Escape to Paradise: Victoria City Hotel, Oranjestad, Aruba
Escape to Paradise…or Maybe Just a Really Nice Place in Aruba: A Messy, Honest Review of Victoria City Hotel
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this is gonna be less "polished travel brochure" and more "drunken rambling after too many Balashis on the beach." We're talking about the Victoria City Hotel in Oranjestad, Aruba, and I'm here to dish the dirt, the good, and the surprisingly okay. SEO? Metadata? Sure, I'll sprinkle that in like a desperate chef trying to make a souffle rise. But first… feelings.
Initial Impressions: Arrival and "Oh, That's Nice!" Moments (and Some Mild Panic)
First things first: Getting to Aruba is like, a thing, especially if you're coming from anywhere that isn't, you know, Aruba. The airport transfer via the hotel? Smooth. The driver? Friendly. The immediate feeling of "holy crap, I'm here and it's HOT" – unavoidable. The hotel itself is clean, I'll give it that. And the lobby? Well, it’s got that… hotel lobby vibe. You know, vaguely corporate chic meets "we tried." But hey, there's AC, and after a transatlantic flight, that's enough to make you weep with joy.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Sadly
Okay, this is important, and I hate to start with a downer. The website claims facilities for disabled guests. The reality is… mixed. There's an elevator, which is a HUGE plus, and the front desk seems accommodating. But I didn’t personally need to utilize any truly accessible features, so I can't speak to their efficacy. I can say that the walkways around the pool area looked a little… dicey for maneuvering a wheelchair. (Accessibility: Mixed. Needs more detail and actual firsthand experience)
Cleanliness and Safety: Germaphobe Approved (Mostly)
This is where the hotel shines. They've got the whole COVID-19 thing down pat. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double check. Staff trained in safety protocols? Absolutely. I saw them sanitizing literally everything. I’m not even a major germaphobe, but I felt like I could lick the lobby floor (which, of course, I didn't). They even have individually wrapped food options at breakfast. (More on breakfast later. Trust me, you'll want to hear about this.) The room sanitization opt-out… well, I’m not sure why you would, but the option is there, I guess. (Cleanliness and Safety: A solid A. Felt safe and worry-free.)
Rooms: My Cozy Little Prison (In a Good Way)
Let's talk about the room. Mine was… fine. Decently sized, with air conditioning that actually worked. Crucial in Aruba, let me tell you. The blackout curtains, I swear, turned the room into a cave. Perfect for sleeping off that jet lag. (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Blackout Curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom and the rest of the long list.)
Now, for the nitty-gritty. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the Lord! No more scrambling for a signal to upload those Insta-worthy sunset pics. The room also had a mini-bar. Overpriced, naturally, but hey, convenience is a luxury, right? You could order whatever you want. I saw my neighbor's ordering breakfast to their room -- you can't fault them for that convenience.
The Food: Where Things Get… Interesting
Ah, the food. This is where the Victoria City Hotel gets a little… quirky.
- Breakfast (Buffet): Okay, the buffet. This is a tale of two breakfasts. One day, it was a glorious spread – fresh fruit, omelet station (with a chef!), little pastries, the works. The next day? A slightly sadder affair. Stale croissants, overcooked bacon, and the lingering scent of sadness. Still, it had the important things: coffee (essential), and a wide variety of bread and butter -- although I am pretty sure the butter was a local knock-off.
- Restaurants (A La Carte): I tried the international cuisine restaurant. Let's just say it was… safe. Not bad, not amazing. The service was friendly, though. Prices were, well, hotel prices. You know the drill.
- Snack Bar: There was a snack bar by the pool. I may have frequented it a lot. Burgers, fries, and ridiculously strong cocktails. Essential fuel for a day of lounging and sunbathing.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Poolside Paradise (With a Side of… Sauna?)
The swimming pool? Lovely. Poolside bar? Essential. Pool with a view? Yes! Okay maybe not a breathtaking view. You're not exactly next to a volcano or anything. But it's clean, inviting, and the perfect place to waste an afternoon.
Speaking of which, the hotel also boasts a sauna, a steamroom, a fitness center, and a spa. Now, I’ll be honest, I went specifically for the pool and the bar. I'm not a huge spa person (okay, I'm lazy), but the options are there for the more… vertical vacationers.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi for the Win! (And Maybe a Little LAN)
Okay, I'm not gonna lie, I relied on that Wi-Fi. (Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN). I needed to work, I needed to post, and I needed to avoid awkward conversations with my travel companion. The Wi-Fi held up surprisingly well. Pretty reliable, really. It's a major win in my book.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects (Plus a Few Surprises)
- Concierge: The concierge was helpful. Got me a taxi, offered some restaurant recommendations, and generally just smoothed things over.
- Daily housekeeping: The room always looked spotless, even when I was doing my best to mess it up.
