We hope the following answers to frequently asked questions about Bucuti Beach Resort featuring Tara Beach Suites & Spa take care of any inquiries you may have.
At Bucuti & Tara, you only pay 9% in addition to your room rate! By far the lowest tax/fee rate in Aruba.
Some resorts charge as much as 25% in addition to your room rate for taxes, service charges, resort fees, and other fees. At Bucuti we only charge 9% ! When comparing rates, consider that Bucuti & Tara include a hearty full American Breakfast Buffet (Value of $20 per person) plus the low 9% tax/fee rate. Add in all your charges before comparing rates! If you have questions, please contact our reservations department:
No need to bring cash, Bucuti goes cashless
Our resort and restaurant will accept all major credit cards, debit cards and signing privileges to guest rooms as for all payments for rooms, food and beverage, incidentals, and all services within our resort. We will stop accepting cash as payments beginning December 23, 2008. While cash deposits will be accepted on behalf of third party vendors such as dive operators and tour companies at the Concierge desk for deposits, the resort will not be receiving or dispensing cash unless you make advance arrangements. To make arrangements to pay in cash, please contact us in advance of your visit: If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact us.
Travel Insurance and Cancellations
We highly recommend all guests protect themselves for losses due to last minute cancellations or no-shows. Because we are a small, independently owned business, we are not flexible when it comes to collecting fees for last minute cancellations and no-shows. Please carefully read our Terms & Conditions, found in our reservations section and consider contacting your insurance agent for travel insurance.
The following two insurance companies were recommended by the Wall Street Journal "Smart Money" January 2002 issue:
Access America: 800-284-8300 or Travel Guard: 800-826-1300
On a $3,000 trip, Access American charges $79 to $342 depending on your age. Travel Guard charges $173 to $565 (according to the article, Smart Money, Jan. 2002, page 47)
Bucuti Beach Resort and Tara Beach Suites Smoking Policy
Tara Beach Suites and Spa
The Tara Beach Suites and Spa are smoke free and smoking is not allowed in guest rooms, balconies, patios or public areas at the Tara Beach Suites. A cleaning fee of $250 will be added to the room bill of guests who smoke in their guest rooms.
Bucuti Beach Resort
Smoking is not allowed inside of guest rooms in the Bucuti Beach Resort. For Superior rooms located on the south side of the building,
our Deluxe rooms, and Jr. Suites, smoking is allowed on the balconies or patios only. To reserve a room with a balcony
or patio where smoking is allowed, it is important to inform your travel agent or the hotel:
to confirm this location in advance, otherwise we cannot guarantee a room with smoking allowed on the balcony. Guests smoking in the room will be charged a cleaning fee of $250 dollars on their guest room bill.
Smoking is allowed in the Bucuti outdoor lobby and a section of the Pirates Nest restaurant outdoor dining terrace.
Does the Bucuti Beach Resort provide airport transportation?
Hotel shuttle buses are not permitted to wait for guests at the airport arrival hall. Therefore we recommend a taxi as the most convenient transportation to Bucuti. The rate is USD $25 and there is also a surcharge of $2.00 (addition to the $25) for trips after midnight, on Sundays and Holidays. The one way trip from the airport will take about 15 minutes.
Where is Bucuti Beach Resort in relation to the Airport and Downtown Oranjestad?
Bucuti Beach Resort is located on Eagle Beach, 8 miles north of Queen Beatrix Airport, 3 miles north of downtown Oranjestad, 3 miles south of Palm Beach (High Rise Area) and 8 miles south of Tierra Del Sol Championship Golf Course, 5 minute walk from Aruba’s new golf course Divi Links, and is located in the center of Aruba's visitor attractions.
Is there a Casino nearby Bucuti Beach Resort?
Yes, the Alhambra Casino is located adjacent to our parking lot. It is a 3 minute walk away. Also located there is the Alhambra Bazaar for shopping - open in the evenings.
Intermezzo Spa at Bucuti
Bucuti proudly partners with Intermezzo Day Spa’s to offer Bucuti and Tara guests a comprehensive menu of Spa treatments. Located in the Tara Beach Suites Wing, the spa is open daily and treatments can be scheduled in advance of your stay: spa@bucuti.com
How is the weather?
