Our host was EXCELLENT! friendly, kind, and super responsive, even off-hours. The property is very off the beaten path, so a car is a must, but the gated parking was a big plus. The Gypsy wagon/room was adorable.
That said, a few things made the stay less than ideal. The power went out twice (island-wide, not the property’s fault), but both times were overnight and made it hard to sleep when the room got hot. The AC rules were also tough—only allowed from 7pm–9am or you’re charged $10 each time. I get being eco-friendly, but after a full day in Aruba’s sun, waiting until 7pm to cool off is rough. Suggestion: keep the fee but only charge if AC is abused. Towels come with a $25 replacement fee if stained, and no beach towels are provided, so bring or buy your own. Shower water never got hot, but it was refreshing after the sun. The bed was rock-hard, pillows limp, and the kitchen coffee setup lacked regular coffee and accessible milk.
Other oddities: one night a stranger knocked asking for “the man who lives here,” another night a, what I could only assume was a drunk person, at the neighboring house, was heard screaming and then singing after a blackout, and once someone even walked into our room (my fault for forgetting to lock the door, but still unsettling). The barking dogs out front didn’t help either.
Would I stay again? No. But for solo travelers or those who like quirky, shared-style stays and don’t mind a 20-minute drive to beaches, it could be a unique experience.
