The reviews written regarding the Vistalmar in Aruba are somewhat exagerted in my opinion! My wife and I booked a room for a week in early November, we managed to deal with it for two nights and then we left and moved into a beachfront property thank God.

I have to say that Alby was a very nice man, Katy was out of the country during our stay so we never met her. On the otherhand, the property is a mess and completely out dated.

There are junk vehicles and junk in general scattered around the building. The rooms were as they probably were back in th 70's, dark & dingy. The AC barely cools the bedroom and certainly not the rest of the unit.

I am angry at the posters that rave about this place, there were wild dogs roaming the streets and your bedroom view will most likely be the runway at the airport. You can see and hear every flight that departs or arrives.

On the side of the building we stayed there was the biggest bees nest swarming with bees that I have ever seen in my life, it was actually scary!

If you decide to give the Vistalmar a go, I would suggest you have a backup plan, if you expect high standards this is not the place for you!

My wife and I just returned from 2 fabulous weeks at the Vistalmar Apartments in Aruba. You can see some of the pictures we took if you click on this web page: http://www.mytripjournal.com/knight_mcdougall_in_aruba

The Vistalmar Apartments are about 5 Km from downtown Oranjestad and the apartment is just east of the airport - so, the apartments are about mid-point from east to west along the south shore of Aruba.

We rented in the latter part of the "high" season but the rates were excellent. Our charges were approx. $1,500 US and that included the apartment AND the rental car. The gas barbecue was there for us and the Vistalmar also provided beach chairs, towels, a cooler for the beer and ice and daily maid service. Best deal in the Caribbean.

Our hosts, Katy and Alby were friendly and gracious. Katy offered to pick us up at the airport and she gave us a ride to the airport after we checked out.

If you are looking for a quiet, private and fully furnished, clean and well appointed apartment situated away from the busy, crowded tourist hotels, the Vistalmar Apartments are an excellent choice.
Dan and Vicki

What a great vacation! Katy and Alby were great hosts and they really took care of us. The private dock out over the Caribbean was grand and there was a shaded area, too. The apartment was spacious and everything you need is there - including beach towels, umbrellas, coolers, a bbq and beach chairs! The car provided was roomy enough for 5! The personal service was appreciated. Why stay in an expensive hotel when you can have your own apartment with everything you need at your fingertips? (And you can afford to stay for twice as long!)
I would not categorize the Vistalmar as a B & B; each unit is a private apartment and you don't have to share facilities with other guests. Thank you Katy and Alby for a wonderful stay. We'll be back!

Just returned from our first trip to Aruba where we stayed at the Vistalmar Aparrtments, far enough from the madding crowds of the "high rises" to feel that you are experiencing more of what the island was like 25yrs. ago. Although it is close to the airport, it definitely has the,off the beaten track appeal, assuring privacy and relaxation. The apartments are spacious and comfortable, with an ocean view. You are within a short drive to some secluded snorkling spots (as Katy is happy to show you, along with shopping tips restaurant suggestions and points of interest) It felt like a home away from home and it's easy to see why they have many return guests. A definte RECOMMEND!