This was our 3rd visit to the La Cabana Villas (now renamed). We have always loved it there. Having read the most recent reviews, we knew that the rooms would be in need of an overhaul. And yet, we were more than surprised of the air of indifference in the interiors, they are just letting them go - waiting for the upgrades to take place over the next 2 yrs.

We're pretty easy going people - and are happy with a clean room with the advantage of a kitchette which we utilized daily. But I have to say, the furniture was more then shop worn (you could see the sunlight thru the holes in the curtains), the telephones where stripped of any calling information which didn't matter because they didn't work at all, nor did the TV in the bedroom. The toilet was always on the verge of not working and the door to the balcony didn't lock.

We made the best of it and enjoyed Aruba as usual, but the condition of the rooms did put a damper on our fun. Not to mention being plagued consistently with sales people trying to sell time shares.... we finally told them, leave us alone, our room is a disaster!

We love Aruba and will be going back - we just want the "Aruban" to care a little more for those rooms that won't be upgraded in the near future.

My wife and I just got back from the Aruban and had a wonderful time. Our unit (3578....right in front of water slide) was very dated but it was very clean. I didn't see any mold or dirt that I had read about and the staff seemed so attentive that if there was a problem, I'm sure it would have been resolved.

The resort is undergoing a complete renovation and the model unit looks like somthing that you'd see in SoHo NY. It was chic and very modern. The units are expected to be completed in 2-3 years. You have to realize it takes a long time to have materials shipped to the island.

The gym area was being completed while we were there and they're awaiting the arrival of the equipment. The new management is making sure the grounds are well groomed and they've started to paint the dull gray strairwells. The staff was always doing something.

I purchased a week under the "VIP" status which means I'm entitled to certain perks. We will see what this means. There are plans to build a VIP pool which will be in between the middle of both current pools featuring plush lounge chairs in a cabana like setting. There are also plans to build a tennis court ,remodel the old casino,add restaurants, a new tower and a boardwalk to the beach.

The resort also allows the quests from LaCabana to use the pools but this doesn't apply to Aruban quests wanting to use the Cabana pool. This was fine for me because the Cabana pool is way too packed for me. The pools at the Aruban are nice and peaceful. There's a great waterslide for the kids (although many more adults were on it including myself) and the staff at the pool bar was very nice.

The walk to the beach really isn't that far unless you have a problem walking . It took 5 minutes at the most. Bring some type of travel beach umbrella or tent unless you plan on getting up at the crack of dawn to get a hut on the beach. We usually stayed at the pool unitl 2pm then went down to the beach and the huts started becoming available. If you don't find a hut, there are plenty of trees that provide shade. I'm going to bring my own umbrella next time because there is so much unoccupied beach to the left of where everyone is sitting. The high rise section of beach isn't nearly as big and the people from all the hotels are sitting on top of each other. There is so much more to write about but time is short.

This place is good for those looking for an affordable vacation without paying the high prices at the hise -rise hotels. Bring your own food and cook a meal or two to save additional money. The option is yours as all of the units have a kitchenette. It was nice to have space and not feel cramped up in a hotel room If all works according to plan in a couple of years, this place will be the premiere spot to stay at in Aruba. I'm glad I got in now. Enjoy your stay.

PS We stayed on a getaway through interval international so the cost was very affordable and Jet Blue fare was only $303 pp.

My husband and I traveled to Aruba in August..we stayed at the Occidental and had a fabulous time...We did the all inclusive and also went off property for dinners... We were so excited to be returning to Aruba in such a short period of time...We arrived at the Aruban Resort with such excitement..BUT were let down by the fatigue of the rooms, lack of charm and boring days and nights at the resort.. I guess we were used to the lifestyle in the high rise area..there is just so much to do.. Don't get me wrong..we were in ARUBA...I shouldn't complain.. Check in was quick...our room was not ready until 3 so we went to the concierge desk to book our reservations for the week and book a rental car..The rental car place came to pick us up..that was great..then we headed over to Lings grocery store..what a really nice store and so reasonable..
The rooms are a nice size, we had a one bedroom, living room, kitchen area with all equipment, balcony facing the pool..it was really pleasant..just super old.. Everything in the room says La Cabana, they have not started renovations on the rooms yet. La Cabana used to own the Aruban. I did see the rooster but did not hear him in the early AM..only while laying out at the pool. Beach- we went to Eagle Beach the first few days, you have to walk across the parking lot to La Cabana and go through their lobby..then head out to the pool area and cross the street..THEN you are there..we had a few problems getting chairs..but we were there the week of Presidents vacation..so the beach was busy. The wind was the same as August..the water was not as clear, stronger undertow. We decided to take the car across the island to Baby Beach, we absolutely love love love it there. You can rent chairs for $5 for the entire day and snorkeling gear for $8..It is so beautiful, the beach, the water...and the staff that have a snack bar there..everything was great..
We met some great people at the Aruban..staff was very friendly and room was also super clean.
We went out to dinner to El Gaucho-Argentinian Beef..it was fabulous, La Trattoria(@ the light house) the ambiance was beautiful but the food was ok.Madame Janettes-wonderful food and atmosphere..directly behind the adventure golf course behind the hotel. Driftwood-Seafood..great dinner-Flying Fish Bone-our favorite..the atmosphere is amazing, you sit right on the beach with your feet in the sand, you can request a table right next to the water, you can also sit upstairs off the sand..
We went to the highrise area to gamble, nightlife was happening!!then over to Amici's to sit outside and enjoy some gelato..

Overall we had a great time...we were in Aruba..can't complain..
Just don't think we will rush back to the Aruban Resort..I think we prefer the highrise area, there is more to walk around and do..it is there if you want it..in the lowrise area you have to take the bus or car...It all depends on what you are looking for..

We will be going back to Aruba in August and can't wait..we love it there..

Went with my husband on 2/10/2007 via a charter trip...stayed at the Aruban for the first time. I have been to Aruba about 9 previous times and have always stayed at the Renaissance Downtown or Holiday Inn. The Aruban definitely wasnt luxury but it was pleasant, clean and very friendly. I saw and heard the rooster occasionally but to make it the focus of the vacation is ridiclous. The rooms were not the ritz but very adequate for the time you are there. I found the beach a bit too crowded for my tastes but most people seems to enjoy it. The pools were great....the happy hours at the bars were fun and the staff was very pleasant. You are getting what you pay for there....I find the reviews on thishotel to be extreme. Overall I would stay there again and enjoy just as much as I did this time.