Want an honest Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba review? Continue to read to get the details of our experience.
As someone constantly seeking out unique hotels that offer more than the average resort, choosing the right accommodation for our 9th wedding anniversary was crucial. Upon stumbling on the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel in Aruba, I knew we had found our perfect stay. Spoiler alert: we were not disappointed.
The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is built on a former coconut plantation and offers a treasure trove of unique experiences that blend traditional Caribbean charm with modern elegance. As the name suggests, The Boardwalk is a boutique hotel with 46 charming casitas (rooms) scattered across the lush, tranquil grounds. Each one offers a distinct experience that caters to the whims of every type of traveler. One comes with a private plunge pool, another with a 360-view and clawfoot tub perfectly placed in the center of the room, and others are equipped with handy kitchenettes and pool views.
In addition to the beautiful casitas, The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel offers a variety of amenities, like the delicious onsite restaurant, Coco Cafe, a fitness center, a treatment room, a yoga deck, and two unique swimming pools.
I must admit, we were initially concerned that The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel wasn’t located on the beach. However, after reading reviews that confirmed it is truly a three-minute walk to Palm Beach (and learning that the hotel provided complimentary beach huts and lounge chairs with food and drink service) our concerns dissipated.
Additionally, the service…was stellar. They literally went above and beyond to ensure we had an excellent stay. This level of personalized service is not provided at most hotels and resorts. They truly make you feel like you’re the only one staying there.
In this Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba review, I will go through the various casitas offered as well as the food, pool, amenities, and our personal experience. Keep reading to determine if The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel is a good option for your Aruba vacation needs.
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba Review: My Overall Impression
Since I’ve traveled to over 40 countries, I’ve stayed in dozens, if not hundreds, of hotels. The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is one of the few that still holds a special place in my heart. Not only did the hotel have a calm and relaxing environment combined with luxurious casitas, but the service was also top-notch. It was also incredibly safe, although Aruba is a very safe country to visit in general.
The extraordinary service started before booking our accommodations. Upon discovering The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba and reading the reviews, I knew I needed to stay in both the Palapa Lounge 360 with a clawfoot tub and the Plunge Pool Casita with a private plunge pool. Unfortunately, neither casita was available for our entire stay. Therefore, I reached out to the hotel and they worked with me to craft the perfect itinerary that allowed us to stay in both casitas.
Similarly, we wanted to hire a private chef to cook for us in our casita. But unfortunately, neither of the casitas we booked had a kitchen. The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel was kind enough to offer us a casita with a kitchenette just for our dinner!
To my surprise, I didn’t miss being beachfront. The walk to the beach took a mere three minutes and, in comparison, it would’ve taken us longer to get from our room at one of the large beachfront resorts to the beach. Plus, there are complimentary beach huts and lounge chairs specifically for guests of the Boardwalk, as well as food and beverage service. I honestly didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything beach-wise.
Overall, staying at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba could not have been better. From the unique rooms to the stellar service and proximity to Palm Beach, I honestly could not have asked for more during our unique Aruba vacation.
If you don’t believe me…I’m not the only one with a raving review about this hotel! Reviews on TripAdvisor rank Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba #2 of 25 hotels in Palm Beach, Aruba.
âś… Read Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Reviews âś…
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Review: Rooms
The casitas (rooms) at The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel were the primary reason why this hotel was #1 on my Caribbean bucket list. They strike the perfect balance between simple and unique luxury and each offers their own story and personality.
We had the unique opportunity to experience three of their casitas: the Palapa Lodge 360, a 1-bedroom Casita with a Pool View, and a Private Plunge Pool Casita. In addition to these rooms, The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel also offers the Deluxe Coco Casita, the Coco Casita, and a 2-bedroom Casita Suite. With the variety of casitas offered, there is a room for every type of traveler – whether you’re traveling solo, on your honeymoon, or embarking on a family beach vacation.
No matter which room (or rooms) pique your interest, be sure to pay attention to the number of people it can fit. The hotel is very strict on this matter.
Coco Casita
Believe it or not, the Coco Casita is the smallest room option at The Boardwalk. It includes a king-size bed, kitchenette, and couch. There is also a spacious, private bathroom area and either a private patio or balcony. This room is perfect for a solo traveler, couple, or friends traveling together!
