The Hyatt Regency Aruba offers significant value for travelers, particularly those leveraging points and Globalist status for suite upgrades. Booking during peak seasons – such as New Year’s – can yield substantial savings compared to cash rates, sometimes exceeding four figures per night. The property is a Category 7, requiring between 25,000 and 35,000 points per night.
Beach Access and Chair Reservations
The resort boasts prime beach access and well-maintained pools, but securing prime seating requires proactive planning. Chair reservations open 90 days in advance, and strict enforcement means unclaimed chairs are forfeited by 9:00 AM sharp. For those who miss the reservation window, arriving around 9:05 AM offers a chance to snag unclaimed spots. Guests should double-check reservation confirmations, as system glitches can occur.
Amenities and Dining
The on-site casino resembles a cruise ship offering rather than a mega-resort experience like those in Atlantis or Baha Mar. Dining quality is generally high, with the exception of room service pizza, which reportedly falls short of the excellent poolside pizza truck fare. The former club lounge has been converted into a restaurant, a change some Globalists lament due to the loss of complimentary champagne, while others appreciate the upgraded breakfast options.
Check-In and Globalist Perks
Check-in can be chaotic, as experienced by guests arriving on cancelled flights. However, Globalist members benefit from waived resort fees when booking with points. Hotel staff emphasize that specialty coffees are not included in the complimentary breakfast.
Suite Experience and Minor Issues
Suites offer ample space, particularly for families. The property is undergoing renovations, but noise levels are minimal. Despite the benefits, several issues persist: malfunctioning power outlets, inoperable telephones, and inconsistent room service delivery. One guest experienced a delay of 90 minutes for room service, despite initial estimates of 30-40 minutes. Dirty sheets on a sofa bed required intervention from the front desk, which refused to deliver clean linens outside of room service protocol. Management follow-up on reported issues is reportedly lacking.
Kids Club and Point Earning
The kids club enforces a strict 15-minute attendance policy, with cancellations for tardy arrivals. While the system is inflexible, it can be overridden with immediate communication. Point earning on spending is limited to approximately 25% of total spend, but Hyatt concierges can often adjust this for qualifying purchases.
Unexpected Disruptions
Guests staying near New Year’s reported hearing unexplained explosions early in the morning, prompting speculation about military activity near the Venezuelan coast. Though likely fireworks, the incident coincided with flight cancellations due to regional instability, leaving some guests stranded. The situation stabilized within 24 hours, but a backlog of departing passengers remained.
The Hyatt Regency Aruba remains a high-value destination for points-based stays, but travelers should be aware of the strict reservation policies, potential service inconsistencies, and occasional disruptions. Proactive planning, particularly regarding chair reservations and dining, is crucial for a smooth experience.
