House Manual
We are always a phone call or email away for help, 24/7. But below you will find information how to use appliances, troubleshoot and what is available in the house for a first resource.
If there are issues or you still need help, please do not hesitate to contact us. Even if it is a small issue, we are here to help.
Petra: petra@vidaruba.com / +297 749 5981
Sander: sander@vidaruba.com / +297 732 2828
Items included in the house (note this is not an exhaustive list):
- Washer / Dryer
- Fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, stovetop, oven, microwave, blender, coffeemaker, electric water cooker.
- 4 flat screen TV’s
- Hot water
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Gas Grill Barbeque
- All bed linens, bath, hand and face towels
- Beach Chairs, Beach Towels and Cooler
- Hair dryer
- Starter Kit of supplies including: toilet paper, hand soap, dish soap, dishwasher tablets, laundry detergent, paper towels, coffee, tea, sugar
- Access Card for community Clubhouse Gym
House rules
We want you to have the best time at Casa Dorada, but are asking you to consider to following house rules:
- NO smoking in the house
- NO pets allowed
- NO parties or load music in the house
- Do NOT walk around the house in wet swimwear or sit on the cushions in wet swimwear
- No more people allowed in the unit as agreed in the rental agreement
Security instructions
To enjoy your vacation in a safe way we ask your attention and co-operate for the following:
Front door keys
There is one key for the front door with a deadbolt lock. The key will be provided at check in. You can lock the door from the inside by turning the latch.
Safety deposit box
There is a safety deposit box in the master bedroom closet, for you to store your valuables. You can set your own combination by pressing the button on the back of the door.
Security
The complex security is on duty 24 hours. Should you notice any irregularities or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the management office at the Clubhouse directly. When you are leaving the property or before going to sleep, please secure all doors and windows.
Guests will be liable for damage or missing items caused by not securing windows and doors properly.
Internet
Wireless internet is available at the house.
User name is: Diamante121
Password: Platinum121
If you have any problems with the internet please call us.
Do NOT reset the router.
INTERNET TROUBLESHOOTING
If the internet is not working, try one or all of the following in this order:
- Check to be sure there is power to the house. If not, see below for troubleshooting electrical issues.
- Check the router (located in the living room on the TV dresser) to see if the lights are on/flashing.
- Try to reconnect to the internet, using Diamante121, password: Platinum121
- Turn off the router by simply unplugging it for 10 seconds then turn it back on. Then try to reconnect to the internet (see step 3).
- Call us for assistance. It could be that the internet provider may need to reset the connection at their offices OR they may need to send a serviceman.
Electricity
The island has decided to adopt the North American voltage standard of 110 A.C. (60 hertz). Recharging your electrical devices should not be a problem.
The electrical panel is located in the staircase. Please keep in mind that electricity in Aruba is very expensive so please try to conserve as much as possible.
If there is a power outage, first check to see if it is isolated to the house. After a heavy rainstorm it is not uncommon for one or more circuits to trip. Open the panel door and check the circuits to be sure they are all in the upward position. If one or more circuit are not in the upward position, then reset any tripped circuits by first bringing the switch to the down position and then immediately back to the top position. If it remains in the upper position, then power is restored. If it trips again (and there has been a recent rainstorm) then wait a couple of hours and retry this step. Otherwise message us for assistance.
If the power outage is not confined to the house (i.e. it’s the entire community or island), then you will need to wait for power to be restored by the island’s utility company called ELMAR. Normally it will only take about 15 to 30 minutes. But very occasionally it can also take a half or full day.
Flashlight is provided, which you will find in the drawer in the dresser in the back of the house.
Air conditioning
There are 4 air conditioning units in the house (living room and all bedrooms) and all are individually operated. Remote controls for each unit are provided. For best results, set the air conditioners between 23-25C depending on your personal preference.
Please turn off or reduce air conditioning whenever possible and to reduce the risk of air conditioners freezing up. Turn off the units when not in use e.g. bedrooms during the day, living room at night, all rooms when out at the beach or out to dinner. The units will cool the house quickly upon reentry.
Electricity is expensive in Aruba. We do ask you to be careful with the usage of electricity.
Please do not set the timer.
AIR CONDITIONER TROUBLESHOOTING
If the remote control does not turn on the air conditioner, it may be an expired battery. You can confirm this by using a different remote from a different room. You can replace an expired battery. There are spare batteries in the dresser in the back of the house. If the air conditioner is not cooling, contact us for support. The unit may have an issue that requires servicing.
