Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba: Honest Review on What to Really Expect
When it comes to hotels in Aruba, the choices can feel endless. I remember scrolling through TripAdvisor with my husband and feeling completely overwhelmed—Palm Beach or Eagle Beach? Big resort or something quieter? After lots of research, we decided to stay at the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba in Palm Beach. Final verdict: we absolutely loved it! Here’s why it won us over, and why it might just be the perfect pick for your Aruba getaway too.
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The Location + Arrival
Reception at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is located in Palm Beach but a little off the main strip, making it a private oasis.
Its location is within walking distance along the beach (~20-25 minutes) to all the restaurants and shops along the main strip. We love to walk so that didn’t bother us, or you could drive 5 minutes to all the restaurants.
The hotel is 20 minutes from the airport.
We wanted to explore the island during our week-long stay, so we rented a car with Wheels 2 Go.
Wheels 2 Go is a local family-owned business. They were waiting for us right when exited the airport and whisked us away to our car. Incredible service.
As we pulled up to the gate of the Boardwalk, we pressed the button to enter and pulled in. Plenty of parking.
The grounds are gorgeous. Luscious palm trees and green vegetation enveloped us as we walked to the reception area to check in.
Let the vacation begin!
The First Three Impressions
- A boutique, relaxed vibe
- Private nooks everywhere
- Clean, fresh, pastel tropical colors
Hi, I’m Nichole—the discerning traveler, wine lover, and adventure seeker behind Enriching Pursuits.
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The Rooms
The rooms, known as casitas, are all unique. Several types of casitas are offered, which include the following:
Coco Casita
One-space suite + private patio + kitchenette. Located on the ground or second floor.
Deluxe Coco Casita
One-space suite + private patio/BBQ + kitchenette + indoor and outdoor shower. It’s a stand-alone casita, so no one is above or below you. * We stayed in this casita.
1 or 2-Bedroom Casita
Separate sleeping and living space + private patio/BBQ + full kitchen. Located on the ground or second floor.
Palapa Lodge 360
One space suite + 360 wraparound terrace. No kitchen. No BBQ. Located on the second floor.
Plunge Pool Casita
One-space suite + private patio + kitchenette + sundeck + plunge pool). It’s a stand-alone casita.
Deluxe Coco Casita at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
We stayed in the Deluxe Coco Casita and absolutely loved it.
You download an app and access your room via your phone. No bulky keys with big wooden palm trees to carry around. I wish all hotels would do virtual keys.
Everything was clean, crisp, fresh, and washed in beautiful tropical pastel colors.
And when I say clean, I mean SPOTLESS.
No scuffs on the walls, no dust in the corners, no little hairs in the shower, and no watermarks or stains on the furniture.
I have never seen a hotel, especially in the Caribbean, that clean. The house cleaning staff clearly takes pride in ensuring your casita is immaculate!
When we walked up to our Deluxe Coca Casita, we first encountered the ample-sized patio that included a table, two chairs, and a little swinging chair.
We enjoyed many breakfasts outdoors on that patio served directly from Eduardo’s Beach Shack.
The patio of our Deluxe Coco Casita at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
As we entered, we came across the living space and kitchenette. The living area is perfect for two people and included a neutral linen cushy sofa and a widescreen TV.
Further back was a fun kinda retro-looking, mint-colored kitchenette with a microwave, coffee maker, 2-burner electric stovetop with kettle, mini-fridge, and ice bucket. Of course, the basics like glasses and cooking utensils were also provided.
We didn’t cook while we were there, but we did get takeout so the fridge and microwave came in handy.
Deluxe Coco Casita living and kitchen area at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
The sleeping space consisted of a 4 poster king-sized bed with a gorgeous hand-painted mural on the back wall. The air conditioner was located above the bed, and it actually kept the room nice and cool.
Plus, there was a ceiling fan you could run to always ensure a nice cold sleeping environment.
These are the things I appreciate!
4 Poster King Sized Bed at the Deluxe Coco Casita
The bathroom was spacious and included one sink, an indoor shower, a toilet, and an OUTDOOR shower.
Deluxe Coco Casita Shower
Deluxe Coco Casita Bathroom
In addition to cold sleeping environments, I love outdoor showers!
