Planning an Aruba getaway without spending a fortune? You’ve come to the right place! In this guide, I’ll show you how to book a hotel in Aruba and how to choose the best times to book your Aruba flight so you can spend less time stressing and more time relaxing, exploring, and enjoying.
However, here’s what most travel websites don’t tell you: “the best” does not mean the highest-starred hotel. It is far more personal, which may completely change how you book your next getaway to Aruba. Grab your sunscreen, a packing list, and let’s go!
When to Travel to Score Cheap Aruba Hotels & Flights
Best times offer lower rates with good weather
Timing is extremely important to find cheap hotels in Aruba. You might think that because you’ve paid extra for high season, you are in the best possible experience, but your wallet is screaming.
April through August are your best times. Seasoned travellers call these shoulder seasons. These are perfect because they allow you to enjoy the same sunshine and warm temperatures as peak season travellers, while paying 30-40% less.
So how do they work? Simple. You are travelling while most tourists aren’t. Everyone else is crowded on the island in winter (December – April), which means you can enjoy more space on the beach to yourselves, while hotels will be practically begging for you to come.
And did I mention the weather? Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, which means even in the “off-peak” months, you can expect the weather to be around 27°C – 31°C (82 °F – 88 °F) with very little rain. The trade winds, which occasionally make appearances all year round, just make being outside even better!
Ideal flight booking window
Flights can affect your budget decisions for travelling in Aruba. The data supports booking your flight around 2 months prior gets you the best price for the Caribbean, and specifically to Aruba.
Booking too early (6+ months out)? Airlines have not entered their competitive sales cycle yet. Booking too late? Pay for urgency and last-minute.
The day you book matters just as much as when you fly:
| Booking Day | Average Savings |
| Tuesday | 5-10% |
| Wednesday | 5-8% |
| Weekend | Minimal to none |
And the day of your travel matters too. Flying Tuesday through Thursday will save you 15-25% (more or less) to get to the Caribbean compared to weekend departures. That’s money better spent on your island adventures than getting there!
Top Branded Hotels That Offer Value Without Sacrificing Quality
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba for free kids’ perks, beachfront access
You certainly can’t go wrong while vacationing in Aruba with family at the Holiday Inn Resort. This beachfront hotel has great value due to their awesome “Kids Stay and Eat Free” program, where kids under 12 can eat free with adults. You’ll wake up, walk a few steps, and you’re right on the powdery white sands of Palm Beach without breaking the bank.
The resort gives you direct access to one of the best beaches in Aruba, with a low price tag. The rooms are large enough for families, and you can save many dollars on meals with their food and beverage packages. Most travelers will report savings into the hundreds compared to other luxury resorts in the area for nearly the same first-class beach experience.
Riu, Barcelo Hotel Aruba: all-inclusive comfort with frequent seasonal discounts
If you want an all-inclusive, without the eye-watering price tag, Hotel Riu Palace Aruba or Barcelo Aruba will give you way more than your money’s worth. All of these hotels run seasonal promotions you can find where you can save upwards of 40% for shoulder season travel (April-May and September-November).
The beauty of travelling with these branded properties is knowing exactly what you have to spend up front. Your room, meals, drinks, and some basic activities are all included for a simple price that is predictable.
Riu will usually include free room upgrades when you book directly with them on their site, and Barcelo has a loyalty program that offers some great bonuses like upgraded drinks and discounts for spas after your first stay.
Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt Aruba Resort: reliable mid-range luxe options on Palm Beach
These brands are great because they give you that sweet spot of luxury without spending your entire vacation budget. Aruba Marriott Resort, Hilton Aruba Caribbean, and Hyatt Regency Aruba on Palm Beach all have great locations and often better prices than boutique properties.
Your best move: Join their free loyalty programs before you book. This gives you access to member rates on your booking that will give you instant savings of 10-15%. Marriott Bonvoy has frequent promotions for points in Aruba, which result in even better discounts for your stay!
These properties run package deals, sometimes with breakfast or resort credits included. Low season is a great time to find a trusted chain like this at a very competitive price, often only a little bit more than an unknown brand value property.
Budget-Friendly Hotels & Rentals That Travellers Love
Local favourites
You don’t have to compromise comfort or location to find affordable gems in the Aruba market. The Wonders Boutique Hotel strikes that fine balance of charm and value, starting at around $115/night. They offer individualised service with cosy rooms that feel less like tourist accommodation and more like home.
