Has anyone been to Aruba? [Archive]

babylove

07-10-2005, 07:21 AM

My mom is going to Aruba for 5 days in August and doesn't know what to pack--is it dressy at night or can she get away w/ cute capris or jeans? I thought, "Why not ask the ladies of CC?!"

She went to the Bahamas last summer and felt underdressed in the evenings and my brothers couldn't get into some of the restaurants b/c they didn't bring slacks. So, is Aruba the same way? I would think that any resort vacation would be casual, but based on her experience at the Atlantis, I guess not.

Advice, please! :) TIA!

Alicia

07-10-2005, 07:58 AM

hey there!
aruba is very casual... i was in my bathing suit and shorts/tank top during the day ...but i did dress up in the evenings (partly b/c it was my honeymoon)- but nothing dressier than a cotton sun dress or a nice pair of capris with a cute top. (island is too hot for jeans). I don't think it's as dressy as Atlantis (i've never been) since most of the restaurants are locally owned - although there are a few nicer places in some of the hotels (like the Hyatt)

as for an unsolicited rec for dinner ... if she likes steak, tell her to make a reservation at El Gaucho's .... probably the best meal on the island, and very good (it's very popular and gets crowded... while many people will dress-up, i also saw plenty of folks walk off a cruise ship in shorts and a t-shirt get seated). their sangria is one of the best i've ever had (and yes that includes tio pepes ;) )

laura

07-13-2005, 10:20 AM

I agree with the previous poster - I dressed up for most dinners, but nothing more than a cotton dress or dressy capris. My husband wore khaki shorts & polo shirts and we had no trouble getting in anywhere. It's all around pretty casual.

I agree with the El Gaucho's rec, also - really good steak.

Kristen78

07-13-2005, 01:55 PM

Agreed. Aruba = Casual. I also highly recommend El Gaucho. I love Aruba! :)

tenofcups

07-13-2005, 02:44 PM

I usually like to wear summery dresses at night at resorts and I've found that they can take you anywhere. Much of Aruba is casual, but they do have some really nice restaurants, where capri pants would be too casual, if she's interested in something like that. While many resort restaurants in the islands are casual, many also require pants for men, so your brothers should bring at least one or two pairs and check before they go somewhere.

ce_Kathleen

07-14-2005, 10:06 AM

We also didn't dress up much for our honeymoon. I think I wore some cotton dresses or a skirt and my DH wore khaki shorts and polos. My DH never wore pants the entire time we were in Aruba (10 days) but we were there after labor day so the island was not very busy. It was quiet enough that we didn't need to make a reservation for el gaucho or madame jenettes or any restaurant for than matter!

I also recommend super sunscreen and to reapply often. Its really windy and I think the sunscreen just "blew" off my body and I burned really quickly!

meatpie

07-14-2005, 11:20 AM

Agree with what everyone said. I brought a pair of white pants, some cute summery tops, a few sundresses and felt fine. Not sure the Hus ever wore anything but shorts and a Tommy Bahama-type shirt. For the days we were in bathing suits constantly.

Also a wonderful meal was The Flying Fishbone. You have to drive to get to it, but well worth it. Try to arrange your dinenr around the sunset...

babylove

07-14-2005, 03:57 PM

WOW! Thank you all so much for your responses and restaurant recommendations. I will definitely pass this on to my mom :) Wish I was going....but, alas, I wasn't invited! Boo!

Alicia ~ LOL! about Tio Pepe's sangria! :D

KGif

09-30-2005, 12:38 PM

Can you reccomend a place to stay?
I've been reading hotel reviews on Expedia, but sometimes I feel like I get more of a personal response from the CC ladies. THANKS!

EJM

09-30-2005, 01:10 PM

We went this past June and stayed at the Marriott (for free with travel rewards). It was fine since it was free, but if I were paying I would stay in the low rise area since that is closer to more dining options. We didn't rent a car and taking a taxi to dinner each night was somewhat pricey, which we knew in advance but the dining wasn't as great as I had heard so we had a hard time justifying spending a bunch on taxi service for a so-so meal. If your group is adults only, I would pick the Bucati (sp?), it is adults only and supposed to have a great beach area.

