A friend recently stayed at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino. While the property itself delivers the polished, picturesque experience Aruba is known for, the current fee structure significantly detracts from what should otherwise be a seamless luxury vacation. The result is a stay marked more by frustration than relaxation.
A 15% Shadow Fee
The most immediate concern is the mandatory 15% resort fee. At a property where nightly rates can range from $600 to well over $1,000, this surcharge feels excessive. Resort fees are typically accepted as covering core amenities, particularly beach access at an oceanfront property. However, tying this fee to a percentage of the room rate rather than a flat charge raises reasonable questions about transparency and fairness.
A Pay-to-Use Beach Experience
The situation becomes more problematic at the beach itself. Despite the expectation that beach access is included, the resort operates a system that often requires guests to pay extra for basic comfort.
- Limited complimentary seating: A small number of lounge chairs and palapas are available at no additional cost, but these are extremely limited. Reservations must be claimed in person by 9:00 AM, and even a brief delay can result in forfeiture.
- Paid premium seating: Guests who prefer a more relaxed schedule such as not waking early on vacation, are effectively pushed toward paid options, which range from $30 to $80 per day. Â Over the course of a week, this can add several hundred dollars simply for guaranteed shade and seating.
A Disconnect in Policy and Practice
According to the resort’s stated policies, the resort fee includes access to beach facilities. Charging additional fees for what many would consider essential amenities, such as a shaded chair, creates a perception of double charging. For a high-end property, this inconsistency undermines the overall guest experience.
Final Assessment
The resort’s strengths are clear: attentive staff, well-maintained grounds, and visually stunning features like its signature waterfalls. However, the approach to beach access and ancillary fees leaves a lasting negative impression. Guests considering a stay should realistically budget an additional $75–$100 per day to avoid inconvenience and secure a comfortable beach setup.
If you’re weighing options, it may be worth comparing other Palm Beach resorts that include beach seating more transparently within their base pricing.