7 Things To Know About the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

The author stayed as a guest of the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. All opinions are the author’s own, and the hotel had no input in any part of this review.

In 2017, I took my wife and our twin daughters, then 4, to Aruba for the first time. We had an unforgettable time exploring the island’s beautiful beaches and dining on delicious cuisine.

What fascinated me the most was the island’s cultural fusion of Dutch, South American, and Caribbean influences. The way these different cultures blended together was truly striking.

During a recent trip, I stayed at the beachfront Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino as a solo traveler for 2 nights. The beachfront resort is set to undergo a renovation, which will surely elevate it to one of the most impressive resorts to book with points on Aruba’s renowned Palm Beach.

Here are 7 things I learned about the resort to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next trip to Aruba.

Let’s dive right in.

1. It Has Direct Access to Palm Beach

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club, and Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club are just a few of the renowned hotels that surround the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and are fortunate enough to be directly on Palm Beach, which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

The hotel charges a resort fee of $69 per night, which includes a palapa and a lounge chair directly on Palm Beach on a first-come, first-served basis. The resort fee also includes rentable paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and kayaks, among other benefits.

In the end, Palm Beach’s turquoise waves and soft, white sand, which feels cool under your feet, are a highlight of this resort.

2. Over 15 Places To Eat and Drink

Before visiting the property, I researched the on-site dining.

What I didn’t realize was that guests of the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino could also access the restaurants in the neighboring Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club, and Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club. That meant that those staying at the resort had access to more than 15 restaurants and bars. There were a variety of cuisines available, including Mediterranean, Japanese, and Mexican.

I arrived at the hotel early in the evening, hoping to see the sunset from the beach. I visited Atardi, the resort’s pop-up beachside dining restaurant.

I expected a gorgeous sunset and an adequate dinner. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I am always skeptical about how good a hotel restaurant meal can be. I usually leave the resort to find the best food in the city or area.

However, because my flight hadn’t landed until the early evening, no beach tables were available at Atardi. Instead, I sat at the bar, steps from the sand.

I started with a glass of red wine and the red snapper ceviche before moving on to the macadamia-crusted grouper for my main course.

The ceviche portion was generous, and the snapper tasted incredibly fresh (no hint of fishiness whatsoever). The green aji sauce, along with the tangy lime juice from the ceviche, provided a robust burst of flavors.

The grouper, which came with mango relish and Thai red curry sauce, was absolutely amazing.

Bottom Line:

During my stay, I did not visit the adjacent properties. However, I had excellent meals on-site, including one at Atardi that rivaled anything I’d had at top restaurants in major cities, including Michelin-starred eateries. Seriously, I was astounded and surprised by how this dinner exceeded and surpassed my expectations.

3. It’s a Good Value With Points

Aruba may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a budget island. That’s because the island, like many Caribbean islands, relies heavily on imports for their produce and other necessities. As a result, hotel rooms also tend to be on the expensive side.

The hotel’s location is the main factor keeping the nightly rates above $500 per night during the low season. Similarly, during the peak winter months, when many snowbirds are seeking a Caribbean getaway, rates over $1,000 per night are quite common.

Consider using points here instead of paying cash. We value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each. Staying at this resort during the winter months can result in a redemption of 1 cent per point or more.

Hot Tip:

If you’re short on Marriott Bonvoy points for a stay at this resort, check out our guide on the many ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points!

4. It Has the Largest Casino in Aruba

As Aruba’s largest casino, tourists and guests can enjoy slots and card games from noon to night.

Unlike Las Vegas, smoking is outlawed inside casinos in Aruba, so you don’t smell like cigarette smoke after playing the games.

What I found most intriguing about the casino was that it was simply an addition to the resort’s offerings and amenities. It was not the main draw for most guests, so the hotel was extremely family-friendly and appealing to nongamblers despite the presence of a major casino.

That being said, whether you want to play blackjack, poker, or simply try your luck with the slot machines while in Aruba, this is the casino to visit.

5. Room Renovations Are Coming

The hotel intends to carry out a comprehensive makeover of every room at the resort over the course of the second quarter of 2025. As they currently stand, the rooms are a bit old and lack inspiration.

I stayed in a Junior Suite with ocean views, one of the resort’s few rooms that had already been renovated.

The marble countertop baths and workstation, white oak contemporary furnishings, new beds, and modern light fixtures will provide a much-needed refresh.

Once this makeover is completed in late 2025, the rooms will be in line with the remainder of the hotel, which is predominantly modern-looking.

6. Rooms All Have Spacious Balconies

At a hotel directly on the beach, having a balcony in each of the rooms is a great amenity that most guests would be grateful to have. Every room at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino comes equipped with a good-sized balcony, and most offer a view of the ocean in some form or another.

Even the standard rooms are equipped with a balcony. Having an outdoor space in your own room allows you to enjoy sunsets and breathe in fresh air just a few steps from your bed.

7. Access to the Club Lounge Is Worth It

The hotel’s Tradewinds Club Lounge is accessible for an additional fee of $150 to $200 per day per room.

It offers a selection of hot breakfast items in the morning, as well as hearty snacks throughout the day. Additionally, guests can have a variety of beverages, including local beers on draft, wine, and prosecco, and a premium open bar from 6 to 9 p.m. every night, included in the cost.

Although the price of up to $200 for club lounge access may seem high, it’s worth considering that the buffet breakfast at the hotel’s primary restaurant costs $35 per person. That means if you’re 4 adults sharing a room without top-tier Marriott Bonvoy elite status, breakfast costs $150 each morning. With the lounge, if you tack on the cost of adult beverages and hors d’oeuvres, you actually come out ahead.

Furthermore, Tradewind Club guests are assigned a room on the top floor, where they can enjoy some of the resort’s most breathtaking views. In addition, guests get a dedicated section of lounge chairs and huts on the beach away from the other hotel guests for a quieter beach experience.

Final Thoughts

There’s plenty to like about the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. This hotel is anything you want it to be, with an abundance of high-quality cuisine and a superb spot on Aruba’s renowned Palm Beach.

It caters to couples, families, and even groups, so no matter what type of traveler you are, you will most certainly enjoy your stay — especially after the room renovations are completed in late 2025.