- Laundry service/Dry Cleaning: Another convenience I may or may not have used.
- Elevator: Essential for the lazy among us.
- Cash withdrawal: Right there, on-site. Saved me a walk.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Filled with the usual tourist trinkets. Okay, I bought some. Don't judge me.
- Airport transfer: That worked out well.
- Business facilities: I’m not sure what they were, but they were there.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: Who knows.
- Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
For the Kids: Family-Friendly or… Not So Much?
I didn't have any kids with me, so I'm a bit fuzzy on the family-friendliness. They have babysitting service, and kids facilities. I did spot a few families happily splashing in the pool, so… probably okay. But again, I'm not the target audience here.
Getting Around: Taxi, Taxi, Everywhere!
Taxis are readily available. The hotel can arrange them for you, or you can try your luck on the street. They are not cheap, though. Aruba in general, costs more than you think.
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Alright, the big question. Would I go back to the Victoria City Hotel?
- Yes. Mostly.
- In a heartbeat? Not exactly.
It's a solid, comfortable, safe, and clean hotel. Perfect for a relaxing vacation. It's not going to blow your mind, but it will provide you with a solid home base for exploring Aruba. It exceeded my expectations.
The good: The cleanliness, the pool, the Wi-Fi, and the friendly staff. The not-so-good: The breakfast roulette and the mixed accessibility.
If you're looking for a no-fuss, reliable, and well-located hotel in Aruba, the Victoria City Hotel is definitely worth considering. Just don’t expect perfection. Expect a nice place, perfect if you are visiting for the first time, that will meet most of your needs. And hey, who knows, maybe the butter situation will have improved by the time you get there.
SEO and Metadata (Because I Have To):
- Keywords: Aruba hotels, Oranjestad hotels, Victoria City Hotel review, Aruba
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered trip planner. This is ME, in Aruba, at the Victoria City Hotel, and things… well, let's just say things are already shaping up to be interesting.
Victoria City Hotel, Aruba: A Messy, Wonderful, and Possibly Slightly Sunburnt Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and the Phantom of the Mini-Bar
- 10:00 AM - Arrival at Reina Beatrix International Airport (AUA). Okay, let's be honest, I’m a travel disaster wrapped in a slightly-too-bright sun dress. Luggage? Checked. Passport? Double-checked (after a near-heart attack in the security line). Emotions? A chaotic cocktail of excitement, mild anxiety, and the nagging feeling I forgot something important. (Probably sunscreen. I always forget sunscreen.)
- 11:00 AM - Taxi to Victoria City Hotel. The hotel’s a cute little thing, right in the heart of Oranjestad. The driver, a lovely local named Juan, regaled me with tales of Aruban sunsets and the best place to get a "real" Aruba Ariba. Sold. Juan also pointed out, with a wink, that I should "trust the island's rhythm." I'm trying, Juan, I'm trying.
- 11:45 AM - Check-in. The front desk lady, bless her heart, was dealing with a particularly grumpy guest who was convinced his room had a ghost. (More on this later, maybe, if I survive.) My room? Basic. Cleanish. With a view of… well, the parking lot. But hey, the air conditioning works, and that’s a win in my book.
- 12:30 PM - Lunch at the hotel's "restaurant". Okay, I'm being a little dramatic here. It's more of a glorified breakfast nook. Got some sort of sandwich (I think.) and a cold coffee. The coffee was…memorable. Let's leave it at that.
- 1:30 PM - The Mini-Bar Debacle: I swear I saw a tiny, shimmering bottle of something alcoholic lurking in the mini-bar. But when I reached for it, it was… gone. A figment? A mischievous Aruba spirit? Or, more likely, my sleep-deprived imagination playing tricks on me. The mystery unfolds…
- 2:00 PM - Wanderlusting Around Oranjestad: Okay, time to get out there. I wandered around the colorful streets of Oranjestad. The architecture is gorgeous. The shops are…well, let's just say I need to control my credit card impulses. I stumbled into a random art gallery. The whole place smells like coconuts, and the artwork is…a bit abstract for this art-noob. But the sun! And the sea breeze! Bliss.
- 6:00 PM - Sunset Cocktails (hopefully) and Dinner at a Pre-booked Restaurant: I'm aiming to hit a beachfront bar for sunset cocktails. I did some research (aka Googled "best sunset bar near me") and booked a place. Dinner at a restaurant with live music -- I REALLY HOPE the music is good.
- 8:00 PM - Dinner and Live Music: Dinner was good. The music… well, the vocalist was a bit pitchy, but he had heart. And the view! Unbelievable. Definitely worth the slightly-too-loud rendition of "Hotel California".
- 9:30 PM - Midnight Snack and Debrief: Back at the hotel. I'm starving again. Grabbed a pre-cut papaya and a bag of plantain chips from the vending machine. I really need to find a decent snack bar.