Forecast
Do you have a Rainy Season?
Aruba has an arid climate, with an average temperature of 86 degrees and the natural landscape is filled primarily with cacti. When Tropical season hits the northern Caribbean from June through November, we can experience a brief shower or two. It is extremely rare to have a rainy day in Aruba - most of the moisture we experience happens in late fall - October/November.
Should I rent a car for my entire stay?
The majority of our guests enjoy renting a 4-wheel drive vehicle for two or three days to roam the island and to visit restaurants and sites furthest from the resort. With the exception of guests arriving between Christmas and Easter, feedback from guests tell us they prefer to wait until they arrive on the island to have our Activities personnel help shop for the best vehicle at the best rate, and keep the car until they feel they are finished touring. For peak winter months it is best to make arrangements in the advance due to high demand and the possibility of sold out periods. Contact our concierge team for more information: concierge@bucuti.com Be certain to bring your valid drivers license with you and credit card. You must be at least 25 years old to rent a car.
Do you charge for towels and beach lounges?
No, we have plenty of lounge chairs and towels for our guests at no additional charge. While all beach is public beach in Aruba, our location within Eagle Beach in the low rise area is the most peaceful and quietest. We do not allow watersports vendors in our area, further, we have the fewest rooms for the amount of beach in front and we are not a family resort, the majority of guests being couples. While non guests by law are allowed to be present on our beach, we do all within our power to maintain the most peaceful, romantic atmosphere in Aruba.
Can I send and receive e-mail from Bucuti Beach Resort?
Yes, and it is free in our business center. We also have wi fi broadband Internet access for a daily or weekly fee of $10 per day (24 hours) or $35.00 per week, unlimited use. Laptop computers are available for rent at US$ 25.00 daily and should be reserved in advance by emailing your request to our concierge team at concierge@bucuti.com. Have your family and friends send you e-mail to be received in our business center here. You are free to check your e-mail in our business center any time and the center is accessible with your room key, again only for our guests.
Is the Pirates' Nest Bucuti's only restaurant?
Yes, however we have over 20 restaurants within walking distance to Bucuti Beach Resort. They range from Dunkin Donuts, Subway and TCBY, to Le Dome which is Belgian fine dining. Click here for Bucuti’s Dine Around plan including 13 restaurants to choose from.
What is the difference between the various suites:
Bungalow Suites are located in a separate building near the pool, between the Bucuti and Tara Wings. Bungalow suites consist of one "L" shaped room, with a King bed in the sleeping area, a kitchenette a dining table and a sofa sitting area. We have three Bungalow suites in total, two face the ocean and allow guests to walk out onto the beach from the large redwood terrace and the third faces the garden. Although a very convenient location to the beach - they are not completely secluded from infrequent passersby to the pool, restaurant or beach which is along its path.
Jr. Suites: Our Jr. Suites are located in the Bucuti Wing, and we have two in total. They are located on the second and third floors and both face the ocean and have double balconies. Jr. Suites have one bedroom with two queen beds and a second room with a kitchen, dining area and sitting area with a couch.
Tara Beach Suites offer the more discriminating guest a stylish and romantic atmosphere in a concierge level standard of service. All Tara Suites accommodate a maximum of two adults and all suites are non-smoking. The Tara Suites are all ocean front with a separate sleeping and living room. The sleeping room has a king bed, with a direct view of the beach and ocean. The living area has its own television, sofa sitting area, and a wet bar with fully stocked mini bar, mini fridge, microwave oven and coffee service and utensils for light snacks.
Tara Penthouse Suites offer luxury and spacious accommodations with panoramic views of Eagle Beach. Penthouse suites have four poster king beds with an ocean front view, a modern version of the claw foot bathtub for romantic bathing, a living room & dining room with ocean views, plasma screen TV, full service kitchen, and personal desktop computer with broadband internet service and microsoft suite word processing and spreadsheet programs. (Internet service accessible at a daily charge of $10.00 for 24 hours or $35 per week)
The Tara Wing offers guests a full service spa, private reception area for check in, concierge services and contemporary lounge, offering a complimentary continental breakfast buffet and daytime and evening gathering spot. Spa services are optional and are not included in the room rates.
