It took me a while to finally get to Aruba, but when I did, I instantly knew it would be a place I would return to. There are many choices for hotels in Aruba, and my preferred brand, Marriott, (and of course any of the 30+ other hotels in their Bonvoy program) has a few of their own hotels so I had some decisions to make.
The Marriott Stellaris Aruba was the hotel I landed on in Aruba after a friend of mine visited and said it was “right up my alley.” He wasn’t wrong, and hoping to help out other fellow travelers with their hotel choices in Aruba, here is my full Marriott Stellaris review. You’ll see it referred to as “Marriott Stellaris, the Stellaris Aruba,” among many other names, but since Marriott does have other properties on the island, as well as other properties with a Stellaris branded casino, I’ll refer to it as the Marriott Stellaris Aruba.
We decided on this property versus renting a house in Aruba, and we were happy with this decision. Today I’ll share with you why.
Is the Marriott Stellaris Aruba Worth it?
Traveling to Aruba is expensive in comparison from taking a trip to other exotic destinations, but the Marriott brand prides itself with being a middle of the road price point with premium hospitality.
There are many types of Marriott Hotels, and we’ve outlined all of them so you can understand the brand more. The Stellaris Aruba is simply a “Marriott” so fellow Bonvoy members, that should help you if you are as into the program as I am. While they do have higher tiered, more luxury hotels, like the Ritz Carlton brand, the Marriott brand has a level of consistency like no other major chain and they tend to have the best rewards program I’ve found.
Are you planning to spend your summer vacation in Aruba? Good choice as there are many beach resorts to select from in this area, all with infinity pools, sunset views, and many dining options.
One of the best resorts in Aruba is the Aruba Marriott Resort. It is a well-rounded resort that provides big rooms and terraces, remarkable dining options, and fast access to the renowned Palm Beach. This is one of the most excellent places in Aruba to stay when visiting the island.
We spent five nights at this hotel resort and documented the whole thing about staying below. There are many Marriott Stellaris Aruba reviews, but this one is based wholly on my experience. So, you better check this out!
About this Property Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Almost the whole thing is close to this island, so it is no surprise that the Casino Aruba Marriott Resort is just a fifteen to twenty minutes drive from Queen Beatrix International Airport.
The Marriott Resort Stellaris Casino is situated on Smith Boulevard close to the northern part of the country’s renowned Palm Beach.
This is the ideal and main place to be on the island because it provides a stunning white sand beach, remarkable views of the sunset, and many restaurants and shopping opportunities in the pathways at the back of the oceanfront resort hotels.
The Aruba Marriott Resort Stellaris doesn’t offer shuttle service; therefore, to get to this hotel, we decide to hire a taxi for only $30, and we book an alternative bus transfer that costs $20 roundtrip per passenger. You can rent a car or book privet transportation; the choice is yours.
If you choose to rent a car, there’s a wide free self parking spot in front of the hotel entrance. So, you don’t have to worry about parking, as you can find it easily.
Our Arrival at Hotel
During our arrival at the Stellaris Casino and Resort, we are welcomed and greeted by a very friendly and handsome bellman, and we walk into the entrance lobby, which opens up into an airy and bright modern lobby.
On the right side of the hotel lobby is the concierge and check-in section, and on the left is the Starbucks café and the lobby bar. Straight ahead, you will have instant access to paradise.
Right from the lobby, you will see the main swimming pool of the resort and the stunning lines of palm trees. At that moment, I want to run fast to the pool due to its calm and sparkling water.
As our family arrived during a pandemic, safety precautions were put in place like sanitizers, and the staff was wearing masks and even guests except when sunbathing or swimming.
Checked was fast and seamlessly. Also, there’s a fine line intended for elite status.
As we made our way to our suite, we got impressive views of the beachfront resort took the glass-paneled elevator up to the floor where our room was located.
Casino Aruba Marriott Resort Suites and Rooms
This resort offers spacious accommodations. There are many different sizes of rooms to choose from at this hotel.
The vast majority of the rooms are inside the U-shaped casino resort, which gives us views from our room overlooking the big swimming pool and the stunning beach, tall palm trees, and of course, the legendary sunsets.
During our vacation at the Aruba Marriott Resort, we decided to book a room with a direct view of the sea.
Unlike other resorts that we’ve been through, one thing exceptional about this casino resort is that they have the largest rooms perfect for the whole family and big terraces where you can get together while drinking and witnessing the sunsets.
The rooms are large. According to the employee, it measures 46 plus square meters with ample floor space, even with a seating area, desk, and king-size bed.
Also, there is a tea station, a small coffee area, and a fridge to keep foods and drinks cold all the time. Upon entering our room, I noticed it was bright with lots of natural light.
