We felt like Coral Reef is a rare find because of the location right on the water, the beach courtyard, close to groceries and some good restaurants. We wanted to stay away from the tourist end of the island at a comfortable and convenient place. If you're not expecting something fancy you'll be very happy here and you definitely can't beat the price. We went to Mangel Halto Beach a couple times and enjoyed it much more than Eagle Beach because it wasn't packed and there was a lot of shade. The shared space right on the water adds a lot of extra space to your rented apartment here. Our kids called it the downstairs beach. We were also surprised to have access to their shared snorkel equipment, beach chairs, and sea kayaks. We borrowed everything we wanted to use and never had to rent anything during our stay. Also, the caretakers are very responsive and the rooms are cleaned daily.

I wish the room had been just a little nicer but for the price I couldn't be happier. The kitchenette in the room was sufficient to cook simple meals. There is also a shared kitchen downstairs with a larger fridge and a gas stove with an oven. We used our in room kitchen and the main kitchen every day for making meals. Everything is adequate but not fancy. For example, the shower only has one handle and no hot or cold setting. It was always warm but not hot. I told my wife it would be like staying at a cabin on the beach and that's pretty much what we got. Nobody who wants a hotel chain experience will stay here anyway. Expect it to be a little rustic but comfortable.

The location is ideal if you want to explore all of Aruba and get a real sense of the island beyond the tourist hotel strip on the northern beaches. San Nicolas and Baby Beach are super close, maybe 15 minutes drive, and Oranjestad wasn't too far either. It was great having a little beach and dock and being able to use the hotel kayaks and life jackets to check out Seaglass Island. It was also great being a 5 minute walk from Zeerover, the best deal for dinner that we found on the island. We didn't eat at Flying Fishbone, which shares a fence with Coral Reef Beach, because we didn't feel like we needed to splurge that much for good food, but it's very popular and everyone eating there seemed very happy. We did use the Flying Fishbone parking lot one evening when the small hotel parking lot was full. Apartment #2 has a bedroom with 2 queen beds, a dining room, a small, fully equipped kitchenette (I think the only thing making it a kitchenette vs a kitchen is that it has a two burner cooktop vs a stove. The kitchen has a door directly to/from the parking lot, which made it super easy to bring in bags and groceries. The bedroom also has a door to the courtyard and beach access, which made it even faster to get to the water. By the end of our 9 nights my husband and I were finding our bed a bit hard, but that was our only real complaint. It's not fancy or super modern, and you need to bring your own shampoo and conditioner, but the apartment had everything we needed for our time in Aruba including beach towels. We brought our own snorkeling gear but we could probably have just used the gear available in the courtyard. You also don't need to bring a cooler for beach trips as there are several available to borrow in the shared kitchen off the courtyard. Graciela was very welcoming and does a wonderful job cleaning -- the apartment was spotless. The people staying here all seemed very chill and kind, no noisy partiers.

This is a great place to stay if you set your expectations right. You will need a car to get to the downtown cafes and entertainment and popular beaches. You will be a few steps away from your personal beach, you will step onto the sand right out the door, you will have free kayaks and hammocks and chairs at your disposal any time you want. We stayed in the family suite, room 9, two adults and two kids, and there is much more room in there than in a double bed room that we usually book at hotels. A hotel would probably get you a more modern interior but you will also get more noise and crowds. Here you are likely to feel like you are at your own vacation home. Eric the host and all the maids are great and responsive and make the stay as comfortable as you can get it.

Very nice, chill place, right next to the water with cabin style rooms and plenty of shared equipment from scuba to kayak if you want to enjoy the water. The staff is friendly and super helpful. The area is not too touristy so you have a chance for a quiet vacation in a cool place. It is also close to anything else to the island and the local bus stop is about 5 mins walk away.

Nothing comes to mind, if you are sensitive to noise, keep in mind that one of the most popular restaurant on the island is next door so you will listen to Happy Birthday more times than planned but they generally quiet down around 11pm.