Deluxe Coco Casita
If you’re looking for a bit more luxury, the Deluxe Coco Casita is where it’s at. Like the Coco Casita, it’s also the perfect size for two, but it comes with a little extra pizzazz. There’s a stunning hand-painted mural on the wall that’ll give you all the island feels! Not to mention the bathroom is a dream with both an indoor and outdoor shower. Imagine showering under the stars! As a bonus, you’ll have your own private patio with a BBQ and hammock – the essentials for a chill vacation.
One Bedroom Casita
The 1-bedroom Casita is a bit roomier and perfect if you’re planning a family vacation. It can host up to four guests and you have a choice of a king bed or two queen beds. There’s a fully equipped kitchen for whipping up some meals and an oversized patio with a BBQ and hammock for lazy afternoons in the Aruban sun.
Two Bedroom Casita
The 2-bedroom Casita is ideal for a larger crew. It has room for six guests, with a king bed and two queen beds spread out in two separate bedrooms, each with its own connecting bathroom. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious private patio or balcony for some outdoor fun.
Private Plunge Pool Casita
For a splash of romance or just some self-pampering, the Plunge Pool Casita is a total dream. It’s a unique, standalone casita with a secluded garden, a sundeck, and yes, a plunge pool! There’s also a sunbed for soaking up that glorious Caribbean sun and a double hammock for afternoon siestas. The casita has a kitchenette, a spacious bathroom, and a four-poster king bed that screams luxury. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit on this Aruba vacation, you’re not going to want to leave the plunge pool!
Plus, it’s perfect if you’ve been dreaming of having a floating breakfast. It was a must-try for us on our romantic getaway!
Palapa Lodge 360
The Palapa Lodge 360 is the ultimate outdoor living experience. This unique second-story suite sits under a thatched roof and features a 360 wrap-around terrace with a relaxing outdoor living space. The bedroom is fully air-conditioned with a king bed and connecting bathroom. There’s also a clawfoot tub perfectly placed in the middle of the bedroom under a chandelier. Talk about Insta-worthy!
Though it doesn’t have a kitchen, with that 360-degree view and a clawfoot tub, who needs one, right?
I honestly can’t say which casita I loved most. It’s a toss-up between the Palapa Lodge 360 and the Private Plunge Pool. Both have an amazing, private outdoor oasis that’s a must on any Aruba vacation. If you prefer a private pool or kitchenette, opt for the Private Plunge Pool. But if a clawfoot tub and chandelier are more your speed, then the Palapa Lodge 360 is for you.
Keep in mind that both the Private Plunge Pool and Palapa Lodge 360 are very popular casitas. Thus, they need to be reserved as far in advance as possible.
âś… Learn more about Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Casitas âś…
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba Review: Food
Coco Cafe
The Coco Café is the in-house restaurant at The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel in Aruba. It’s the kind of magical place that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. When my husband and I visited, we had a floating breakfast delivered to the Plunge Pool Casita and oh my was it an experience to remember. The food was so fresh and delicious!
Now, let’s dive into what makes Coco Café a must-visit. First off, it’s nestled amidst the tropical allure of the hotel, which is a former coconut plantation. It’s a haven of tropical goodness that offers a delightful escape and setting to enjoy the cafe’s fresh and thoughtfully sourced cuisine. Plus, it is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., ensuring you can satisfy your cravings at almost any time of the day.
The menu at Coco Café is a love letter to Aruba’s vibrant culinary traditions, with a sprinkle of Belgian heritage and a dash of Mediterranean inspiration. With vegan and gluten-free options, there is something for everyone on the menu.
Honestly, it’s more than just a café; it’s a place where food, culture, and relaxation blend together to create a perfect vacation memory.
Private Dining Options
👨‍🍳 Private Chef
Enjoy a dinner just for you (and your travel buddies) with Chef Taki on your private patio at The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba. This chef is best known for his seafood, vegetarian, and vegan dishes. All dinners include a three-course menu with tropical cocktails. A night of delicious food and fascinating stories from an Aruban chef is sure to create a memorable vacation experience!
