club will experience an array of exclusive amenities and services, including an enhanced lounge. Additional information about The Palm Beach Club’s collection of guest rooms and suites can be found here. Thanks again, Lauren Very disappointing and it's enough to make me not want to stay there anymore. |
Originally Posted by CMK10
(Post 26942687)
Looks like the lounge is indeed now for people paying for it only:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26933091-post544.html Very disappointing and it's enough to make me not want to stay there anymore. |
I see this as a very dangerous precedent. What is to say other properties e.g., Hilton Budapest or Conrad Hong Kong, claiming “Due to unique market and competitive conditions…..” initiate similar changes? Where does it stop?
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