You might try to Google a message board for Aruba. I've since deleted the link, but I learned so much from one board in particular who had posters who go 2-3 times a year. The information was invaluable.

Lil' Peach

09-30-2005, 02:02 PM

I love Aruba!

My husband & I went in 2003 and stayed at the Aruba Grand on Palm Beach. I would highly recommend staying at a beachfront property because there is nothing like stepping out of your hotel and into the sand! :D Also all of the hotels along Palm Beach have great restaraunts where you can eat. Taxis are insanely expensive so definately take a bus. I'm not sure about the lowrise hotels, but if you stay at a highrise a bus stops right outside your hotel every half an hour. (a bus is usually a van with no windows. :p ) And it was .50 cents per person one way and it will take you downtown or back. I think the Aruba Grand was right about "mid-price" but I know the Holiday Inn (which is very nice) has some really great specials from time to time.

Of course if you have any other questions.. ask away! :)

bookworm

09-30-2005, 02:43 PM

I loved Aruba. We stayed at the Wyndham, in the high-rise area. It was nice (you know, a Wyndham...nothing earth shattering, but nice). A guy I work with always stays at the Marriott (just up the road from the Wyndham), but that may be b/c of the points. :) Most of the hotels in that area have their own casinos.

I don't know if cabs have gone up, or if I'm just used to taking cabs a lot, but I didn't find them too expensive. Within the high-rise area, they were $6, and were $12 to downtown. We didn't try restaurants in other areas, but had several good meals in those 2 areas (I wish I could remember the names).

Alanna

10-01-2005, 12:26 AM

we've gone twice... once for our honeymoon (2003) and then for our first anniversary (2004)... it was great! we stayed at the Radisson - Im not sure what you are looking for in a hotel - but the radisson is on palm beach with the other high rises and we had a really great experience there. It has really lush landscaping and the rooms are nice.. there are a few restaurants... they make great frozen drinks.. the breakfast is really good. they have two pools that are both beautiful and we never had trouble getting a palapa on the beach when we wanted one (we went in september both times). The other hotel that really caught my eye on palm beach is the Hyatt which also has very pretty grounds and its restaurants are nice too.

I am pretty sure this is the site that the PP alluded to as being very helpful in planning.. there is ALOT of info here and we used it to plan our eating out on our second trip (we were also disappointed with the dining the first time we went.. felt it was over hyped... but we did a better job finding good restaurants the second time). The trip reports section is particularly fun to read.

http://www.aruba-bb.com/index.php (http://)

we took taxis everywhere both times... we didnt find them all that expensive... but we pretty much only left the resort at night to have dinner.. so we werent doing frequent travel in and out of town.

oh... and if you go.. and you have the inclination to do a romantic dinner... we had our first anniversary dinner here where you actually sit at tables in the sand while you eat... and they give you little shoe trees so you can take your shoes off! some of the tables are a little in the water... so that you can dip your toes in the water... :

FLYING FISHBONE (http://www.flyingfishbone.com)

and it was SO romantic... I just loved it!

hope you have a great trip!

laura

10-02-2005, 07:59 PM

We went for our honeymoon in 2002, also. I prefer the high rise area, but I think that's a personal preference thing. We stayed at the Wyndham, which was nice. Ditto bookworm's opinion - no Four Seasons, but nice enough. The pool area was really nice and not crowded (we went in May), and there were a couple of good restaurants + car rental on-site. We didn't spend a ton of time on the beach (b/c of the "breezes"), so I would want a nice pool area if I went back. We took taxis most of the time, and I don't remember them being that expensive, but I guess that's a matter of perspective.

For food, we had the buffet breakfast every day at the Wyndham. It was expensive, but it was so good we couldn't help ourselves. We also ate at Blossoms at the Wyndham, which was good, and we went into town one night to go to El Gaucho. We also walked down to the Marriott for dinner one night, which was okay, but nothing to write home about; I don't recall the name of the place, but it might have been Italian? One of the best meals we had was at this one restaurant in the low-rise area. I forget what it was called, but you won't be able to be in Aruba w/o seeing a flyer for it. It advertises something like a 3 course meal for $25 pp with a free bottle of wine or something insane, and we were so skeptical, but it was actually good. One night we got room service, too.

It was a great place to relax and honeymoon - have fun!

