More Space, More Freedom: Why a Vacation Rental in Aruba Might Be Right for You
- Alanna O'Connor
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Staying in a private vacation rental in Aruba can be a great alternative to a hotel or resort—especially for families or larger groups—and in many cases it’s much
more budget-friendly.
That said, Aruba’s hotels are fantastic, and staying right on the beach with ocean views and resort amenities is an amazing experience for many travelers. Not everyone, however, has the same budget or wants to vacation the same way.
Some people prioritize space, privacy, and flexibility and are perfectly happy without a beachfront view, while others absolutely need that ocean view to feel like they’re on vacation—and that’s okay!
Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms (and paying nightly rates plus resort fees), you’re often getting an entire home for significantly less.
Rentals also give you far more space to spread out while still being together, with multiple bedrooms, living areas, outdoor space, and often a private or shared pool. It’s comfortable, relaxed, and ideal for groups who don’t want to feel cramped or separated across hotel rooms.
One thing that surprises many visitors is that while most hotels in Aruba are beachfront, there actually aren’t many private homes with direct beach access. Weird, I know—but it’s just how the island is set up. Many vacation rentals are located slightly inland. The upside is that these homes tend to offer better value, more privacy, and more space, and getting to the beach is still easy—especially if you have a car.
Having a kitchen is another big perk of a vacation rental, but that definitely doesn’t mean you’re cooking every meal. It simply gives you flexibility.
You can make quick breakfasts, snacks, or coffee before heading out, while still enjoying nights out at Aruba’s amazing restaurants. Many places deliver, you can arrange grocery delivery ahead of time, grab takeout on the way home, book a private chef for a special evening, and of course still go out to dinner as often as you’d like. It’s about having options—not obligations.
I also think renting a car is a must, even if you’re staying within walking distance of a beach. Yes, you can take taxis everywhere if you want, but you can’t hop into a taxi wet from the beach—you’ll usually need to call one, wait for it to arrive, and the costs add up very quickly, especially for groups. You’ll also need to carry quite a bit of cash. Having a car makes everything easier and more flexible.
Most vacation rentals provide beach chairs, towels, and often a cooler, so you can load up for the day, beach hop, stop for lunch when you feel like it, bring cold drinks with you, and truly explore the island at your own pace.
I also work with several private vacation rentals that I’ve personally vetted, seen in person, and in some cases stayed at myself, so I can confidently recommend properties that I truly trust. If you’re interested in exploring those options, you can check them out on my page Private Vacation Rentals.
If you do end up saving money by choosing a private vacation rental over a resort, that often means more room in your budget for experiences—like excursions, snorkeling trips, or even a private catamaran adventure for your group. For many travelers, that freedom, value, and flexibility is exactly what makes staying in a vacation rental in Aruba such a great choice.
I’ll also add that my boyfriend and I spend about six months out of the year in Aruba, and we personally stay in private vacation rentals—and absolutely love it. The freedom, flexibility, and extra space work perfectly for us, especially since we’re here for longer stretches.
We do “vacation” a little differently than a typical one-week trip since we stay for a few months usually: we make a lot of meals at home, work remotely while we’re here, and love having the ability to explore the island, beach hop, and check out local spots at our own pace. It’s a lifestyle that really lets us experience Aruba beyond just a resort stay, and it’s one of the reasons we’re such big fans of vacation rentals for the right type of traveler.
Either way—whether you choose a hotel on the beach or a private vacation rental—you’re going to love Aruba and everything the island has to offer. From beautiful beaches and amazing food to unforgettable experiences and island vibes, Aruba truly has something for everyone.
Everyone likes to vacation differently, and there’s no one “right” way to do it—the best choice is simply the one that fits your style, budget, and travel goals.
