Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
#541
formerly a193991
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Zulu Romeo Hotel
Programs: Hyatt LT Globalist; LX SEN (*A Gold), AA LTG
Posts: 4,528
I thought renovations were completed, but it seems a 2nd phase of renovations will start in May.
"The second phase of the hotel’s transformation will see the renovation of the property’s beachfront space, highlighted by the introduction of a new beachside adults-only pool"
https://www.caribjournal.com/2019/03...t-aruba-hotel/
Adults only pool sounds great.
"The second phase of the hotel’s transformation will see the renovation of the property’s beachfront space, highlighted by the introduction of a new beachside adults-only pool"
https://www.caribjournal.com/2019/03...t-aruba-hotel/
Adults only pool sounds great.
#542
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Garden City, NY
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, National Executive Elite
Posts: 145
No the club has moved downstairs to half of the restaurant that was there. I was there for opening weekend and although it was exciting to be one of the first guests it was really not ready. It still looked very 90's like and literally was just a portion of the restaurant with a divider. I was expecting a fully renovated new club experience and it was definitely not.
The executives were bragging about the new rooms and claiming they will have the best product on the island post renovation.
I purposefully did not stay there last month after the stay in May as the hotel was down so many rooms, the staff seemed overwhelmed with the renovation and the experience was less than stellar. I will say, however, the Ritz (especially the club lounge) was a wonderful experience.
The executives were bragging about the new rooms and claiming they will have the best product on the island post renovation.
I purposefully did not stay there last month after the stay in May as the hotel was down so many rooms, the staff seemed overwhelmed with the renovation and the experience was less than stellar. I will say, however, the Ritz (especially the club lounge) was a wonderful experience.
#543
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: TX
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA Plat Pro
Posts: 446
Anyone stay recently?
I am going on Saturday and have a few questions.
1. How is the breakfast in the lounge?
2. We reserved cabanas etc via the portal. If we don't show up until 1 PM, is that an issue?
3. How is the service at the papala? I have heard it is pretty bad and we planned on just bring a cooler backpack.
Thanks!
1. How is the breakfast in the lounge?
2. We reserved cabanas etc via the portal. If we don't show up until 1 PM, is that an issue?
3. How is the service at the papala? I have heard it is pretty bad and we planned on just bring a cooler backpack.
Thanks!
#544
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 47
6th time to Aruba, but 1st time actually staying at the Hyatt. I got a good rate (possibly mistake? - all room types were listed as exact same price), so I ended up booking a family suite (for same price as standard room) for last week in May 2020. Couple days later I noticed that Family Suite does not have furnished balcony. Rates had already doubled, so could not rebook room at anywhere near rate I booked at.
Was wondering if at check in, we could "downgrade" to an oceanfront 600 sq. foot room that does have the furnished balcony. Anyone ever had any experience with that? We are Explorist status
Another question - We have always brought a small cooler (holds about 4 or 5 sodas or beers) to the palapas or pool. Is there any problem doing this at the Hyatt?
Also, used Explorist upgrade to obtain the Lounge Upgrade. Hoping it is pretty good.
Not too worried about palapa / pool chair situation. We were at Holiday Inn last year same time, last week in May. Walked through Hyatt several times and notices several empty palapas and chairs around the pool. Hoping it is same this year.
Was wondering if at check in, we could "downgrade" to an oceanfront 600 sq. foot room that does have the furnished balcony. Anyone ever had any experience with that? We are Explorist status
Another question - We have always brought a small cooler (holds about 4 or 5 sodas or beers) to the palapas or pool. Is there any problem doing this at the Hyatt?
Also, used Explorist upgrade to obtain the Lounge Upgrade. Hoping it is pretty good.
Not too worried about palapa / pool chair situation. We were at Holiday Inn last year same time, last week in May. Walked through Hyatt several times and notices several empty palapas and chairs around the pool. Hoping it is same this year.
Last edited by sg4515; Jan 10, 2020 at 2:42 pm Reason: typo
#546
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Programs: Delta Platinum, Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 319
Headed there this weekend. Used a suite upgrade and are confirmed in a Family Suite. Any Globalists get upgraded to a premium suite? Looks like a lot of suite availability. Also booked on points and had no problem doing so. Booked this in January.
#547
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: Hyatt Globlist,MarriottPlat,Hilton Gold,Delta Silver,National EE,Avis President Club, Hertz PC
Posts: 197
that's awesome trying to book last minute for early March and only club level rooms available for 33k instead of 25k are you using points or paying for room?
#548
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Programs: Delta Platinum, Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 319
I am using 25K points per night. I wanted to do 6 straight nights but only 5 were available. So, I spent one night at a different hotel. Used suite upgrade to get upgraded to family suite. Was offered Executive Suite but turned it down as there were 3 of us. Adults only pool is supposed to open next week.
