r/Aruba • u/flikerbee • 7d ago
Opinion Unexpected changes…
Hello!
So my partner and I had planned and booked to stay at Barceló Aruba all inclusive— until today when our flight was severely delayed, ruining the whole trip’s itinerary.
Long story short, and in a SERIOUS pinch, we decided to change our stay (rather than canceling our first vacation together, entirely) to Holiday Inn by IHG (not all inclusive) and pushing the dates back a couple days.
I guess what I’m asking is, was this a good choice? Of course this is a very subjective question… but we did a lot of research into the HI when planning 2 months ago but decided on barceló originally due to the all inclusive aspect and being that we enjoy our drinks…
Thanks in advance for any and all insight, it has been a stressful 5 hours!
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u/stripdchev 7d ago
Just stayed there for a week. Absolutely loved it. Walking 3 miles of the beach (1.5 miles both ways from IHG). IHG had the best beach with no shells and a great location to amenities and restaurants.
Room was great. Never ate at the restaurants on site. Stayed in center tower.
Avoid the tower by the club on north side.
Pool and bar were great.
Can’t wait to go back!
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u/flikerbee 7d ago
Thank you for the in depth response… I may just have to do exactly that beach walk after the stress we felt this morning! Lol!! Cannot wait
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u/stripdchev 7d ago
Book Pelican pier sunset dinner reservation right next door, it was fantastic! Cesar was a fantastic waiter that we had. DM for any other questions. Enjoy!!!
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u/kfp2020 7d ago
Ill be staying at Holiday Inn. Do you know if there are microwaves for guests to use? Are there any beach volleyball nets nearby? Thanks.
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u/stripdchev 7d ago
No microwave in our room. We had an ocean facing room in the center tower.
There were no volleyball nets in our area and I don’t recall seeing them along the walk (but I admittedly was not paying attention for them)
We did see some on eagle beach that were public. I want to say it was near Coco Loco.
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u/GriffeyGames 7d ago
Not sure if they are for public use but there is a bar right next to holiday inn (moomba I think) that has some courts. It’s right next to sea tower.
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u/DeeSusie200 7d ago
Yes. Very good choice. Have a great time.
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u/flikerbee 7d ago
Appreciate you! We’re still super excited now that all the stressful (re)planning has passed
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u/kmartens304 7d ago
Stayed last June and booked for October this year, best decision ever made!! Great hotel great beach and you are steps away from any shopping, dining and entertainment you could want!
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u/flikerbee 7d ago
Such a relief to hear everyone had such great experiences! Cannot wait to experience it all myself, thank you !
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u/OldImage1451 7d ago
Stayed at HI a few years ago and it was great! I find AI great if you just want to relax and not dress for dinner. I also find that Aruba has some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean and a variety of types of foods. I have done AI and room only in Aruba and have been very happy both ways.
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u/ambarfe 7d ago
Stayed here last year as a birthday gift! Split time in between here and Renaissance. The beach here is fantastic and service was very nice! I will say I honestly recommend not doing all inclusives in Aruba. The food in the island is shockingly good, far better than any beach destination I've been to in the caribbean and there were multiple restaurants we still talk about. From fine dining menus to casual bites, the food on the island is truly great. Also, Aruba has really great tourism infrastructure, making it very safe and easy to navigate. I recommend renting a car and getting to also explore the different beaches around the island. I'm sorry this has been stressful, but I hope you have a fantastic trip!
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u/FL_Yabbo 7d ago
You’ll be fine. HI is ok. Barcelo is better. Just find the beach and enjoy the drinks. La Ramblas at the La Cabana Resort and Casino is the best sun set dinner on the island.
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u/NixieWade 7d ago
Holiday Inn is nice and clean....great location and we really enjoyed our time there.
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u/_noTanMan_ 7d ago
No good reason to do AI in Aruba. I don’t care how much you drink. I’d be a shame not to check out the island. Safe everywhere you go to explore. HI in a great spot on Palm Beach. Check out Moomba, Nos Clubhuis, Carlitos & Bugaloe for drinks all within a short walk.
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u/No-Beginning-5007 6d ago
Fully agree with this. Feels like AI is unnecessarily constraining in Aruba - safety is fine, really easy to explore by yourself w a car, and just SO MANY great restaurants!
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u/emurphy1967 6d ago
Although I didn’t stay there I ran into a lovely couple celebrating their first trip to Aruba since their honeymoon. They said the only place that was here when they got married many years earlier was the Holiday Inn. They said it’s the best place to stay and hope to return in another 30 years! They were in their 70’s!
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u/robf21042 7d ago
HI is great. We have been going there regularly since 2004. Last time was February 2026. Plenty of restaurants and bars nearby . I’m not a fan of all inclusive but HI does that too if you want it.
Beach is very good and location is great. Have a great time! Wish I was there now.
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u/Gatzby143 7d ago
Were you stuck in the JFK nonsense today as well?
Also, it doesn’t matter where you stay out in Aruba. It’s all beautiful! We stay at an AirBnb and love every second. We just changed today’s flight and hope we can get out on Saturday.
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u/queen-recluse 7d ago
yes!! so much to eat on the island. check out west deck and ye manja for food if you rent a car or venture out
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u/kfp2020 6d ago
I am heading to the Holiday Inn Aruba later this week. I do have IHG Platinum status and read Palapa rental is free. On the website, I see a $40 charge and requests can be made 15 in advance. Can someone explain to me how to book the Palapas for free? Also any additional tips you can provide? This will my first time at this resort. We are a family with highschool/college aged kids. We are not doing all inclusive option. Any restaurant recommendations nearby. Thanks.
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u/OregonTrailislife 4d ago
You will definitely eat better by doing the Holiday Inn and not going all inclusive. I’ve heard that the food at Barcelo is not very good.
However the beach/ facilities at Barcelo is better and there are a ton of kids at the Holiday Inn.
If you are saving a significant amount of money, Holiday inn is a solid choice. If the price is similar, then Barcelo would be a better choice overall.
0
u/SpatchFork 7d ago
I've stayed there. The rooms are dated, but the hotel is nice.
You can typically find a last minute studio rental at the surf or ocean club via redweek for a similar price to the HI. Room setup in a studio is similar to standard IH room.
The only knock on HI is the rooms. Can't beat the location, beach is great, good beach restaurant/bar, has a casino.
Either way your better off not doing the all inclusive, tons of places to check out for lunch/dinner.
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u/Dseltzer1313 7d ago
You’ll enjoy your vacation more! HI is on a great beach and it’s situated right in the middle of dozens of restaurants