Day 2: Beach Day, Burnt Skin, and the Search for the Perfect Water Bottle
- 8:00 AM - Failure to Rise: I was supposed to wake up early and see the sunrise. Let's face it I failed.
- 9:00 AM - The Hotel Breakfast Gamble: Back to the breakfast nook. I've decided to be brave today and I try the local pastries. It was either that or cereal. The pastries are… interesting.
- 10:00 AM - Beach Bound: The beaches here are iconic. I grabbed a taxi and headed to Palm Beach. The sand is like powdered sugar, and the water is that impossibly perfect shade of turquoise. I attempted to apply sunscreen.
- 10:30 AM - Beach Paradise, Mostly: The beach is crowded, but I claim a spot, get in the water, and swim. This is great. I could stay here forever.
- 12:00 PM - Burnt to a Crisp: I'm not sure how it happened. I swear I put on sunscreen. But now I'm that lobster-red tourist, stinging and miserable.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch with a side-order of Regret: I go for lunch at a beachfront restaurant. The food is delicious, but I can't fully enjoy it because my skin is screaming. I also realize I forgot my water bottle. Hydration is key, people!
- 2:30 PM - The Water Bottle Quest: The relentless search for a water bottle. It is a silly thing, but it has become a quest. I stalked every shop in the vicinity but can’t find one that fits my criteria (aesthetic and practical).
- 4:00 PM - Beach Nap (in the Shade!): I found a shady spot, and I attempted to relax.
- 6:00 PM - Happy Hour and Sunset, Attempt 2: This time, I arrive at the bar before sunset. And I slather on the sunscreen. The colors in the sky are breathtaking.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner and a Big Decision: Tonight, I'm considering the Aruban seafood stew, and then I decide if I want to rent a car.
- 9:00 PM - Exploring: I decided to rent a car and found a bar, and met the locals.
- 10:00 PM - Nightly debrief: I must remember to put the sunscreen on!
Day 3: Island Adventures and The Mystery of the Missing Towel
- 9:00 AM - Car Chaos: I got a rental car, and while I'm thrilled to explore, parallel parking on Aruban roads is proving… challenging.
- 10:00 AM - Exploring the National Park: I drove. It was worth it. The wind is furious, the cacti are photogenic, and I have an appreciation for just how untamed this landscape is.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch with a View: I found a tiny local eatery overlooking the coast. I had a delicious fish dish that was so fresh.
- 2:00 PM - Beach Day, Part 2: I decided to try a different beach. This one is more secluded. The water is even bluer if that's possible. I actually managed to relax this time.
- 4:00 PM - The Mystifying Towel: Back at the hotel, I discovered that my towel has…vanished. I have no idea where it went. I try to ask the hotel staff, but the language barrier is real.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Plans: I am thinking of trying a place. The reviews say it is a must-try.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner! The food was fantastic, the service was great.
- 8:30 PM - Wind-down: I'm exhausted, sunburned, and slightly bewildered by the towel situation. I'll try to find myself a snack, and I'll go to bed as I'm exhausted.
- 10:00 PM - Debrief: The towel, it haunts me. I might have to buy a new one.
Day 4: Goodbye, Aruba (and the Towel… Maybe?)
- 9:00 AM - One Last Breakfast: Back to the breakfast nook. They have surprisingly good coffee.
- 10:00 AM - Shopping Spree (The Only Kind I Know): Last-minute souvenir shopping. I ended up buying a ton of brightly colored trinkets and a "Kiss me, I'm Aruban" t-shirt.
- 11:00 AM - Check-out: Farewell Victoria City Hotel!
- 11:30 AM - Last-Minute Beach Run. One final dip in the turquoise water.
- 12:00 PM - Airport Bound: Farewell, Aruba! You've been a sun-drenched, slightly chaotic, and utterly unforgettable adventure.
- 1:00 PM - The Mystery of the Towel (Solved?) As I was packing, I found the towel. It was under the bed!
Post-Vacation Ramblings:
Aruba, you wild, wonderful island. You made me laugh, you made me cry (mostly from sunburn), and you definitely made me question my packing skills. The people were friendly, the beaches were dreamlike, and
Uncover Hidden Paradise: Casale Romano Resort, Motta Camastra, Italy
Okay, so, *Paradise*…does it actually, like, *feel* like paradise, or is that just marketing fluff? (Because let's be real, marketers lie.)
Alright, deep breath. Paradise? Look, it's Aruba. You're going to get *some* paradise. The turquoise water? Legit. The sun scorching your face? Also legit. Does the Victoria City Hotel, specifically, *deliver* on the hype? Well… it depends, doesn't it? My expectations were, let's just say, high. Pictures online? Gorgeous, of course. Real life? It's a bit… closer to reality.
