stuttsdc

I'm usually pretty good at researching lodging options but I'm really short on time and need as much quick input as possible.

Looking for lodging options for Aruba. Have never been there. Couple in early 30s, no kids..

Staying 7 nights.
Ideally, would love something w/a pool (pool-side bar nice but not a deal-breaker), good beach access.

Possible for under $200/night? Frankly, would prefer to spend less or to find a decent package/discount deal.

Don't necessarily need something w/a casino, for example. We're pretty easy. We want to stroll to a nice beach or the pool and not be surrounded by lots of kids at play.

Looking for specific hotels but even tips on general areas/beaches to stay in or places to look for package deals would be great. Haven't considered anything all-inclusive... not sure if it's worth looking for that. Thanks!!!

eeyorelvr

We were in Aruba 3 years ago for our first visit. My first recommendation is to visit this websit www.aruba-bb.com, this board has the answer to every question you can think of answered by many people who visit several times a year.

For us we stayed at the slower end of the beach at Amstordam Manor, (a short ride from downtown and a short ride to the highrise section of the island) and it has exactly what you are looking for, Bucutti would be as well, and probably more "adult", although that may not fit your price range. Also at the above website there is a link for renting people's time share that may be an option for you.

We did not go all inclusive and I would not suggest it here, I probably ate some of the best food I have ever had before or since, while visiting Aruba.

We rented a car and drove all over the island and visited a lot things on our own, as well as a island tour by bus. The car is a big debate for people, some people say you don't need it or rent it for a day or two to go to resturants that are out of the hotel area, but if I went back, I would get a car again.

Hope some of this helps.

eileen

On the busier end of the beach, Palm Beach (Bucuti and Amsterdam Manor are on Eagle Beach) I really like the look of the Radisson. More extensive grounds that the Hyatt or Marriott (which will be overrun with kids), nice landscaping, winding pool, etc. Don't know when you are going, but for the next few weeks they are having a summer celebration sale and rooms can be had for as low as $175 a night. I think that is a very good deal for the caliber of resort. Also look at condo resorts Playa Linda (Palm Beach) and Costa Linda (Eagle Beach). Don't go AI, too many great restaurants!

shirleyk

There are really two areas in Aruba. One is Palm Beach where all the "high rise" hotels (Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Westin, RIU Palace, Occidental Grand) and many casinos are located. In this "high rise" area you will find beautiful but crowded beaches with lots of water sports. Also in this area you will find many restaurants within walking distance of the hotels and lots of shops and shopping areas. The other area is Eagle Beach. This is a very low keyed area with beautiful but uncrowded beaches. Most hotels are "low rise" perhaps one, two or three floors with a few restaurants sprinkled around and only one casino. Less people and traffic in the Eagle Beach area. So you choose. The hotels in the "low-rise" area are (to name a few) Manchebo, Bucuti, LaQuinta, Amsterdam Manor, Lacabana, Dutch Village, Divi Village, Casa Del Mar, Costa Linda. Now finding a place below $175 will take some doing but it can be done. Good Luck. Holiday Inn in the "high rise" area might be had for below $175 or The Mill (which is across the road - not directly on the beach) is usually under $175. In the "low rise" area there will be more under $175 places. Manchebo, Dutch Village, LaQuinta and perhaps Lacabana and Amsterdam might come in under $175. Try Orbitz or Expedia or Travelocity for exact pricing.

noridog08

We stay at Casa Del Mar. You will have your own unit with 2 bedrooms , full kitchen etc and daily maid service. They are directly on the beach and you also have a pool. Also, across the street they have the Ambassador wing which is part of CDM . They are 1 bedroom units for less money. You are within walking distant of may restaurants and also a casino. Go on the web site and take a look at rentals available. You CAN negotiate the price! www.casadelmar-aruba.com

JohnTRN

We stayed one night at 'M.V.C. Eagle Beach' www.mvceaglebeach.com and got a room very reasonably. Basic rooms, clean, small pool, associated bar and Dutch restaurant, nice breakfast buffet and the beach is immediately across the street. Right now, a double room is $85. Not 5-star accommodations, so depends on whether you're looking for a plush place to stay or a base to explore out of.

Cheers!

John

JohnTRN

BTW . . . the M.V.C. Eagle Beach has the following 'disclaimer' . . .

"These rates are excluding 19% tax and are only bookable in combination with the daily breakfast of $8.50 per person per day (includes 15% service charge and 3% sales tax)."

Cheers!

