Alhambra Casino Guide and Review
Nestled in the vibrant Eagle Beach area of Aruba, Alhambra Casino offers a classic gaming experience that appeals to a diverse crowd. While some aspects echo a bygone era, the casino consistently receives praise for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and approachable gaming environment, making it a solid choice for an evening out.
What Guests Love About Alhambra Casino ✨
Visitors frequently highlight several positive aspects that make Alhambra a preferred spot:
- Exceptional Staff: Dealers are consistently described as friendly and engaging, contributing significantly to a positive gaming experience. The security and cashier staff also receive commendation for being helpful and nice.
- Approachable Gaming: The casino is noted for its affordable table stakes and a "plethora of games," catering to both seasoned players and those looking for casual fun.
- Solid Amenities: Guests appreciate the "solid pours" on drinks and the availability of "plenty of comps." There's also a "good little onsite restaurant" for convenient dining.
- Cleanliness & Security: The interior is described as "very clean," and the security team is helpful, offering a bag check service for convenience.
- Lively, Pleasant Atmosphere: Despite being a smaller space, the casino maintains a "lively" ambiance with a "pleasant crowd" and a "fun but reasonable level of noise."
- Convenient Location: Its proximity to Eagle Beach and nearby shops means it's easily accessible and a great option for after-dinner entertainment.
- Currency Flexibility: Alhambra Casino accepts several currencies, including the US Dollar, which is a great convenience for international visitors.
Areas for Improvement & Things to Note 🧐
While generally well-received, some aspects of Alhambra Casino draw attention:
- Happy Hour Inconsistencies: A recurring point of frustration for some guests is the "table game happy hour" (advertised 5-7 pm) often starting late (5:30-5:45 pm) and limits changing prematurely. This can lead to the perceived "happy hour" being much shorter than advertised.
- Lingering Odor: Despite a non-smoking policy, some visitors report a persistent, stale tobacco smell. This might be a concern for those sensitive to odors.
- Older Aesthetic & Machines: The casino has a "blast from the past" feel, and while charming to some, it means the machines are "a bit older." The space itself is described as "very small."
- Crowd Demographics: One review noted an "older crowd," which might appeal to some but may not align with everyone's preference for casino demographics.
Key Details & Practical Information ℹ️
For those planning a visit to Alhambra Casino, here are some practical points:
- Table Game Hours: Table games typically open at 5:00 PM.
- Bag Policy: You cannot bring bags inside the casino, but a helpful bag check service is available at the desk.
- Photography: No photos are allowed inside the casino.
- Currency Accepted: US Dollar is accepted, along with other currencies.
Overall Impression
Alhambra Casino offers a charming, albeit somewhat dated, gaming experience in Eagle Beach. It's particularly lauded for its friendly staff, affordable gaming, and comfortable atmosphere. While the happy hour structure and lingering smoke odor are areas for improvement, it remains a highly recommended spot for those seeking a laid-back, enjoyable casino night in Aruba.
We had a great time here. The dealers are friendly, the drinks are solid pours and the table stakes were affordable. We will 100% return. Best casino we have visited on Aruba.
We like to go for the table game happy hour which is 5 to 7 but every time we went they didn’t have the tables open till 5.30 / 5.45 and then changed the limits 5 minutes before 7.. so the happy hours hours are really just one happy hour.. they should change their advertising
I'm not a casino guy so my opinion doesn't count for much. I found the place lively, composed of a pleasant crowd of people all enjoying themselves, courteous and ever-present customer service, a plethora of games, a fun but reasonable level of noise, plenty of comps and a good little onsite restaurant. I played out my comp money, want a little bit, and quit. Told you my opinion doesn't count for much.
This place is a blast from the past. I walked in and they haven’t allowed smoking inside in a while now from what the staff told me, but the place still stinks like the set of a big tobacco tv commercial set. Older crowd and very small space for sure, but if you’re just looking for something to do after dinner in the Eagle Beach area then it’s adequate.
The machines are a bit older but there are quite a few. Very clean inside, security is very helpful and nice, you can’t bring bags in but they let you check them at the desk. Table games open at 5pm and the cashier staff is also very nice. No photos allowed inside the casino. They do accept several currencies including US Dollar. Walking distance to the beach and some shops.