Finding the sweet spot between family-friendly accommodations and grown-up luxury can feel impossible when planning a vacation. As a mom who refuses to give up those little touches of sophistication (yes, even with a teenager and a 4-year-old in tow), I’ve become somewhat of an expert at sniffing out properties that deliver for everyone. During my 40th birthday celebration in Aruba, the Radisson Blu checked every box on my list, even some I didn’t know I had.
First Impressions: Understated Elegance with a Warm Welcome
From the minute we stepped into the unpretentious yet stylish lobby of the Radisson Blu Aruba, I knew we’d made the right choice. The staff greeted us with complimentary glasses of champagne (hello, birthday vibes!) while the kids took in the airy, open space.
I’ll keep it real with you. Check-in did take longer than expected despite having paid for everything in advance through our Travelzoo deal. We also had to put down a security deposit, which is standard but worth noting for your budget planning. But the genuine warmth of the staff made up for the wait, especially when they took extra time to highlight family-friendly activities nearby.
Room Situation: Space, Privacy, and That Kitchen Though!
During our 5-night stay, we settled into a 2-bedroom Island View suite on the 10th floor (Room 10-321), and let me tell you this setup was absolutely perfect for my family. A nice surprise awaited us in the refrigerator: a complimentary bottle of TOTO sparkling moscato (thanks to our TravelZoo deal), which I later popped by the pool on our last full day there. Nothing says “vacation” quite like poolside bubbles!
The kids immediately claimed their twin-bed room with its own TV and bathroom (a true vacation blessing if you’ve ever shared a single hotel room with kids). None of us watched TV on this trip. Meanwhile, my husband and I enjoyed the spacious main bedroom with our own private bathroom. Well… until my 4-year-old decided that a birthday night cuddle was her gift to me. Thoughtful? Yes. But I would have rather spent my birthday night in bed with just my husband. But that’s motherhood.
Our suite also featured a cozy living area that we barely used (because when you’re in Aruba, indoor sitting time feels criminal) and a full kitchen that proved invaluable for storing restaurant leftovers and preparing quick snacks for my notoriously picky teenager. The balcony offered what they call an “island view”; honestly, I would have preferred overlooking the pool area, so keep that in mind when booking.
Pool Life: No Chair Wars Required
For families who understand the struggle of resort pool politics, here’s some good news: the Radisson Blu Aruba has not one but three swimming pools, including a grand family pool, a kids’ pool, and an adults-only whirlpool. It’s also home to the largest adults-only rooftop infinity pool on the Palm Beach strip, though we didn’t get to experience this particular perk because, well, kids. I checked it out, and it was nice. There’s also a bar up there, too.
I particularly appreciated that the pools stayed open until 9:00 PM. In my book, any vacation pool that closes before sunset should be considered a sin. Those late-night swims with the kids playing Marco Polo under the stars created some of our favorite memories.
Even better? We never once had to participate in the crack-of-dawn towel-reserving chair drama that plagues so many resorts. There were always spots available, which meant more relaxing and less strategizing.
One thing to watch out for is the beautiful Blue Kododo lizards and iguanas that roam the property. They’re gorgeous to look at, but will absolutely try to steal your food if you’re not careful. And fair warning, if they’re hanging out in the trees above you, there’s a chance you might get an unwelcome “gift” dropped on you from above. We learned this lesson the hard way!
Beach Access: A Short Stroll to Paradise
While the Radisson Blu isn’t directly on the beach, Palm Beach is just a quick 5-minute walk away. For those who prefer not to walk (or are loaded down with beach toys, snacks, and sunscreen like we usually were), the hotel offers a convenient shuttle for guests.
The proximity to Palm Beach meant we could easily switch between pool days and beach days without major planning; a flexibility that works wonders when traveling with kids who change their minds every five minutes about what they want to do.
Dining Options: Location is Everything
Although we didn’t dine at the hotel restaurants, the property features a convenient little store and bakery called The Clover that we visited frequently for morning coffee and quick snacks. But the real benefit is the location. The hotel sits right off the main strip of restaurants, giving us plenty of options within walking distance.
After a few days, we settled into a comfortable rhythm: mornings at the pool, afternoons at the beach, and evenings strolling to nearby restaurants. Having a kitchen in our suite meant we could bring back leftovers (because why do kids order full meals only to eat three bites?) and reheat them later.
The Family-Friendly Factor: Space, Safety, and Sanity
What made the Radisson Blu Aruba truly work for us as a family wasn’t just the amenities; it was the thoughtful layout that gave everyone their space. The two-bedroom configuration meant my husband and I could actually have adult conversations after the kids went to bed. And having two bathrooms? That alone prevents at least three meltdowns per day when traveling with a teenager.
The property felt secure and well-maintained, allowing me to relax about safety.
The Deal Factor: Luxury Without the Luxury Price Tag
Let’s talk about value because that matters when you’re planning a family vacation. Our 5-night stay cost $1,287, thanks to a Travelzoo deal I snagged. This was nothing short of miraculous for a two-bedroom suite at a 4-star property in Aruba during high season.
The concierge team was incredibly helpful with pre-arrival planning. They made sure we had activities lined up without overscheduling ourselves. Their local knowledge directed us toward experiences our whole family could enjoy. One thing they recommended that we regret not doing is the De Palm Island tour. This gives us an excuse to return.
The Verdict: Would This Mom Book Again?
In a heartbeat! Though I’d splurge for a pool view next time. My youngest has repeatedly asked when we can go back, but flight prices have been outrageous lately. Still, I’m keeping an eye on those Travelzoo alerts because the Radisson Blu Aruba proved that family-friendly and grown-up luxury aren’t mutually exclusive.
For families looking for space, convenience, and comfort without breaking the bank, the Radisson Blu Aruba delivers what matters most: the freedom to enjoy your vacation the way you want to, with enough flexibility to accommodate everyone’s definition of a good time, even simultaneously.