KB57

10-03-2005, 12:06 PM

Aruba is our favorite vacation spot. We've been there twice. We stayed at the Holiday Inn....the first time we went (in 1999) it was really a nice hotel. We went back in 2001 and it wasn't as nice as I remembered it. Next time we go we plan to stay at either the Marriott or the Hyatt..both highly recommended by friends of ours. The Hyatt property is gorgeous, we went to eat at a restaurant there one night.

Whereever you decide to stay, take the ride into town and go to El Gaucho. The steak is phenomenal!!!

KGif

10-03-2005, 01:38 PM

Thanks for the recs so ladies!! I really appreciate it. Keep 'em coming :)

I've hjeard so many wonderful things about Aruba and I can't wait to go!

wine_o_girlie

10-05-2005, 01:42 PM

We liked Aruba a lot but I did think it was too Americanized. That said, there are a lot of great things about the island and we did have a good time. We also stayed at the Wyndham and thought it was a good location, nice pool, and pretty standard. Our room was decorated very nicely. I thought the Radisson and the Hyatt were the nicest of the high-rises and did not care for the Marriott (crowded, too many timeshare people, and too close to Outback and Tony Roma's for my taste).

The weather is amazing virtually year-round and it's a very easy island to get around on. We had great dinners at Papiamentos, El Gaucho, and our favorite was Madame Janette's (http://madamejanette.arubahost.com/). We were there in "low season" (April) but still felt that dinner reservations were a good idea. We planned to go to the Flying Fishbone one night but got tired and lazy and didn't feel like making the 30 minute trip from our hotel. I am bummed we missed it since our friends rave about it. We rented a Jeep for one day and saw all the "sights" on the desert part of the island - the lighthouse, the ruins, etc. We had drinks at the Hyatt and the Radisson each night after dinner and then hit up the casinos. We were only there for 4 nights but it was a great, relaxing get away.

swann

10-06-2005, 10:56 PM

We stayed at the Wyndham. Nice hotel, but it was unbelievably windy on the beach in front of the Wyndham, once you turned the corner to the other hotels..... nice and calm.

We rented a car one day and drove all over the island. I highly recommend doing this. We went to the other side of the island - where the 'natural bridge' is. The waves over there are HUGE. You can't go in of course, they are beating against rocks, but it is beautiful. On the way back, we found some nice empty beaches.

Lil' Peach

10-06-2005, 11:12 PM

Whereever you decide to stay, take the ride into town and go to El Gaucho. The steak is phenomenal!!!

Absolutely! We loved El Gaucho!! I'll have round up some pictures for you! :D

KGif

10-07-2005, 12:37 PM

Ohhh I'd love pictures! :) I just can't wait for our trip!

KGif

10-07-2005, 12:40 PM

Swann -
We definitely plan on renting a car and cruising around the island.

Did you hear that the nuatural bridge collapsed:( So sad!

http://www.aruba.com/pages/naturalbridge.htm

meatpie

10-07-2005, 02:00 PM

We went to Aruba last December for New Years. Had a wonderful time. We stayed in the low-rise area at the Bucuti, which was just fabulous and we would never stay anywhere else. To give you an idea, we prefer smaller, boutique-type hotels. The Bucuti only has something like 70 rooms and the best beach on the island, IMHO.

At the high-rise area, which is very nice and well kept, it was incredibly busy - you could not see sand because there were so many lounge chairs on the beach. There is constant activity at the high-rise area - boats in the water, docks, etc. Plus the beach is much smaller than the beach at the Bucuti, which is constantly rated as the island's best. However, there is no pool at the Bucuti (if you are into that). So there are trade-offs, you just need to just decide what you prefer. We wanted privacy, peace, beautiful beach and ocean, and reasonable rates.

Restaurants - Flying Fishbone absolutely!!! Make sure you make reservations for sunset and for a day in which you have a car (must be driven to or taxi but that would be $$$).
Casual dining Salt and Pepper a tapas place by the high-rise area. If you like cigars, they have Cubans on Aruba!!! It was a nice change for us from the fancy meals.
Another good steakhouse is The French Steakhouse. It's located next to the Bucuti so it was convenient for us when we had been flying all day. And Driftwood was great for seafood. Cuba's Cooking was OK, I think we just ordered wrong so it's not that we would not recommend it, we would just rather go somewhere else.

