Raising the Bar—Aruba’s Spirited Lobby Bar Scene

They came to prominence in the 1960s and have enjoyed a resurgence of popularity worldwide. Instead of an afterthought or convenience for a quick mixed drink or beer and dish of peanuts after checking in, lobby bars are having more than a moment, inviting guests to slow down, relax, and indulge.

Many of Aruba’s hotels have reimagined their lobby spaces, making them more than just an avenue to other parts of the property, offering multiple areas to lounge, hang with friends, people watch, or dive into a good book.  Anchoring these lobbies is space dedicated to the lobby bar, an extension of the hotel’s food and beverage offerings. 

One of my favorite settings for an evening out is settling onto a comfy bar stool or nearby in a cozy booth and noshing on gourmet bites and sipping signature cocktails while enjoying live local music.  I also find that bartenders, who are masters at dual tasking and can mix cocktails and at the same time engage in conversation when guests are in a talkative mood, are a great source of information and local tips. 

Tip: you don’t have to be staying at a hotel to enjoy the lobby bar experience! 

Here are a few of my favorite lobby bars that I frequent:

Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba

Entering this luxury property’s lobby, your eye will surely be drawn to the grand wall of floor-to-ceiling windows at the far end.  It’s a gorgeous backdrop for Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge.  An elegantly illuminated 360-degree bar is partnered on either side with cozy lounge areas with plush seating. 

Sip on a classic old fashioned or try one of their signature craft cocktails while enjoying ceviche, specialty sushi rolls, and sashimi, or dive into the Angus burger.

Tip: the terrace just off the bar area is a great place to experience an Aruba sunset.  There’s a lovely daily Sunset Ritual marking the start of the golden hour—experience it authentically with the Cadushi Cocktail made with real cactus puree.

Blue at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort

The lobby at this downtown resort is on the second floor, giving the adults-exclusive lobby bar, Blue, prime positioning for views of the bustling downtown harbor area as well as the adjacent rooftop pool. 

Island chic merges with city vibes here (every evening there’s a deejay spinning loungey tunes), so sipping one of their specialty martinis fits the moment perfectly!  The bar has a menu ideal for grazing, with noshes like Asian pork belly bites with charred pineapple salsa, yucca croquettes with avocado sauce, pecan crusted fish and chips, and flat-bread pizza with a variety of gourmet toppings. 

Good to know:  One of Blue’s mixologists, Nelson Molina, won the island’s Bartenders’ Brawl during the recent Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival. 

The Lobby at Aruba Marriott Resort & Casino

The Aruba Marriott has one of the largest lobby spaces on the island, hosting an ice cream parlor, coffee shop, various retail shops, and a variety of community and private areas for lounging and relaxing.  The resort’s lobby bar is aptly called The Lobby, and is centered around a large circular bar, or guests can get really comfy in the great-room styled lounge spaces. 

Sushi is the specialty here, with chefs crafting rolls and sashimi at the open-view sushi bar. Other nibbles to explore include pork belly baos and sweet and spicy kimchi wings.

Most evenings feature live music.

Tip: Give Lady Luck a spin at Stellaris Casino—it’s just a few steps away from The Lobby.

Sunset Bar at Hilton Aruba Resort & Casino

Known as the Grand Dame of Palm Beach, Hilton Aruba’s open-air lobby welcomes guests with vintage 1960’s art deco style with a contemporary island touch.  At the far end of the lobby, a lush, tropical retreat awaits.  The Sunset Bar is definitely a bar with a view, perched atop a waterfall and offering elevated sunset views. 

Fresh off a renovation, Sunset Bar offers a menu of new generation craft cocktails with unique spins like the Luna Preto, a Manhattan-inspired creation, or their margarita with a local touch, the Tres Trapi. There’s live local music nightly!

Good to know:  Aruba’s famous cocktail, the Aruba Ariba, was invented right here in 1963 by local bartender Juan Tromp. 

Zima at Joia Aruba by Iberostar

Joia by Iberostar recently opened in December of 2024.   Zima is their lobby bar-rooftop pool bar hybrid offering breezy, elevated views of award-winning Eagle Beach with signature cocktails and a thoughtfully curated menu to match. 

Inspired by Aruba and island life, sip on cocktails like Eagle Beach, made with gin, pickled strawberries, passionfruit, and orange juice; and skip the pina colada and try the Sea & Sand with tequila, Kahlua, and coconut cream. 

Expect the unexpected on this lobby/pool bar menu, including artichoke ceviche, crab brioche, and Peking duck spring rolls. 

Tip: If you’re planning a special event, celebration, or wedding, Zima is a stunning location to consider.