Aruba’s First 3 Beachfront Hotels: A Look Back at Island Hospitality History

Let’s rewind to the 1940s, when Aruba’s coastline featured nothing but powdery white sand and turquoise seas—and not a single hotel in sight. Fast forward to today, and Aruba is one of the most beloved vacation destinations in the Caribbean. But how did it all begin?

Here’s a nostalgic look at the first three beachfront hotels that helped shape the early days of Aruba’s thriving tourism industry:

🏨 1. Coral Strand Hotel (1943)

Now known as: Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club
Location: Oranjestad

Though not directly on the beach, Coral Strand Hotel was Aruba’s first official beachfront accommodation, just steps from the shore. Opened in 1943, this hotel offered guests convenient access to the beach, earning its place in local history.

Over time, it evolved into today’s Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club, still standing proudly near Surfside Beach, with a blend of local charm and modern amenities.

🌴 2. Basi Ruti (1957)

Now home to: Playa Linda Beach Resort
Location: Palm Beach

By the late 1950s, Aruba faced rising demand from visitors—and cruise lines insisted on more beachside development before adding Aruba to their routes. The response? Basi Ruti, the island’s first true bungalow-style hotel directly on Palm Beach.

The main building featured six rooms, and three adjacent bungalows added nine more. It quickly became a beloved spot for both tourists and locals—and even welcomed Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands.

Though Basi Ruti no longer stands, Playa Linda Beach Resort now occupies its historic location.

🌅 3. Aruba Caribbean Hotel (1959)

Now known as: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
Location: Palm Beach

In the summer of 1959, Aruba’s first luxury beachfront resort made its debut: the Aruba Caribbean Hotel. It wasn’t just another resort—it was a symbol of Aruba’s future as a world-class tourist destination.

This glamorous hotel quickly gained international fame, hosting stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Roger Moore, Harry Belafonte, and George Benson. It also became a frequent getaway for the Dutch Royal Family.

In 2019, the now Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino celebrated its 60th anniversary, a testament to its legacy as a pioneer of Aruban hospitality.

🌍 The Beginning of Something Big

From Coral Strand’s modest start to the lavish grandeur of the Aruba Caribbean Hotel, these three properties laid the foundation for Aruba’s booming hotel and tourism industry. They remain symbols of progress, resilience, and the warm island welcome Aruba is known for today.

Curious to explore more of Aruba’s past?
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