We loved Aruba, and we so sad to hear about the natural bridge!!

EJM

10-07-2005, 02:30 PM

Cuba's Cooking was one of our favorites! DH said the mojitos were amazing (I was pregnant and not drinking), and the food was terrific especially the Tres Leches cake.

juliebug

10-07-2005, 02:42 PM

We went last year for our honeymoon and loved it so much that we decided to go back for our anniversary -- we're leaving tomorrow for 10 days!!! :D

Like Meatpie, we also stayed at the Bucuti and also found it incredible - like, if someone offered us a free week anywhere else on the island, we'd probably turn it down. Yes, that incredible. That said, I should say that we are VERY low-key vacationers and prefer relaxing to clubs/casinos/shopping, so it fit our bill perfectly. Bucuti is very serene and quiet with an enormous uncrowded beach. {BTW - there is a pool, although it's very un-special and small, almost like a backyard pool} When we went up to the high-rise area to go out on a snorkle tour, I was shocked to see how much different the beach atmosphere was as it was very crowded by comparison.

We stayed in the (then newly opened) Tara Suites, which had the most comfortable bed we've ever slept in. Really posh and minimalist decor. This time, we're just staying in the 'standard' room to save some money. They are actually in the midst of renovating the non-suite rooms right now to be more like the look of the Tara suites.

Another nice thing at Bucuti is the Sand Bar - excellent drinks and bar munchies (and, if you are staying at the resort, they will serve you right at your lounge chair ;) ).

Restaurant highlights from our last trip -
Flying Fishbone ~ really, really wonderful. Excellent food and atmosphere. Definitely go on a day you rent a car, because the cab ride one way is about what we're renting a car for for the whole day. If you get reservations for the 5:30 seating (for sunset) they can guarantee you a seat at the water's edge - the table is literally straddling the edge of the water!

French Steakhouse ~ quite a good meal at a decent price - they have a 4 course prix fixe for $30pp! We're going tomorrow night for dinner. We also went to El Gaucho, and my husband thought that the steak here was better (which is saying something because El Gaucho is really really good!)

Papiamento ~ really good food, romantic atmosphere (seated around a pool in the courtyard of a farmhouse) BUT holy cow! There were no breezes and it was stiflingly hot and that kind of killed our enjoyment of everything else.

This time, we're going back to FF and the FS, and I'd really like to try Madame Janette's and Chez Mathilde, but we're not planning anything other than FF.

Sorry for rambling on and on - I'm just getting really excited as 12 hours from now we're heading off to the airport!

ktdelsur

10-09-2005, 05:34 PM

Oh no! I'm so sad about the natural bridge!!

We went on our honeymoon in 2003 and stayed at the all inclusive Divi Aruba Beach Resort. The all-inclusive package included use of bars/restaurants/snorkel equipment at the sister resort next door as well - I would definitely stay there again....it was great not having to carry any cash around unless we were leaving the resort. (Alcohol was included as well - which was dangerous - once those bartenders learned your drink, it was full again before you'd even finished it all!!):D

KGif

10-10-2005, 07:48 AM

THANK YOU!
I am loving all the suggestions. Exactly what i was looking for ... I'm more excited to go then ever now. SO good to know about the expensive cab rides ... might think of trenting a car a couple of days if that is the case!

We ended up booking our stay at "La Cabana"
http://www.lacabana.com/
I heard a lot of good things about the place. Some mixed reviews on it but I think you'll get that anywhere. The only "downside" I heard was that there are sometimes a lot of kids there, which I really don't mind. We booked there b/c
1- the location (right across from Eagle Beach)
2-the pool (I heard they have great pool areas and that is important to me and DH). Plus it looks like they have a nice pool bar, etc.
3 - I like having a lot of options "on-site" .. restaurants, bars, etc. They've got a lot!
3 - the $$ - we got a really good deal on a suite there on Expedia.com! Gotta love that :)

JULIE -
Please come back and tell us all about your trip upon your return! Pics too if you can!!!