John

debsnj

We just spent a week at the Radisson, The beach was beautiful, I read that the Radisson is on the site of the first high rise hotel so the developers chose what is considered the nicest part of Palm Beach. There were a few kids but mostly toddlers because it wasn't a school vacation week. At night you can walk to many restaurants and shops. There is actually a sidewalk along the beach that "connects" the high rise hotels. We got a very decent deal using CheapCarribean.com.

Markny60

Try Aruba VIlla Rentals. Their websites are: www.ArubaVillaRentals.com and www.ArubaVacationRentals.com
They haev villas (private homes, condos, apartments etc at really reasonable rates. Like having your own home on Aruba. No hotel ammeneties but privacy and lots of room and opportunity to see how others live. Lots of times if you are booking last minute and ask for a discount they will accomodate if they can (properties are owned by others).

They are the largest villa company on the island but still a small family type company. They are available for property management 24/7 and always keep a property empty for emergencies, so you do not have the risk of a small company or of dealing with a private owner.

Owner is Joy, an american so she knows what Americans look for as compared to dealing with someone who does not realize that Americans like hot water heaters (most homes on Aruba have 'climate controlled water!). Ask to be sure, but they are pretty good at telling you pros and cons.

Villas are full homes so you have a full kitchen and not stuck going out to eat all the time, also many have private pools. You do generally need a car but everything is within a few moments of their villas.

I find villas to be a great alternative from hotels, whether on Aruba or elsewhere. Also with Swine flew and such, a villa keeps you away from the crowds of a hotel. Like anywhere you want to be careful sending money and trusting your vacation to someone, so always deal with licensed professional management companies. Also be sure that they belong to reputable associations. On Aruba that is AHATA (Aruba Hotel And Tourism Association) and internationally that is VRMA (Vacation Rental Managers Association). Otherwise STAY AWAY. Not worth the risk.
Have a GREAT time!

OceanBreeze1

I would also second The Radisson.
And, take a look @ www.tug2.net for condo rentals.

paris350

CHECK OUT SKYAUCTION.COM-YOU NEED TO REGISTER AND THEN BID FOR YOUR CHOICE OF PLACES TO STAY; IT IS RELIABLE AS I HAVE USED THEN FOR 4 YEARS-IF YOU NEED MORE HELP EMAIL ME @ [email protected]-I AM GLAD TO TRY TO HELP YOUO-WE HAVE BEEN GOING TO ARUBA FOR 20 YEARS
IF YOU ARE PERSISENT YOU CAN GET A GOOD DEAL. I WAS LUCKY AND GOT AMSTERDAM MANOR BEACH RESORT FOR 100 A NIGHT, THERE WERE RECENTLY REFURBISHED, ALSO SKYAUCTION HAS ARUBAN RESORT ON THEIR SITE

paris350

IF YOU NEED TO RENT A CAR...TRY TROPICCARRENTAL.COM ASK FOR HANS DHOOGE IS VERY FAIR TO WORK WITH AND YOU GET THE CAR AT THE AIRPORT AND YOU CANNOT GET LOST IN ARUBA-ONLY REALLY ONE MAIN ROAD THAT LEADS TO ALL OF THE HOTELS AND DRIVING IS ON SAME SIDE OF ROAD AS IN USA-WHAT ARE YOU FROM?

2hoosiers

We stayed at Bucuti Beach on our honeymoon (now 9) years ago and LOVED IT!! We stayed in one of the bungalows that was steps away from the sand. I loved the low-rise end of the island (much quieter). If you want an amazing dinner out, go down to the Flying Fishbone at sunset and get a table on the beach.

sistertodd

We're staying at the Marriott right now and got a rate of $160 (check their website) and it's beautiful. They just refurbished the rooms and the staff is quite a bit better than Grand Cayman where we stayed (also at a Marriott) just a couple of months ago. I'd recommend it, especially for the rate. The beach is nice, there are plenty of palapas right now, and the island isn't too busy.

OceanBreeze1

Sistertodd, we were in Aruba this past Feb & stayed @ Marriott Ocean Club, next door to where you are. We are thinking of going to Grand Cayman in Feb, 2010. How would you compare Aruba with Grand Cayman? Which has the nicer beach? Better restaurants? When we were @ Marriott in Feb it was extremely crowded @ all 3 Marriott properties: the Hotel, the Ocean Club & the Surf Club. It was a real pain trying to get a palapa each day even though we reserved in advance. Did you have the same crazy "palapa situation" in Grand Cayman?