We just got back from our week long stay at Holiday Inn. This was our first trip to Aruba and here is some of our takeaways.
First of all, all inclusive is not all inclusive at this place. You have to pay for bottle of water, can of soda, any snacks. You also have to pay for ice cream in the little ice cream shop. You also have to pay for shade on the beach ($18 for palapas, $40 for umbrella). There is a tiny area that is shaded at the beach, but is at the horrible location. If I pay a good price for all inclusive, I expect it to be all inclusive. Yes, they tell you this at the check in - but still. Minimal amount of shade by the pool that would be taken before 7 am. Rooms are super outdated and need to be renovated asap. Chairs by the pool and on the beach are older than me and I am not young. Beach is okay, but I have been at better beaches. Outside of that, staff is amazing (not so much at oceanside grill and bar, but they are okay too). They work hard and are super nice. Probably the nicest staff I've seen. Always with a smile, doing their best to accommodate you. Place is clean. Grounds are very pretty. Location is awesome. Food was great. Bar at Sea Breeze is the only one that was good! And the view from Sea Breeze is breathtaking. I wouldn't say this place is bad at all, but I wouldn't go back to it.