Starwood/Westin Aruba Preview

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Another post got me thinking about the new Westin/Starwood property in Aruba - here are some photos and a link to the Starwood website.

The Westin Aruba Ocean Villas, Palm Beach, Aruba

Looks pretty darn nice....


The property is not 'deep' between the ocean and the street so the resort will be 'wide' affording really nice views.



Here is something you and I will NEVER see - a 3BR lock-off!
Look at the patio space - appears those units will be on the far right side of the building.
The 3,172-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bath lockoff villa offers you a variety of vacation options and plenty of personal space. It comfortably sleeps up to 10 adults.


and a 2BR lock-off - that splits into a 1BR and a studio
At 1,312 square feet, this two-bedroom, two-bath villa sleeps eight adults comfortably and includes a fully equipped kitchen and plenty of vacation options.
Even the studio lockoff has a washer/dryer 432 square feet*
1BR side is 880 squ ft


and a 2 BR non-lockoff
The two-bedroom, two-bath villa sleeps up to six guests. With 1,729 square feet of living space, it has its own living room, dining area and a fully equipped kitchen.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

I'm liking it!

[m61376 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close m61376]

Rhose dimensions seem strange- the non lock-off is so much bigger than the lock-off? Wow- and the size of that 3 BR!!!!

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Those dimensions seem strange- the non lock-off is so much bigger than the lock-off? Wow- and the size of that 3 BR!!!!

Yes, I agree..but there seems to be a bit of 'dead space' entering the non-lock-off 2BR plus it has a third full bath...it is really set up as 2 master suites...quite luxurious use of space.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

It is a beautiful property and that was before the timeshares were being put in.

Bear in mind that the little Aruba Grand tore down the low-rise portions on the property and put in 10 story hi-rises which would block the view south for the Westin except for the higher floors.

Hotel Palm Beach, Aruba Hotel Riu Palace Aruba

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

It is a beautiful property and that was before the timeshares were being put in.

Bear in mind that the little Aruba Grand tore down the low-rise portions on the property and put in or are putting in hi-rises which would block the view south for the Westin except for the higher floors.

Here is the picture of the RIU (3 white buldings on the left) with the Westin (blue and white highrise) to the right....the TS units will be to the right of the Westin hotel building - giving them a much better view then the left side of the hotel.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

So much for the little boutique feel of that place. We really liked it there.

Appears they left the timeshares (Royal Palm @ Aruba Grand) building intact (the 8 story furthest south)and ripped out the rest. So much for any view from the inside ones.

Ah well. It was nice while it lasted.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

There have been MANY changes on Auba - some good, some bad.....

[TomandRobin Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close TomandRobin]

Thanks for posting the pics for the new resort. I am liking what I see. I wish the prices were better, but are they ever good?

[m61376 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close m61376]

Out of curiosity- what is the pre-construction pricing?