Entry No. 82 · Noord, Aruba
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba
A lively all-inclusive option on Palm Beach with three pools, a casino, and nightly entertainment — the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba punches above its IHG tier.
- Brand
- IHG · Holiday Inn
- Tier
- Upscale
- Room
- Ocean View Room
- Cash
- $200–350 / night
- Points
- 30,000–50,000
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Location
The Holiday Inn Resort Aruba sits directly on Palm Beach, one of the Caribbean’s most famous stretches of white sand. The high-rise hotel strip is walkable, with restaurants, shops, and casinos within minutes on foot. Eagle Beach — frequently ranked among the world’s best — is a short taxi or bus ride south. Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) is approximately 15 minutes away.
AddressJ.E. Irausquin Boulevard 230, Palm Beach, Noord, Aruba
Phone+297 586-3600
The Property
The Holiday Inn Resort Aruba is a sprawling beachfront complex with a resort-like atmosphere that belies its Holiday Inn branding. The property features three swimming pools (including one with a swim-up bar), a casino, live nightly entertainment, four restaurants, and direct access to Palm Beach. The grounds are well-maintained with tropical landscaping. While the buildings show their age in spots, the overall experience is vibrant, family-friendly, and fun.
Check-In
Check-in can be busy during peak season as families arrive in waves. The staff is warm and welcoming — Aruban hospitality is genuine. IHG Platinum and Diamond Elite members receive recognition, though upgrades at a resort property can be limited during high-occupancy periods. An all-inclusive option is available and worth considering for families.
Ocean View Room
The Ocean View room is basic but clean and functional. A comfortable queen or king bed, flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, and a balcony with ocean views. The decor is tropical-casual and the furnishings are dated compared to newer Caribbean resorts. The balcony is the room’s best feature — watching the sunset over Palm Beach with a drink in hand makes up for any cosmetic shortcomings. Note that walls are thin and noise from neighboring rooms can be an issue.
Bathroom
The bathroom is compact with a shower/tub combo, single vanity, and basic toiletries. Clean and functional but nothing special. The fixtures and finishes are older, consistent with the property’s age. It does the job for a beach resort where you spend most of your time outdoors.
Views
Ocean-facing rooms deliver beautiful views of Palm Beach and the turquoise Caribbean water. The sunsets from the balcony are stunning — Aruba’s location in the Southern Caribbean means the sun sets over the ocean from the west-facing Palm Beach side.
Restaurants & Bars
Sea Breeze (Breakfast)
The main buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all-inclusive guests. The breakfast spread is generous with fresh tropical fruits, pastries, eggs, bacon, and local Aruban specialties. Quality is solid for an all-inclusive — above average for the category.
Corals
A beachfront restaurant and bar serving Caribbean-inspired dishes and cocktails with your feet in the sand. The fish tacos and frozen drinks are excellent poolside fare. The oceanfront setting elevates simple food into something special.
Vacanza
An Italian restaurant on property serving pasta, pizzas, and grilled items. A nice change of pace from the buffet, with outdoor seating under the stars. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Bottom Line
The Holiday Inn Resort Aruba is not a luxury resort, and expectations should be calibrated accordingly. What it delivers is tremendous fun — direct Palm Beach access, multiple pools, nightly entertainment, a casino, and a lively resort atmosphere at a fraction of the price of neighboring Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt properties. It is an excellent choice for families who want an active, all-inclusive Caribbean vacation without breaking the bank. The location on Palm Beach alone makes it a winner.
Value
| Cash rate | $200–350 / night |
|---|---|
| Award cost | 30,000–50,000 |
| Implied cpp | 0.69¢ |
Cash rates average $200-$350/night for room-only, with all-inclusive packages adding $100-$150/person/day. IHG Rewards points redemptions run approximately 30,000-50,000 points per night. At an average cash rate of $275, a 40,000-point redemption yields approximately 0.69 cents per point — well above the 0.5cpp threshold, making this a strong IHG points redemption. During holiday weeks (Christmas, spring break), cash rates can exceed $500/night, making points an exceptional value. Book Holiday Inn Resort Aruba through Scott & Thomas