Head to head
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino by IHGvsOcean Blue & Sand
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Scores at a Glance
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino by IHGOcean Blue & Sand
Overall
7.6
8.4
Beach
9.0
8.2
Food
6.9
8.0
Service
7.2
8.2
Rooms
6.9
7.9
Value
8.0
8.4
Romance
7.5
8.0
Scores out of 10 · higher is better
Quick Stats
| Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino by IHG | Measure | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| 7.6 | Overall Score | 8.4 (better) |
| 4-star | Star Rating | 5-star (better) |
| 4.1 (4,526) | Google Rating | 4.6 (17,980) (better) |
| From $147 | Price / Night (pp) | From $103 (better) |
| No | Adults Only | No |
| Yes | Kids' Club | Yes |
| Near coast | Beachfront | Near coast |
| Mid-size | Resort Size | Mid-size |
| 20 min (better) | Airport Transfer | 30 min |
All Scores
| Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino by IHG | Measure | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 (better) | Beach | 8.2 |
| 6.9 | Food | 8.0 (better) |
| 7.2 | Service | 8.2 (better) |
| 6.9 | Rooms | 7.9 (better) |
| 7.8 | Pools | 8.5 (better) |
| 8.0 | Value | 8.4 (better) |
| 8.0 | Family | 8.5 (better) |
| 7.5 | Romance | 8.0 (better) |
| 8.4 | Nightlife | 8.6 (better) |
| 6.4 | Quiet | 7.3 (better) |
| 8.0 (better) | Remote work | 6.8 |
Vibes
| Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino by IHG | Measure | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Romance | Yes |
| Yes | Lively | Yes |
| – | Quiet | Yes |
Activities
| Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino by IHG | Measure | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Spa | Yes |
| Yes | Water sports | Yes |
| Yes | Nightlife | Yes |
| Yes | Kids | Yes |
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino by IHG
- 3 pools
- 4 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- 20 min from AUA
Ocean Blue & Sand
- 2 pools
- 9 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- 30 min from PUJ
Pros · Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino by IHG
- Excellent Palm Beach location.
- Optional all-inclusive package gives flexibility.
- Good value versus neighboring high-rise resorts.
- Kids Club and Kids Eat Free benefits.
Pros · Ocean Blue & Sand
- Large review base and strong recent overall ratings across official, Tripadvisor, Expedia, and other sources.
- Direct beachfront setting with two large pools and a swim-up bar.
- Good family infrastructure, including Daisy Club, Teenclub, sports area, bowling, and nightly entertainment.
- Dining variety is broad for the price point, with two buffet restaurants, seven themed restaurants, coffee shop, and 11 bars.
Cons · Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino by IHG
- Rooms are frequently described as dated.
- Food is often described as adequate rather than special.
- In-room dining is excluded from the all-inclusive package.
- Beach shade and palapa logistics can be frustrating.
Cons · Ocean Blue & Sand
- Seaweed and beach-maintenance variability are recurring issues.
- Rooms can feel dated or damp in some buildings.
- Food and drink quality is inconsistent across restaurants and guest sources.
- Sales-pitch pressure, sunbed competition, and service inconsistency appear in recent guest feedback.
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