While the experience was average, the staff for the most part looked moderately miserable. There's nothing worse than going on vacation and feeling like a burden to those employed to help you.
I can count on one hand the smiles I saw on the bar staff, wait staff and housekeeping. Our cabin steward did smile a few times, so I was grateful for that. Perhaps he enjoyed my bikini?
A few too many bartenders waved me off when I asked to be served after waiting patiently a full 5 minutes before getting any eye contact for a refill of my non-alcoholic drink. They seemed overwhelmed and not at all shy about demonstrating their frustrations on guests.
Hire a cab to take you to Pillory Beach. You can negotiate with them. Gorgeous! When we ended our beach day, there were easily 10 cabs waiting for folks to walk by, so negotiate your ride back as well.
Take the bus 20 minutes up the island to a less crowded beach. It's $2 per person each way. Great value and quick service in getting there. Aruba is very built up though and overly touristy. Get out of town for the best experience.