Resort Layout Legend
Accommodation & Hubs
– Main Building: Central hub containing the lobby, casino, and primary services.
– Lobby: Main check-in area and guest services.
– Regency Club: Exclusive lounge located within the Palms Restaurant wing.
Pools & Beach
– Lagoon: Large central water feature surrounded by dining.
– Pool: Multi-level complex featuring a water slide and waterfalls.
– Caribbean Sea: Direct beach access with palapas and loungers.
– Piet’s Bar: Pier-end bar located directly over the water.
– Kadushi Bar: Beachfront pool bar.
– Balashi Bar: Swim-up bar located in the southern pool section.
Dining & Bars
– Palms Restaurant: Casual beachfront dining.
– Palms Bar: Outdoor bar near the pool area.
– Specialty Restaurants: Diverse dining options situated around the Lagoon.
– ShoCo: Coffee and juice bar/market.
– Alfresco Bar: Open-air lounge near the specialty restaurants.
– Casino: High-energy gaming area in the main building.
Facilities & Recreation
– Main Entrance: Drop-off point on J.E. Irausquin Blvd.
– Spa: Full-service wellness center in the south wing.
– Gym: Fitness center located adjacent to the Hyatt Ziva/Spa area.
– Beach Tennis: Recreational courts south of the main structure.
– Ballroom: Event space north of the casino.
Where to Stay (Room Selection & Renovations)
- Renovation Status: The Main Building underwent a massive $21 million transformation recently. Focus on the “Global Design” rooms which feel modern and airy. Avoid lower-floor rooms near the Casino or Ballroom if you want to avoid “dated” hallways, though most interiors are now refreshed.
- Quiet & Sleep: Request a high-floor room in the wing furthest from the Balashi Bar and Casino. Rooms facing the Lighthouse (North) generally experience less evening noise than those overlooking the central Lagoon and Alfresco Bar.
- Convenience: Families should aim for the lower floors of the west wing (near Palms Restaurant). This provides the fastest access to the Pool and ShoCo for morning snacks without navigating elevators.
Top Spots & Hidden Gems
- Guest Favorites: The adult-only pool (part of the Pool complex) is highly rated for its tranquility compared to the main activity pool. The “Trankilo” area is the top choice for couples.
- Secret Locations: Look for the garden paths near the Lagoon. There are quiet spots with swans and exotic birds that aren’t immediately obvious from the Property Map.
- Dining Tips: Skip the standard lobby drinks and head to Piet’s Bar on the pier for the sunset. Guests rave about the “Aruba Ariba” cocktail and the fish tacos at Palms Bar. ShoCo is the go-to for gelato after a day at the Caribbean Sea.
Practical Layout & Distances
- The Resort Layout is compact compared to neighboring mega-resorts. You can walk from the Main Entrance to the Caribbean Sea in under 5 minutes.
- Accessibility: The Hotel Layout features several ramps, but the multi-level pool area has some stairs. Families with strollers should use the paved path running past the Gym and Spa to reach the beach level smoothly.
- Shortcuts: To get from the Ballroom area to the beach quickly, cut through the Specialty Restaurants courtyard rather than going back through the Lobby.
Map FAQ
- Where is the towel hut? Located near the Kadushi Bar and the entrance to the beach. You need your room key to scan for towels.
- Is there a swim-up bar? Yes, the Balashi Bar is the primary swim-up spot on the Hotel Map.
- Where is the Regency Club? It is tucked inside the Palms Restaurant building, offering views of the beach.
- How do I get to downtown? Use the Gate at J.E. Irausquin Blvd to catch a taxi or the Arubus; Oranjestad is a 10-15 minute drive south.
- Are the palapas free? You can reserve them via the Hyatt’s online system; “back row” palapas are often free on a first-come, first-served basis, while front-row spots require a fee.
- Where is the water slide? It is located at the top level of the main Pool complex, descending toward the Lagoon area.
