Grand Dames visiting the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino

A number of local Grand Dames visited the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino just recently. The resort, originally built in 1959, received the nickname the Grand Dame of Palm Beach at the time, and our picture depicts the local Grand Dames, who used to frequent the hotel in the 1960s and 1970s, as they return for lunch at Gilligan’s Beach Bar & Grill to reminisce about the good old times.

They talked about the stylish Klompen  Club, the Bali bar, the fabulous barbecue on weekends, the refreshing swims at the pool, and the many Aruba Aribas imbibed at the Divi Divi pool bar. Those were the days, they sighed, while collectively agreeing, the hotel still looks amazing, especially in view of its recent renovations under the Hilton flag.

Enjoying the congenial afternoon, Fanny Oduber, and Ruby de Veer, whose father in law served as the President of Aruven NV, the original holding company of the hotel, back in 1956-58.

During lunch, Nancy MacEachern entertained the girls with her stories; she is after all the granddaughter of Dr. Geo. Hopkins, who was a doctor in Aruba from 1910 to 1916, also credited for bringing the first car to Aruba in 1915. 

Nancy herself worked in promotion, at the resort, when it was first built, through its soft opening period and as it took off to become a sensational Caribbean resort destination, with guests such as Harry Belafonte and Liz Taylor, enjoying first class hospitality.

Also on hand,  Sheila Lampe, who while the most senior of the group, at 87, still swims almost daily in her beautiful Caribbean sea. Nancy explained that Sheila was a teacher for 30 years, and is the daughter of Wim Lampe, who was the local Notary. Sheila is also famously known as Louella’s mom. Louella, a hotelier, worked at the resort in the Radisson days and serves today as the general manager of the Ritz Carlton casino.

Accompanying the Grand Dames, a youngster, Vivian Lampe, daughter of our Father of Cutlura, Padu Lampe.  Padu entertained many times at the Aruba Caribbean Hotel & Casino in particular at all Lago Oil Refinery reunions. Poppy Wever, Ruby’s sister joined the party, she recently returned from the Netherlands to live in Aruba again.  

Gilligan’s Beach Bar & Grill treated the ladies as the VIPs that they are, and Marilu, the terrace hostess made sure their visit was memorable.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts

For nearly a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has been proudly welcoming the world's travelers. With more than 550 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts provides the foundation for memorable travel experiences and values every guest who walks through its doors. As the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide, Hilton Hotels & Resorts continues to set the standard for hospitality, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests' evolving needs. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is a part of the award-winning Hilton HHonors program. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app. Access the latest news at news.hilton.com and begin your journey at www.hilton.com or www.hilton.com/offers for the latest hotel specials.