Aruba is one very safe, friendly, accommodating, and wonderful place to visit. I have never felt more at home away from home than I have here. The staff at the Westin were unbelievable. Juan at the pool/beach; Karyn at the hotel bar; Aida at the Concierge desk were all absolutely marvelous. Whatever we asked for we received with a smile and with a sense of urgency. The rooms are a bit old and outdated, but how much time do you really spend there? The pool was beautiful, the waterfront / beach is one of the best in the hotel area. There is something to say about being at the southern most end of hotel row. Getting around the island is very very easy and somewhat fun. Tour guides are proud of the island and can't wait to share all they can about it. We also loved Alex at the Pelican Pier (what a great snorkeling cruise guide). We rarely (if ever) go back to the same island twice......but we'll be back here and won't hesitate to stay at the Westin again.

Recently returned from the Westin Aruba with minimal complaints. We also received the 5 night special for $649 and felt it was adequate for this price.
We stayed in a high floor room, 1525, which did have an ocean view because it was higher than the RIU next door.
Overall the hotel was nice and acceptable for the price. Only one day did the maid service fail to come before 1:00 pm.
The steak and seafood restaurant Pago Pago was really good, however the casino was so boring and they DEFINATELY water down the drinks there. The beach was well kept and you could find spots under the shade as there was NO WAY i was going to wake up early to reserve a palapa. The pool was cold but seemed well kept. There were creepy but cool iguanas wandering around and tropical parrots locked in their sad cages.
Within walking distance of any of the tourist places you would want to see.

We have been going to the Westin for many, many years. It used to be called the Concord and then it became the Wyndham, before presently becoming a Westin hotel. What has always been consistent abut it has been the desire to satisfy the customer. Whenever something is not acceptable, they solve the problem AND give you something free - a free dinner, a room credit, etc.. The rooms are very nice, some them have incredible views. The even numbered rooms face the sunset every day and you can take wonderful photos of it. The pool is NOT small as some have written - it is larger than the other hotels' pools. It also has some shallow sections where you can take small children, although you will have to be with them so that they don't wander to deeper parts. There is aerobics at the pool every day except Sunday. They give out flavored ices at the pool 3 times a day for free. There are iguanas around the pool and they are harmless and fun to look at. The beach is wonderful and nicer than in front of any other hotel on Palm Beach. We took a 60 minute walk each day up the beach and back, for exercise. It is true that you must get up early to get a beach hut. I would go down each day at 6:00 AM, get a hut and then go back to my room and go back to sleep. It really wasn't that annoying as you end up seeing the same people each morning and joke with them about getting up early and how you are letting your wife/husband sleep and how grateful they are to you. There is a watersports set-up on the beach and there is beach volleyball every day. In the hotel, the food is great at Blossoms (reasonably priced) and at Pago Pago (expensive.) There are many great restaurants a short cab ride away (Madame Janette's) or within walking distance - Ruinas Del Mar.

We stayed at the Westin Aruba March 13-18. Our overall stay was above average. I was traveling with my husband and our (2) small girls ages (5) and (2) and we really enjoyed ourselves on the island. When we arrived at the Westin, it was late at night, we were tired from a long trip and when we arrived, the room we were assigned was below average! The room door was cracked open, it had a musty smell and the phones did not work.. .well the story gets better...we immediately returned to the front desk and told the rep and the night manager that we refused to stay in that room. They in turn apologized and put us in another room with the promise that we would be moved the following morning. Well as promised, we called to the front desk the next morning and my husband spoke to the GM. He told us he was working on the room transfer and for us to go to have breakfast at Bon Bini (complimentary) while he sorted it out. After we finished breakfast, he met us there and told us that a junior suite was available and that if we did not mind waiting, it would be available shortly. He escorted us to the beach and arranged for us to get a hut and enjoy ourselves. Within 20 minutes, he returned with new key cards and our luggage moved. The room was great, it was a partial ocean view room and it allowed for us to spread out with the girls. As a matter of fact, from that moment going forward, we found the entire staff to be friendly and accommodating. What I liked most about the hotel was the fact that the staff was so increadibly friendly and accommodating with small children. My 5 year old loved the kids club and looked forward to the activities each day. We enjoyed the hotel so much we spent most of everyday at the beach. Yes, the huts were always booked, but chairs were availabe and to be quite honest, unless you are right up front on the beach the huts were worthless unless you are just looking to lay in the breeze and sleep and read. The service was not any better... there was always some around to take a drink or food order.

The one thing I did not like was the pool. I wished the pool had a very shallow end for babies or small children to waddle :(

Let's talk about the food...okay it was expensive to eat at the breakfast buffet ($50) for 2 adults, but the choices were good and most of all you are paying for the convenience. We called ourselves going cheap and eating at Salt and Pepper's and yes the prices were better, but the hassle of getting dressed, getting in and out of the car with the little ones to get average to below average service did not make it worth the trip, not to mention most of the tables are outdoors so you have to practicaly hold down your plate to keep it from blowing away ! Other than breakfast, we ate Blossom's which was fun!!

Overall, this is our second trip to Aruba and first time at the Westin and net net...good trip and great stay!