#549
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: Hyatt Globlist,MarriottPlat,Hilton Gold,Delta Silver,National EE,Avis President Club, Hertz PC
Posts: 197
I am using 25K points per night. I wanted to do 6 straight nights but only 5 were available. So, I spent one night at a different hotel. Used suite upgrade to get upgraded to family suite. Was offered Executive Suite but turned it down as there were 3 of us. Adults only pool is supposed to open next week.
#550
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: PWM/KBXM/BGR; Work: DCA/DFW/Everywhere; Play: LAS/MUC/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, mlife Noir, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,630
Came here for a solo work-from-hotel week last week and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had some trepidation about coming solo to a couplesy place but it wasn't awkward at all, no trouble getting chairs set up by the beach or pool for just me, no problem eating at the local restaurants solo, and everyone was super friendly.
Rate was $279.20/night for 5 nights for a basic room. I used a confirmed globalist suite upgrade and was offered the choice of either a family suite with bunk beds or an executive suite; I took the latter.
Awkward moment when I pulled in, the valet attendant motioned for me to pull forward and then walked away. I got out of my car and said "Checking in?" and he said, "oh, I thought you were food delivery." (???) Guess I look like I drive Uber Eats. Whatever. They took the bags and I checked in.
Check in agent explained everything covid-related. Housekeeping can be either every 4 days, or twice a day, up to you. Gym is open 5a-9p with attendants to monitor distancing & a sign in sheet. No valet, so park for free in the lot across the street by the tennis court. (I used the gym, it wasn't busy.) Restaurants didn't look too appealing, seemed like standard overpriced resort food but there are ample local options within short distance. (Try tacos at Lola, Dutch snacks at Cafe 080, and slightly higher end food at reasonable prices at Bingo.)
Regency Club is the small space behind Ruinas del Mar. Instead of breakfast in there, I got breakfast off the menu at the restaurant each morning, or the buffet, but I went with menu. (Try the local Papaya or Madam Jeanette hot sauces--amazing on eggs!) There were still snacks and drinks each evening 5-7pm, but the snacks were just carrot/celery sticks with ranch and two rotating hot items (some like "meatballs" were unsavory mystery meat, but the curry potato empanadas and the coconut shrimp were actually tasty). No problem to get 4 or 5 of the local Chill beers w/ lime. (They are tiny 7 ounce beers.) Club staff were awesome, provided great tips for snorkeling and local stuff.
Jerry, the tennis pro, was fabulous. I was the only one signed up for the free clinic on Tuesday and Thursday, so those became de facto private lessons and I took another on Friday.
Room itself was fine -- 466, in the smaller tower. There was a bit of noise being located above the hot tub and water slide (as in, too loud to do a conference call a couple times, without turning on the air on high to provide white noise). But overall it was clean and fresh and housekeeping was great and the suite provided some much needed extra room for a 5 night stay.
No problem checking out at 4pm.
Adults only pool is great. Beach has outstanding sand. Sign-up system for palapas seems fair to me, just grab a free one at 4pm the day before, and then you can move up if another better one is open when you actually show up the next day.
Will almost certainly return.
Rate was $279.20/night for 5 nights for a basic room. I used a confirmed globalist suite upgrade and was offered the choice of either a family suite with bunk beds or an executive suite; I took the latter.
Awkward moment when I pulled in, the valet attendant motioned for me to pull forward and then walked away. I got out of my car and said "Checking in?" and he said, "oh, I thought you were food delivery." (???) Guess I look like I drive Uber Eats. Whatever. They took the bags and I checked in.
Check in agent explained everything covid-related. Housekeeping can be either every 4 days, or twice a day, up to you. Gym is open 5a-9p with attendants to monitor distancing & a sign in sheet. No valet, so park for free in the lot across the street by the tennis court. (I used the gym, it wasn't busy.) Restaurants didn't look too appealing, seemed like standard overpriced resort food but there are ample local options within short distance. (Try tacos at Lola, Dutch snacks at Cafe 080, and slightly higher end food at reasonable prices at Bingo.)
Regency Club is the small space behind Ruinas del Mar. Instead of breakfast in there, I got breakfast off the menu at the restaurant each morning, or the buffet, but I went with menu. (Try the local Papaya or Madam Jeanette hot sauces--amazing on eggs!) There were still snacks and drinks each evening 5-7pm, but the snacks were just carrot/celery sticks with ranch and two rotating hot items (some like "meatballs" were unsavory mystery meat, but the curry potato empanadas and the coconut shrimp were actually tasty). No problem to get 4 or 5 of the local Chill beers w/ lime. (They are tiny 7 ounce beers.) Club staff were awesome, provided great tips for snorkeling and local stuff.
Jerry, the tennis pro, was fabulous. I was the only one signed up for the free clinic on Tuesday and Thursday, so those became de facto private lessons and I took another on Friday.
