Jul 18, 2025
Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino Celebrates 66th Anniversary by Honoring Hospitality Pioneers
In celebration of its 66th anniversary, the resort hosted a special lunch to honor its local hospitality pioneers.
On July 18th, 1959 the opening ceremony of a new resort on Palm Beach was held in the presence of invited guests, dignitaries and both Dutch and Aruban government representatives.
The Aruba Caribbean, as it was called at the time, was the first luxury property built on Palm Beach, with just 125 rooms and a similar number of just-hired service employees. The property occupied 15 acres of the island’s most spectacular oceanfront with tropical gardens reflecting Aruba’s indigenous vegetation, It offered a host of luxurious, innovative amenities to its guests.
Over the years, the resort gained a stellar reputation as a beacon of island hospitality with 358 luxurious guest rooms. Its loyal, dedicated team members who come to work every day to share the island’s culture and heritage with guests, leave each day with smiles on their faces, knowing they contributed to the evergreen appeal and popularity of Aruba, the resort and the island’s most important economic pillar.
Branded under the Hilton flag for the past ten years, in celebration of its 66th anniversary, the resort hosted a special lunch to honor its local hospitality pioneers, most of them long retired, but not forgotten.
With the kind assistance of Jeffrey Matos, of Club Kibrahacha 60+, the event brought together cherished former team members of the historic Aruba Caribbean Hotel for a memorable gathering. Among honored guests Josephine Panthoflet, Eddy Tromp, Ruben Pieters, Ruben Boekhoudt, Thomas Giel, Henry Scott, Judith Koeiman, Vera Franken, Orvin Croes, and Johnny Geerman.
Accompanied by a guest of their choice, the resort’s current directors and General Manager warmly welcomed the former team members. The gathering was filled with nostalgic heartfelt stories and laughter, combined with a delicious lunch at the resort’s Sunset Grille, expertly prepared by the culinary team.
Several of the resort retirees once served in iconic roles, including working at the famous Klompen Club and in leadership positions in the Food & Beverage department. Notably, Orvin Croes and Johnny Geerman are still proudly serving as part of the resort banquet and bellman team. Each attendee shared an important memory of their Aruban Caribbean time and expressed their gratitude for the unexpected lunch invitation. The afternoon of delightful, filled with fascinating stories and fond memories from the resort’s early days, supported by historic photographs, shared with the current executives, sparking fun reflections and lively conversations.
By honoring former team members, the Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino reinforced its ongoing commitment to the preservation of the resort’s time-honored legacy and the spirit of genuine Aruban hospitality.