My first impression? "Huh. Kinda… smaller than I thought." Now, that's not *necessarily* bad. It meant a shorter walk to the pool, which, bonus! But the 'escape' part? You're definitely escaping *somewhere*, not necessarily *to* paradise straight away. There's a certain… charm. Think "vintage postcard" charm, the kind where the edges are a bit faded and the colors a little… off. But hey, charm's better than cold, right?
So, yes, Aruba is heavenly. This hotel? Paradise-adjacent. Close enough for a good time. And you know what? Sometimes that's MORE satisfying than perfection. Builds character, right? (That's what I tell myself after a questionable hotel breakfast.)
What's the deal with these "City" and "Victoria" bits? Is it even *in* Oranjestad, or are they just pretending?
Alright, this one's important. The "City" part? Spot on. You are *in* Oranjestad. Like, right in it. You can practically *smell* the delicious street food and the, uh, sometimes-questionable exhaust fumes of the scooters. It’s not some secluded resort miles away from civilization. Embrace it. You're in the thick of it. You can wander to the colorful shops, hit the beach, or just wander in a daze, soaking it all in. Great if you prefer to be close to action. If you're looking for complete isolation, you might have to do some extra walking.
The "Victoria" part? …Ah, Victoria. Bless her heart. It probably refers to some historical reference I slept through in my history classes or just a fancy namesake. It's not like there's a Queen Victoria statue in the lobby or anything. More likely, it was a name the owners liked. Personally, I'm not convinced the name adds much. It's just a name, you see? But a fine name for a fine hotel
Tell me about the pool. Is it Instagram-worthy, or one of those sad little plunge pools that leaves you feeling even *less* relaxed?
Okay, the pool situation… Okay, get this. The pool is *there*. It’s not gigantic, but it's not a glorified birdbath either. It's the perfect size for a refreshing dip after a day of sun-worshipping. It is pretty enough. Clean enough too, which is what really matters, you know? I swear, some pools, you look at the murky water, and you just know you're sharing it with… things. Not this one.
Now, here's where it gets interesting. I remember *one* specific day at the pool, okay? I'd had a particularly stressful morning. The air conditioning in my room had decided to take a break. I was *sweating*. All I wanted was to cool off. I found a lounge chair, claimed my spot with a strategically placed towel (because, let’s be honest, chair-hogging is a competitive sport), and dove in. The water was beautiful. Perfect temperature. It was bliss. For about 15 minutes. Then… *BAM*… a toddler, screaming as if the world was ending, was in a water wing. Screaming! Then the water was being splashed over me!
And that, my friends, is the reality of a hotel pool. Unpredictable. Potentially wonderful. Guaranteed to have *some* kind of drama. So, is it Instagram-worthy? Maybe. Is it relaxing? Sometimes. Is it an adventure? Always.
How's the food? (Because a bad hotel breakfast can ruin an entire vacation for me.)
Ah, the breakfast question. The *crucial* question. Okay, here's the deal. It's… continental. Let's just say it's a solid "get you going in the morning" kind of breakfast. Expect some fruit, some pastries, maybe some eggs (if you're lucky, they won't be rubbery), and the usual suspects like coffee and juice. The pastries weren’t amazing, the coffee was fine. Just fine, you see?
But I gotta tell you something. The *ambiance*… was the real kicker, at least for me, for *my* trip anyway! The eating area was usually pretty sunny, usually had some nice music playing. And honestly, the food's okay, it's not where I had my best moments. But one morning, I was feeling down. Slept poorly, and had a disastrous encounter with my bathing suit. And then… there was a very friendly server named Rafael. Rafael? He turned my blah breakfast into something special! He cracked jokes, he remembered my coffee order, and he genuinely seemed to *enjoy* his job. Suddenly, that mediocre pastry tasted… a little less mediocre. So, is the food 5-star Michelin rated? Absolutely not. Does the friendly service make you forget the rubbery eggs? Sometimes. And sometimes, that's all you need.
Are there any hidden fees? I HATE hidden fees. Don't be that hotel!
Hidden fees? Ugh, the bane of every traveler's existence. Look, I'm not a lawyer, and I didn't comb through every tiny line of the fine print, but from my experience, Escape to Paradise seemed pretty upfront. No nasty surprises on the bill, which is a huge win in my book. Yes, you should always double-check, of course, but I found their pricing to be straightforward. They may charge for, say, parking, so keep an eye out for that sort of thing. And taxes, obviously.
The *real* hidden fee I experienced? Was the one that wasn't on any bill whatsoever! The emotional toll of trying to relax near the pool during toddler-screaming hour. THAT, my friends, is priceless. And not in a good way.
Okay, I'm sold. How do I book? And is there any advice you can give me, you know, from an experience traveler?
