The Ritz-Carlton Aruba anchors the northern end of Palm Beach, and it is the island’s benchmark for polished luxury. We have not slept in every suite — nobody honest has — but we know this strip, its reputation, and who leaves happiest. Here is the local read.
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What you are actually paying for
- Direct beachfront on Palm Beach’s calmer northern stretch.
- Two pools — one adults-only, one family — a rarity that keeps both camps content.
- A 12-treatment-room spa using aloe and island ingredients (Aruba is aloe country, after all).
- Five dining options on property, from casual to fine.
- A 15,000-square-foot casino with 17 table games — including the island’s only Baccarat table.
Who it suits — and who should skip it
Book it if you want the strip’s most polished service, an adults-only pool escape, or serious casino evenings. However, skip it if your Aruba is barefoot fish shacks and rental-jeep dust — you would be paying for marble you rarely touch, and our low-rise guide fits that trip better.
The honest cons
- It is consistently among the priciest addresses on the island — peak season doubles the pain.
- The northern location is calmer but a longer stroll to the pier bars.
- Resort polish everywhere means less “island” feeling — balance it with our local eating days.
Booking the Ritz-Carlton Aruba smart
Because rates swing hard by season, compare the same dates on Expedia before booking direct, and read the current picture on the official site. Shoulder months soften the bill — see November. For the full strip context, our Palm Beach hotels guide compares every tower.
If the Ritz fits your trip, compare rates before booking direct — then ask the hotel to match the lower number.
Rooms and the Club Level
The Ritz has 320 rooms, including 55 suites, spread over eight floors, and every room has a private balcony. Ocean-view rooms are worth the upgrade here, because the courtyard-view rooms face the pool and the building rather than the sea.
The Club Level sits on the top floor with its own lounge, a dedicated concierge and five food and drink presentations a day, from breakfast to evening cocktails. If you would otherwise buy breakfast, a couple of drinks and snacks every day, Club access can come close to paying for itself, especially for two.
Dining, spa and the casino
- Four restaurants plus bars and lounges, including Madero, an Argentinian grill by the pool, and an Italian trattoria for relaxed dinners.
- A spa with 13 treatment rooms, using aloe and other island ingredients.
- A 15,000-square-foot casino with 17 table games and around 265 slots.
- Ritz Kids, a supervised club for ages 4 to 12 (a surcharge applies).
Location: the quiet end of Palm Beach
The Ritz sits at the northern end of the high-rise strip, so the beach in front is calmer and less crowded than the middle of Palm Beach. The Stellaris Casino at the Marriott is a few minutes’ walk away, while the main restaurant and shopping stretch is about a 15 to 20-minute walk south or a short taxi ride. The airport is roughly 25 minutes by car.
How it compares with its Palm Beach neighbors
| Resort | Rooms | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aruba Marriott | 414 | Big rooms, 24-hour casino | Couples who want space and casino nights |
| Hyatt Regency | About 360 | Lush lagoon pools, central strip | Families who want the resort to entertain |
| Renaissance Wind Creek | About 550 | Downtown, private flamingo island | Flamingo lovers and city nightlife |
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