My wife and I had the good fortune to be able to spend our 7th anniversary at this beautiful resort.

Because the company I work at is considered to be in the air transport industry we are at times afforded certain privileges such as discounts on TWA and at some hotels, a significant discount. Lucky for us, the Wyndham is just such a hotel.

This upscale resort is located on what many consider one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Palm beach sits literally a stones throw from the hotel with only one of the most beautiful free form pools separating it from hotel proper.

Unfortunately our flight arrived early in the day and we had to wait approx 2 hours before our room was ready. The waiting was a bit frustrating since I am a frequent Wyndham visitor and emailed the manager that I will be there and by being a “by Request” member I can usually check in early.

My patience paid off as were we finally given our keys to an ocean view room that was in a word spectacular. I made it a point to tell the manager in advance that this was going to be our anniversary and once getting settled he called the room letting me know that he was sending up a dozen roses for my wife and asked what I wanted on the card. How’s that for service! (This was at no cost to me). Later that night room service sent up a fruit tray with a bottle of Champagne. WOW (Again, no charge). I was able to relax on our balcony at night while enjoying a fine Cuban Cigar, cold beer, and a spectacular view of the pool/ocean.

I wasn’t overly impressed with any of the restaurants, although we only tried two, the outside café for breakfast and the Italian restaurant. Both were disappointments with overprices below average food. We have far better luck with the restaurants in town that served far superior food at lower prices, including the cab/bus fare to get to them. For more info on the food scene please see my Aruba review.

I didn’t spend much time in the casino as my wife and I do not gamble much, however it should fill the appetite of the most ardent gambler.

The pool is fairly well protected from the constant 20-knot trade winds that are common in Aruba and therefore the hotel provides pool concierges that pamper you with cool towels, fruit kabobs, beverage service and reading/music to help enjoy your lounging. If the temperature rises too much you can simply hop into the pool and get cooled off by the handful of fountains or swim umber the quaint waterfall. While relaxing poolside make friends with the resident Iguanas, they are harmless and add a lot to the island ambience.

The concierge provided me with a tee time for the not to far Tierra Del Sol golf course, although they never did seem too enthusiastic as far as finding a cab or making dinner recommendations. Outside of the management, the staff was a bit disappointing after hearing about the overall friendliness I was expecting after reading about Aruba.

All in all, the trip was quite memorable, although I think there are quite a few other vacation spots I would rather spend my hard earned $$$ for. The Wyndham Resort/Casino in Aruba does illustrate the fact that management, not the name on the sign outside is what makes a Hotel special.

Happy travels!


Recommended: Yes