Barcelo Aruba: Hotel Review

The Barceló Aruba All Inclusive resort offers a variety of experiences for travelers seeking a Caribbean getaway. Located on the Dutch island of Aruba, this beachfront property attracts thousands of visitors annually with its all-inclusive package and oceanfront location.

Guest reviews reveal sharply divided opinions about the resort’s value and service quality. Some travelers describe it as one of Aruba’s best hotels, while others warn against booking due to poor value for money.

Location

Barceló Aruba sits on Palm Beach, one of Aruba’s most popular tourist areas. The hotel provides direct beach access to white sand and clear waters.

The property occupies a prime spot along the high-rise hotel strip. Guests can walk to restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues within minutes.

Nearby attractions include Palm Beach Plaza mall, Butterfly Farm, Ostrich Farm, and California Lighthouse, which is a short drive away.

The hotel is about 15 minutes from Queen Beatrix International Airport. Taxis and rental cars are available for exploring the island.

The beach area offers calm waters suitable for swimming. Beach chairs and umbrellas are provided for guests, and water sports equipment is available for rent nearby.

The surrounding area is highly walkable. Visitors can reach multiple dining options, bars, and shopping without needing transportation.

The hotel’s central location makes it easy to experience Aruba’s main tourist district.

Design And Style

The Barceló Aruba features a contemporary Caribbean design with tropical elements throughout the property. The hotel showcases modern architecture with clean lines and open spaces.

The lobby has a spacious entrance with high ceilings and modern furnishings mixed with local artwork. Large windows allow natural lighting.

Guest rooms follow a sleek, modern aesthetic. Room decor includes neutral tones with colorful accent pieces that reflect the island’s vibrant culture.

Public spaces have an open-concept layout and pool areas feature contemporary deck furniture. Tropical landscaping is integrated into the design.

Restaurant spaces offer stylish dining areas with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The property maintains a polished appearance with well-maintained facilities.

Design elements feel current, creating a sophisticated vacation atmosphere.

Service And Facilities

The Barceló Aruba receives mixed reviews for its service and facilities. Staff members earn praise for being friendly, attentive, and professional.

Key cards frequently malfunction and room assignments sometimes do not match reservations. Some rooms lack basic amenities like towels upon arrival, and bathroom fixtures may be loose or broken.

The resort offers seven restaurants and bars with varying quality levels. Specialty restaurants receive better reviews than the buffet options.

Guests can make dinner reservations based on their length of stay. The pool and hot tub close at 7:00 PM, and the outside bar also closes at 7:00 PM.

Nightlife options are limited. Some areas show wear and need updates, and housekeeping can be slow to respond to requests.

The resort has an excellent beach location on Palm Beach and multiple dining venues. Dedicated staff often go above and beyond, and room service is available.

Many guests specifically mention individual team members who made their stay memorable.

Rooms

The rooms at Barceló Aruba receive generally positive feedback from guests. Most visitors find the accommodations comfortable and well-appointed.

Rooms include air conditioning, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and balconies or patios. The hotel offers different room categories to suit various budgets.

Standard rooms provide basic amenities, while upgraded options include ocean views and premium locations. Guests consistently praise room comfort and cleanliness.

The housekeeping staff maintains rooms well throughout stays. Some rooms feature ocean views while others face the garden or pool areas.

The beachfront location means many guests can enjoy water views from their accommodations. Room size is adequate for couples and small families, and storage is sufficient for typical vacation stays.

Recent reviews indicate the rooms show some wear but remain functional. The hotel continues updating accommodations to maintain quality standards.

Food And Drink

Barcelo Aruba offers several dining options as part of their all-inclusive package. The resort features multiple restaurants serving different cuisines.

Dining options include a main buffet restaurant, specialty dining venues, a pool bar, and various snack bars. Most guests find the food quality satisfactory for an all-inclusive resort.

The all-inclusive package covers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The pool bar receives positive mentions for cocktail quality.

Service at the restaurants varies by location and time of day. Some guests report excellent service, while others note slower response times during peak hours.

The dining experience includes buffet-style breakfast and lunch, à la carte dinner options, snacks between meals, and limited-hours room service.

The variety of food options helps accommodate different dietary preferences. Some guests recommend making dinner reservations early for specialty restaurants.

Value For Money

Barcelo Aruba gets mixed reviews on value for money. The hotel has a 4 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor with over 11,000 reviews.

Positive aspects include good all-inclusive food quality, friendly and helpful staff, and clean rooms and facilities. Negative aspects are high prices for what guests receive, limited dining options, and older room furnishings.

The hotel currently costs around $1,009 per night for all-inclusive stays. Some guests feel this price is fair for the service level, while others think better deals exist elsewhere in Aruba.

The all-inclusive package covers meals, drinks, and basic activities. Pool areas and beach access are included, but premium services cost extra.

Guest opinions vary widely on value. Budget-conscious travelers might find better options on the island.

Nearby Competition

Noord, Aruba hosts 278 hotels within the vicinity of Barceló Aruba. This creates significant competition for guests looking for accommodations.

Major competitors include luxury resorts with higher star ratings, budget-friendly hotels offering lower rates, and boutique properties with unique amenities.

The Barceló currently ranks #55 out of 55 hotels in the Caribbean category on travel review sites. This ranking suggests guests may find better options nearby.

Other properties in the area often provide similar amenities at competitive rates. Some travelers report finding better places for less money when comparing local options.

Nearby hotels frequently receive higher guest satisfaction scores. The competition maintains stricter quality control and staff training programs.

Competing resorts typically feature newer facilities, updated room furnishings, and expanded dining options. Many properties offer specialized services like spa treatments and water sports.

The dense hotel market in Noord means guests have numerous alternatives within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the Barceló location.

Final Verdict

Barceló Aruba presents a mixed experience that divides guests sharply. The hotel offers solid amenities, including multiple restaurants and a swim-up bar.

You will also find fitness facilities at the property.

Strengths:

• All-inclusive convenience
• Good location near attractions
• Multiple dining options
• Pool and fitness center

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent service quality
• Mixed food reviews
• Value concerns for the price point

The property ranks #55 of 55 hotels in the Caribbean on TripAdvisor. This ranking raises questions about its competitive position.

Guest reviews range from highly positive to strongly negative.

Best For:

• Travelers seeking all-inclusive convenience
• Guests prioritizing location over luxury
• Those with flexible expectations

Skip If:

• You demand consistent high-end service
• Food quality is a top priority
• You’re seeking premium value