The A/C is set in Celsius.
| Celsius | Fahrenheit |
| 20 | 68 |
| 21 | 69.8 |
| 22 | 71.6 |
| 23 | 73.4 |
| 24 | 75.2 |
| 25 | 77 |
| 26 | 78.8 |
Hot Water Heater
The house is equipped with a tankless hot water system. This means there is no stored water, rather water heats up as it passes through the coils. It can take a minute for the water to heat so be patient. If the water is still not hot (after waiting a full minute), check the hot water heater located in the utility/laundry closet. If the heater indicates OFF, then press the power button to turn the heater on. The up and down arrow keys control the temperature. It should be set to 110 degrees.
Oven / Cook top
Both work on electricity
Counter Tops
The counter tops are quartz. Although durable, they can and will stain if not cared for properly. Please DO NOT leave or place hot or staining items on the counter e.g. hot pans, open bottles of red wine.
Microwave
Do NOT use metal objects or aluminum foil in the microwave.
Dishwasher
Put a tablet in the designated container in the door of the dishwasher. Press Normal was and press Start.
Refrigerator
It is advisable to keep breads, biscuits and sweets in the fridge. Ants and other insects like that too and in no time you will have them in your house and on your food. Also keep sauces, mayonnaise, etc. in the refrigerator.
Ice Maker & Water Dispenser: The refrigerator has an automatic icemaker and water dispenser. If you like cold water then use the dispenser as the direct tap, water will not get cold regardless of how long you run it.
Washer / Dryer
Below is the washer, the dryer is on top.
To operate the washer, please use the knobs on the left.
Put the laundry in the washer, throw some detergent on top and close the lid. Choose load size. By turning the knob, you can select your washing preference. To start, push the button.
To operate the dryer please use the buttons on the right. Choose preferred heat and press start.
Please clean the filter after you have used the dryer. The filter is in the door frame on the bottom.
Please dry used wet towels and do not just throw them on the floor. If you put wet towels on a pile they will start to smell and the smell will not go out after washing them.
TV
Aruban television is quite diverse. You will find a mix of Spanish, American and local programming. The house is equipped with 4 flat screen TV’s
The television in the living room and master bedroom have cable TV and are smart TV’s. Make sure the TV channel is on 3 and the cable box is turned on. Point the remote at the cable box to select a channel from cable TV.
CABLE TROUBLESHOOTING
Please note that once you turn on the television there will be a delay before it turns on, typically 10 full seconds. If after 10 seconds the TV/cable has not turned on, check to ensure there is electrical power to the television. If there is power then it is possible there is a problem with the television or there is a problem with the cable feed. Please message us for assistance.
List with channels is enclosed.
Barbecue
Please clean the Gas Gill BBQ after each time you have used it. It must be as clean as you found it or the grease and food will harden and it takes a long time to clean.
Garbage disposal
Please only throw closed garbage bags in the large bins that are located outside opposite of the house. Do not throw loose items in these bins. The bins will be emptied once a week.
There is no recycling in Aruba (except local Balashi and Chill bottles) so all items including bottles go into the garbage bins.
NEVER LEAVE FOOD OR CRUMBS ON COUNTERS, TABLES, BBQ ETC. This is critical for pest control.
House Supplies
The unit will be stocked with a starter set of toilet paper, (in each bathroom), paper towel, dishwasher tablets/liquid, laundry detergent, hand soap in each bathroom, coffee, tea, sugar and some basic cleaning supplies. You can purchase any additional requirements at the local grocery or convenience store.
Housekeeping Services
The unit will be cleaned before you arrive and after you leave. Cleaning includes the washing of linens, towels, make up of beds, and cleaning of bathrooms, kitchen and floors. This is included in your rental rate. If you would like additional housekeeping services during your stay, please contact us at info@vidaruba.com to make arrangements. There will be a separate charge for this and the cost will depend on the services you would like provided.
Beach chairs/towels
The beach chairs, beach towels and cooler are stored in the back of the house. Important: to close the Tommy Bahama Beach chairs, please push in and collapse the lower leg of the chair. It is the only way to close the chair.
Please do not take the towels from the bathroom to the beach.
Parking
A parking lot to park your car is in front of the house. Please do not leave any valuable items in your car.