Stay & Play

TRYP by Wyndham Aruba – New Cool & Quirky Stay on “The Strip”

by Susan Campbell

Over my many decades of researching all new and cool in Aruba I’ve spent countless nights bopping around on foot throughout the massive maze of establishments locally known as ‘The Strip’. This stretch of J. E. Irausquin Boulevard fronting all the ritzy high-rise hotels lining famous Palm Beach is loaded with restaurants, bars, cafes, shopping, and entertainment along the sidewalk and within little courtyards and side streets for almost two miles. Alfresco music and beats bouncing into the street, tantalizing aromas of every kind of cuisine imaginable wafting through the tropical night air, make it a must-do evening no matter where you’re staying. But now, you can stay embedded right within ‘The Strip’ in a colorful, cool, and quirky new adults-only boutique hotel! Formerly a budget, family-friendly stay called Brickell Bay, the entire property was reimagined and redesigned as a Tryp by Wyndham brand hotel in late 2024. I was invited to give them a try recently, and I was beyond impressed with the cosmopolitan vibe, unique amenities, and stellar personal service. The transformation was incredible.

I knew little about the TRYP hotel concept before my stay, but once enlightened, I can report back that this establishment checks all their mission boxes. This brand is designed as a hip, affordable, urban oasis in the heart of a city offering a savvy, modern, and unique vibe. After a mere 15-minute drive from the airport, I was instantly pleased with its fresh, vibrant welcome due to a kaleidoscope of colorful murals of Aruban flora and fauna provided by a local artist throughout. The new incarnation has 96 totally refurbished modern rooms with popping accents of sea life prints, and mine was one of their three unique ‘fitness’ suites. That means that right beside my bed was an exercise bike, a Pilates ball, and a yoga mat!

My stay was short, so I didn’t have time to take part in their additional social activities like yoga, souvenir making classes, cocktail crafting, and wine tasting sessions…, but I did spend some time in their cool urban pool and swim up bar at night. It’s open late, so you can hear the music from the clubs while you relax on your floatie under the neon lights and tropical stars. But though the TRYP philosophy is centered around “Powered by the City”, few come all the way to Aruba for the ‘city’ lifestyle. Let’s face it, everyone comes for the beaches! Thankfully, this spot offers the best of both.

After a great jolt of caffeine from their on-site Island Grind café, and a hearty breakfast included in the rate, I headed for their designated Palm Beach area. Though It’s a mere five-minute walk away, I took full advantage of their complimentary shuttle there where lounges and even paddle boards awaited. Food and beverage service is also available on the beach from their on-site hotel Gastro Bar (also delivered by the shuttle.) And apparently, expanding the Gastro Bar to the second-floor balcony with a fantastic view of the strip is also included in the planning. Can’t wait until my next stay to experience that soon.

www.wyndhamhotels.com/en-ca/tryp