Accommodation
1. Aruba Tower / Palm Beach Club: The tallest building, central location.
2. Bonaire Tower: Mid-sized tower located between the lobby and the south pool.
3. Curaçao Tower: Located on the quietest side of the resort, near the fitness center.
Dining & Bars
4. Gilligan’s Seafood Shack: Casual beachside dining by the North Pool.
5. Castaways Bar: Open-air poolside bar for tropical cocktails.
6. Laguna: Breakfast venue overlooking the koi ponds.
7. Mira Solo Bar: Elevated lobby bar with sunset views and “bird’s eye” garden views.
8. Oscar’s Market: Coffee, gelato, and grab-and-go snacks in the Aruba Tower.
9. Sunset Grille: Fine dining steakhouse near the main entrance.
Pools & Beach
12. Beach: Expansive white sand area with palapas.
15. De Palm Pier: Long pier for boat excursions and overwater drinks.
21. North Pool: Most active pool, closest to the beach.
22. South Pool: Main central pool, typically more family-oriented.
23. Towel Hut: Activity hub for towels and Palapa bookings.
24. Red Sail Aruba: Water sports center and equipment rentals.
Facilities
13. Curaçao Lobby: Secondary entrance for the Curaçao Tower.
14. De Palm Concierge / Hertz: Excursions and car rentals.
16. eforea Spa: Full-service spa building.
17. Fitness Center: Gym located behind the Curaçao Tower.
18. Shoco Land Kids Club: Supervised kids activities.
19. Main Lobby/Reception: Check-in and guest services area.
20. Parking Lot: Main guest parking area.
26. THE CASINO ARUBA: On-site gaming located near the entrance.
Where to Stay (Room Selection & Renovations)
- Renovation Status: The Aruba Tower is the primary choice for guests seeking the most modern feel, as it houses the Palm Beach Club rooms which offer premium amenities. The Curaçao and Bonaire towers are well-maintained but have a slightly more classic Caribbean layout.
- Quiet & Sleep: The Curaçao Tower is the gold standard for light sleepers. It is tucked away from the high-traffic lobby and the late-night noise of the Casino or Mira Solo Bar.
- Convenience: For families with strollers or beach lovers, request a low floor in the Bonaire Tower. It provides the most direct, stair-free path to both the South Pool and the central walkway to the beach.
Top Spots & Hidden Gems
- Guest Favorites: The Bird Garden is a major highlight. Guests rave about the daily interaction with exotic birds (look for the scheduled photo sessions).
- Secret Locations: The Miramar South Lawn is often overlooked; it’s a perfect, quiet grassy spot for sunset viewing away from the crowded bars. Also, check out the fire pits near Mira Solo Bar for a cozy evening vibe.
- Dining Tips: Locals and repeat guests recommend the “Aruba Ariba” cocktail at Castaways Bar. For a quick lunch, the Fish Tacos at Gilligan’s are frequently cited as the best value on the Resort Map.
Practical Layout & Distances
- Logistics: The Hotel Layout is very horizontal. Walking from the Main Lobby to the Beach takes approximately 4-6 minutes at a leisure pace.
- Accessibility: The resort is exceptionally flat. There are ramps connecting all major towers to the pool decks, making it “stroller-friendly.”
- Shortcuts: If staying in the Curaçao Tower, use the side path by the Fitness Center to reach the parking lot quickly, bypassing the main lobby crowds.
Map FAQ
- Where do I get beach towels? At the Towel Hut (23) near the North Pool. You will need your room key/towel card.
- Is the pool heated? No, the North and South pools are not heated, but the Aruba sun keeps them at a comfortable temperature year-round.
- How do I book a Palapa? Use the online Hilton booking system or visit the Towel Hut early in the morning. Front-row palapas usually require a rental fee.
- Where is the smoking area? Designated smoking areas are located on the periphery of the Resort Layout, away from the pools and dining areas.
- Is there a shuttle? No internal shuttle is needed due to the compact Hotel Map, but a Bus Stop is located right outside on J.E. Irausquin Blvd for local transport.
- Where can I find water? Several water station dispensers are located near the Fitness Center and Towel Hut for refilling reusable bottles.