The room is clean with modern style and furnishing, which give off great island vibes.
The terraces are also wide, measuring 9.3 square meters, with soft and comfortable chairs to take pleasure in the warm weather of Aruba at any time of the day.
This hotel also provides some stunning suites with larger terraces or rooms that overlook or have instant access to the big pools. There are also meeting rooms available. All in all, Marriott Hotels has a very satisfactory room.
Aruba Marriott Stellaris Casino Features and Amenities
Aruba Marriott Hotel has exceptional resort amenities. The hotel’s main structure is U-shaped, surrounding the main bending pool, exceptional rock waterfall, hot tubs, and sports bar. This is the resort’s main hub, and off of the main area, we find many restaurants.
The entrance hall has instant access to the casino that opens 24 hours and is considered the biggest in the whole of Aruba.
When you look at the left side of this resort, you will be surprised by the big pool for adults only. It has a relaxing atmosphere and many cabanas to lie down to relax.
There is also a bar that offers food service. Overlooking the area is the big, two-story fitness center.
The fitness center is armed with much fitness equipment such as exercise bikes, low-impact treadmills, barbell sets, treadmills, stationary bikes, and a whole lot more.
You can stay fit and healthy even if you are on holiday. So, make sure to enroll in the free fitness classes they offer.
At the front of the resort, you will see the popular Palm Beach. I was amazed by the soft white sand as well as uninterrupted views of the ocean.
There are many palapas available for shade all through the day and also other activities like a yoga class and standup paddleboard. Aruba Marriott Resort offers many activities.
Guests 18 and older can go to the Tradewinds Club, with its exclusive H2Oasis adult pool and swim up bar. You can join the exclusive tradewinds club to make the most of the benefits they offer.
Marriott Stellaris Aruba Spa is the best place to visit if you want to relax or pamper yourself.
The resort’s relaxing sauna offers comprehensive treatments for men and women. Some of the treatments or services offered in the Marriott Stellaris Aruba Spa menu take into account massage, facials, therapies as well as body wraps, and body scrubs.
I highly recommend the body scrubs and the body wraps; this treatment is really relaxing. The spa provides a lot of treatment rooms, men’s and women’s lounges, a steam room, and therapy baths. There is also a sauna as well as a a full-service nail salon.
Aloe Vera has been cultivated in the country for decades now, and the Marriott Stellaris Aruba Spa provides many aloe-based products and procedures, so you can experience authentic Aruban relaxation.
By the way, aloe vera offers many benefits, most especially to our skin. So, don’t miss this out if you visit this hotel. For sure you will love it.
Staying at this hotel has other benefits, as this is situated a few miles from other renowned hotels in the country, such as the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Ocean Club. Manchebo Beach Resort, Tierra del Sol Golf, and Country Club as well as Marriott Surf Club are also within walking distance from the resort.
You can easily stroll along the beach footpath to these other properties and take pleasure in a number of their amenities offered as well. Eagle Beach is also one of the best beaches to visit.
Dining Experience
Our dining experience at this hotel is super as there are many choices of restaurants to choose from that offers international cuisine. Each restaurant allows you to savor a superb onsite dining experience.
They range from casual to fine dining on the water edge. Do you love coffee; well, you can head over to Starbucks located at the entrance.
There is also a gelato shop adjacent to the concierge for the afternoon to pick me up. There is also a gift store that offers chips and other types of snacks.
As mentioned above, you will never run out of choices of amazing restaurants. We tried the Atari’s, La Vista, as well as the adult-only pool service.
The meals are perfect and so good, and I loved the choices available for all kinds of guests. I ordered the same meal the next day because it really taste good. There is also a vegan restaurant just in case you are on a vegetarian diet.
My favorite restaurant is Ruth’s Chris Steak House this is one of the best steakhouses I’ve visited so far. The dishes were incredible, and I’ve heard the chef was one of the most popular chefs in the world.
The service was superb, and the waiters were very friendly. Room food service is also offered, so if you don’t have time to visit the restaurant, just call them, and the food will be served right at the comfort of your bed.
Overall, the service was very professional, efficient, and fast, and the employees were very responsive, always wearing a smile on their faces each time you talked to them.
They care for their guests to the fullest. I’ve experienced a little problem with our reservation, and the staff does everything to address the issue right away.
This is indeed a five-star hotel when it comes to service and amenities.
Conclusion
I highly recommend Marriott Stellaris if you are planning to spend your holiday in Aruba. It is indeed a captivating tropical paradise. There are many food options available, balconies and rooms are big and comfortable and fresh modern decoration.
The service was exceptional, and the employees were very friendly and welcoming. I will go back to this hotel soon.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip.
