Holiday Inn Resort Aruba Review: Who It's For and Is It Worth It

The Holiday Inn Resort Aruba is a reliable, straightforward choice for families who want to stay right on Palm Beach without paying Ritz-Carlton or Marriott prices. You will not find ultra-luxury here, but the resort covers the essentials beautifully. It offers direct beach access, an active kids club, three pools, and the choice between standard rates and all-inclusive packages.

Location and Beach

You will find the resort on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, right on Palm Beach, which serves as Aruba's main high-rise hotel strip. From here, you can easily walk to local restaurants and shops. Other major properties like the Hilton, Riu Palace, and Marriott are just a short stroll or a free water taxi ride away. The water along this part of the beach stays calm and shallow near the shore, making it an ideal spot for young swimmers. If you are still deciding between this bustling strip and the quieter, wider Eagle Beach area, it helps to compare them beforehand because their environments are entirely different.

Rooms

With more than 590 rooms spread across three towers, this is a large property. Expect a bustling lobby and crowded pool decks during peak travel seasons. The rooms come in double, queen, and king layouts that sleep up to four people, which easily accommodates most families. Updated rooms feature modern furniture, free Wi-Fi, a 43-inch flat-screen TV, and a private balcony or patio. Most of these spaces also come with a mini-fridge; this is incredibly convenient if you want to stock up on drinks and snacks from a local grocery store instead of paying resort prices for everything.

Pools and Amenities

The resort features three outdoor pools and three jacuzzis positioned just steps from the sand, alongside rentable poolside cabanas that make a great base camp for the day. On-site facilities include a 24-hour fitness center, the Entika Spa, and a sports court. There is even a full-service casino if you want to play blackjack without leaving the property. Guests can also take advantage of free rental bikes, water sports gear, yoga and pilates classes, tennis clinics, and a mini-golf course. You will easily find enough activities to fill your days without ever stepping off the resort grounds.

Kids Club

The kids club is a major selling point for this resort. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for children aged 4 to 11, the Activity Center is completely free for guests rather than requiring an extra fee. Kids can fill their hours with crafts, board games, ping-pong, air hockey, movies, and sandcastle building, along with scheduled sessions for face painting and T-shirt design. Having access to a fully supervised club makes it much easier for parents to get some actual relaxation by the pool. To help plan your trip, you can read our guides to Aruba with kids and the best all-inclusive resorts in Aruba for families.

Dining

Five on-site restaurants offer a mix of casual bites and sit-down meals. Sea Breeze Restaurant & Bar sits right on the oceanfront, serving fresh seafood and steaks in an open-air setting overlooking the water. For a quiet date night, Da Vinci Ristorante serves classic Italian dishes, while Oceanside Bar & Grill supplies burgers, sandwiches, and cocktails right by the pool. Guests frequently praise the restaurant staff for their attentive service. Since you are staying right on the main strip, you can also easily walk to dozens of off-property dining spots if you want to mix things up.

All-Inclusive or Room-Only

Flexibility is a major advantage here compared to neighboring properties. You can choose a standard, room-only booking and pay for your meals as you go, or opt for an all-inclusive package that covers your food and drinks at the resort's various dining venues. This setup lets you tailor the trip to your budget instead of forcing you into a single payment structure like traditional all-inclusive options, such as the Riu Palace Aruba. Because package details and pricing tiers can change, we recommend verifying the exact restaurant inclusions and current rates directly with the resort when booking.

Who It's For

This resort is designed for families and budget-conscious travelers who want a beachfront location with plenty of activities, but do not want to pay premium rates for the marble lobbies and quiet adult pools found at places like the Hyatt Regency Aruba. It is an excellent fit if you prioritize a supervised kids club, multiple pools, and direct sand access over boutique aesthetics. Couples seeking a peaceful, upscale getaway will likely find better options elsewhere along the beach.

Verdict

The Holiday Inn Resort Aruba does not try to compete with the island's luxury properties, and that is exactly why it works. It focuses on the features families value most: a beautiful stretch of beach, a fully functional kids club, multiple pools, reliable dining, and the choice between all-inclusive and room-only rates. If those features match your travel plans for a Palm Beach trip in 2026, this property deserves a spot on your list. You can check current rates and room availability for Holiday Inn Resort Aruba here.