Kristen78

10-10-2005, 09:13 AM

My DH and I have been to Aruba twice. Once for a week vacation and the 2nd time we went back for our honeymoon for 2 weeks. Both times we stayed in the low-rise area at the Divi Divi. The Divi is RIGHT on the beach and its ot that crowded. You can literally walk 5 steps out of your room and onto the beach. We did visit the high-rise section a few times and each time we went there I was so glad I didnt stay there. Because the beach there is incredibly crowded and it can be a HIKE to get to the beach from your room. I like the low rise area because you can run back to your room in 1 minute, whereas if you are on a higher floor in the high rise section it might take you 10-15 minutes to get back to your room if you forgot your sunglasses or something.

Everyone else gave great restaurant tips. We loved El Gaucho and the Flying Fishbone. I highly recommend renting a car for a few days so you can drive around to see the island yourself. Buy a map. Its hard to get lost since the island is so small.

EmilyZA

10-10-2005, 07:51 PM

We went for our honeymoon in September of '04 and had an awesome time!

We stayed at the Casa del Mar, which is a timeshare in the low rise area. We loved staying down at that end of the island b/c it was a lot more quiet and we didn't have a hard time getting a hut on the beach or anything... we plan to go again someday and will stay down that end again. We loved CDM.

Another recommendation for El Gaucho! We loved it. Papiamento's is also a great one.

Lil' Peach

10-11-2005, 04:50 PM

Ohhh I'd love pictures!

You don't have to twist my arm! *lol*

These are totally random, but I want to post a variety..
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc36b3127cce90069a30288200000026108IaMXDZyya6

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc36b3127cce90069bb2689800000026108IaMXDZyya6

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc36b3127cce900581be897d00000026108IaMXDZyya6

Don't mind me, just look at that beach!! It is sooo gorgeous, you will love it!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc36b3127cce90058ecbc99700000026108IaMXDZyya6

Shopping downtown is a lot of fun!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc36b3127cce90057097488400000026108IaMXDZyya6

We also went horseback riding along the shore which was amazing!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc36b3127cce90058146898500000026108IaMXDZyya6

I'll be back with more!

Lil' Peach

10-11-2005, 04:53 PM

I hadn't heard about the Natural Bridge! How sad.. it was very cool..
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc36b3127cce90058d73088600000026108IaMXDZyya6

They have these really cool iguanas everywhere too. They are very friendly though. They would come up and eat right out of our hands!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc36b3127cce9005718d080600000026108IaMXDZyya6

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc36b3127cce90059af1c9a700000026108IaMXDZyya6

And here's just a shameless post of my favorite pic of us! *lol*
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc36b3127cce9005814508b600000026108IaMXDZyya6

You'll have to come back with a trip report and pictures after you go! :)

KGif

10-12-2005, 08:18 AM

Thanks for lthe pics -- they are GORGEOUS! that downtown shopping area looks adorable. And I definitely want to go horseback riding. That picture of the tree with the sun coming thru on the left is just beautiful! That one should be blown up and framed hanging on your wall :)

meatpie

10-12-2005, 02:04 PM

Reminds me - there is a MANGO shop on the island. MANGO is (I believe) a Spanish chain clothing store for women, trendy stuff, but good prices. They have the softest t-shirts as well. It's off the main shopping area, but fun to go into since its a store you can't find in the US (from what I know).

Juliebug - I loved the sand bar at the Bucuti. I wish we could go back now and raise our little red flag...they had the BEST burgers at the Bucuti.

KGif

10-12-2005, 02:46 PM

re the natural bridge...
I'm surprised there wasn't more news coverage of that. I only found out after doing some research before our Aruba trip. It's a pretty big deal so you'd have thought that it would have least been a blurb on the news or something!

bensgirl1222

03-10-2006, 03:58 PM

I am going there in May (booked everythng yesterday). I was just looking for some input on the hotel (good or bad).