Most visitors are unaware of Juanedu Suites, but locals know it is one of the best deals on the island. With rates generally between $95-110/night, you’re getting spacious accommodations with kitchenettes that will help you cut costs on meals. Their peaceful garden setting with seating for each room is a perfect landing pad after a long day at the beach.
Swiss Paradise is not only inexpensive at $120/night, but also more luxurious than any other rental at this price point. Their clean and modern apartments come with full kitchens and access to a beautiful pool. Many travellers mention how the owners are willing to help their guests. They frequently share insider tips about hidden beaches and authentic restaurants nearby.
Airbnb or guesthouses
Do you want to live like a local without breaking the bank? Consider booking to stay at a place in the Noord and Eagle Beach region, which provides a sweet spot of availability and accessibility.
In the Noord area, cute guesthouses start around $85/night. Most of these will offer kitchen access, so you’ll be able to enjoy morning coffee on your patio and have options to prepare simple meals without paying for every single meal. The savings will start to add up right away!
Eagle Beach properties are generally priced slightly higher, closer to $110/night, and you will be paying for the location. It is literally just a walk down the road to one of the best beaches in the world. Most of these units also come with bicycles included, so you will not have to pay any transit fees to get to other destinations nearby.
The best of the best Airbnb finds will often have a host who stocks your kitchen with basic breakfast items and local snacks for your use. Look for listings that mention “welcome packages” or “starter kits” to take advantage of these types of surprises!
Hidden gems for authentic stays
Get out of the high-rise hotel zone and discover a more authentic Aruba while finding really good deals. For around $120-140 per night, you can stay in locally owned accommodations directly on the water in Savaneta. The former capital of the island has a charming local deal for ocean views that would cost three times as much in Palm Beach!
In Pos Chiquito, family-run guesthouses run approximately $100-125/night, and they will typically include free snorkelling gear and beach chairs. Most importantly, you will be enjoying local neighbourhoods where actual Arubans live with local spots for dinner that can be half the cost of your tourist options.
The local selections in these areas will often be a one-of-a-kind experience. You can stay in the over-the-water bungalows, or a fishermen’s homes that they converted to guest houses with their private docks, or have your morning coffee as flamingos walk by. The memories here are priceless, but thankfully, the price is not.
How to Compare Hotel Deals and Book Smart
Platforms to compare rates and package flight plus hotel deals
Finding the best hotel deal in Aruba doesn’t have to be a headache. You will want to run your dates through multiple booking platforms. Your first stops should be Expedia, Booking.com and Kayak. Since each site has different relationships with hotels, you will find the same room at completely different prices.
Wondering about package deals? Booking flights and hotels together saves hundreds. Typically, a package deal is 10-25% off. Expedia and Travelocity frequently bundle together, so you can book them as one reservation, which is a relief in itself because managing travel reservations isn’t easy.
Don’t book the first decent deal you see. Open several tabs and compare what’s out there. Sometimes Booking.com will have free cancellation, but Expedia will be inclusive of breakfast at the same level.
Join loyalty programs or promotional codes
Smart travellers never pay full price. Before booking, be sure to sign up for hotel loyalty programs, even on your first stay. Most programs like Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Rewards, and Hilton Honours offer welcome benefits of some kind. Frequent communication is also worth the cost, free WiFi, welcome gifts or food, and the perks can be immediate.
For example, look for promo codes at RetailMeNot or on hotel chain social media pages for instant value. At the time of writing, Barceló resorts have up to 40% off website bookings.
Email newsletters can be annoying, but often hotel chains include promo codes for savings of 15-30%. I recommend creating an email address just for travel deals if you have concerns about spam.
Look for complementary options to reduce daily costs
The daily extras can add up quickly in paradise! For example, a hotel that provides complimentary breakfast can mean that your family saves \$50+ per day. Think about it. By making an informed decision about which property to choose, you could save \$350 for the week.
Transportation can be costly in Aruba. If a hotel provides free airport shuttles or beach shuttles, you will not need to use expensive taxis or rent a car. The Holiday Inn Aruba and Hyatt Regency provide free shuttles, which equals savings of \$30-50 per day.
Many resorts have complimentary water sports equipment like snorkels, paddle boards, or kayaks. This becomes a large saving as the rental shops in Aruba charge \$25-40 per hour for the equipment.
Currency Considerations and Exchange Rates
Aruba uses the Florin as their currency, but most locals will accept US dollars as payment. When booking your hotel, pay attention to which currency is being used for the price quotation. Some booking sites may automatically convert the price to your home currency, making it difficult for you to calculate the cost.