All Suites also feature: hairdryer, magnifying makeup mirror, Aruba Aloe shampoo/lotions, iron and board, room safe, microwave, minibar, mini fridge, coffee maker and coffee service, airconditioning and ceiling fans and large balconies.
NOTE: All Tara Suites and Penthouses accommodate a maximum of two adults (minimum age 18) and are non-smoking.
Room Amenities and Laundry
All room categories have hairdryers, iron/iron boards, microwave ovens, coffee makers with free coffee/tea, mini bar, in-room first run movies, 110 volt electricity and USA plugs for appliances, ceiling fan, airconditioning, one or two televisions, room safe, room folios available on the TV, and wireless broadband internet.
Suites have either wet bar, kitchenette or full kitchen and other unique features, please see accommodations section of our website for more detailed information including room floor plans.
The Tara Suites have attractive robes for your use while our guests which are also available for purchase.
A Self Service laundry room is available in both the Bucuti and Tara Wing. $1.50 per load in quarters is required plus detergent, available in our gift shop.
Minimum night stay requirement
Minimum stay requirements apply to some dates. You will be informed at the time of booking if a minimum stay applies to your dates.
We don't see a photo of Bucuti's pool, do you have one?
Yes! And it has been completely rebuilt into a stylish infinity pool with coral tile and plush sunbeds.
We are in the process of having professional photography made and we'll post photos soon.
You can visit our blog for more information under What's New, we have a photo there.
Is Bucuti Beach Resort a good place to spend my honeymoon?
Yes, if you are looking for a romantic getaway, Bucuti is an excellent place for a honeymoon. Be certain to let us know you are on your honeymoon (info@bucuti.com), because we like to have special complimentary amenities waiting for you - regardless how you book or which rate plan you are on.
If you prefer a more active honeymoon adventure with a crowded beach for people watching and interaction with other visitors you may meet on the beach near you, perhaps you might prefer one of Aruba's high rise resorts. We will gladly assist you in finding the right resort for you, simply contact us by e-mail with your questions. We do not believe in trying to be everything to everyone and will be very honest about whether Bucuti is the right place for you. We concentrate on making your peaceful, romantic getaway, the best you can find on the island.
Is Bucuti Beach Resort a good place to bring children/families?
No, Bucuti does not have any facilities for children and we do not recommend our resort for families. Primarily our services are geared for couples on romantic getaways or those looking for peace and quiet. Because we are Aruba's smallest resort on the 14 acres of beach, our atmosphere is very peaceful and you can enjoy a good deal of private space. All resorts in Aruba except Bucuti have programs and facilities for children. Therefore we have maintained an adults only atmosphere in our Tara Beach Suites and we have restricted our Bucuti Wing guests to one child per reservation for accommodation in our double queen bedded rooms only (limited inventory) with a maximum of three persons per room. We understand that some of our repeat guests prefer our resort regardless of the fact that we have no children's facilities or benefits and we politely ask that all our guests with or without children observe of our desire to provide peace and serenity for all our guests who have chosen us for this atmosphere.
What Activities are available at the Bucuti Beach Resort?
Our full Concierge Team (email: ) can arrange any island activity for you from their desk, located in both lobbies. Tours, watersports, sunset sailing, diving, horseback riding, windsurfing, shopping, dining are all available nearby the resort and most companies provide free pickup at Bucuti.
Some resorts provide jet ski's, banana boat rides, parasailing from their beaches....however we have chosen not to, in order to maintain our peaceful and quiet atmosphere and comfortable swimming area. However, all of these activities are available nearby and are located a short walk up the beach. For more info contact the concierge.
Do you offer beach service?
Yes! Order your Pina Coladas or your lunch from your beach lounge. Our beach attendant will give you a red pennant with your lounge chair, which should be used to call his attention when you are ready for service. If the pennant is upright in the sand and waving in the breeze, you will be approached for your order. While your flag is lying dormant in the sand, you will not be disturbed.
Do I need a passport to travel to Aruba?
