TL;DR
The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino has introduced The Westerly, a new boutique tower and rooftop lounge, marking the resort’s latest upgrade. This development combines historic design with modern luxury, offering new amenities and experiences for visitors.
The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino has unveiled The Westerly, a new boutique tower and rooftop lounge, marking a significant upgrade to the island’s oldest luxury hotel. This development enhances the resort’s historic charm with contemporary amenities, offering guests a unique blend of heritage and modern leisure.
The Westerly is a 10-story boutique addition to the 15-acre Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, originally opened in 1959 as the Aruba Caribbean Hotel. The new tower features 461-square-foot ocean-view rooms decorated with vibrant, ’60s-inspired art and modern amenities, including large HDTVs, espresso machines, and intuitive controls. Exclusive to Westerly guests is Terrace on 10, a rooftop lounge and restaurant offering panoramic views, breakfast, cocktails, and dinner options, with live jazz performances in the evenings.
The resort’s longstanding architectural style, influenced by Miami modernist Morris Lapidus, remains evident in the new construction, with angular balconies and open walkways. The Westerly also offers leisure activities such as snorkeling trips aboard the schooner Montforte III, beachside dining, and spa treatments, providing a comprehensive luxury experience. The resort’s location on Palm Beach is approximately 20 minutes from Aruba’s airport, with direct flights from major U.S. cities.
Why It Matters
This development matters because it revitalizes Aruba’s oldest luxury hotel with a contemporary boutique experience, appealing to travelers seeking both heritage and modern amenities. The addition of the rooftop lounge elevates the resort’s social scene, offering exclusive views and leisure options. It signifies Hilton’s ongoing investment in Aruba’s tourism infrastructure, potentially attracting a broader range of visitors and boosting the island’s luxury tourism sector.
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Background
Since opening in 1959, the Aruba Caribbean Hotel has played a key role in Aruba’s shift from oil refining to tourism. Architect Morris Lapidus’s signature Miami modern style has defined the resort’s aesthetic. Over the years, additional towers—Bonaire and Curaçao—expanded the property, maintaining its reputation as a stylish leisure destination. The recent launch of The Westerly continues this legacy, aligning historic charm with contemporary luxury trends. The resort remains a central fixture on Palm Beach, one of Aruba’s most popular tourist areas.
“The Westerly represents a perfect blend of Aruba’s historic charm and modern luxury, offering guests a unique experience that honors the past while embracing the future.”
— an anonymous researcher
“Our goal was to preserve the iconic architectural style while adding contemporary features that enhance guest comfort and experience.”
— a Hilton spokesperson
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What Remains Unclear
Details about future expansion plans or additional amenities at The Westerly are still emerging. It is not yet clear how the new tower will impact overall resort capacity or guest demographics long-term, and whether further renovations are planned.
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What’s Next
Next steps include the official opening events, marketing campaigns targeting luxury travelers, and potential expansion of facilities or services. Monitoring guest feedback and occupancy rates will determine the success of this upgrade.
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Key Questions
When did The Westerly open?
The Westerly launched this spring, with ongoing operations since then.
What are the main features of the new tower?
The Westerly offers 461-square-foot ocean-view rooms, a rooftop lounge called Terrace on 10, and exclusive amenities such as a restaurant, bar, and panoramic views.
How does this development relate to the resort’s history?
The Westerly continues the legacy of the original Aruba Caribbean Hotel, designed by Morris Lapidus, blending historic Miami modernist architecture with modern luxury features.
What activities are available at the resort now?
Guests can enjoy snorkeling trips, beachside dining, spa treatments, and sunset cocktails at the rooftop lounge, among other leisure options.
Source: Matador Network
