The Mill Resort and Suites in Aruba announced that they signed a long term management contract with International Promo Hotels.
IPH is in charge of renovating the hotel and re-branding it into a Courtyard Resort by Marriott.
The Mill Resort and Suites in Aruba
I enjoyed a weekend stay at the resort during the month of September, 2017 – so this article is an update about the transformation of The Mill in Aruba.
The resort is partially operational during the renovations, construction works will be done phase by phase until renovation is fully completed.
Previous to this visit, I stayed at The Mill about a year ago. The room I stayed in this time was outdated compared to one I stayed in back then.
So I’m looking forward to stay in the renovated rooms from Courtyard by Marriott.
During my visit they were still in the first phase of the renovation project (enhancement of the pool), which can be inconvenient for their guests.
The Mill has 2 free form saltwater swimming pools and a children’s pool.
Pool constructions started in June, 2017 and should take about 4 months to complete. The pools will be worked on one at a time, with a time frame of about 2 months to complete each pool.
Before the 188-room tropical oasis started construction, the pool side looked like this….
Two beautiful free form swimming pools.
The biggest pool (on the right side in the picture above) is currently being reconstructed into a new design and is properly closed off, which keeps guests at a safe distance during the renovations.
Construction workers managed to keep the noise on an acceptable level during their working hours – the noise didn’t really bother me at all.
The pool is being reconstructed into a new design.
There’s only one pool available for guests, which is already partially renovated. The pool has several seats in it, indicating that there’s going to be a swim up bar here 🙂 – a great upgrade if you enjoy drinks by the pool.
Did you notice the seats on the bottom left?
Extra Services During Renovations
The resort’s mini market and fitness room were closed. Both of these facilities still need to be reconstructed, which should happen in the next phase of the renovation project.
Because of the inconvenience renovations can bring with them, the resort had some extra and special services available for their guests.
For example, a free shuttle to the beach side (and to an alternative swimming pool at Tropicana Beach Resort) and daily “two for one” happy hour from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Both the restaurant and bar are open, so happy hour is still on!
Vodka cranberry and Aruba Ariba, please – one for each hand, of course 🙂
I enjoyed entertainment by popular local artist Claudius Phillips and his band Oreo. In case happy hour at Bang Goza Bar isn’t enough fun for you and want to venture out to some other cool beach bars, you should visit Bugaloe Beach Bear and Grill, which is just minutes away from The Mill.
If you’re interested in other offsite activities, you have all the options. Because there’s plenty of fun things to do in Aruba during your stay.
It’s All About Positive Changes
A new management has been appointed and they are guiding the renovations step by step.
According to the General Manager, every inch of the hotel will be renovated.
The new resort will feature a renovated lobby, new room interiors, a renewed restaurant, multiple bars around the property, a new business room, a new pool deck, a brand new spa area, fitness rooms and a kids activity center.
Not only will the exterior of the resort and the interior be renovated and re-branded, but a new way of offering service will be implemented that are up to Marriott’s standards.
What You Should Expect?
Be aware that staying at a resort that’s in the midst of renovations can be inconvenient.
Expect the Courtyard by Marriott to be completed within a year from now and revealed to the public.
Here are some more pictures of renovations from The Mill Resorts and Suites in Aruba to Courtyard by Marriott.
Here’s a map of the resort….
We stayed in room 118, close to the tennis court.
The picture below is the Bang Goza bar, the ambience is alive and well here during happy hour. It’s also a favorite hang out spot for locals.
Bang Goza Bar.
The palapas that were used to offer guests shade have been placed in the yard, next to where the towel huts used to be.
Some of the palapas that were on the pool deck.
Every square inch of the resort is being renovated. From top to bottom.
Everything is being renovated, even the roof.
The rooms are being renovated, section by section. Expect a 5 star room at the Courtyard by Marriott.
There’s no access to the right wing of the resort.
A view of the pool at the moment.
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