TIA!

rangerwendy

03-11-2006, 10:07 AM

We stayed at the Radisson for our honeymoon and we loved it!! It and the Hyatt are by far the 2 nicest hotels on the strip and I think the Radisson had the best beach by far. It is toward the end of the hotel row so you don't feel quite so crowded with other hotels around you. The only thing to remember is the beach is going to be really windy, but that would be anywhere on Aruba. Be sure to reserve your palapa in the morning as they tend to be gone by later in the day. The drinks they serve on the beach are really good. We had a breakfast buffet every morning included in our package and it was really good. Lots of variety. We just ate a huge breakfast and then just splurged on dinner. The restaurants in Aruba are awesome. I am so jealous!! Have fun!

bensgirl1222

03-11-2006, 01:06 PM

Oooh yay! I'm so excited now. We read alot on tripadvisor and there were 50/50 negative comments so I was worried. But the place sounds great (from other places I've read). Thanks alot!!

wine_o_girlie

03-13-2006, 11:37 AM

We didn't stay there but walked by it a lot and had drinks there one evening. The Radisson and the Hyatt, to me, seemed to be the nicest and most upscale of the big hotels on Aruba. Aruba is great for its' consistent weather and pretty beaches. I agree that you will want to reserve your chairs/palapa early in the day if possible since they could run out if it is a busy time.

Some great restaurants are Madame Janette's (fabulous, went there twice), El Gaucho (Argentinian beef, very crowded), and Papiamentos (great food, romantic and you feel like you are dining on someone's fabulous patio).

Rent a Jeep for one day and go explore the desert side of the island - the lighthouse, natural tide pool, the little rock "statues", etc. Unfortunately the Natural Bridge collapsed last year. We just took a cab to dinner the rest of the time and it was fine, very easy. The area around Oranjestad (about 15 minutes from Palm Beach) is very crowded and Americanized/commercialized so it wasn't my favorite. The casinos in the big hotels are fun. :) There are a lot of timeshare people in Oranjestad and sometimes on the beach - be firm and tell them to leave you alone. Have fun!

OctoberPrincess

03-13-2006, 09:04 PM

We spent our honeymoon their in 2002 and we definitely plan on going back! As the 2 PP's said, the Radisson and the Hyatt were the 2 nicest hotels on the strip (imo) and the beach was fantastic! For cheaper drinks there is a bar on a pier right over the water on the beach of the Radisson's beach. The weather is gorgeous, make sure to use plenty of sunblock! I highly recommend going snorkeling, DH and I used Jolly Pirates, it was a genuine wood schooner and they make 3 snorkel stops plus fed us a bbq lunch. We were also able to use a rope to swing off the boat right into the ocean. Horseback riding was also nice. We loved El Gaucho (and I'm not a steak person), and Gilligan's was great for lunch(outdoors at the Radisson).

Have fun!

Izzy

03-16-2006, 06:11 AM

We've been to the Radisson Aruba 3 times now-and will probably go back again. We always have a great room-very nice furnishings. The spa is ok-I wasn't really 'wowed' by their services. We love the beach at the Radisson-though it gets pretty crowded-so you need to be up early to get a palpa/hut on the beach-and you will need one-the sun is very very strong.
We eat breakfast at the Radisson-but always go off property for dinner (and sometimes lunch)-and the food is relatively good.
I can't say I have any major complaints about the hotel.

laura

03-17-2006, 01:53 PM

I think the crowds depend on the time of year. We stayed at the Wyndham in Aruba in May 2002 and none of the beach area over that way seemed really crowded, and we heard that the resorts were only at about half capacity b/c May is not considered their busy season. We rented a car inside the Radisson and it seemed nice, but that is my only experience w/ it.

bensgirl1222

03-18-2006, 12:36 PM

Does anyone know if there are any type of activities that include swimming with dolphins or anything like that? I havent read anything online that mentions it.

laura

03-18-2006, 12:42 PM

We took a snorkel tour in Aruba, and we rented a car and drove to the other side of the island to see the Natural Bridge one day. You could probably google "Aruba activities" and find out what all is available.

ktdelsur

03-18-2006, 02:21 PM

Try www.visitaruba.com

We went there for our honeymoon and did a 6-hr lunch snorkel cruise with El Tranquilo. (I think you can google El Tranquilo, Aruba, and get details!)

Good luck!

ginad724

03-18-2006, 04:56 PM

I don't know about swimming with the dolphins but we too had a great snorkeling trip on Mi Dushi. It's by Aruba Adventures, which also does the Kuku Kunuco (sp?) party bus. If you're up for that kind of thing, it was SO much fun.

http://www.arubaadventures.com/

Have a great time!
gina

skb

03-18-2006, 07:41 PM

We stayed at the Radisson. I pretty much agree with the above comments. The Radisson and service was fine. We went in September and no need to reserve a spot on the beach. I didn't find it too windy. I didn't particularly care for Oranjestad. I can't say much for the shopping. But for a romantic R&R beach vacation it was great. Lovely water, beach and sun.

designer

05-18-2006, 02:52 PM

Bump!!!