It felt like 'home.' The vibe of the entire place is calm, quiet, peaceful & literal feet from the water. Erik & Jenny have created a place to relax and enjoy the Caribbean. Gabriela keeps the place very clean and you can tell it is her pride & joy to have a nice place for everyone. I loved the 'Community Kitchen' where people left extra food they bought but didn't use, or to cook in. The 'Community' bug sprays, lotions, shampoos, etc. And the random hammocks hanging for leisure were wonderful!

Peaceful, relaxing, an assortment of chairs to enjoy the waterside (hammocks, sun beds, water chairs), bbq, full kitchen facilities, full accessible bookshelf, extra beach equipment to borrow for free (sun chairs, snorkels, flippers, beach noodles & sand toys & floaties, sunscreen, mozzie spray, after sun lotion), super friendly staff, having a car is necessary for visiting all the beautiful beaches. Swimming possible right in front. Kayaks to use. Restaurant attached (amazing food!) is 10% discount and a private entrance from the accommodation. Free parking. AC!

Mattress was super soft (not for everyone’s taste) 1 enjoyed it!

As the island itself is very small, it doesn't matter where you stay, especially if you have a car. We had a car and a location for our stay was perfect, as we did not want to stay in a big hotel or in the center of the city - Coral Reef Beach is a calm, remote, cozy and exotic place, 5 meters from the sea, with a neighborhood of some very good restaurants. We felt like we were staying at home, as there was everything you need for your vacation and a comfortable stay. The staff was very polite, helpful and friendly. Keep it going :) We are very happy that we found this great place for our vacation.

This hotel is a prime example that the class of a hotel is not the stars, marbles, mirrors or pools, but the people. Graciela and Victor are the backbone of this hotel and that you will feel as if you are going to your closest family. In this mega expensive island they will help you not to waste unnecessary money. Graciela your empanadas are the best in the world. Dear hotel owner I don't know how much you pay them but they deserve better.

The only thing that annoyed me was the lack of a fence from Fishbone restaurant guests . A bit unsavory and uncomfortable as a half naked guy with a sizeable belly like mine watched people eat their steaks and prawns

We loved the place, it's quiet, private, relaxing. The room was clean, the kitchen well equipped and the people very nice and helpful with information and advice. We did snorkeling near the beach and saw lots of fish. We also took the kayaks for a trip to the coral reef and along the coast. There is a restaurant next door, The Flying Fishbone, where you can have a nice dinner and see the sunset. There is also a more casual place, the Zeerover, where you can have fresh fish and shrimps. We did not have a car and took the bus to Oranjestat, the trip is $2.5 for one person and the bus station is within 10 minutes walking distance. I would recommend to rent a car if you want to visit the island and go to different beaches. If you want to avoid the crowded area of the high-rise resorts along the north-west beaches, this is a very nice place where you can stay.

Wifi connection wasn't very good sometimes.

This location is incredible!!! We loved being away from the high tourist area. It was quiet, relaxing, and right on the water. We could not believe the place was so inexpensive for how wonderful it was! The staff was absolutely amazing, so friendly every time we crossed paths. The manager was so kind to upgrade us due to a cancelation and I am still so appreciative of that. The water is gorgeous, there were more than enough chairs to always have a spot, our patio was fantastic, and the hammocks were so relaxing. We took the kayak to Sea Glass Island right across the way. There was also snorkel gear we were able to take to a local beach. We saw tons of fish without having to pay for a tour which was awesome. They also had coolers to borrow so we could pack a lunch to take with us. Our kitchen was fully stocked with everything needed to cook meals so we saved money there as well. There are a couple markets within walking distance. The bus stop is also a short walk which made it very easy to get to town when we wanted. Flying fishbone is right next door and owned by the same people. Hands down best food on the Island. We ate there three times! Zeerover is also within walking distance and very delicious. I really can't say enough positive stuff it's amazing and I can't wait to visit again!

The one and only tiny thing i didnt like was my bed was very hard. BUT that is in no way enough to keep me away from this place. I will absolutely return to Coral Reef again!