Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - GREAT FAMILY VALUE, LOCATION & STAFF - 2017 SPIRE STAY!

Just finished up an 8-night stay at the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Beach Resort and Casino and wanted to give some general feedback, Pros & Cons.

(Above: Front of Main Lobby - Tony Roma's directly in front along with strip mall, resturants & bars)

(Above: The Sea Tower - Building is furthest from the lobby but only about a 3-minute walk)

Was upgraded to Partial Ocean View Double in the Sea Tower (4th Floor / Room #7427) as an IHG Spire Elite Ambassador member. Overall stay was good with two small kids and an excellent value for staying on points as we did (30K x 8-night = 240K points). Rooms now cost 35K points per night as of the mid-Jan rate change.

I asked about any upgrades and was offered an Ocean Front room for $90 per night, definiatly not worth it considering the view we had and how little time you'll actually spend in the room.

This hotel is a bit more "basic" than some of the neighboring properties (Hilton/Hyatt), but what it lacks in looks or size it makes up for in location and value.

(Above: Partial Ocean View from room #7427)

My two biggest travel tips for this hotel would be as follows;

#1 Get the Chase IHG MasterCard for automatic IHG Platinum status (gets you a reserved beach hut, free upgrades, 2-3 nights free with sign on bonus, late (2pm) checkout, etc.

#2 Skip the All-Inclusive option, there are too many great restaurants, bars and other eateries within a few minutes’ walk to be tied to the hotel options.

(Above: View from Main Pool area towards the Beach)

(Above: Main Pool Area looking towards the Ocean Tower)

Pros:
* Location on the Strip
* Kids under 12-yo eat for FREE 
* Small & Accessible Property for Kids
* Happy Hour 2-for-1 @ Ocean Grill (5-6:30pm Daily)
* Friendly & helpful bellboy/lobby staff
* Plenty of Security Staff onsite
* Mini-Mart in lobby & across the street for booze & snacks
* Awesome outdoor setup for 2017 Super Bowl!

(Above: SuperBowl Aruba Style - Perfect way to watch the game feet from the beach & bars!)

Cons:
* Overpriced onsite food & drink
* Clean but somewhat dated room and hallway decor.
* Vending Machines are Often Empty & Don't Return Money
* Pools Close Early - Latest Hot Tub @ Sea Tower is 7pm
* Slow Check-in (even IHG Elite Member area)
* Small smoke-filled Casino
* Basic Property with much less landscaping and "wow factor" than neighboring properties.

(Above: HI Beach looking down the strip towards Pelican Motorsports/Resturant/Bar Pier)

Overall, yes we would gladly return for a family vacation points stay because of the Pros listed above, but if I was traveling for a special occasion or Honeymoon I would most likely look elsewhere.

(Above: Sea Tower pool @ Sunset)