On July 18th, Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino marked a special milestone: 66 years of island hospitality. To commemorate the occasion, the resort hosted a heartwarming lunch honoring the local pioneers who helped shape Aruba’s tourism industry — many of them now retired, but forever part of the resort’s rich legacy.
Back in 1959, the Aruba Caribbean Hotel opened its doors as the very first luxury resort on Palm Beach. With just 125 rooms and 15 lush oceanfront acres, the hotel was a groundbreaking development, welcoming guests with tropical gardens, innovative amenities, and a passionate team eager to serve.
Fast forward to today, the Hilton Aruba proudly carries that legacy forward with 358 elegant rooms and a loyal team still driven by the same spirit of hospitality. Now operating under the Hilton flag for the past decade, the resort remains a shining example of Aruba’s welcoming charm.
To honor its roots, Hilton Aruba invited a group of former team members — including some who once worked at the resort’s famed Klompen Club or led in food and beverage — for a nostalgic gathering at the Sunset Grille. Guests like Josephine Panthoflet, Eddy Tromp, Vera Franken, Judith Koeiman, and many others reunited with current staff and directors to reminisce, share stories, and celebrate the legacy they helped build.
Two honorees, Orvin Croes and Johnny Geerman, are still part of the Hilton family, proudly serving guests in the banquet and bellman teams. The afternoon was filled with laughter, touching memories, and historic photographs that sparked lively conversations about the resort’s golden days.
By bringing together generations of hospitality professionals, Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino reminded us all that the island’s true treasure is its people — and the spirit of Aruba is timeless.