We are thinking of going to aruba...so I'm looking for more hotel suggestions, places to eat, and feel free to post any pics you have as well! :)

Has anyone stayed at the Manchebo Resort next to the Bucuti?? It is quite a bit cheaper, so I'm wondering what it's like. We are looking for a nice place, but don't want to spend a ton of money. We don't care too much about the pool, we'll probably be at the beach most of the time.

Also, if anyone has gone in Dec. can they tell me what the weather was like, was it really windy?

Thanks!!!

Rosebud

05-18-2006, 03:21 PM

My travel website (part of The Honeymoon Bio on The Knot) has a ton of trip reviews and photos from Aruba. These were all written by brides who honeymooned there. There's a lot of helpful feedback on hotels, activities and restaurants. Here's the link:

Trip Reviews & Photos from Aruba (http://www.angelfire.com/oz/honeymoonbio/Aruba.html)

meatpie

05-18-2006, 04:54 PM

We ate at the Manchebo twice at the French Steakhouse because the prefix was outstanding and their meat wonderful. The hotel looked very nice from what we saw (we stayed at the Bucuti not in the Tara Suites, but in the older portion of the hotel for about $160 a night). The beach all around the Bucuti is pretty amazing.

Also, we were there in December and it was not windy. A nice breeze, yes, but overall the weather was perfect - perfect enough to snorkel AND deep-sea fish. We did have some rain, but for the most part it was beautiful.

Bump!!!

We are thinking of going to aruba...so I'm looking for more hotel suggestions, places to eat, and feel free to post any pics you have as well! :)

Has anyone stayed at the Manchebo Resort next to the Bucuti?? It is quite a bit cheaper, so I'm wondering what it's like. We are looking for a nice place, but don't want to spend a ton of money. We don't care too much about the pool, we'll probably be at the beach most of the time.

Also, if anyone has gone in Dec. can they tell me what the weather was like, was it really windy?

Thanks!!!

designer

05-18-2006, 08:18 PM

Rosebud03 Thanks for the link, I'm going to check it out now...

Meatpie Good to hear that the Manchebo looked nice, and that the French Steakhouse was good. I think the prices of the Manchebo were comparable to the old prices at Bucuti (in the old rooms), but now that they have renovated, their prices have gone up quite a bit. I'm just not sure if it's worth it, since we probably won't spend that much time in the room anyways...

Thanks!

Sashi

05-19-2006, 09:09 AM

I've been there and stayed at the Marriott Ocean Club. We had a great room, HUGE ROOM, and it was wonderful. The hotel was great too! It was at the time the last on the row of hotels so it was a bit more 'secluded,' if you will, than the other hotels.

Co-worker of mine visits every year and stays at the same place!

Another co-worker goes often and stays at the Hyatt, they love the juice bar there.

I have no pics online unfortunately to share but definitely make reservations at 'PAPIAMENTO' (stands for the native language on the island). It's a really little restaurant in the 'town' that is actually the owners house. You dine in their backyard by the pool and everyone I've sent there just really enjoys it. The cab drivers should know where it is!

Also make reservations at the retaurant at the lighthouse, it's beautiful and make sure you will be dining at sunset!

bensgirl1222

05-22-2006, 07:07 PM

I'm going to the Radisson in 4 days :) I have heard thru people on the internet and thru my travle places that the Radisson and Hyatt are 6 star hotels and are amazing. But I will let you know when I get back ;)

wine_o_girlie

05-23-2006, 08:10 AM

bensgirl1222

05-23-2006, 08:20 AM

Bensgirl - the Radisson is very nice but I don't think I would call it 6 stars. Like I said before, it's very nice and it's probably the nicest place to stay on Aruba but it's not what I would consider 6 stars. I don't want you to be disappointed so that's why I am posting this. Have a great time and don't forget to check out Madame Jeanette's, Papiamento's, and El Gaucho for great dining. :)

