Flamingo Beach — Hotel in Dutch Caribbean

Good news and the other side of that coin. "Full kitchen" seems abbreviated. Feel like we are in the children's room of a suite. The stool is too close to the shower doors. (I would have done that different.) The closet is really tight. Not enough hangers. No place to put luggage. It's in the entryway. Fire hazzard.

However! That unlimited access to their private island is "Life Changing."

The wildlife is not in some petting zoo. No one is caged though the flamingos are savagely clipped so I would call them hostages. They appear to be acclimating to the congestion of human traffic/selfy machines though do NOT want to be touched. They are not domesticated pets but they are amazingly tolerant. One pair stood within a foot of my husband and I for almost 2.5 hrs napping. As long as you don't reach for them they will hang out with you for a surprisingly long time. They must be getting used to the non migratory life as there is a nest with one single egg. This is a terrific sign. As you can see by the color of their feathers, their diet is good. Keep up the good work.

Understand that iguanas don't want deli cuts. They prefer Red Romaine and mixed greens and will approach for that treat. Carrots....meh, not so much.

The staff are entirely warm and welcoming. No better people on the third rock!!!

Our room is fifth floor and we have a delightful view of Oranjestad, marina and some ocean view that is exquisite in the A.M.

Market Place is next door. Starbucks & Dutch Pancake House are next door. Alfies is not far. El Goucho is an easy walk.

Lots of boat traffic starting mid October. There will be days when five boats are in port so watch the schedule.

Rent a car, go to Bright Bakery before 8:00 and have a world class pastry. Grab a couple of empanada and head for Baby Beach for the day. Don't forget to hang onto that plastic bottle so you can refill from any tap.

Oh yes, one final note and this matters to a growing number of people. The noise rattles the doors, disturbs the water in the floor pan of the shower at night when you are desperate to sleep. See short video. There isn't enough Benedryl to get you past screaming babies, grouchy toddlers and spoiled children that go unattended. A tween took the unicorn floaty from a man in the pool and when asked why she thought that was okay, the youth replied, 'because I am adorable.'

So if being around that is okay on vacation, this is your...

I got to experience Flamingo Beach when my cruise ship ported in Aruba in November 2021. It was absolutely wonderful and one of the highlights of my trip!

While in Miami, I called the Renaissance Hotel to get information and fortunately for me, I lost the link and called back. It was explained that the beach costs $125 per person, as I was not staying at the hotel. It would cover lunch and a cocktail, as well as transportation to and from the island via boat. They open up bookings the Saturday the week BEFORE the actual week. (So no scheduling a month in advance)

We arrived around 9 am in Aruba And walked 5 blocks to the Renaissance Hotel. Take A Taxi!!! Aruba heat and humidity is terrible in November and feels different than in the States. After walking thru the casino then given direction to the front desk, going to the front desk, then given direction to go downstairs. We went downstairs to inside the hotel where the boat picks you up, we showed our scan code and boarded. There should be specific directions of where to go in the email, to help tourists. (First floor, front desk there is boat deck inside the hotel near Starbucks, where you will get into the boat) The water was beautiful!

There is a Flamingo Island and on the other side is a n Iguana Island which is just as beautiful. There is a bathroom, which has 3 stalls and was very clean! There was a bar on the beach that knew how to make an Old Fashion!! The lunch was great!! FYI, you will have to descale/debone your fish; it’s the full fish! It was very tranquil, it was very clean, it was very safe, and it was very relaxing! There are no kids allowed under 10, and that day there were no kids there, so there was no crying or yelling- it was just all adults. I just wish I had spent more hours there!

Also, I will include a picture of the swimming pool at the Renaissance Hotel- it made for great background when...

Flamingo Beach: AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!

This place is often advertised as a peaceful paradise with crystal-clear water and graceful flamingos. The reality? Nothing like that: • The price: USD 130 per person! For that price, you get a 7-minute boat ride, an uncomfortable lounge chair, and a towel. When booking, they mentioned a USD 25 credit for food or drinks. However, we were told on arrival that it was only valid until December 31, 2024. We got a ridiculous USD 5 refund as “compensation.” Unacceptable. 🤨 • The beach: On one of the two beaches, water and sand are constantly being pumped in (likely to fight erosion?). The result: murky water and deafening noise from the pump. Say goodbye to tranquility. • Proximity to the airport: No one tells you this island is right next to the airport. Expect a constant stream of planes taking off and landing. So much for peace and quiet. • The smoothies: Nothing natural about them. Just fruit juice mixed with ice. Absolutely no effort to provide something fresh or high-quality. Shameful for a place that claims to be “exclusive.” • The food: Bland, tasteless, and overpriced. To top it off, a 17% service fee is added to the bill. Total rip-off. • The flamingos: Fewer than ten flamingos on the island. Yes, they will come close and eat from your hand, but at what cost? We found out their wings are clipped to prevent them from flying away. If I had known this, I would never have supported such cruelty. Absolutely outrageous.

In conclusion: Aruba is a stunning destination with free, beautiful beaches. Flamingo Beach is a massive disappointment and a waste of money. Skip this place—there are far better ways to spend your time and money on this...