Joia Aruba by Iberostar

Members beware… If you’ve grown accustomed to the excellence, services, and amenities of the Iberostar JOIA brand, this is NOT the same level Addressed concerns with property staff, membership, and PR person - each time met with “it’s different in Aruba.” Felt like a bait and switch situation. PROS: - Beautiful facility - much still under construction, overall nice and clean - Italian restaurant and breakfast buffet wonderful. Only one other restaurant open near the beach/street. - Staff very friendly and helpful across property! CONS: - NOT Adult only as with other JOIA - NOT all inclusive. Had to pay for services/foods/drinks always included at other JOIAs. Basic liquors were charged and not “included” in membership benefits - No designated member area on the beach. Made reservation for beach first day, upon arrival they had no idea n had to wait for chairs to be set up. Kevin took great care to bring drinks/food, but took forever (not his fault) bc beach is across busy street from resort. - Beach area is public and people set up tents/chairs directly in front of you closer to water - Designated pool member area overrun with nonmembers. No dedicated staff serving members at the pool area. Had member concierge waitress running back and forth to care for everyone. - Spa not properly staffed to allow for member services while there Overall, not five star resort. If they merge other JOIA services/amenities with the beauty of the property, this could be a special place.

I cannot say enough positive things about this resort. the staff was very accommodating, and the rooms and entire facility were beautiful. We were very pampered from the time we stepped into the hotel until we checked out. The hotel was a mile or two off the beaten path but we enjoyed not feeling too crowded in. Taxis were everywhere and usually a 10-12$ fee to nightlife, shopping, or airport. We would 100% return to the Joia for our next visit.

Upon checking into the room, we found half-eaten food wrapped in wax paper in the mini fridge.

This property is the best stay I’ve ever been at. For my first time in Aruba I’m so happy I got to stay here! We did have a mix up with our reservation however, they upgraded us for the travel and now everywhere I stay I must have a swim up room lol. The staff was amazing, polite and super accommodating. They offered to book us transfers to the airport as well but we booked that in advance. They called the night before to see if we needed assistance with anything. Just a 10/10 experience and I would love to come back! Just don’t make the prices go up crazy lol it was all worth it in the end. I can’t wait to see how much JOIA grows. They’re well on their way!

Joia at Iberostar Aruba was one of the worst “luxury” resort experiences I’ve ever had. While there were a few kind and professional staff members—the bellmen were incredibly helpful and friendly, assisting us with luggage and promptly getting us taxis whenever needed, and the front desk personnel were polite and welcoming—unfortunately, the rest of the experience was a disaster. The service at the restaurants and bars was appalling. Staff often stood around doing nothing, rarely approached our table, and made no effort to see if we needed anything. At breakfast, we were rushed out every morning - a plate was taken out of my hand when I told waitress I wasn’t done repeatedly. Staff was constantly hovering over us like we were in the way. It was uncomfortable and rude. Beach and poolside service was just as bad. We were ignored while waiters passed us multiple times to serve other guests. It took forever to get a drink, and we often gave up entirely. At the rooftop bar, we asked if we could order food from the downstairs restaurant and were told no—we had to order it ourselves and go pick it up. Meanwhile, our neighbors by the pool were getting full service and had the exact same food delivered to them. The double standard was blatant and completely unacceptable. To make matters worse, the drinks were a complete rip-off. They were expensive, weak, and clearly watered down—I had several and didn’t feel the slightest buzz. It’s obvious they’

Great and pleasant staff. Pool areas were very clean and well maintained. Elevator access was not practical, for the elderly and handicapped. The property had very slippery floors all around and uneven floors made us trip often. Staff should be more specific giving instructions in regards to bus pick up and drop off locations and times.