Palma Aruba 308

The complex has nice surroundings and a good pool, but our experience in Apartment 106, hosted by Anke, was very disappointing. We booked NEW Luxury Apartment Palm Beach Ground Floor through Airbnb, in Palm Aruba Condos Complex. The apartment and building seemed overdue for maintenance, and from the moment we arrived there was a heavy, swamp-like humidity. We first assumed it was the local climate, but after the first night we felt sick and saw clear signs of mold issues. The AC and dehumidifiers didn't help. After going back and forth with the host, we had to leave. I can't speak for the other units, but based on what happened to us, I'd be cautious about booking and suggest seeing and feeling the place before or when you first check in. Another place we booked was nothing like this, it was nice, clean, and fresh.

The location worked really well for us: close to the beaches but far enough from the busy strip. The condo was clean inside and out, and the amenities were well maintained. We saw the maintenance crew and cleaners working throughout our stay to keep everything pristine. We appreciated the little touches.

The complex was clean and well kept, and the security officers were firm but nice. The condo, pool, and gym were all great. I really wanted to give the place five stars, but that bed was the worst I've ever slept on. The mattress sagged in the middle and left every bony part of my body aching. I couldn't sleep at night and was exhausted during the day, to the point that it nearly ruined my trip. At one point I thought I'd have slept better in my car. It would be a five-star condo if you could bring your own bed.

I've visited Aruba many times and never had a bad experience until this stay. The room smelled strongly musty as soon as I opened the door, and both bathroom washcloths were damp. I couldn't tell whether they'd just come out of the dryer too soon or were clean. Opening the balcony door took a lot of effort, and the place didn't seem well maintained. The beach chair was stained and rusty, and once I got outside, the smell of weed was very strong. The bed was rock hard, and the noisy AC made a strange sound, almost like someone breathing into a face mask. I barely slept. As a solo female traveler, that strong weed smell made me feel unsafe, and I couldn't get past the odor, hard bed, or loud breathing-like AC noise. Even if they'd offered to move me to another room, I wouldn't have wanted to stay. I found another place the next morning, emailed to explain why I was leaving, and asked for what I felt was a fair partial refund. They denied it and seemed to blame me. I don't recommend staying here.