The Westin Resort Hotel
, Palm BeachReviews - The Westin Resort Hotel
Read 1189 additional reviews of The Westin Resort Hotel at TripAdvisor.
Want to see more hotels? View all hotels in Palm Beach
Historical Traveller Reviews of The Westin Resort Hotel
Great Stay!
from dog_earerFirst and foremost, the staff was amazing-- most of the front desk and grounds staff were the same as last year. They accomodated each of our requests-- we were given an even numbered room as we requested (the even numbered rooms face the pool/ocean, as opposed to the odd numbered rooms, which face the new Riu construction), and the following night we were even upgraded to an ocean view suite once my boyfriend told the staff he was planning on proposing! (He did propose and I said yes. :) ) The manager, Rob Thomas, even sent us a bottle of champagne, strawberries and chocolate to wish us well!
As for the rooms-- the two we stayed in were completely renovated-- new Westin beds (THE BEST!!!), new rugs, new furniture, new TV. I noticed they were still renovating other floors and that they were adding finishing touches to the rooms on our floor (new lamps, new chairs) but this didn't bother us one bit. In fact, the staff was incredibly apologetic about the new items being in the hallway-- I heard "Sorry for the mess" (and it wasn't a mess, just lamps or chairs lined up) each time I left my room.
The grounds seemed the same to us as the year before--same birds, same pool, same sitting area. The hot tubs were being renovated but it wasn't noisy enough to distract from our relaxation.
A point that should be clarified: the Westin charges $30/day to reserve a hut a day in advance. If you get up in the morning and wait on line, you are able to get any hut that hasn't been reserved (and there were hardly any huts reserved when we were there.) I would suggest a hut on the left side (huts 1-7?), as it was less windy down there. The huts on the front row in the middle tended to be quite windy and the huts on the other end seemed noiser due to the Riu construction. The towel hut lady was incredibly nice-- she even automatically reserved the hut we liked so much (3, I think) the last few days because the hotel was relatively quiet!! What a nice surprise-- to come downstairs a little later one morning and see my name up on the board for hut 3!!
Are the Westin grounds as beautiful as the Radisson or the Hyatt? No. The Westin grounds are really pretty but far more basic-- less landscaping, less grounds to meander, etc...Still, the rooms are newly renovated at the Westin (with the fabulous beds), the hotel itself is quite nice, and the beach at the Westin is just as beautiful as the beach at the other resorts, just a bit smaller. Considering the price difference between the Westin and the Hyatt, I would not hesitate to book the Westin again for our next trip to Aruba.
Our only complaint throughout our entire stay had nothing to do with the Westin-- the water was strangely chilly. The towel hut girl said many people were commenting on the chilly water and that she had noticed new weather patterns on the island over the last few years (different windy seasons, cooler water temperatures) but again that had nothing to do with the Westin.
IMHO, the Westin is the best value on Palm Beach. Enjoy!
Westin Aruba is worst in Aruba!!!
from Steve0822196530 minute wait to check-in at Starwood Platinum/Gold registration area.
No bellman to take luggage to room.
Missing items in room. This included desk chair and desk lamp, alarm clock, robe. We did receive alarm clock on day 2.
Remote control never worked properly. Was supposed to be replaced or fixed - called 4 times to no avail.
Safe never worked properly. Called several times - inoperable our entire stay.
Hot water knob in shower broken. Fixed later on day 2.
Had to wait 20 minutes for towels at pool hut on day 2 and day 3.
No bottled water in the room. Sink water was about 80 degrees.
No turn-down service 3 days in a row!!! Room was vacated by 6:30 pm every evening with sign left on door for maid to make up room. Front desk manager actually delivered us clean towels at 11:00pm one evening.
No service at pool. Only asked by a waitress one time in seven days if we wanted a drink. Service absolutely non-existent..
Overflowing toilets for seven straight days at pool bathrooms (men's and ladies).
Horrendous service at breakfast buffet. This included numerous waits of 20 minutes-plus to be seated. (A hotel guest actually assumed the role of maitre d' one day and seated guests as the staff seemed clueless) In addition, the buffet was never stocked with enough food for the number of people attempting to eat. In addition, wait staff actually questioned my 5 year old daughter's age several days as they wanted to charge her as a child (6-12 years old)...told them we'd get her passport.)
Concierge never left messages (as promised!) on dinner confirmation. This situation occurred twice.
"Service Express" went unanswered numerous times. Any answered calls had to be transferred to another number as "service express" could not take handle the simplest of requests.
Room service on 12/28 brought sour milk.
Upon review of my bill, noticed I was charged approximately $85.00 every day for under the line item of "room chrg SPG awards" plus taxes . When I inquired as to this charge, front desk said it was a system error and took the charges off the bill. What if I did not inquire????
No doorman available to load bags into taxi - had to load ourselves.
