Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

Overall the trip was wonderful, but we did experience one big hiccup. We were at this amazing location 3 years ago and returned last week with the expectation it would be a repeat of our last visit. However, when we landed in Aruba on Monday we were told our luggage did not arrive, but it would arrive the next day no later than 5pm. Tuesday came and went with no luggage or updates. On Wednesday morning we enlisted the help of Ludwig Croes onsite. He started making calls and followed a trail of clues that finally led him to our luggage! Ludwig will always greet you with a smile and a helping hand no matter what the task. He is an amazing representative for Marriott, but also an amazing resource for their guests. The rest of the resort was beautiful. The pool and swim up bar were well maintained. The restaurants onsite were wonderful, especially Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. And we enjoyed some time at the casino as well. Thank you to Ludwig and the rest of the Marriott team...we will be back!

This hotel had a truly amazing location on the beach and our room was spacious and modern with a lovely view. We stayed for 11 nights, and, in addition to the rate of $750/night, there was a $69/night resort fee. This was the difficulty we had with this resort charge. In order to find a spot by the pool we had to get up out of bed at 7.00 am each morning to meet with the person in charge of the loungers pool side at the adult pool or at the larger pool. We learned this very quickly when we could find no where to enjoy the sun the first few days we were there. In fact, on one occasion I attempted to move an available lounger into the sun and the pool attendant rushed over and refused to allow it, telling me off and embarrassing me in front of all at the pool. Then she summoned a manager who came to speak with me and with whom I did not speak for very long as I had been humiliated enough by then. Those who had placed their towels onto loungers at 7.00am and because of the rules of 2 hours to keep a spot they had retained their chairs for the day, taking time out for lunch or other breaks watched with amusement at this scene I guess. I really think that charging a resort fee for really no chance at using the pools unless you get with the program and jump out of bed in the morning, while being on holiday, otherwise the resort amenity was denied you, is unacceptable. When I discussed this with the front desk on our last day, I was met with a condescending, arrogant and dismissive response that explained it was high season and all 400 rooms were occupied. She tried to fob me off with extra points from Marriott and then offered us an afternoon in a cabana because of a cancellation. Neither of these offers came close to a compensation. We did not realize the consequences of this high season when we booked, and the manager, whom we never saw or met, would not compensate us for the resort fee. We would never return to this hotel. Our experience at the Mercat restaurant on the property was equally unsatisfactory with huge line ups when reporting for breakfast, while the staff noted our name and room number. There was no gluten free menu and very little assistance given in that regard, which was disappointing as I have Celiac Disease. We had a much more friendly and accommodating reception at the Ritz Carlton next door where they had a full menu for those requiring gluten free. In fact, we would stay at the Ritz Carlton instead of the Marriott if we ever return to Aruba. The staff and the hotel itself seemed a better choice. Instead we paid an additional $769 over our 11 night stay in resort fees for really no benefit. Our silver level status did not assist us. The hotel really needs to come up with a better solution to the space by the pools and the spots on the beach. which are also under competition, in order to prevent lounger hogs from occupying a spot all day every day. Tried to drag and drop a video of almost every chair taken at the pool by 11.00am It would not load.

Outstanding food and service. Server Agustin did an outstanding job taking care of us and making us feel welcome. Our overall experience with our stay and service received has been a 5 out of 5. We look forward to our next visit here at the Marriott and in particular, the MERCAT!

This resort was lovely! It was very clean! The staff was all so kind and accommodating! The food was good all over the property. The pools were clean and easy to get a pool chair. The beach was clean and roomy. This is a great place for couples, friends, or families.

Nice enough; not for >$1,000 per night for ocean view. Pool and beach chairs highly annoying. It’s a hunger games competition to get access. Like the Marriott surf club, you have to book the Beach Palapas using the app. It sells out instantly . On day three, I decided to bring towels from the day before to the adult pool. I got down there at 6:40 AM with coffee thinking I would just hang out for a while and claim a chair. There were three people standing by an unattended entrance gate to the adult pool. I walked right by them, and as I went through the gate, a woman came at me with an attitude telling me it wasn’t open until seven and that that’s why they were on line. I hope she reads this. I was so disgusted with her attitude. I went back inside and will not attempt to go to the adult pool. I’m not competing for chairs. Paying up for the Ritz is worth it.