My husband and I took our Anniversary trip to Aruba and Bonaire. In Aruba, we stayed at the Arubiana Inn. The property is a small motel style Inn and was just right for our type of vacation. The room had a small fridge, coffee maker and microwave. I would have liked to stay in a larger room except that we booked late so this was not the fault of the property. The court yard housed a pool with nice hammocks and tables and chairs to enjoy the pleasant evenings after a long day at the beach. We sipped wine and listened to wind blowing mildly through the palm trees. Gaston (the owner) was very accomodating and helped us even when my husbands fly-fishing rod was lost at the airline. He arranged for a rental care upon arrival and helped with suggestions for dinner. The Inn provided a breakfast each morning for an additional $8 (USD) but we passed only because we found ourselves sleeping in most mornings. This is a perfect place if you desire the feel of a smaller Inn and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of a huge resort. Eagle and Palm beach were right down the street and we had our car to explore the island. This was a perfect Anniversary week and we will visit again!

I write in glowing terms about the Arubiana at the risk of losing our spot next time! Gaston, Marjan, et al. were so friendly and welcoming. They offer a lowkey, very relaxing inn where one can just kick back and approach the island at whatever pace one chooses. We rented snorkeling equipment one day, and Gaston stuffed some bread ends into a bag and told us to feed the fish. We became the hit of Baby Beach. Within the inn's courtyard, it's lovely and calm. The best guests honor this quietude, and everyone gets along well. But the quiet isn't overwhelming -- there were plenty of opportunities and friendliness to share recommendations, comestibles, and drinks, if one is so inclined. Although the walk to the fantastic Eagle Beach is not difficult or far, we did end up renting a car. We'd now recommend doing so. Yes, the inn is in a largely residential area that suffers some water pressure issues. Yes, in an area of constant trade winds, stuff blows into the rooms. Some prospective guests would be troubled by these things, but for the price and the vibe, you'd be hardpressed to find a nicer inn. Oh yes, the morning coffee is excellent!

This apartment/motel is situated towards the southwest side of the island, not very far from the high-rise hotels and beaches. It is a bit out of the way, but not inconvenient.

Gaston was very accomodating and friendly. My mother wound up in one of the nicest rooms, while my wife and I had another decent sized suite. My mother's room did not have hot water, but that was apparently being rectified after we left.

The rooms were of good size, and the beds comfortable. There were some spiderwebs. There was also a septic issue that caused unpleasant smells for a day or two. The pool was a bit small, and had debris from the constant winds. The coffee was excellent, and the guests quiet.

All in all, I would recommend Arubiana if you're looking for a reasonably priced (given the season), quiet, and friendly motel.

If you are looking for a romatic hideaway on a budget, this is it. If you prefer smaller cosier Arubian-style venue to the large highrise hotels that leave you wondering whether you are still in Miami or Chicago, then Arubianna is for you. Many Europeans (like us) seemed to like the place. Owner Gaston is very nice, will answer all your questions, even prepare breakfast for you. Rooms are recently redecorated in good taste, they look exactly (or better) like on hotel's website. You can find some more pictures on flickr website. Amenites in the room: air conditioning, phone, TV, fridge, little kitchenette, tea kettle, hot water, wireless internet for a fee (like everywhere on the island), you can get iron , hair dryer, extra blankets from Gaston. Outboors courtyard provides a secluded space for breakast or break in the pool. In the back, Gaston has planted some coconut palms, papayas and other tropical plants. Very nice base place from where to explore the island. Eagle beach is walking distance (though have to walk across some large roads, they are not like highways), can even walk to Palm beach (~30 min walk). There are buses running along the beach, or you can call a cab,--it will arive in no time. Supermarket is around the corner, that helps to keep the trip on a good budget.
We stayed in Arubiana Inn and had a conference in Westin (highrise on a beach, 3X more expensive), so having an experience of two hotels. I prefered Arubiana because of it's atmosphere (and of course cost). Do not stay in Arubiana if you want to be right on the beach, if you are fussy, and perhaps for work/ business more expensive hotels are preferable. But for true Arubian experience, stay in Arubiana Inn!
PS. Hotel is in Bubali, close to Eagle beach, not in Oranjestad.