YES. Homeland Security has changed the passport policy and a passport is required
to depart and re-enter the United States as of December 31, 2006. We recommend
that you apply for a passport early because, due to this change in policy, we
expect the process to have slowed. We are very strict in our cancel policy and
failure to have the correct documents/passport, which would prevent your travel,
will result in full penalties being charged. More information from the US government
is available here. For
Aruba Entry and Visa Requirements: www.aruba.com/entryrequirements.
Do you accept U.S. Dollars and Euros in Aruba?
Yes, around the island, US dollars are widely accepted in small denominations and Euros are accepted at our resort and in select locations in Aruba. Due to severe counterfeit money problems, $100 and $50 dollar bills are rarely accepted. 20's, 10's and 5 dollar bills are accepted everywhere. At Bucuti, we have a cashless policy and accept all major credit cards and debit cards. Please contact us if you wish to organize a cash payment.
Are Travelers’ checks accepted everywhere?
Yes, you may use US Dollar travelers’ checks throughout the island, at Bucuti however we have a cashless policy and will not have change for Travelers' checks unless you make advance arrangments. .
Can I use an automatic bank teller to draw money?
Yes, you may draw Aruban Florins from the local bank autotellers on many bank networks. Please consult your credit or debit card company to check for their location in Aruba. Our Activities desk can also help locate a location for you.
Can I purchase a gift for an arriving guest at Bucuti Beach Resort?
Certainly, click here for more details. A secure credit card form is there for your order. If you do not see the item you are looking for on the form, contact us by e-mail and we'll do our utmost to provide the item you desire.
Mealplans: What is the difference between Bucuti's Dine Around and the AGA Dine Around?
Bucuti's Pirates' Nest Restaurant is a member of the Aruba Gastronomic Association, therefore our restaurant is available in both programs. Bucuti's Dine Around program includes a choice of 9 restaurants for the dinner portion, and we have chosen members who are in the same general category as the Pirates' Nest in terms of meal price and service. Bucuti also includes Premium restaurants on the Dine Around (Le Dome and Chez Mathilde) as an option, however the voucher is good towards credit on the menu, while the other restaurants on our Dine Around allow our guests to choose freely from the menu without extra charges (with the exception of market price items like lobster, crab, etc.) For prices and more information about the dine around, please see our dining page.
While Bucuti's plan is a daily charge with a minimum of 3 days, the Aruba Gastronomic Association has different rate packages available. For more information, go to their website.
Low Rise Area information, Bus Stops, Supermarkets, Taxi’s
Bucuti Beach Resort and Tara Beach Suites have an enviable location, only 3 miles north of downtown Oranjestad and 3 miles south of Palm Beach.
The bus stop for our area is located across the street from the Alhambra Casino, which is adjacent to our resort. The cost for a round trip ticket to Downtown or Palm Beach is USD 2,00 per person.
Taxi fares are regulated and you may inquire for any specific journey you are interested in with our concierge to learn the price in advance. For example, it costs USD 8.00 one way to Oranjestad or Palm Beach. Surcharges are possible for late night/early morning fares or luggage.
Our three biggest supermarkets are located one mile from the resort. A taxi is recommended if you have not rented a car. We will gladly give you directions at our concierge desk.
What is the difference between One Happy Honeymoon and One Cool Honeymoon packages?
The One Happy Honeymoon is Bucuti and Tara Beach Resorts honeymoon package: Click here for details on rates and package features. The One Cool Honeymoon and One Cool Programs are free Aruba Tourism Authority programs everyone can participate in: Click here for details.
Is Bucuti Beach Resort Pet Friendly?
Yes! We love quiet and clean pets!
Bucuti Beach Resort Pet Policy:
- When making your reservation at our resort, the pet owner agrees to the Hotel's pet policies, to be responsible for any damage or injury caused by the pet, and to absolve the Hotel staff of any liability if the pet or another guest is injured.
- We require that your pet never be left unattended in the hotel.
- Barking may not disturb other guests. Should guests hear and complain about barking we may have to relocate you to another resort.
- Pets must be leashed or held when out of the guestroom.
- Owners should bring pet bedding and dishes; no pets on the beds or furniture.
- You may walk your pet on resort grounds however we expect you to clean up after your pet.
