What a beautiful Hotel. The staff was very attentive, met every need we had. Our room was beautiful - 1620 we overlooked the pool area and the ocean. Drinks are very expensive but most food and drink items are on the island. Would go back to this Hotel in a minute.

Pool never crowded, no problem getting a good spot to relax. Always very clean. They come around with watermelong slices in the afternoon to help you cool off. Just a wonderful experience.

We visited in Mid-October and the weather could not have been more perfect. The resort offered a lot of amenities but the best part was the romantic sunset dinner on the beach. This was the only place that offered it.

The space was limited so we had to make a reservation as soon as we checked in. When we walked down from our room, we saw candle lights and cozy tables set for 2. You won't need shoes because your feet are barefoot in the sand as you eat. The servers watched from afar to see if we needed help taking pictures or refills on drinks. Not once did we ever feel like they were hovering over us.

THIS DINNER IS A DEFINITE MUST FOR ALL COUPLES!

So I had read the previous reviews prior to booking this trip and I must say that overall the hotel is exactly as I thought it would be. Here's my honest review and observations:

We are a middle aged married couple and this was our first trip to Aruba. We have visited and stayed at approximately 15 other islands in the Caribbean.

Bedding was clean and comfortable but it didn't feel it was the heavenly bed that I've experienced at other Westin properties. I've also notices that other Westin properties have the white tea aloe scent pumped through their ventilation system but this wasn't true at this property. Despite being on the top section (there are 18 floors) of this resort that there was still a musty odor and the rooms felt damp. Perhaps the white tea aloe helps mask this when used. The air conditioning was perfect and it was not loud at night.

This hotel is dated and the rooms need work (new carpet, tile, fixtures, etc). though probably not as dated as some of the properties in the low rise area at the same price point from my research.

The beach at this resort is smaller than at some of the others in the high rise area and palapas were placed so close together that having a conversation without having those around you hearing it was next to impossible. It was necessary to get up at 8:00 to be in line to buy a palapa - ones at the back went for 15 dollars and those in the middle 20, and the front row 25. I felt that the resort charge that is added to the room should take care of having shade but I guess not.

Beaches in Aruba are public so anyone can use any beach in front of any resort. One of the police stations on the island is next to the resort and while we were there the schools were bringing children in everyday to teach swimming lessons there. Consequently, the beach in front of the Westin had that going on for several hours each day. Love kids and I know that they need to learn how to swim somewhere, but not what I planned on for our vacation. We left and went to another beach while the kids had their lessons and came back at the end of the school day.

There are lots of beaches to visit on the island and if you have a car you have the flexibility to come and go as you please. We saw the bus dropping off and picking up at many of the beaches and I understand that it is only a few dollars to ride round trip. Bring your own snorkel gear, there are lots of places to go. There are rocks in front of the Divi (next to Westin) where the fish were plentiful. Baby beach also had great snorkeling.

If you're a pool dweller and you love lizards and iguanas, this is the place for you. They own the pool area and are interesting to watch.

We didn't eat that much at the resort but that which we did have was good, portions were more than adequate. My husband and I usually shared entrees, etc.. We tried to make it to Happy Hour (3-5) as there was usually entertainment and $5.00 cocktails. This was the only time that there was music during the evening. A friend who had recently visited Aruba told us to bring a portable cooler to the beach and we did as did probably 30% of the people on the beach at resorts. Prices are high and it pays to make a trip to the grocery store and stock up. We had two drinks at the bar one evening and the tab was $25.00 with tip. That can add up fast so I would encourage you to bring your own.

There is a nice walking path that runs along the beach and it was nice to get up and walk or run in the morning. The resort also had Zumba classes and Aquarobics daily and a few other activities. The work out room was well equipped and clean. There was a steam room off of the work out room that was available for anyone to use free of charge.

The spa had a good variety of services available. I ordered a lavender wrap and massage and did not get the lavender wrap portion of it. I don't know what happened but the girl did the massage using lavender oil/lotion but the wrap never happened. I was disappointed but due to lack of english speaking staff was not able to communicate this to them and still ended up paying for something I did not receive.

I know it sounds like a lot of negatives, but all in all, it was a lovely trip and we did enjoy ourselves. I booked at the Westin because the price was right and we had a rental car so we didn't have to stay at the beach there and knew that we would want to get out and explore the island anyway. Our trip was initially scheduled for 6 nights but we ended up staying for 11 nights. The staff was very friendly, nice and accommodated us for the additional nights without any problems.

..great time at The Westin Aruba, if they are looking for either a relaxing or exciting time as long as they are not 5-star travelers.

