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Aruba

Aruba Hotel Zone

Introduction

Aruba is a Dutch dependency in the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela.

Where You're Docked

Cruise ships dock beside the bus terminal at the capital Oranjestad. Cruise schedules available here http://www.arubaports.com/main/cruiseship-schedules/

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Money and Tipping

Aruba's currency is the Florin (AWG) though US dollars are widely accepted. Prices may be listed in both florian and US. To change florins to US dollars, divide florin amount in half and add 10%. This formula will be especially useful when shopping in supermarkets. Exchange rate for US dollars is awg 1.77 for cash (awg 1.75 at supermarkets and gas stations / awg 1.80 at shops and restaurants).

If there is a service charge, a tip is not obligatory but a token amount left for excellent service is greatly appreciated. If there is no service charge, a tip is appropriate as in the US (10-15%).

Local Transportation

The Arubus system can take you from Oranjsted to the major beaches and accepts US dollars and coins. Fare is US $1.50/one way or 4 Fl / $2.30 US round-trip (Dec 2011). Change may be given if available. There is bus service every 15 minutes from 5:45 am until 6 pm. The central bus station in downtown Oranjestad is located directly across the road from the cruise terminal next to Royal Plaza. All buses to Malmok or Arashi stop in front of all hotels starting with Bushiri Beach Resort. Visible on the buses are signs denoting the Hotel area, Hotel or town where the bus will stop. Line 10 goes from Oranjsted to the Marriott at the end of the hotel zone. http://www.arubus.com/

Island tours are offered at the pier for $20 US for a 2 hour tour (Jan 2012).

Hotels

Search hotels in Aruba here

Sights

Aruba is known for it's beautiful beaches.

• Palm Beach - A beautiful but busy beach with big hotels and casinos nearby. A walkway runs between the hotels and main beach. This area is the main tourist zone. Take bus 10, 10A, or 10B from Oranjested.
• Eagle Beach - Considered one of the best beaches in the world and much quieter than Palm Beach. There are minimal facilities here and smaller hotels are across the road. Take bus 10, 10A, or 10B from Oranjested.
• Natural Bridge - The original bridge collapsed in 2005 but there is a smaller one remaining. Probably not worth the effort unless you are doing a tour of the island since it is on the eastern coast.
• Butterfly Farm - Located near the start of the hotel zone, easily accessed by local bus.
• Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations
• California Lighthouse - Located on the northern western point of the island

Shopping & Restaurants

Royal Plaza Mall and Renaissance Malls are located close to the cruise terminal. There is a shopping center at Palm Beach Plaza in the hotel zone. There is a small supermarket behind Royal Plaza Mall on Havenstraat.

From Wikipedia - Caya G. F. Betico Croes, also called Main Street, is Aruba's main shopping street in Oranjestad, however in the past few years shoppers have increasingly turned to Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard, the main thoroughfare in the city. This is in part because the boulevard is closer to the cruise ship terminal and harbour area.

Internet

There is free wifi available in Renaissance Mall and Renaissance Marketplace by the Starbucks. Cafes and restaurants may also provide free wifi for customers.

Maps (right-click to save)

Aruba Island

Downtown Oranjestad

Weather

Aruba Weather Forecast

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