There’s just something about being outside looking up at the sky while you are washing your hair.
My first outdoor shower experience was at Reethi Faru in the Maldives, and I have been hooked since then!
The outdoor shower came in super handy to clean off all of our snorkeling equipment. Then we also had a place to hang everything to dry.
My husband and I are avid snorkelers.
Check out our Aruba snorkeling guide if you are interested to know where all the top spots are located on the island (including the best place to snorkel with cute turtles!).
Deluxe Coco Casita Outdoor Shower at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
The Food & Drink
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
UPDATE: Eduardo’s Beach Shack used to have a physical location on the hotel property, where you can place your order. They have since left and opened up multiple locations on the island. They offer incredible savory and healthy food items and their FAMOUS acai bowls.
But don’t worry. The Boardwalk now has another amazing foodie restaurant called The Coco Cafe. I haven’t tried them yet, but they have fantastic reviews and offer similar delicious healthy options like Eduardo’s.
Feeling too lazy and don’t feel like putting pants on?
Order your breakfast and coffee through the hotel’s app from 8 -11 am and have them delivered directly to your private patio.
Yes, we were spoiled.
Nourish Benny from Eduardo’s Beach Shack in Palm Beach, Aruba
Acai bowl at Eduardo’s Beach Shack
Want to know more about our foodie finds? Don’t miss my best Aruba restaurants article below.
Daily Bar Service
Happy hour at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
Happy hour at the hotel is a must!
Curated cocktails are served from 3-5:30 pm.
We enjoyed many of the famous Aruba Aribas from the tropical rolling bar cart at the main pool.
Have you tried an Aruba Ariba cocktail?
It is delicious and goes down way too fast.
What’s in it? Vodka, rum, creme de banana, orange juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and a special local liquor called coecoei. Don’t be fooled by its innocent nature. It packs a punch.
Maybe this is how Aruba got its motto … One Happy Island.
Sipping on a Aruba Ariba at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
The Amenities
Pool
The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba has 2 pools.
The Trankilo Pool is the smaller, more private pool.
Trankilo Pool at the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
The Tropical Pool is the fun pool with a swinging hammock and the poolside happy hour service.
We enjoyed our time and cocktails in this pool.
Tropical Pool at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
Beach
The hotel is located a short 3-minute walk from Palm Beach, one of the best beaches in Aruba!
As you leave the hotel, you enter the roundabout at the pedestrian crossing, walk across the road, and up the sidewalk.
The designated beach section is straight ahead and is located right next to the Ritz Carlton’s beach.
Map of walk to the beach from the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba Beach Section
They have plenty of palapas and sunbeds with comfortable cushions.
PRO TIP: Reserve your palapa the day before and as early as you can. They go quickly! The palapas are held until 10:30 am. If no one shows, they are released to any other guests that want them. Completely fair.
I love the reservation process!
I have been to hotels where people wake up at 5 am, throw flip-flops and a towel on a chair to “reserve” it and then do not show up until the afternoon to enjoy it. The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba has eliminated that annoying behavior by creating this lovely reservation process. Thank you Boardwalk!
Beach section for the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
You can order food and drinks at a 15% discount from the neighboring Ritz Carlton. The servers will buzz around on Segways making sure you are taken care of.
The wait staff is BUSY. Be aware if you order a drink, it could take over 45 minutes to receive it. I would have passed had I known that.
Alternatively, you can take the cooler in your room and throw your own drinks in to enjoy at the beach. Much better (and more affordable) option!
Gym
They do have what they refer to as a cozy gym. I didn’t know this until I was writing this article.
With so many outdoor activities in Aruba, I would be surprised if many people use it. But it’s there if you need it!
The Rates
Of course, the rate will all depend on your room type and if you stay during the low or high season.
It will range from $350 to $600+.
The Reasons for Choosing This Hotel
#1- Boutique Vibe with "Tropical Cottage" Feel
I’m not into chain hotels. Sure, I’ve stayed in the Hiltons and Marriotts of the world, but I love unique boutique hotels with personalized service. The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba will surpass your expectations. They have thought of EVERYTHING. I dare you to find something they have not considered.