For those looking to relax, look up to the sky or out at the Blue water rather than down at the few stains on the carpet: enjoy the Heavenly Beds and the in-room free Starbucks cup of coffee or a cup of Black or Green Tea instead of being bothered by the furnishing some Trip Advisors have called outdated: enjoy the complimentary morning coffee and tea in the Lower Lobby in front of the Bon Bini Breakfast Restaurant: enjoy the complimentary Hotel Managers Deck Party on Monday's from 6-7pm (maybe a SPG benefit?) with complimentary hor 'oeuves and adult beverages just for providing management with your critique of the hotel: enjoy the daily half-price happy hour specials at the poolside Tambu Bar from 3pm till 5pm: enjoy the ocean view and the sand while sitting under your Palapa: enjoy the hotels restaurants, bars, large swimming pool, and the spa, as well. If you are a SPG member you can “Go Green” by not having room service and receive 500 points each day you do. For those looking for excitement there are plenty of things to do, I just did not partake on this trip.

At the airport it was single file line to go through Customs; to leave out of the airport; and to wait for a taxi driven-by individual Aruban's in their personal vehicles. Although, while this seemed unusual to me, my worries subsided when the taxi line preceded by a person in a booth who gave me a pre-board ticket with the exact amount( $28.00 US) to be paid for our destination to The Westin. The driver was friendly and authorized to be hired out to offer taxi services.

From the time, we stepped out of the taxi at the hotel, being greeted by “Frank the Bellman” to his assistance with our departure from the hotel, the hotel staff was as friendly a group as you could expect a hospitality staff to be, with exception to the Blackjack dealers at the casino, who were some of the most unfriendly dealers I have ever encountered. Not many tips went their way. Of course, maybe the food and beverage staff was very friendly and happy as they share in a 17% service charge added to every food and beverage item served in the hotel. Or maybe Aruban's are just happy people, in general.

The hotels restaurants and bars are priced as you would expect at a Westin hotel. If the prices are too steep then there are restaurants and bars within walking distance as well as the Aruban bus service can be utilized to travel to the downtown district. I think a one-way ride is $2.30 US and you can use $1 and $5 US bills as the driver will make change. We tried the restaurants below.
1. The Blossom offers Japanese and Chinese cuisine. We opted for Japanese with the food being prepared at a group table. Good food, fun, and a friendly atmosphere.
2. Bon Bini Restaurant Breakfast Buffet. The restaurant had many breakfast items to offer with an omelet and egg station, unlimited coffee and juice for $24.75 per person including the 17% service charge. We opted for pasties for breakfast on most days, offered at the small specialty coffee and ice cream store across from Bon Bini. They have bottled water for a reasonable $1.50 US per bottle.
3. Azull Restaurant is unique semi-private dining with tables on the beach for a possible sunset view. There were only three other couples who enjoyed the outdoor experience. The dinner is a five course meal in a semi-private seating for $69. Per person including the 17% service charge and tax. Good food, however, check the menu carefully if you have seafood allergies as my wife could not eat a few of the courses.
4. Baci Restorante has a special all the Pasta and Pizza you care to eat every Monday evening for $20.00 (excluding the service fee and tax). Good fresh food cooked at table’s right as you enter the restaurant. And you get one starter salad with it as well. For a couple it is a good deal; for a family of four or more, I am not so sure.
5. The Terrace at the poolside offers a good poolside menu with wraps and burgers with a view. However, the lizards walking around on the floor freaked me out. For the most part, the servers and managers tried to keep them out of the terrace area. We are on an island!

Be warned the addition of adult beverages can possibly increase you check, significantly. Personally, I think the prices are too high for the hotel drinks. The local brewed beer, "Balashi" a Pilsner cost $5.50 to $6.50 per an 11 or 12oz can at the hotel. That is $33 to $39 per six pack excluding the 17% service fee and 1.5% local sales tax. A six pack of Balashi beer can be purchased locally for $10 plus the local tax. The Tambu Bar at poolside is busy only for the two hours, 3-5pm "Happy Hour" for the daily half price specials. The remaining time the bar is slow as full price is just too high. Many vacationers save money by buying their adult beverages and a cheap small cooler at the grocery store a few miles away.

The Casino was small but ok. Ask how many decks of card are used at the Blackjack tables: 3, 5 or more decks. No one at my table won. The more decks the greater chance of you losing. Also, the dealer, deals a hand at a fast pace to confuse inexperienced players. There are other Casinos on the Island to enjoy.

Other mentions are the Beach: The Etnika Spa at The Westin: and the De Palm Tours. The beach area is nice with Palapa's you can reserve by paying a fee upfront or wait in line at 8am each morning to reserve one for free. We were visiting in the slow season and the front row was sold out every day; however, I got a Palapa in the second row with no problem for free. This may not be the case in the busy season. At the Spa, we receive reflexology foot massages twice with one being too gentle and one being a more aggressive kneading administered by Elsa; I think Elsa was her name. Take your pick. You can book your De Palm tours at The Westin. We took the" Discover Tour" on a chartered style bus around the island. While lunch and a short beach stay at Baby Beach were included the island is not rich in history or historical sites. $59 per person was worth it for us to see the Island and relax. The tour company offers other tours as well so choose ones you prefer. Also, there is a private company with a booth at the beach offering water sport rental equipment and various water rides and tours as well.

I would recommend The Westin Aruba hotel, if you are not a 5-star traveler. My wife and I plan to make many returns to the Westin and Aruba.