In addition to these specific complaints, we found the staff to be very unfriendly and unhelpful and completely counter to my Westin experiences. We did however, find a few employees that either helped us with one of our many issues or offered well-above average service. These people included: Franz Sydow, Chida (front desk manager), Jo Jo (pool bar), Jesus (pool area) and Jean (pool area).
This was the worst Starwood property I have ever stayed at and an embarrassment to the Westin brand.
Worst service for this price EVER
from jjchester23The problem is two-fold: (1) inept service, (2) horrible attitude. I'll spare you the detail of all the stuff that went wrong and the absolute black hole that is the staff, but suffice it to say that the only way to enjoy my trip was to ensure that I spoke to no one on the staff (my wife took over) and requested nothing.
In terms of it being a Westin, it's a Westin in name only. Sure, they have all HEavenly Bed, but the staff is exactly the same staff when it was a Wyndham. As one of the staff pointed out, the only difference is who signs their paycheck.
If you want to go to Aruba (great weather, nice beach, awesome food), stay in the Hyatt if you want to stay in one of the high-rise hotels.
STAY AWAY FROM THE WESTIN!
GREAT TIME AT WESTIN ARUBA
from arcangelo1) All newly remodeled rooms with "heavenly beds and flat screen tvs"
2) Very friendly greeting from the bell man to the front desk. Everyone was very friendly in the service staff.
3) Delicious food in every restaurant. ( I highly recommend you pay for the ALL INCLUSIVE upgrade for $130 pp per day, because it saves you on the 15% fee they charge you for every item you buy at the bar or restaurants.
4) All brand new wooden chairs with coushins around the pool area making it very elegant.
5) If you have children its a perfect set up because everything surrounds the pool and you can watch your children which having to worry about them.
6) Convenient bar and restaurant right by the pool along with HUTS to help with shading.
7) Mid afternoon they walk around the pool offering FREE frozen fruit on a stick which is very refreshing and a nice added touch.
8) Many huts on the beach, if you want to reserve a spot is free, all you have to do is wait in a short line in the morning when the booth opens. Or if you prefer not to wait you can pay ahead of time $30 a day to reserve one.
9) Casino on the lobby floor is very easy to get around and lots of fun!
10) Many restaurants and variety to choose from including chinese, japanese, italian, and steak and seafood along with OUTDOOR BBQ pit for snacks.
We travel to many high end resorts around the world, and we would go back to this one in a minute. I have attached photos of the view from the room we stayed in which was room 1201. This was on the side of the building that had the constrcution of the new hotel next door which was not loud or bothersome at all.
If you have any other questions you can email me directly at usatrader2@earthlink.net or you can call me at 716-553-4275. I wish I was able to talk to someone before I traveled there this is why I am giving my number.
Hope you enjoy!
Arcangelo
fabulous time at the Westin Aruba Resort
from paisley4334Room: Based on tips from this board, I upgraded to an ocean view room .We stayed in room # 1416 with a view of the pool and ocean. My husband and I sat out on our balcony every day and watched the sunset. Heavenly bed, flat screen tv, granite counter top in bathroom, all were what we expect from Westin.
Beach: The best beach on the strip! It was well maintained and the water was as clear as could be. We rented a palapa for the week for $30 per day, that included cold water and fruit. This beat getting up early each day to stand on line, and our chairs were all set up for us the way we like. We never went into the pool since the ocean was so wonderful. The wind keeps you from getting too hot, but ordering lunch on the beach is better in theory unless you like your food nice and sandy. never a problem getting clean beach towels like at some other resorts
Restaurants: We loved Pago Pago for dinner. They serve steak and seafood and the service is excellent.
The Terrace serves sandwiches and salads and was also very good. There is an ice cream parlor in the hotel and the free coffee in the lower lobby is very good. tip- the bottled water in the gift shop is less expensive then the outside bar and the mini bar.
Food in the Caribbean is never cheap, but there are some restaurants off property that are good and provide value. But there is something to be said for convenience. Salt and Pepper down the road is a nice find and they serve a lovely breakfast.
Gym: Reebock fitness center at the Westin is excellent. new machines, lots of windows, staff, etc.(Hope they will consider adding Yoga in the future.) They offer pool aerobics daily.
Spa: lovely spa with plenty of services to chose from.
Golf: Tierra Del Sol is just 10 minutes drive and is a great course. Stay and have lunch here since it is a nice setting and the food is very good.
Casino: nicer than your typical carribean casino and the dealers were quite personable. met interesting people of all ages at the black jack table.
Staff: I am shocked at the past reviews of the staff since I found everyone from the front desk, to the beach staff warm and welcoming and extremely helpful. The GM Rob Smith could not be nicer. The hotel is going through a transition from Wyndham to Westin, however they have done an outstanding job. I can not wait to go back!
Not quite yet a Westin
from babybabyNewYorkHowever, the ocean is AMAZING. My advice would be to sit by the pool all day where there is shade if needed (instead of paying for beach huts) and then just walk over to the beach when in need of a dip. Best ocean water I've ever been in.