Room itself was fine -- 466, in the smaller tower. There was a bit of noise being located above the hot tub and water slide (as in, too loud to do a conference call a couple times, without turning on the air on high to provide white noise). But overall it was clean and fresh and housekeeping was great and the suite provided some much needed extra room for a 5 night stay.
No problem checking out at 4pm.
Adults only pool is great. Beach has outstanding sand. Sign-up system for palapas seems fair to me, just grab a free one at 4pm the day before, and then you can move up if another better one is open when you actually show up the next day.
Will almost certainly return.
#551
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: PWM/KBXM/BGR; Work: DCA/DFW/Everywhere; Play: LAS/MUC/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, mlife Noir, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,630
Well, that didn't take long.
Came back for another week at the Hyatt and it was as great as ever. Quite busy over the weekend but calmed down during the week. Even at its busiest though, there were ample chairs at the beach and pools, and room in the hot tub.
Had one hiccup -- I was given room 366 (one floor under the room I had last time), but on the third morning I awoke to construction noise right outside my room -- they were rebuilding the roof over the second floor's extension just below my balcony. I was given a few options to deal with the problem and ended up staying in the same room another day (to keep the full balcony and the suite, because I needed the separate living area for a guest). And then I was moved to 466 the next day (the balcony on 466 is actually better furnished than 366 too). I was offered 25,000 points at checkout for the inconvenience, which more than made up for it. Nice job Hyatt.
I also received four $10 "match play" coupons to the casino (two when I checked in, and two more with the new keys). You can use two coupons per person. And I received a note under the door with a voucher for four premium drinks from the bar because I was a returning guest, which I thought was a great gesture.
Breakfast is unfortunately back to buffet (only omelets are available to anyone a la carte), but still better than a club lounge breakfast by far. Pool & beach staff were great.
Rate was a steal at $233/night, confirmed globalist upgrade into the executive suite, and quite a decent happy hour from 5 to 7 daily. The folks in the club lounge were so wonderful to me and my friends. Truly gems.
It was so good, I'm heading back again in a week.
Nothing looked different at the hotel, so here are a few pics of the island:
Craggy cliffs near Sero Colorado
In Aruba, a red Jeep essentially conveys superpowers upon the driver. I promise. I had a midsize last time, and the experience with the Jeep was indescribably better.
Just a bunch of wild asses looking at each other.
Turtles near the tres trapi.
Came back for another week at the Hyatt and it was as great as ever. Quite busy over the weekend but calmed down during the week. Even at its busiest though, there were ample chairs at the beach and pools, and room in the hot tub.
Had one hiccup -- I was given room 366 (one floor under the room I had last time), but on the third morning I awoke to construction noise right outside my room -- they were rebuilding the roof over the second floor's extension just below my balcony. I was given a few options to deal with the problem and ended up staying in the same room another day (to keep the full balcony and the suite, because I needed the separate living area for a guest). And then I was moved to 466 the next day (the balcony on 466 is actually better furnished than 366 too). I was offered 25,000 points at checkout for the inconvenience, which more than made up for it. Nice job Hyatt.
I also received four $10 "match play" coupons to the casino (two when I checked in, and two more with the new keys). You can use two coupons per person. And I received a note under the door with a voucher for four premium drinks from the bar because I was a returning guest, which I thought was a great gesture.
Breakfast is unfortunately back to buffet (only omelets are available to anyone a la carte), but still better than a club lounge breakfast by far. Pool & beach staff were great.
Rate was a steal at $233/night, confirmed globalist upgrade into the executive suite, and quite a decent happy hour from 5 to 7 daily. The folks in the club lounge were so wonderful to me and my friends. Truly gems.
It was so good, I'm heading back again in a week.
Nothing looked different at the hotel, so here are a few pics of the island:
Craggy cliffs near Sero Colorado
In Aruba, a red Jeep essentially conveys superpowers upon the driver. I promise. I had a midsize last time, and the experience with the Jeep was indescribably better.
Just a bunch of wild asses looking at each other.
Turtles near the tres trapi.
Last edited by platbrownguy; Dec 20, 2020 at 10:27 pm
#552
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 419
Thanks for these reviews, platbrownguy! I'm staying at this Hyatt over the new year -- 16,750 points per night when cash rates are over $900. I'm not much of a breakfast person but it's good to know the happy hour is decent; I'll hit my 20th night at the airport Hyatt three nights before and hope the club-access coupons post in time (I'm lowly Discoverist via the credit card but like so many will hit Globalist early in 2021 and won't need the coupons then).
This along with super-cheap fares on AA ($348 round-trip with the outbound in business -- you also helped me over in the AA forum) and astoundingly clear Covid-related protocols on the VisitAruba site (I don't think I have ever seen a government-related procedure in any country so well- and welcomingly worded, and filling out the unfortunately named ED card is a breeze) are making me more and more glad I've chosen to go to Aruba.
