Little Paradise #6 - Trupial

If you're fine staying away from the beach, Little Paradise is simply wonderful. Clean, cute and comfortable, and different in a good way. The trouble with all these good reviews is that it might be booked the next time I'm in Aruba. So maybe don't stay here. :-)

We stayed four nights without any problems and can't wait to book the same place again. The room and grounds were very clean, and the well-equipped place was in a quiet neighborhood. The bedroom AC was nice and cold, the shower's electric water heater was great to have, and every room had a fan. Everything worked as advertised. Mr. Wouter and Mrs. Jakeline treated us like royalty.

I rarely review places I've stayed, but wanted to share this one. It was affordable, close to many things, and the staff responded quickly. Still, apartment 1 had quite a few problems, and I wouldn't stay here again. The gate requires a key, which was awkward when I had groceries or things from excursions in my hands. There was no bathroom outlet, so I couldn't plug in my hair tools there. After I mentioned it, staff kindly brought an extension cord so I could plug them into the bedroom wall and use them in the bathroom. The bathroom lighting was poor, there was no ventilation, and the AC didn't cool it. Spending much time in there, especially with the door shut, made me sweat. The ants were excessive. Lines of them appeared on the patio at night, and there were still ants outside during the day. I don't eat on the patio, so I don't know what attracted them. I also found some crawling on my bed and pillow near my face. I know an island can have bugs and lizards, but I've visited Aruba four times and stayed in apartment style places three times, and never experienced ants like this. The shower curtain was old and stained, with nowhere to put soap or shampoo. There were two fans in the apartment, perhaps because the AC wasn't strong enough. The rooms had dim yellow lighting. The pool was nice, but trees hang over it, so leaves were constantly getting in despite cleaning. I've paid the same price elsewhere and found the place much more up to par. This one isn't bad, but they need to reinvest in the property, which has more potential. Subscribe to me on Youtube: Safiya Lin. You can see my video review of this hotel. Like if this was helpful!

The owners, Frank and Rose Marie, are fantastic. Their beautiful, clean Little Paradise has all the comforts of home, and I'd recommend it to anyone wanting a break from everyday challenges and a chance to enjoy Aruba's warmth.