Credit cards generally offer better exchange rates than the kiosks in the airport or the front desk of your hotel. Pay for expenses with a credit card that does not have foreign transaction fees, as most banks will add a hidden 3% surcharge.
If your hotel provides a price quotation in Florins, use a currency calculator app for a quick reference before agreeing to any charges. What seems like a sensible amount could become costlier than you think once factors of conversion are taken into account.
Hidden Fees to Watch For
The sticker price usually doesn’t tell the full story. Resort fees can add an additional $20-50 a night, and typically these fees are not included in the price advertised. Before clicking the book button, be sure to scroll down and check the total you will actually be paying, including all applicable taxes and fees.
Parking in Aruba can be a whole other cost, up to $35 daily at 5-star resorts. If you plan to rent a car and have parking included, check their parking policy before you book your accommodation.
You may also find that hotels will charge you for wi-fi fees, towel cards, and beach chairs, which can all add up to your costs during your stay. Email the hotel directly before you book to confirm what is included in your accommodation and what has an additional charge. This simple step could help save your budget from total devastation at checkout.
Getting to & Around Aruba on a Budget
Flights
Finding affordable flights to Aruba does not need to be stressful. Social media and flight tracking apps like Hopper, Skyscanner allow you to find substantial savings as they monitor price trends and alert you when fares drop for your tropical paradise escape.
The day you travel greatly affects the price you will pay. Typically, Tuesday and Wednesday departures will cost less than a weekend. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you hundreds of dollars that you can spend on a delicious cocktail on the beach!
Booking 2-3 months ahead of time is usually best to achieve the lowest rates. Even better if you travel in Aruba’s low season (April to August), as airlines will drop their prices to fill seats.
Ground Transport
After you land in Aruba, you can take advantage of inexpensive types of transport to help get around the island.
- Public Buses: Arubus runs throughout the island for approximately $5 per ride or $10 for a day pass. They are clean, air-conditioned and a great service, travelling through many of the tourist areas.
- Rental Cars: Expect to pay from $50 daily for a compact car. Beneficial if you plan to visit both isolated beaches and the rugged east coast roads of the island.
- Scooters and Bikes: For those shorter trips, scooters and bikes start around $35 daily for scooters and $20 for bicycles.
Free Transport Factors
Smart travellers will always look for accommodation that provides free services. For example, The Mill Resort & Suites provides free shuttle service to nearby beaches, saving you the cost of a taxi trip right away.
Some other budget-friendly hotels or accommodations to consider may have free:
- Airport pickup/drop-off services
- Scheduled beach shuttles
- Shopping centre transportation
- Evening runs to restaurant areas
These little services can save you $15-30 daily on transportation expenses, which can obviously make a moderately priced hotel an even better value for your Aruba adventure.
Conclusion
You can absolutely enjoy Aruba and experience the beautiful beaches and Caribbean lifestyle on a budget. In conclusion, if you book the right accommodation in Aruba, book your flight at the right time, and use deals or hotel loyalty to your advantage. If you do, you are set for an incredible and affordable holiday.
What is your favourite budget find or tip in Aruba? Please share below, I would love to hear it! If you need help making your way to Aruba’s cheapest beaches or free activities, I’m here to help!
FAQ
Below is a list of questions frequently asked:
What part of Aruba is best to stay in?
The best part of Aruba to stay in depends on your travel style. Palm Beach is ideal for those seeking luxury resorts, nightlife, and water activities, while Eagle Beach offers a quieter, more relaxed vibe with stunning white sand and fewer crowds. For a more local and budget-friendly experience, consider staying in Oranjestad, Aruba’s colorful capital full of culture, dining, and shopping options.
Why is it so expensive to go to Aruba?
Aruba can be expensive due to its remote island location, which increases the cost of imported goods, fuel, and food. The island is also a popular tourist destination with high demand for accommodations, especially luxury resorts and beachfront properties. Additionally, peak travel seasons and limited flight availability can drive up airfare and hotel prices. Planning ahead and traveling during off-peak months can help reduce costs.
What is the cheapest month to stay in Aruba?
The cheapest month to stay in Aruba is typically September. This falls within the island’s low season, when demand drops and hotels, flights, and vacation packages are more affordable. While Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, visiting in September may also mean fewer crowds and better deals—perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
How much does an average trip to Aruba cost?
An average trip to Aruba can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 per person for a week, depending on travel style and season. This includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, meals, activities, and local transportation. Budget travelers can lower costs by visiting in the off-season, choosing guesthouses or mid-range hotels, and dining at local eateries.
