Prior to booking a 1 bdrm villa, I had read a lot of reviews on this site. We are budget travelers and seek out exactly the type of place the ABV seems to be. However I was pretty disappointed in the facilities. The bathroom shower curtain had dark mold spots on it. How expensive is that to change? The ceiling above the shower looked like it was caving in. The kitchen was adequate- but could have used an oven and hotter water for washing dishes. The loveseat bed was tiny and so lumpy we had to move the mattress to the floor. The pool was closed for 3 days and the hot tub only operated from 3-7pm but took over 1 hour to heat up to regular hottub temperature. And contrary to everyone else's reviews, the staff were very standoffish - but that isn't a deal killer for us. The cost ($269/night with tax for January) was too high for the value. That said: this place would be a good deal for windsurfers- with the equipment being free. The view was amazing. We know that Aruba is one of the more expensive caribbean islands but with that comes more safety, more conveniences, etc. We aren't very picky, so if they would put some money into improvements in the units, I'd give it 5 stars.

My wife and our 24 year son took a two bedroom suite Jan 10-13, 2008. We had a great time. Phil set us up, with kite board lessons that were fun and exciting. We enjoyed the 3 minutes walk down and back to the fisherman huts for our lessons. The suite was very clean, very big and had a beautiful view of the ocean. We spent a lot of time on the deck talking about what we learned kite boarding while enjoying a beer. We meant a guy named Jon who is an 86 year old windsurfer. Jon windsurfs twice a day. He comes every year for 3 weeks and stays at the Aruba Beach Villas. This is by far the best plan going in Aruba for the money. Phil gave us snorkel equipment and told us several great spots to go. He also offered free windsurfing equipment. I thought about it but decided I wanted to save my energy for the kiteboarding. This is not a glitzy place. This place is casual, with wonderful people & a great staff. The view is awesome ! Would I go back? ABSOUTLEY ! Marty Zachrich

Based on reviews we thought we would give this a try. We were completely disappointed. We had a one bedroom studio that is in need of a lot of work. The bathroom was old, moldy and in need of a major overhaul. The kitchen too was old and needed some work. There were only two electric burners but only one can be used at a time. I believe that was because it was old and dirty. The cabinet doors did not close in some cases due to warping. The bed had a sag in the middle and very uncomfortable. In addition, we are not sure it there were bed bugs or mosquitos but we were bitten every night. The pool was dirty many days. Newspapers, cans, bugs, sand, etc. They did treate the pool but then it was closed for three days. The people were very nice, however the facility left something to be desired.

Great location for windsurfing!!! We loved Michaela at the hotel. Excellent location if all you want to do is windsurf (actual windsurfing is better out of the trailers near fisherman's huts - better conditions, beach, etc.) Very convenient. Michaela was great. Ate dinner out most nights at good spots: best value on island, hands down, is Wacky Wahoos (near the Wendy's in the high rise district). GO THERE! Michaela referred us there, and it was great (and we are serious foodies in San Francisco). Great fresh fish -- touch of Arubian flair. Hands down bettter value and food than any other place we tried: Madam Janetttes, Flying Fishbone, Cuba's Cooking, Amazonia Steakhouse. Had a car the whole week and were grateful for that -- definately recommend it (we never rent cars on vacation, but needed it for shopping, dining, etc). Hotel is a bit dated, pool is very small (and no shade). Kitchennette is very handy!