Four-pearl Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is an adults-only property taking up a prime stretch of sand at the southern end of Eagle Beach. This eco-friendly, 104-room hotel has a stellar reputation and many guests return for its intimate and exclusive, yet unpretentious vibe. The main activity here involves lingering on the sand under shade umbrellas, or lounging by the chic beachfront pool. Guest rooms are handsomely decorated with luxurious decor and higher-end amenities such as iHome systems, charging docks, minibars, and built-in TVs in bathroom mirrors. A free breakfast buffet is served daily, and dining is a highlight -- including five-course menus at the intimate gourmet spot, Carte Blanche, and romantic beachfront dining at Elements. Bucuti & Tara is one of the area’s chicest hotels, but those looking for a stylish stay that's kid-friendly can consider Divi Aruba All-Inclusive.

For those in search of an intimate boutique experience on Aruba, the Boardwalk Hotel is an excellent three-and-a-half-pearl choice. This peaceful 14-room property, tucked behind three massive Marriott properties and situated on a former coconut plantation, remains an oasis of calm. The bright, spacious casitas have full kitchens or kitchenettes, bright beach-chic decor, and semi-private patios. Snorkeling equipment is free to use, as are palapa-shaded lounge chairs, and it's just a five-minute walk to Palm Beach (full of bustling restaurants, casinos and nightlife). There's also a "hidden" beach nearby that's recommended by the owners -- they know the local scoop. While the hotel does have a small pool, there is no restaurant. Those who'd prefer a boutique stay right on the beach should check out the Surfside Marina Hotel as an alternative. 

The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is a four-pearl hotel located in the High-Rise Hotel District, one of Aruba’s main dining and entertainment centers. The hotel’s 411 guest rooms are neat and well-maintained, offering huge bathrooms and private balconies. Amenities are excellent and include nine restaurants and bars, a striking pool, and a popular casino, yet the ambience is pleasantly low-key. Guests might want to compare rates with the nearby Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino.

Following extensive 2016 renovations, this upscale Hilton (formerly a Radisson) stands as an icon of modernist architecture with chic surroundings on Aruba’s popular Palm Beach. Its 357 rooms are spacious, comfortable, and handsomely appointed, with furnished balconies or patios and a choice of views. Highlights include two lovely big pools, immaculate tropical garden grounds (complete with caged Macaws), a top-notch spa and fitness center, and beachfront dining, although kid-focused activities are surprisingly lacking. The Hilton is a popular hub for couples and families seeking an elegant backdrop to their Aruba vacation. A major plus is the prime location -- right on popular Palm Beach -- perfectly calm for swimming and floating; with plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightlife within walking distance. Travelers seeking an upmarket vibe for adults only could try Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. 

The four-pearl Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort is the Divi group’s only tower property, just 11 minutes from the capital of Oranjestad. It's located on Palm Beach, and guests will have easy access to the High-Rise District's restaurants, casinos, and nightlife. The 240 stylish suites come in a range of sizes (studio, one, two, or three-bedroom), and have fully-equipped kitchens, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and balconies with ocean views. The newer Beach Tower offers upgraded amenities such as stainless steel appliances and washer/dryer combos. The numerous features -- including a large outdoor pool, two popular beachside restaurants, tennis courts, a modern fitness center, and impressive spa -- make this resort feel much bigger than it actually is. Travelers who aren’t into tower hotels could try Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort. 

The Barcelo Aruba is a three-and-a-half pearl hotel located on busy Palm Beach. The hotel’s 364 rooms are smart and tidy, offering minibars as well as narrow balconies or terraces. The decor could use a refresh in some areas, but on the plus side, the hotel features a gorgeous beach, lovely pool, and all-inclusive access at over a dozen restaurants and bars. Many more dining and entertainment options can also be found in the surrounding High-Rise Hotel district. Expect to pay extra for Wi-Fi in the rooms. Guests might want to compare rates with the nearby Riu Palace Aruba, a slightly bigger all-inclusive resort. 