My husband and I had a private dinner on the patio of a 1-bedroom casita with a pool view. It was one of our most romantic evenings in Aruba and a moment I will remember for a lifetime.
👨‍🍳 Private Paella Night
Do you love paella or want to try it for the first time? What better place to try it than as a private dinner at your Aruban casita? Choose between seafood, chorizo, or vegetarian, and include a bottle of wine or six local beers.
No matter which private dinner experience you choose, be sure to reserve it at least 24 hours in advance.
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Review: Amenities
The Boardwalk Boutique does a wonderful job sticking to the fine balance of simple luxury, but also offering the amenities that travelers desire in a simple, “non-fussy” way. From the service to the pool to the delicious dining options, they know exactly what their guests want in an Aruba vacation.
The Service
The hotel offers a concierge app that makes everything so seamless. You can book beach beds, make dinner reservations, reserve spa treatments, and more – right from your phone! For those that prefer an in-person experience, the staff is beyond friendly and willing to assist however they can.
The Pools, Fitness Areas, and Spa Treatments
Now…let’s talk pools! The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba has two wonderful swimming pools to dip your toes in and sip piña coladas near. The multi-experience pool even has overwater hammocks! Picture yourself relaxing there with a drink in your hand after snorkeling in Aruba or exploring the island’s natural beauty.
The hotel’s other pool is so tranquil and lush – it’s like swimming in a tropical garden. The pools are also saltwater, which is a nice touch. It makes the swim feel natural and refreshing!
Additionally, there is also a fitness center and yoga deck for those who like to work on their physique while on vacation. Spa treatments are also available in the treatment room or your casita.
The Beach
Don’t worry, the beach situation is just as sweet. It’s a three-minute stroll from the hotel or a one-minute shuttle ride (thankfully since there’s no Uber in Aruba). Once you’re there, the hotel has got you covered with Aruban beach huts and comfy sun beds that you can reserve ahead of time. They even have a beach service in Palm Beach to bring luxury right to your sun bed. And, if you fancy some water activities, they offer plenty of options for the adventure-inclined.
The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba has thought of everything to make your beach day picture-perfect. You can also order food and drinks from the beach from the Ritz Carlton nearby!
Other Amenities
For those who desire to remotely work from The Boardwalk Boutique Aruba, rest assured that there is complimentary 5G Wi-Fi throughout the property. There are also plenty of locations throughout the grounds to sit and do your work while enjoying the beautiful, lush ambiance.
If you prefer to have a rental car, you don’t have to worry about additional expenses since parking is complimentary. That’s a major money saver!
âś… Learn more about Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Amenities âś…
Other Aruba Hotels We Considered
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
Also a boutique hotel in Aruba, the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is the epitome of luxury. Located directly on an uncrowded stretch of Eagle Beach, this is an adult-only resort. It’s also widely known to be one of the most romantic resorts on the island.
We wanted to experience the hotel ourselves, so we had a beautiful, romantic dinner here one evening. It was just as beautiful and romantic as the reviews stated.
âś… Get pricing and availability of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort âś…
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba
This is the hotel to stay at if you consider Flamingo Island a must-visit and don’t want to risk not getting a day pass. It is made up of two distinct resorts – Renaissance Marina Hotel (Adults Only) and Renaissance Ocean Suites. There are two casinos and plenty of high-end shopping conveniently located steps away from the resort.
âś… Get pricing and availability of Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba âś…
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino
Conveniently located on Palm Beach, the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino is a wonderful stay for those traveling with kids. They offer a tri-level waterslide and the Camp Hyatt’s Kids Club is guaranteed to keep your little ones entertained. Plus, the rooms are newly designed, offering a modern experience.
âś… Get pricing and availability of Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino âś…
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Review: Final Thoughts
My husband and I did not have any regrets about choosing Boardwalk Boutique Hotel as our accommodation for our 9th wedding anniversary. The uniqueness of the casitas, the floating breakfast in our private plunge pool, the private dinner on the patio of the casita, and the stellar service made our experience even better than we could have asked for.
If you’re looking for a unique and tranquil hotel experience with superb service, The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel is an ideal choice for your next stay in Aruba.