#2- Palm Beach Location wIthout the Crowds
There’s no way getting around it. Palm Beach is the place to be, and as a result there are crowds everywhere. I like people in doses. It was great to be able to walk to all the restaurants and feel the “pulse” of the island, but I also loved retreating back to my personal quiet oasis. Best of both worlds.
#3- Adults-only
The Boardwalk will be adults-only starting January 1, 2025. If you are looking for a relaxed warm getaway with your partner, this hotel is your happy place!
#4- Foodie Focus
When we first started going to the Boardwalk, Eduardo’s Beach Shack was located on the hotel property. Eduardo’s has incredibly delicious fresh and healthy food choices like acai bowls with seasonal fruits, coconut, and granola.
Eduardo’s has since left Boardwalk and branched out to multiple locations across the island. But don’t worry. The Boardwalk now has another fantastic restaurant on site called The Coco Cafe, which still focuses on delicious healthy options and fresh ingredients.
I haven’t had the chance to try The Coco Cafe yet, but the stellar reviews speak for themselves.
The cafe also hosts fun events like Tapas Tuesdays and Caribbean Night Fridays.
Other Hotels We Considered
There was one other strong contender we considered, the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba. It’s the #1 traveler-rated hotel in Aruba on TripAdvisor. For reference, the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel is #2.
This adults-only hotel is located right on Eagle Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its decor is modern and fresh with darker furniture. Very nice but not as cute as the Boardwalk.
The Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort has a great central location making it easy to explore Aruba. It also has a fantastic upscale restaurant on site.
Final Thoughts
Aruba is an easy Caribbean island to fall in love with. We loved its world-class beaches, great hikes, delicious local food and fine dining (check out Ever!), and friendly locals.
Where to stay is always an important choice. If you pick right, it can really enhance your vacation experience.
I love it when places exceed your expectations, and the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba did just that.
I’m Nichole, the author of all the blog posts on Enriching Pursuits. Think of me as your geeky discerning travel friend who dives deep (Google Page 20, forums, travel groups deep!) to uncover the best ways to enjoy exceptional outdoor adventures and foodie experiences.
My husband and I are experienced snorkelers, day hikers, and casual cyclists who also love delicious street food, an incredible glass of wine, and the occasional Michelin-starred meal.
Balancing full-time careers, we cherish every second of our vacation days and love sharing tips to help you do the same. If this sounds like your kind of travel, subscribe below or drop me a note with any questions. I’d love to hear from you!
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Questions about our stay at the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba?
Let me know in the comments below!
Thank you! I am struggling to decide between the Boardwalk and Bucuti and Tara. My husband will spend most of his time reading, and I will float in the pool and snorkel most of the time. We want to walk to town for restaurants and exploring daily. The best part of travel for us is the people we meet, so we like the idea of walking in regular neighborhoods and going to stores local frequent. Would one of the two resorts be better than the other for that? I really can’t decide and am looking for anything that can help me decide. I like the idea of the Caribbean vibe Boardwalk has. It looks like Bucuti might have a more traditional hotel feel. Is that right? Help! And thank you!
We ultimately decided on the Boardwalk and were super happy with our choice! It was a hard choice though, and I really think you can’t go wrong either way. Both adult-only hotels are super highly-rated.
I’ve never stayed at the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, so I can’t directly compare the two. But I can share my personal experience with the Boardwalk and what I know of the Bucuti & Tara just from research.
SIZE & FEEL: Bucuti & Tara has 104 rooms compared to Boardwalk’s 49. We tend to gravitate towards smaller boutique hotels. The Boardwalk has more of a “beach cottage” feel compared to the more traditional rooms at Bucuti & Tara. We loved the intimate personal feel of the Boardwalk.
BEACH: The Boardwalk is NOT beachfront. Bucuti & Tara sits on Eagle Beach, one of the top beaches in the Caribbean! Part of the pool faces the beach, which you can see from the hotel’s photos. So, if being on the beach and having a great pool are high priorities, then Bucuti & Tara would win this category.
However, the Boardwalk has a dedicated beach section next to the Ritz that’s only a 3 minute walk across the street. My husband and I are very active and love walking, so not having a beachfront location wasn’t a big deal for us.
