Hostel Room Aruba

Such lovely people. It felt like home. The place is comfortable and affordable, without anything fancy.

Downtown was interesting and historic to walk around, and every restaurant I tried there was excellent and within walking distance. But I had to take taxis to attractions and beaches, since the hostel wasn’t conveniently located. I also found that taxi drivers often didn’t know where it was, so without a rental car I had to spend time explaining where downtown it was. I’d chosen not to rent a car, and the promised proximity to bus routes didn’t help me. My host family didn’t speak English, so I never figured out the buses, and it seemed tourists were expected to take taxis. I was also far from the tourist strip, and had to taxi there to meet other tourists. The only locals I befriended were friendly food service workers, but they couldn’t help with my efforts to make friends. I was the only guest at the island’s only hostel during the slow season, so I met no other travelers, just the host family. I’d expected a small place, since it was a house converted into a hostel, but I didn’t expect it to be cluttered with other people’s belongings. The bathroom had only one shelf, with trash piled on it, so I had to put my toiletries and clothes wherever I could. The fridge was packed with old food, leaving barely any room for my takeout containers, and the otherwise nice patio was cluttered too. If the room had been full of travelers, that much clutter would have made me feel extremely claustrophobic. Knowing what I know after visiting the island, I’d suggest renting a car and staying somewhere else. The hostel’s advantages didn’t really work out for me.

I stayed for a couple of nights and happened to be the only person in the dorm. The hosts were friendly and easy to communicate with. I recommend this hostel.

I really enjoyed my stay. After spending the first half of my Aruba trip at a bigger, touristy hotel, this hostel was a nice change. The room is basic, but it has AC, which you’ll appreciate more with every passing day. Whenever I asked for something, the hosts were able to help. They’re a lovely couple, she’s a wonderful cook, and they made me feel welcome while still giving me space to do my own thing. On the first day, they give you a key, a quick tour of the area, and a map of island attractions. They also have towels if you need them and an outdoor spot to hang wet clothes after the beach. I spent a lot of time in the comfortable outdoor area, with its seating and tropical plants, because the weather is so nice. They tidy inside every day, however many people are staying, and I never had any concerns about cleanliness. There’s a full kitchen with a fridge, freezer, and ice maker, plus plenty of room on the shelves and in the fridge for groceries from nearby shops. The place next door rents bikes for about 18 (USD) a day. I mostly walked instead, since Surfside Beach is very close on foot and the walk is scenic. The neighborhood is calm and residential, with some nice restaurants and bars, and the busy area by the Renaissance hotel, beach, and marina is nearby. The other travelers were all nice, with different levels of interaction and nothing negative. I highly recommend this hostel for solo travelers. The price and location are hard to beat, and the neighborhood feels safe and pleasant.