feeb1

Just returned from a stay at Hyatt Aruba. The line item that's called "Resort Charge" actually seems to be an additional tax -- it's not a standard per-day amount like typical "resort fees" are, but it's 15% of the room rate. This is in addition to a 10.925% Room Tax.

gogiantsfan11

Hyatt Aruba does not seem to be offering the hotel on points anymore. Very disappointed a great go to place in the middle of the Northeast winter.

MNHunter

I just noticed that too. Loved this hotel when we were there last year

youvesaiditall

FWIW, I am seeing rooms bookable for points (25k/nt) in June.

cayann26

Does anybody have an update on the new renovations?
Is the club on the 9th floor still?

bas5838

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.

MNHunter

Now they don't have to "waste" the rooms on the 9th floor for people with lounge access. They can charge more for the "high floor" premium rooms, stuff the lounge access people on the 2nd floor looking at the street. FWIW I loved this hotel when we went in 2016. Too bad they have gone the way of the Andaz Maui playing games and restricting rooms.

59Impala

Now that the renovations are completed (https://www.caribjournal.com/2018/08...t-a-makeover/#), does anybody have any experience with the new RC lounge? Is there outdoor seating now on the ground floor?

can't decide between PH St. Kitts, Zilara Jamaica and Aruba....

thanks for any comments.

gogiantsfan11

I just got back from Hyatt Aruba. 3rd time this year. The renovations are 100% not done at all. They are working on floors 2-5 thru the end of the November and the upper floors have been 1/2 done. The shipping continer with the new beds and furniture art work and area rug have not come it. Did not bother us. Love Aruba.

number41

My wife and I have been staying at this Hyatt for many years and have been through multiple renovation cycles. Are all the renovations on the interior (i.e.rooms only) this time? We are planning a stay in late November after Thanksgiving and would like to avoid hearing any outdoor construction while sitting on the beach or by the pool.

Also, exactly what space is the Regency Club in now that it's been moved from the 9th floor? What was there previously?

59Impala

It seems renovations are now really really really completed:
https://www.caribjournal.com/2019/01...m-renovation/#

msg75

Trying to make sense of this.

Looking at a 5-night stay Feb 28-Mar 5. Website shows 1 King w/Club access @ $658 avg rate broken down @ $757.02 night 1, $632.02 nights 2-5: grand total $4,154.26 w/taxes+fees.

Out of curiosity I checked for a 6-night stay Feb 28-Mar 6. Same 1 King w/Club access @ $508 avg rate broken down @ $540.70 night 1, $500.70 nights 2-6: grand total $3,854.41 w/taxes+fees.

Can anyone explain this?

CopperSteve

Echoing earlier posts about lack of points availability. Staying one night next month using my Cat 1-7 certificate. Points reservation unavailable for the second night.

msg75

Still trying to figure out this pricing.

Of course I would use points if I could, but got the expected: "Unfortunately, this hotel is not accepting World of Hyatt points or award during those dates. Explore our other rates or modify your search."

afmiami

I just returned from a long weekend at HR Aruba. Some data points:
-I used points for my stay (res. made last November) and used a globalist suite upgrade - they gave us a standard suite, partial ocean views. Oddly, suite had a second little bedroom with bunk beds. One bathroom with just shower and single sink. Decent size living room, large TV in living and bedroom. Wet bar. Empty minibar, cheap coffee machine
-they did NOT charge me any resort fee or resort charge
-Regency Club on the ground floor (no outside space) - Sufficient breakfast spread, nothing special though. Hors d'oeuvres 5-7 pm, just ok in my opinion. Club closed at 8 pm. It can be crowded but I always found seats available
-Room renovation is done. Furniture looks cheap, however it is my first time in Aruba, as I understand the hotels' standard is different here compared to other Caribbean destinations. Cleanliness of room was very good, however.
-Common grounds of property are beautiful and well kept.
-I found the policy of reserving beach/pool chairs and/or umbrellas to be not 4 stars (particularly to pay $50 extra just to get one or 2 chairs) but again, I guess it is common in Aruba.
-Associates are in general friendly and helpful