Whether you’re staying at AirBnB, hotel, timeshare, beach house or family house, you want to ensure the place you rest your head is nothing less than perfect. That’s why I loved my stay at the Hilton Aruba.

Let me start by saying it is important to know what you want when looking for a place stay in a different state or country. You must create a must haves list as if you were buying a house or renting an apartment. Think of it like this —- you’re going to be sleeping there for next 5-10 days, it needs to be clean, safe and most importantely up to your standards.

My must haves were the following

• Hotel on the beach
• Resturants and shopping in walking distance of the hotel
• Spa services and onsite excursions
• The interior design of the hotel and the hotel room
• No less than 4 stars — we don’t do 3 stars

1. The Hilton Aruba has amazing staff and it is more than 4 stars. The staff at the Hilton were so kind and accommodating. They assisted me with booking excursions. They assist in getting a taxi for you. They will provide additional amenities in your room. They are respectful, funny and make the experience during your stay enjoyable.

2. The hotel is right on the beach. Hilton Aruba is located right on Palm Beach which also host a strip of different hotels. Once you step out of your tower you can walk straight to the pool or beach. You can reserve a free Beach Hut by 4:00 p.m. each day. Hilton also provides towels, if needed. What I loved the most about the tower I stayed in (Bonaire I believe) is the shop on the ground level. If you wanted something to drink or buy souvenirs, I could do it on my way back to my room.

3. The Hilton Aruba was in walking distance of restaurants and shops. One of main reasons why I choose this hotel besides my mothers research, is how guest raved about walking to shops and being able to walk back to their hotel. I wanted to be in a centrally located area where I did not need a taxi constantly to get around. I wanted the opportunity to walk out of my hotel room, go to a restaurant and come back to my room. With Hilton Aruba this was doable. I was able to shop and eat all with my hotel 5 minutes away.

4. There were so many water excursions you could do at the hotel. Jet skiing, sailing, great marble (where the boat pulls you), snorkeling, paddle boarding all can be done at the hotel. The prices were reasonable ranging from $ 20 and up and the instructors are very kind and try to make you feel as comfortable as possible. The Spa at Hilton Aruba was peaceful. I truly enjoyed their Aloe Vera Iced tea which was refreshing and cooling. I love the interior of the spa which offered services such as massages outdoors where you can listen to the ocean waves. I received an aloe vera treatment with hot stones.

5. I loved the fact that Hilton Aruba provided activities in their hotel such as bingo night, dine in movie, spa services on the beach, tournaments and so much more. If you did not want to leave your hotel and explore Aruba would not have to because there were so many things to do on the resort itself. I also loved the location because you were able to meet people from other hotels next door. Aruba also provided tea and water complementary in your hotel— as someone who loves water I was like YES! The bathrooms were beautiful we a glass shower door, enough towels, and soaps and washcloths to last a lifetime. We booked a partial sea view with a balcony so we can see the ocean and the town. Additionally, the T.V. also had great channels. We often watched at 2 am in the morning after a long day.

It was simply put a beautiful experience staying at the Hilton Aruba. I loved the staff, rooms and accessibility to the town and how they provide all the information from excursions to best places to eat. I truly enjoyed my stay and would defiantly recommend to anyone traveling to Aruba for the first time.