Palm Beach — Attraction in Aruba

The beach itself is nice but the experience with the palapas (the straw shaded tables) is a nightmare especially with the hotel workers. Technically this is free for anyone to use you just can’t use their chairs. First day we arrived one of the workers explained it which was fine. Next day we prop our own chairs and moved an empty hotel chair to the side to avoid using it and a hotel worker came yelling at us as if we disrespected his own personal family. We asked why but he grunted at us and just told us no, eventually a coworker of his came over and kicked us out. Telling us someone was sitting there even though the chair was empty. We avoided the beach for a couple of days and then had the same experience in another area of the beach. The chairs were empty — no towels we sit our own personal chairs and after about an hour someone comes up says we need to leave. My husband finds another empty area— absolutely no one is using it. My husband just tries to make sure we can use it and asks a worker (big mistake) and the guy simply says “for guests only” my husband says what he knows about them being public since it’s a public beach and asks about just using the palapas not the chairs. A couple that was actually staying at the hotel themselves came over and mentioned to the hotel worker that they literally saw the people before us pack up and leave and that it is empty to be used and the worker still shook his head and told my husband to leave. I guess it’s the price you pay for going to the touristy area— folks have to work for their tip. Visit another beach or pay for the umbrella itself to avoid the drama of it all honestly. But again other beaches are just as nice. Its nice that this has food nearby but other beaches have food too. This one just has bad vibes.

Also there was a review about the smell. I didn’t smell it the first day but the next I did, I thought it was placement but no there’s a distinct smell of porter potties or sewage. Not sure where the smell comes from but...

Palm Beach is the essence of the Caribbean: soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, swaying palms, and sunsets that paint the sky in shades of gold and crimson. It’s a wide, perfectly maintained beach lined with “high-rise” resorts—everything is within easy reach, yet it still keeps the relaxed atmosphere you dream of on vacation. Top-notch amenities: sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, beach bars and restaurants right on the sand, music that’s never intrusive, and friendly staff always ready to help. For the more active, there’s plenty to do—snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, and sunset boat trips from the small piers along the shore. During the day, it’s perfect for families and couples thanks to its shallow, transparent waters; in the late afternoon, the light turns magical and a stroll along the lively promenade filled with restaurants and boutiques is pure pleasure. Safe, clean, and well-organized, Palm Beach blends comfort and natural beauty like few places can. Pro tips: arrive early to grab the best palapas, bring sunscreen (the sun is strong!), and enjoy the constant trade winds that keep the heat pleasant. The must-see moment? Sunset hour—with a cocktail in hand and your feet in the sand. In one word: unforgettable. Palm Beach is the reason you come...

Know before you go:

This beach is designed for the hotels. While you “technically” can get to this beach if you’re not in the hotel, 95% of the palm huts are devoted to the hotels, and the beach is crowded with those guests.

Cost: $5 us per chair. Huts are free IF you can find one of the very few unused.

Parking: there is a lot in front of the Holiday Inn.

Facilities: the bars in the area have restrooms, buy a drink and their fine to let you use them.

Is it worth the trip for this alone? There are dozens of beaches like this on the island, and many are just as good and less crowded. If you want sit at the beach and have the option to shop, do an excursion from one location, this is a great option. Otherwise, head...