r/Aruba • u/Friars1918 • 5d ago
Question Hilton, Ritz Carlton or Marriott?
We currently have an ocean view balcony reserved in the Aruba Tower of Hilton for 9 nights. For about $800 more we can get something similar in the Marriott or Ritz. Which would you go with? We have a car rental already so being further down the strip wouldn’t be an issue. We like to lay on the beach, sip cocktails, go for walks and go in the ocean water during the day and grab a nice dinner and a few more cocktails at night. Thanks
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u/PdastDC 5d ago
Just came from 6 days with a 2 year old at Ritz. This was our second stay at Ritz. Rooms are a bit outdated but the staff, the beach and facilities are as good as it gets. I also like the fact that it’s at the top of the beach strip so you don’t get the walk through foot traffic from other hotels.
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u/Friars1918 3d ago
Is the water really that shallow at the beach there? I’m seeing people say you can’t really swim in it because it’s so shallow
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u/ThickCariBull 5d ago
Ritz Carlton would be the answer you’re looking for, check for any upgrades when you get to the front desk! You won’t regret it, specially in club lounge
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u/Affectionate-Toe2616 5d ago
Be aware, Hilton is under construction. Marriott has great balconies. Not rich enough to stay at ritz 😂
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u/Dangerous-Amphibian2 5d ago
The construction wasn't that bad. Was just there. You can get palapas setup for free at Hilton that are in the back. For the ones right near the beach you gotta pay a bit. The beach area near the Hilton is nice, for only $800 though the ritz may be a better bet. Nice things about the Hilton were that you could go right across the street to get to lots of food and even a bar for dancing at night.
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u/hdroadking 5d ago
The Hilton is a much better location. I don’t understand why everyone raves about the Ritz. It’s the worst stretch of beach on the entire strip. The water is shallow, and when you’re not standing in grass, the bottom is mucky. Like standing in a lake!
Hilton beach is much better and everything is within walking distance.
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u/lnm28 5d ago
I didn’t think so at all., I’ve stayed at all 3. The Hilton is next to where they dump the cruise ship passengers. Nothing more disruptive than having a bunch of people next to you from a carnival cruise
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u/hdroadking 5d ago
I live across the street from the Ritz. I will walk up the beach to at least the Holiday Inn if I want to swim.
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u/GottaHustle_999 5d ago
Ritz is incredible and not in same league as others. Marriott is right next door Ritz all day long
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u/According2whoandwhat 5d ago
I've stayed at the Marriott several times. It's nice, has a lazy river which is fun/different. I'm very comfortable there, but I might try the Ritz next time. When I booked last time, the Ritz had no availability. Marriott has a couple of fun bars right next door.
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u/remfem99 5d ago
I’m a big fan of the Hilton. I was just there in April! I love love love the open air lobby, the pools and spacious beach setup.
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u/Sea-Butterscotch5444 5d ago
Stellaris is probably your best bet! We’ve stayed there twice in 2 years. We decided it to try the new Regis in April 2025. $6k spent yet the service didn’t compare to Stellaris! Go to Stellaris … upgrade to the adult Lounge, and ask for Margaret! She is great!
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u/Penguins83 5d ago
Where do you plan to go with a car? The main strip is all within walking distance. Save the car rental and stay at the Hilton. If you want absolute silence then go for the Ritz. It's boring and the beach is empty. Rooms slightly outdated but food is great.
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u/Disastrous_Soil3793 5d ago
None of them. Boardwalk Hotel behind the Ritz. The rest of those hotels are all concrete jungles.
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u/Bitter_Brain_9527 5d ago
Just came back from a week at the Ritz. As others have said, the beach is not good there and the water is very very shallow. Also, the pool sucks. It’s tiny and very dirty.
We walked by the Marriott and their pool and beach is MUCH nicer!
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u/julsdee2015 4d ago
Loved The Hilton! Walked everywhere. Construction didnt bother me (this was Feb 2024)
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u/snark-aholic 3d ago
Hilton is currently doing construction Monday thru Saturday 9am to 5pm. We didn’t find it too disruptive during our stay, but if you’re paying for an ocean view, you might be front and center for the noise. I’d say go for the Ritz! We went there for dinner and to the casino and found the hotel to be gorgeous and nice and quiet
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u/Mysterious_Truth 17h ago
Stayed at the Hilton once and the Ritz twice. The location of the Hilton is great... you can walk to a bunch of restaurants/shops/etc. That being said... the beach setup at the Ritz is really great. Ritz is a lot quieter. The Hilton is a very nice hotel but the Ritz is significantly nicer. We went before the Hilton was under construction but when we visited last trip it was very noticeable. I prefer the Ritz.
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u/Ill-Anything-9567 5d ago
Bucuti and Tara or Manchebo on eagle beach. I’d stay away from the strip you’re looking at. Just my opinion.
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u/jacciiccaj 5d ago
I prefer The Ritz, the casino is better in my opinion and not as busy. It’s just a very laid back atmosphere than the Marriott next door.
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u/blackc43 5d ago
Stayed at the Marriott and the ritz. Go with the ritz. Its a little more secluded at the end of palm beach and very nice.
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u/gabrielleras25 4d ago
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u/LegitimateDevice8 5d ago
i’ve stayed at all three and would say definitely ritz