The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino is a four-pearl hotel located in Aruba’s Palm Beach High-Rise Hotel District. With a fabulous three-tiered pool, waterslide, full-service spa, busy casino, and access to beautiful Palm Beach, the hotel has a high-energy atmosphere and there’s no shortage of things to do or eat on-site. Beautifully landscaped grounds and sleek decor in the public spaces inject the Hyatt with a welcome dose of style and tropical flavor, that doesn't quite carry over to the rooms. The 357 guest rooms are clean and bright, and come with flat-screen TVs and large bathrooms. Though not a new hotel, the Hyatt is meticulously cared for, and the vibe here is somewhat more upscale than many other High-Rise properties in the area. Those after an all-inclusive deal could try Divi Aruba All-Inclusive.

Divi Aruba All Inclusive is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive resort straddling the white sands of Druif Beach, a 10-minute drive from Oranjestad. Many (but not all) of the 261 rooms and suites look out over the beach and all have furnished balconies, Nespresso coffeemakers, and sleek bathrooms. However, it's the facilities that really stand out, including multiple buffet and a la carte restaurants, a spa, a nine-hole golf course, four pools, and free use of non-motorized water sports equipment. Nightly entertainment includes fire shows and live music. Guests also get access to the facilities and restaurants at the nearby Tamarijn Aruba, which has more for kids and is a better option for families, owing largely to the presence of a kids' club. 

The four-pearl Hotel Riu Palace Antillas is a 481-room, all-inclusive, adult-only resort that's right on popular Palm Beach. The atmosphere is booze-fueled and lively. Rooms are simple and modern, and some have ocean views. Flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and the all-important ready-to-pour liquor rack all come standard. The four restaurants and bars (including a swim-up pool bar) help keep guests busy, but nightly entertainment at the nightclub and casino are lacking. Still, for Riu brand loyalists things here feel fresh, which can't always be said for resorts in Aruba, and service is available around the clock. Those looking for a resort that allows children, but has similar features, should check out the neighboring Riu Palace Aruba.

Blue Residences is an upscale hotel located less than a mile away from Aruba’s High-Rise Hotel district. The property’s 124 condos are sleek and contemporary, with gleaming suites featuring living spaces, full kitchens, and extra bathrooms. There’s a small beach across the street, as well as larger swaths of sand a short walk away. The hotel’s infinity pools are dazzling, and its on-site restaurant is good enough to attract non-guests -- expect high prices. The overall atmosphere, however, may be too quiet for those looking to socialize and party. Those interested in apartment-style accommodation might also consider the Oceania Deluxe Beachfront Condominium Resort, which offers direct access to buzzing Eagle Beach.

In Swahili, the word ‘karibu’ means ‘welcome,’ and it’s a fitting name for this quaint, three-pearl boutique property, whose Dutch owners make travelers feel as if they are special guests in their home. They go above and beyond -- like offering rides, tips on what to do, and free cell phones in each room -- to make for a memorable experience that's a far cry from what you’d get at a typical high-rise hotel in Aruba. Beautifully decorated, modern rooms (of which there area only three) plus a small pool help, too -- though you can get the same for a bit more cash at nearby Boardwalk Hotel, which is also a closer walk to the beach.

Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa is 97-room mid-range boutique around a five-minute walk to Aruba's Palm Beach, the hubbub of the High Rise zone, and a large concentration of restaurants and shopping. Rooms are spacious and contemporary, but the fixed windows and island condensation can breed a musty smell. All units get mini-fridges, free bottles of water, turndown service, luxe toiletries, and huge, fluffy towels. The boutique packs in features such as a club, pool bar, restaurants, and 24-hour fitness center, and business center. It's an ideal adult-only option for anyone looking to be in this bumping area without shelling out for a high-rise resort. 

With six apartments ranging from Studio to Two-Bedroom layouts, Arubu Cunucu Residence is a reliable three-pearl option, with a calm vibe that bustling resort areas lack. It's located in a slightly isolated residential area, but beaches, restaurants, and nightlife are all within a five-minute drive. Apartments are very dated, but they’re clean, comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped with full kitchens, flat-screen TVs, homey furniture, and practical touches like beach chairs and coolers. The property's highlight feature is its pleasant and sizable infinity pool. Cunucu’s simplicity is reflected in its affordable price, and the ability to self-cater is a big plus, as dining out in Aruba isn't cheap. Scene-seekers should stay elsewhere, and travelers looking for a stay with more on-site amenities that's closer to the beach can try Tropicana Aruba Resort.