SOCIAL: The Boardwalk has happy hours by the pool, so we met a lot of fellow guests during that time. I’m not sure if Bucuti & Tara has anything similar where there’s some mingling. Bucuti definitely tailors towards romance, great for a relaxed couples getaway.
RESTAURANTS: The only place that I know where you can walk out of your hotel to multiple restaurants is if you stay at one of the bigger hotel chains right on Palm Beach.
The Boardwalk is across from the northern end of Palm Beach. We are big walkers, so we enjoyed the exercise, but it did take about 25 minutes to get to some of our favorite restaurants (Lola Taqueria, Gianni’s) in Palm Beach. There are a few hotel restaurants next to Bucuti & Tara but nothing compared to the string of restaurants on Palm Beach.
Eagle Beach is quiet. Palm Beach is hopping.
SNORKELING: Neither hotels are located right at snorkeling sites. However, the Boardwalk is only five minutes from the two of the most popular snorkeling sites (Tres Trapi and Boca Catalina) in Aruba. My husband and I are avid snorkelers, so I’ve created an Aruba Snorkeling Guide detailing all the best spots:
My Aruba Snorkeling Guide
Hope this helps as you narrow down your choices. You can’t go wrong either way. Both hotels have super high ratings and lots of happy travelers.
Enjoy your trip! 🌴 🐠
Hello Nichole,
I was just about to book a trip to Curaçao when I decided to look-up ‘Aruba’ just to see.
I am a scuba/snorkeler/hiker/foodie/wine enthusiast and my wife is a neo-snorkeler/ strong swimmer from Vancouver, BC wanting some warm water escape while our 3-children are at summer camp.
At first, I was looking at an all-inclusive to cover as many activities as possible.
Your post changed my mind and I’ve booked our flights and Boardwalk Hotel reservation for early Aug 2025.
Did you really enjoy the hassle of renting a car?
I’m sure I’ll come-up with more questions for you.
Thank you,
Thanks for reaching out. The Boardwalk is a wonderful place!
I think there’s two types of Caribbean vacations.
One where you enjoy the All-Inclusive experience on a fabulous beach, and the other where you love to get out and explore, hike, snorkel, and discover the local foodie gems. My husband and I enjoy the latter, so we don’t mind renting a car. We love the freedom it allows, and island driving is pretty easy.
Hope that perspective helps.
Happy to answer any other questions.
Have a wonderful trip! 😊
Your review was very helpful! How is the beach section for the Boardwalk? We usually stay at Manchebo, next to Bucuti so it’s quiet. Is it noisy and crowded in the Boardwalk section? Thanks so much!!
Thanks so much for your kind words, and I’m really glad you found the review helpful! 😊
Great question about the beach section at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel. While Boardwalk isn’t directly on the beach, they do have a lovely beach area set up on Palm Beach, just a short walk from the hotel. It’s located in between the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton.
That area of the beach does see more activity compared to the serene vibe of Manchebo/Bucuti. Palm Beach generally has more foot traffic and nearby hotel guests, so it’s naturally livelier. That said, Boardwalk does a great job of maintaining a relaxed, boutique feel. Their section has plenty of palapas reserved for guests, so you’re not fighting for space like at some of the larger resorts.
Of course, the level of activity really depends on when you go (high vs. low season).
If you’re used to the calm of Manchebo, Boardwalk’s beach might feel more energetic, but not overly crowded or noisy. Just a different kind of vibe, still very enjoyable.
Hope this helps and enjoy your trip!
Your Aruba Comments are priceless! These may “save” our desperate last-minute getaway.
Can you comment n the menu prices and variety at Coco?
Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m really glad the Aruba posts have been helpful for your trip planning.
When we stayed at Boardwalk, the on site dining spot was still Eduardo’s Beach Shack, which has since been replaced by Coco Cafe. So I haven’t personally dined at Coco Cafe yet. The Boardwalk keeps their menu updated online, and you can see current pricing and options here:
https://boardwalkaruba.com/en/eat-drink-coco-cafe-aruba
From what I’ve seen, they offer a great selection, similar in spirit to what Eduardo’s offered but with an expanded menu.
Hope that helps a bit as you plan. Enjoy Aruba, it’s such an easy place to fall in love with!