Oranjestad
$$$Mid-rangeOn the parade route
- Hotels in the capital
- The Grand Parade runs through town
- Restaurants and shopping nearby
Caribbean destination guide
Where to stay in Aruba
Sunny, dry and outside the hurricane belt, with a carnival season that peaks just before Lent. Oranjestad is the parade hub.
Where to stay
The best areas to stay in Aruba
Our picks, best first-timer base first. Tap an area to see live prices around it.
Eagle Beach
$$$PremiumLow-rise and quieter
- Wide beach with low-rise resorts
- About 10 minutes to Oranjestad
- Quieter at night
Palm Beach
$$$PremiumHigh-rise resorts
- Big resorts, bars and casinos
- About 15 minutes to Oranjestad
- Calm, swimmable beach
San Nicolas
$$$BudgetThe island's other carnival town
- A few small hotels and guesthouses, with Baby Beach close by
- Hosts its own Grand Parade the day before Oranjestad's
- About 30 minutes' drive to Oranjestad
Showing stays near Aruba
Prices are live for your dates and guests. Tap a pin to see the stay on the booking site.
Festivals
Festivals in Aruba
Each guide has the right nights to book and the closest areas to the venue.
Getting there & around
- Fly into Queen Beatrix International (AUA).
- Book an airport transfer for arrival day, especially if you land after dark.
- Agree taxi fares before you set off, and ask your host which drivers they trust.
Booking tips
Book refundable, switch later
Lock in a free-cancellation stay now while there's choice, then keep an eye out for something better.
Compare the total price
Festival rates, cleaning fees and minimum stays add up. Compare the total for your nights, not the nightly rate.
Check AC, water and parking
Ask rental hosts about AC in the bedrooms, backup water and secure parking before you book.
Stay near what you'll do most
Roads close and taxis surge on the big days. Being close to the main events saves hours.
Compare every stay in Aruba on one map
Hotels, villas and apartments from the big booking sites, with live prices for your dates.
FAQ
Staying in Aruba
Where is the best place to stay in Aruba?
Oranjestad: On the parade route. Best for Carnival. Eagle Beach: Low-rise and quieter. Best for Couples. Palm Beach: High-rise resorts. Best for Nightlife and families.
Where should I stay in Aruba on a budget?
San Nicolas tends to have the best value. A few small hotels and guesthouses, with Baby Beach close by.
Which airport do I fly into for Aruba?
Queen Beatrix International (AUA).
What festivals happen in Aruba?
Aruba Carnival (Grand Parades in San Nicolas on the Saturday and Oranjestad on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday). Book early for festival weeks, as the closest stays go first.
Island hopping
More Caribbean destinations
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Rebel Salute · Jamaica Carnival · Reggae Sumfest · Dream Weekend · Reggae Marathon
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Antigua Sailing Week · Antigua Carnival
Cayman Islands
Batabano · Pirates Week
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts · Saint Lucia Carnival
Bahamas
Junkanoo
Barbados
Crop Over
Curaçao
Curaçao Carnival
Dominica
World Creole Music Festival
Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo Carnival
Grenada
Spicemas
Martinique
Martinique Carnival
Puerto Rico
Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián
St Kitts & Nevis
St Kitts Music Festival
St Vincent & the Grenadines
Vincy Mas
Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad Carnival
Turks & Caicos
Maskanoo
US Virgin Islands
St Thomas Carnival