Short Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) are not unique to Aruba—they are part of a global trend. Across many countries and cities, this type of accommodation has grown significantly. STVRs can include apartments, houses, or condominiums available for rent year-round or just for a few months.
Unlike hotels, STVRs operate with their own dynamics. In Aruba, their growth has been striking. Today, the island has an estimated 5,500 to 6,000 properties in this category, including many condominiums.
The rise of STVRs is not new. In 2015, when many Venezuelans traveled to Aruba to access U.S. dollars, 33% of visitors chose short-term rentals. In 2024, the share was still 33%. While the percentage has stayed the same, the actual number of rentals has expanded. Hotels have also grown in the same period, with new brands such as St. Regis, Embassy Suites, JOIA Iberostar, and Secrets opening their doors. Together, these developments have boosted Aruba’s total accommodation capacity over the last decade.
