Casa del Mar Beach Resort

Just got back from another wonderful 2 weeks in Aruba. The resort is one that you can stay put or walk to several other locations for water and land sports, restuarants, gambling, etc. The resturant "Matthews" is top notch and the service is fantastic. After the winter we just had I enjoyed it even more this year. I loved the Casa del Mar.

The Ambassador wing (1-BR units) of Casa Del Mar are across the street from the main resort. There is no comparison between these Units and the Presidential (2-BR Units) at Casa Del Mar which are located directly on the beach and which are of the highest quality that you will find anywhere in the hotel industry. There is also FREE Daily Maid Service and FREE Pool Towels at both. You very seldom find a Resort that features FREE Daily Maid Service. The Resort sits on the best beach in Aruba, Bar None. The Alhambra Casino is across the road from CDM.

Returned on 12/5/09 (1 week stay) and 4 of us had wonderful time. Very fortunate to have rented the 1st floor ocean front corner unit closest to Matthew's Beach bar. Room very clean, accommodating staff, 3 happy hours per day, very good & reasonably priced breakfasts & lunches at Matthew's. Really didn't leave resort except to gamble across the street and go to Dunkin Donuts next to the casino. Rented a car to travel the 2.5 + miles to high rises, shops, restaurants but taxis & busses can get you there. Madame Janette's restaurant is a must (must reserve well in advance). Also, the French Steak House at the Manchebo Beach Resort 2 buildings over is still one of our favorites. For a little dining entertainment be sure to try the Teppanyaki style service at Blossom's (Japanese cuisine) located at the Westin. Casa del mar provided us with a sun-filled/fun-filled relaxing week!

So far this visit has not had an auspicious beginning. My wife and I stayed here last June and simply loved it. The rooms were spacious and clean. The beech private.

This year the room we found through redweek (for 2 weeks) was on the 2nd floor Presidential, on the 'quiet 'side. It 'reeked' of mold and had moldy spots on the ceiling.The front desk immediately offered to move us to another room and they were most accommodating.So, tired though we were, we unpacked and repacked moving up to the 3rd floor, pool view. It seemed nicer so we decided to stay. This morning one toilet didn't flush and had to be fixed. Then my wife found ants crawling around the kitchen floor. The staff is wonderful and responded immediately even though it is Sunday. Then there was the beech. Evidently this past November there was a big storm. The beech, which was always small to begin with, is covered with boulders, so that the huts are cut off from the water in many places. In spots where there are no rocks,the sand ,in some spots, is three to four feet high with a severe drop off. In fairness the Aruba Beech club has the same problem ( with big rocks) except there is one area on the right side of the beech that is still smooth all the way to the water. I don't know what next to expect...but so far...I am not too happy.

Some pretty harsh critiques further down in this section. It's possible they had a bad visit for other reasons. My opinion, the resort is fantastic. Both the 2 bedroom and 1 bedroom units are very large and well equipped for all types of entertaining. The units can use a design change for better reviews, all the same, they are very clean and well maintained. The beach is spectacular. Very large and never over crowded. There is a casino across the street with shops nearby. Overall, the resort is a great find. If you are a regular of Ian Schrager- type hotels, you may want to by pass Aruba all together.