Seth
This along with super-cheap fares on AA ($348 round-trip with the outbound in business -- you also helped me over in the AA forum) and astoundingly clear Covid-related protocols on the VisitAruba site (I don't think I have ever seen a government-related procedure in any country so well- and welcomingly worded, and filling out the unfortunately named ED card is a breeze) are making me more and more glad I've chosen to go to Aruba.
Seth
#553
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: BOS
Programs: Hyatt Glob/UA Gold
Posts: 601
Thanks
#554
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: PWM/KBXM/BGR; Work: DCA/DFW/Everywhere; Play: LAS/MUC/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, mlife Noir, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,630
Thanks for these reviews, platbrownguy! I'm staying at this Hyatt over the new year -- 16,750 points per night when cash rates are over $900. I'm not much of a breakfast person but it's good to know the happy hour is decent; I'll hit my 20th night at the airport Hyatt three nights before and hope the club-access coupons post in time (I'm lowly Discoverist via the credit card but like so many will hit Globalist early in 2021 and won't need the coupons then).
This along with super-cheap fares on AA ($348 round-trip with the outbound in business -- you also helped me over in the AA forum) and astoundingly clear Covid-related protocols on the VisitAruba site (I don't think I have ever seen a government-related procedure in any country so well- and welcomingly worded, and filling out the unfortunately named ED card is a breeze) are making me more and more glad I've chosen to go to Aruba.
Seth
This along with super-cheap fares on AA ($348 round-trip with the outbound in business -- you also helped me over in the AA forum) and astoundingly clear Covid-related protocols on the VisitAruba site (I don't think I have ever seen a government-related procedure in any country so well- and welcomingly worded, and filling out the unfortunately named ED card is a breeze) are making me more and more glad I've chosen to go to Aruba.
Seth
To clarify on the happy hour, the booze is beer (Chill or Balashi), wine (2 whites and 1-2 reds), and French sparkling wine (not Champagne but a perfectly serviceable vin mousseux). It's all you can drink, and my friends and I merrily put away 2+ bottles of the sparkling wine a night. The food is 2 hot items + 1 cold item, individually plated but you can ask for as much as you want. The best hot items are the coconut shrimp, chicken sate, and brie puff pastries. The letdowns are the "chicken"-and-waffle bites (it's more of a chicken meatball), and the meatballs. It's all on a rotating basis, 2 items each day. The cold item is a crudite box with either ranch or blue cheese dressing. The vegetables were actually nice and fresh (tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, broccoli, etc.) so that was a good way to eat our veggies every day.
I visited Cafe 080 twice again, Bingo once, and Lola twice, and I continue to recommend all of them. I also enjoyed the vibe at the Yolo bar (walkable). (PM me if you want other recs... I've now driven >300 miles on the island, picked up a bit of Papiamento, and gotten to know the place reasonably well.)
Great review, thanks. We stayed at the RC down the beach a few years ago but really liked the looks of this place and I'd love to check it out as a future Globalist later in 2021. I'm new to Hyatt- by confirmed globalist upgrade, do you mean using one of the Milestone Rewards suite upgrade certs? Or was this a globalist complimentary upgrade? The executive suite is a premium suite, right? This seems like a pretty big jump for a suite upgrade.
Thanks
Thanks
I am so glad I picked this place when I came in August the first time. The Ritz wasn't much more $$, but the location of the Hyatt seemed better (it is), and the pool situation seemed better (I can't compare, but the Hyatt pools really are top notch). And the confirmable suite upgrade was the clincher. The windows on the island-facing side of the Ritz are also really small. I'm sure the balcony rooms are fine but I'd hate to be stuck in a dated room with a tiny window at the Ritz. Even though the exec suite at the Hyatt is back a fair distance from the ocean, it's still plainly visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
#555
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: BOS
Programs: Hyatt Glob/UA Gold
Posts: 601
I am so glad I picked this place when I came in August the first time. The Ritz wasn't much more $$, but the location of the Hyatt seemed better (it is), and the pool situation seemed better (I can't compare, but the Hyatt pools really are top notch). And the confirmable suite upgrade was the clincher. The windows on the island-facing side of the Ritz are also really small. I'm sure the balcony rooms are fine but I'd hate to be stuck in a dated room with a tiny window at the Ritz. Even though the exec suite at the Hyatt is back a fair distance from the ocean, it's still plainly visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
We also got an amazing deal on an enormous ocean front suite with 5th night free from RC and 4th night free from the Citi Prestige. But I got the impression the regular rooms weren't that special, especially if they were not ocean facing. As a Globalist I don't think the Ritz would be worth it, maybe just a day or two to experience the beach.