Harbor House Aruba: A Stylish Downtown Stay with Two Beautiful Units to Choose From
- Alanna O'Connor
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
We recently stayed at Harbor House Aruba in Unit 202 from May 10–13, and even though I was seriously under the weather, I was incredibly impressed with this property.
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or in a small group, these units are perfect—and the location can’t be beat.
The best part? You can rent Unit 202, a 2-bedroom/1-bath condo, and/or the attached Unit 202S, a large private studio with a bathroom. Rent one or combine both for extra space and flexibility!
🛌 The Units
Unit 202 (2 Bed/1 Bath):
• Two bedrooms with three beds (two doubles in one room, a queen in the other)
• A huge private balcony with lounge seating, a grill, hammock, and a great view of the cruise ships
A full kitchen with a stove, oven, full-size fridge, dishwasher, and more
Plenty of space to relax, unwind, or entertain!
Unit 202S (Studio):
Spacious studio with a king bed
Smaller but well-equipped kitchenette with a cooktop, microwave, and coffee bar
Private balcony with its own grill, perfect for quiet breakfasts or sunset snacks
There is also a shared laundry in the main entry hall for both units!
Both spaces are beautifully decorated, clean, and well-appointed—but Unit 202’s massive balcony definitely wins for group hangouts or enjoying morning coffee with a breeze.
😴 Comfort Level: 10/10
I was unfortunately very sick during our stay (migraine from hell + stomach bug = yikes, see my blog post about being sick in Aruba), but I couldn’t have asked for a better place to recover.
The blackout curtains, ice-cold AC, and crazy-comfy beds, sheets, pillows, and comforters made a huge difference. I spent almost the entire time in bed, and I can confidently say: this is a great place to be if you need to rest and recharge.
Oh, and the rainfall shower with strong water pressure? Absolute heaven. After days of feeling miserable, it was one of the few things that brought instant relief. And the towels? So soft, fluffy, and cozy—it’s the little things that really make a difference when you’re not feeling your best.
🏖️ On-Site Amenities You’ll Love
Harbor House isn’t just about location—it also has some seriously great amenities. There’s a bar and restaurant on-site open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you don’t even have to leave the building to grab a bite or a cocktail.
Pro tip: take a photo for the bar’s photo board and you’ll score a free welcome drink! Just ask Jose—he’ll take great care of you.
Right down the hall from the unit on the 2nd floor, you’ll find a stunning pool deck overlooking the Oranjestad marina. The views of the cruise ships and sparkling water are incredible, and there’s plenty of shaded lounge seating to relax and unwind.
Head up to the 7th floor rooftop, and you’ll discover two hot tubs with panoramic water views and an all-glass fitness center that faces west—perfect for catching the sunset while you work out. The gym is well-equipped with two treadmills, two ellipticals, free weights, and more.
And if you really want to treat yourself, book a massage with Fabulous—yes, that’s her name! She’s located right in the lobby and lives up to the hype with some seriously amazing massages. Total game-changer if you need to unwind after a long travel day or just want to pamper yourself.
📍 Location, Location, Location
Even though I didn’t get to explore much this time around, I know the area well—and let me tell you, you’re walking distance to everything! That’s no exaggeration.
Right downstairs in the Harbor House building, you’ll find:
• Bula Surf Shop – trendy surf wear, sandals, YETI coolers, Vans shoes, sandals and more
• We the Beach People & Tangerine – a fun husband-and-wife duo selling local t-shirts, handmade bags, hats, and sweatshirts and more!
• Restaurants on-site including:
• Lima Bistro (top-rated, same owners as Azar)
• Aru-Bean Coffee
• Ever (chef’s tasting table)
• Nusa (new Indonesian concept)
• SharQky’s Cantina (fun and casual Mexican eats)
There’s also free, indoor, secured parking spot with the unit—a huge perk in downtown Oranjestad.
🍴 Must-Try Spots Nearby:
Even though I didn’t get to try them this time, here are some walking-distance gems to add to your list:
• Bodegas Papiamento – Just 1 block away. They offer tasting experiences like rum & chocolate pairings and have a great menu!
• Apotek Speakeasy – Hidden cocktail bar with incredible drinks, a secret rooftop nightclub (Medusa), and even a hidden tour. Don’t miss it!
• Liquid Chef Gastro Bar – Known for fantastic cocktails and a stylish atmosphere.
• Yemanja – Raved-about local spot for grilled meats and creative dishes.
🥘 Other Great Restaurants Nearby:
• Delimar Peruvian
• Driftwood
• Lucy’s Retired Surf Bar
• Wilhelmina
Que pasa
☕ Renaissance Marketplace (just across the Marina):
• Kalin’s Mexican
• Grand Fish
• Cuba’s Cookin’
• Yokomi Sushi
• The Dutch Pancake House
• Café the Plaza
• Ricardo’s Smokehouse
• Starbucks
• Casa Tua
• Camera de Lobos Bar & Grill
🛍️ Shopping Galore:
Just one block south is the high-end shopping district with:
• Touch of Gold, Kay’s Fine Jewelry
• Rolex, Cartier, Tag Heuer
• Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Zara, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, and more!
My boyfriend and I stopped into Touch of Gold again—our second visit! I went to get my jewelry cleaned, and we walked out with a stunning new pendant made by a local artist for me and a watch for him. We’re both obsessed.
If you’re looking for a modern, walkable, beautifully located stay in Aruba, Harbor House 202 and 202S are excellent options. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the balcony, exploring downtown, or (hopefully not!) spending a few days recovering in bed like me—you’ll be glad you stayed here.