Ok. I just said that because in my Apple Vacation book and another book from Aruba, it states 6 Stars. I totally wont be disappointed though. I'm just excited to go to Aruba :)

designer

05-23-2006, 10:31 AM

Bensgirl - Have fun - can't wait to hear how you like it! You'll have to post pics here when you get back!

bensgirl1222

05-24-2006, 10:31 AM

Oh I def will! We are going to take TONS of pics :)

Mommy2ml

05-24-2006, 12:05 PM

Aruba was a ton of fun - we went for our honeymoon :)

We stayed at one of the Divi resorts, but the Radisson did look nice when we were there. There's a nice Italian style place, I think it was on Main st across from the Crystal palace casino - iirc... it was one of those outdoor dining places, right on the water, complete with red and white checkered table cloths. Huge portions, great food :)

**edited for spelling corrections

Lil' Peach

05-24-2006, 12:26 PM

bensgirl.. Can't wait to see your pictures!!! Have fun!! :)

bensgirl1222

06-03-2006, 01:00 PM

BEST vacation I have ever been to. The resort was amazing and everything (and more) that I expected. We are total food snobs and the food in Aruba was totally up to our liking. I am so excited to get some pics downloaded and then I will show you.

The Radisson was by FAR the best hotel I've ever been to. They waited on you hand & foot. It was amazing. Totally exceeded my expectations. We've already said we'd go back for our honeymoon. Cannot wait!!

Lil' Peach

06-12-2006, 01:48 PM

I can't wait to see your pictures!! DH & I have decided to go back next year after I graduate. I am already counting the days!! ;)

designer

06-20-2006, 02:34 PM

Bumping to see if bensgirl1222 has any pictures of her recent trip to post!!!

designer

08-30-2006, 09:16 AM

bumping for AndreaMMS

allyray231

08-30-2006, 10:01 AM

I went to Aruba for our honeymoon. We had a great time expect for the fact that when we landed there was no power on the island (good thing I packed candles :)

Overall though-even with power being out at times we did a TON and really enjoyed it.

designer

08-30-2006, 10:38 AM

allyray231 - The power was out on the WHOLE island? How weird? Do you know what caused that or how often it happens?

allyray231

08-30-2006, 10:42 AM

I don't know but I guess it is something that happens. By the second day they had it on in town during the day and at the resorts at night

Rosebud

08-30-2006, 06:56 PM

Just FYI, I sent a client to the Hyatt Regency on Aruba last month. He complained about the construction noise (which I had been assured was minimal). He said it was not minimal, it was definitely disruptive, and he wouldn't recommend anyone stay there until the work is finished. The Hyatt told me it expects construction to continue through Spring 2007. I'd probably suggest avoiding the Hyatt until after that time.

AndreaMMS

08-31-2006, 05:17 AM

Has anyone gone with their child? Our daughter will be about 16 months old when we want to go. I'd heard great things about the Hyatt, but the above post regarding the construction noise makes me think we should look elsewhere.

Anyone do an all-inclusive that is kid-friendly?

laura

08-31-2006, 01:11 PM

When we stayed at the Wyndham, there was a woman (I guess a couple? but I only ever saw the woman) there with twins around the pool - seemed fine for kids to me.

kimthebride

08-31-2006, 02:50 PM

The Hyatt told me it expects construction to continue through Spring 2007. I'd probably suggest avoiding the Hyatt until after that time.
Aw, that stinks!
We went for our babymoon there and the Hyatt on Palm Beach was wonderful! The Radisson right next to it was lovely as well, but we had Hyatt points and had free nights (woo hoo!). I'd recommend every restaurant in the Hyatt, they were all great.

Since I was 5 months along, I couldn't do a ton of the more adventurous stuff. But honestly we just really wanted to relax, and it was a GREAT place to chill out.

Andrea, I saw sooo many preggos and parents with young kids there. At the time I wasn't looking for kid stuff to do, but there has to be activities. But really, just hanging on the beach, at the kiddie pool, walking through the shopping areas, doing nature stuff would be fun. Naomi would likely enjoy seeing all the new, different sights there.

Check out this website with some fun family things:
http://www.visitaruba.com/attractions/whatson/family.html

And many of the hotels I believe have family programs...