Food on the property was fine but nothing special considering the price. Better restaurants are within walking distance down the strip of high rise hotels or a fairly cheap cab ride ($10-13). Drinks were also small and expensive on property served by less than cheerful bartenders. The casino was Caribbean quality and the dealers lacked personality. In fact, the only service people that we met who were actually nice were the concierge folks and porters.
A nice vacation overall because Aruba is gorgeous, but I wouldn't necessarily do Westin again without a deal.
Pretty awesome!
from Me007Wonderful at the Westin
from K.MainNot to Westin Standards
from Boston37We ate mostly off the property. The Japanese place was okay in the hotel.
Overall, I would not come back to the Westin, but would stay at the Hyatt a few doors down. The Hyatt displays what the Westin should be like.
We did get one free night, as we did tell the manager that it didn't compare to other Westins. His response was that "they met the minimum requirements of a Westin."
Room With A View
from TriathleteTorontoThe room "Oceanview with balcony" is not as nice as the "Oceanview" which confuses many. The hotel is slighlty tilted on the beach, affording one side with a full oceanview. These rooms all have balconies, and are called "oceanview". The other side has a partial view of the ocean, and have balconies, and are called "oceanview with balcony". The problem is that these rooms now look upon a construction site of an adjacent hotel. So the view of the ocean is really "partial" and there is an added noise factor. The noise was not very intrusive, however, as they are working on the finishing touches to the hotel. There were many unhappy travellers at the reception desk upon check in.
As a result of reading reviews on this site, I upgraded to an oceanview room before I left, but the room was not available upon arrival, and it was not clear when one would become available. I was able to upgrade to a junior suite with both balconies and both views, and it was worth the added cost of $100 per day.
Here is my suggestion for the Westin. Change the name of the oceanview with balcony to "Partial oceanview". Charge significantly less for this room. Those people who do not spend much time in their rooms would welcome this option. It is called price discrimmination.
Once again, I enjoyed my trip very much, and the weather was great. The Westin has a nice spot, and as they have just taken over this hotel, no doubt there will be improvements in the future.
Top Local Tips for Palm Beach
Shopping in Downtown... Jewelry Go to gold Palace ask for KP ... Ask him about his 75 books of very hapy customers over the last 20 years.. You won't be disapointed
A couple of great eating options that are wallet friendly Casa Tua has great thin crust pizza for $11-15 each two to three will feed a family of four. Linda's Pancakes has the best pancake I every had. Try their apple bacon. WOW. And Tulip in the low rise area has a really nice burger for under $9.
Oranjestad It was fun to go into Oranjestad and walk around. The city isn't clean or particuarly great but you have the high end shop- Louis Vuitton, Gucci and you have all the touristy silly things as well.
- (hotels)

Other names for The Westin Resort Hotel
- wyndham aruba
- westin palm/eagle beach
- westin palm eagle beach
- westin hotel aruba
- westin aruba resort
- westin aruba
- palm/eagle beach westin
- Address: J E Irausquin Blvd 77 - Palm Beach - Aruba
- Loading Image...
- Loading Image...
- Loading Image...
- Loading Image...
- (hotels)

Hotels Near The Westin Resort Hotel
- Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino Hotel Palm Beach, Aruba Distance: 0.1 km / 0.1 mi
- Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino Hotel Palm Beach, Aruba Distance: 0.4 km / 0.3 mi
- Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Hotel Oranjestad, Aruba Distance: 0.5 km / 0.3 mi
- Divi Aruba Phoenix Hotel Palm Beach, Aruba Distance: 1 km / 0.6 mi
- Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort Hotel Oranjestad, Aruba Distance: 1 km / 0.6 mi
- Marriotts Aruba Surf Club Hotel Palm Beach, Aruba Distance: 1 km / 0.6 mi
- Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Hotel Oranjestad, Aruba Distance: 2.1 km / 1.3 mi
- Coconut Inn Hotel Oranjestad, Aruba Distance: 0.4 km / 0.2 mi
- La Quinta Beach Resort Hotel Eagle Beach, Aruba Distance: 3.2 km / 2 mi
- Costa Linda Beach Resort Hotel Oranjestad, Aruba Distance: 3.5 km / 2.2 mi
- Playa Linda Beach Resort Hotel Palm Beach, Aruba Distance: 0.2 km / 0.1 mi
- The Boardwalk Vacation Retreat Hotel Palm Beach, Aruba Distance: 1.3 km / 0.8 mi
- Marriott's Aruba Ocean Club Hotel Palm Beach, Aruba Distance: 2.4 km / 1.5 mi
- Aruba Beach Club Hotel Oranjestad, Aruba Distance: 4 km / 2.5 mi
- Tamarijn Aruba Beach Resort Hotel Oranjestad, Aruba Distance: 2.7 km / 1.7 mi

