A hotel’s culinary offerings can make or break a stay for some people. But worry not: At Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, foodies will find lots to love.
During my recent stay, I found the diversity of delicious cuisine to be a decidedly strong selling point. I was impressed by the array of on-site restaurant options as well as the quality, creativity and style each venue offered.
Among my personal favorite meals was an expertly prepared lamb shank with couscous at Mercat, the attractive Mediterranean restaurant that offers indoor and beach-view outdoor seating. Also topping my list were the delectable sushi and pork belly bao at The Lobby, the property’s stylish lobby bar and restaurant.
The Lobby bar and eatery serves sushi.
Credit: 2024 Marriott International
Waves Bar & Grill, meanwhile, quickly became my go-to spot for lobster roll on the beach. In the evening, the venue converts into a different concept: Atardi, a perfect place for a romantic dinner right on the shore. Additional dining options include a Ruth’s Chris Steak House as well as Campeones Cantina & Tequila Bar, a Mexican eatery located just a few steps away at Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club, part of the Marriott Vacation Club.
I don’t usually start hotel reviews with a roundup of restaurants. But the excellent dining was such an integral part of my overall experience at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino that it warrants early praise. The hotel’s culinary scene is also just one example of how this property offers features that make it something like a self-contained paradise — while also offering the flexibility of a European-plan hotel.
Exploring the Property
Throughout my stay, I enjoyed strolling the winding walkways along the beach and admiring the beautiful landscaping, expansive beach and multiple swimming pools. (The pool and beach chair setup services made it even easier to stake out my own place to relax.) The on-site watersports facility is another big plus; my accommodations included one hour of nonmotorized watersports, with options such as stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling and sea kayaking.
The resort’s Bon Bini app is an especially useful tool to learn about all the hotel’s features, and I found it helpful for poring over restaurant menus before meals, checking out the live entertainment and activity schedule, and making reservations for restaurants and cabanas.
Additional features at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino include a spa and a two-story fitness center. Fans of gaming, meanwhile, will be drawn to Stellaris Casino, which the hotel bills as the largest casino in Aruba, with 17 gaming tables and more than 400 slot machines (it also often hosts live entertainment).
Another one of my personal favorite activities was simply spending time in the hotel lobby, an inviting space perfect for relaxing, having a drink, people watching and even working, thanks to the excellent Wi-Fi and ample outlets. By night, the lobby bar becomes more festive, with live entertainment and a large cocktail menu.
Guestrooms
All room categories have balconies, a feature I appreciated while staying in a spacious oceanview king room, which was furnished with a sofa and workspace. Guestroom renovations are slated to begin in April 2025 and run through October, promising an even fresher look to what are already well-designed spaces.
Guestroom renovations are scheduled to start in April 2025.
Credit: 2024 Marriott InternationalAdult travelers looking for an elevated (and kid-free) resort experience should consider booking a room in the Tradewinds Club, a distinct, adults-only concept located within the same hotel building. Guests in this section receive additional benefits, including an exclusive check-in area, upgraded room amenities and access to an adults-only lounge that serves complimentary food and beverages.
Upcoming Seasonal Activities
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is offering a variety of activities for the end-of-year holiday season, including holiday pop-up stands, cookie and cupcake decorating sessions and gingerbread house decorating classes. Mercat and Ruth’s Chris will feature Christmas dinner menus, while Waves Bar & Grill and The Lobby will unveil holiday cocktail menus. New Year’s Eve dinner events, meanwhile, will take place at Mercat, Atardi, Ruth’s Chris and The Lobby.
Another popular time to visit is during Carnival, the pre-Lenten celebration that includes a variety of festivities, including a vibrant parade. The hotel can arrange for guests to attend a variety of themed events.
Regardless of the time of year, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is well-positioned to serve a variety of traveler types, with its array of accommodation, dining and activity options.
