Stayed for 7 days starting on 10/19/11 in unit 213, Palm Building. We rented a car (recommend doing so, island is easy to get around once you get your bearings) and found our way from AUA to the condo in about 20 minutes. It is the perfect location, right between the high-rise hotels and low-rise/marina area and directly across from Eagle Beach. The condo security guys were ever-present and always very nice. The few people we encountered around the condo grounds were also very nice (we helped jump start one resident's car and he brought us a bottle of wine!), however, most of the time it was like we had the place to ourselves. The condo unit was PERFECT. There was nothing we needed that we didn't have. It was super clean and very comfortable (we had 4 adults). Plenty of beach towels, bath towels, kitchen items, appliances, etc. This unit is 2-bed/2-bath. The beds were very comfortable and the unit was very quiet. There are TVs and satellite in every room. Big walk-in showers in each bathroom with excellent shower pressure. Washer/dryer, dishwasher, etc. Everything worked perfectly. The pools in this complex are VERY nice. Having a pool at our house I'm kind of particular and all of the pools were beautifully kept, perfect temperature, etc. We had zero problems with anything at the condo (security, parking, elevators, other guests, pools, A/C, internet, etc. - NOT ONE COMPLAINT!).
Now about Eagle beach, right across the street (the BEST part). Don't let anyone tell you the walk across the skinny street is "daunting" - we did it about 20x while carrying coolers, beach chairs, beach bags, etc. It is like crossing a neighborhood street in the States. Yes, cars go fast but there isn't large surges of traffic (one or two cars at a time mostly, no big deal at all). That beach is one of the best we've ever seen (we've been to Mexico many times). There is seaweed but the guys come rake up every day and it isn't a big deal as it runs a skinny line right where the surf ends and isn't really thick and there are plenty of places to walk past where there is none. It is the perfect beach for swimming and hanging out all day (very calm, warm water). Up the beach about 1/8 of a mile they have places where you can rent jet skis, long lounge chairs, paddle boards, etc. (we spent one day up there as well).
We went to Ling & Sons for groceries (a really great grocery store where you will find all of your favorite brands) and ate all but dinner at the condo each day (we wanted to check out a new restaurant every night). The store is about a 10 min drive from the condo so very convenient. The Screaming Eagle (which is walking distance to the condo) is probably one of the best restaurants on the island. They have a fantastic bar too. It is pricey but it is very elegant and the food was fantastic.
We had a terrific time in Aruba (our first trip) and would recommend this condo to anyone. We will definitely return and stay here when we do. We typically stay in large resorts when we visit Mexico but decided to do it differently in Aruba since you don't have to worry about crime/violence like you do in Mexico and I'm so glad we did. Staying in a place like this allowed us to experience so much more of the island vs. staying around the "resort" most of the time.
We rented this condo through Homeaway.com (property 221098) and the owner immediately contacted me to provide a quote. She was very responsive and made the process VERY easy. Sent the keys and instructions about 2 weeks before we left and made sure everything was hassle-free. Aruba is a great vacation spot and this condo made it even better!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC