BeachDee1

Hi all! My husband and I are excited to go to Aruba for the first time. We're really going to enjoy the beach, lots of swimming, do some snorkeling, maybe a jeep tour to see all the beautiful secluded things you don't see in the resort and to make use of my new camera (I love taking pictures) or take a tour with the Kunocko Bus, maybe take a walk or run, and just soak in the sun. We're not huge drinkers but would love a pina colada or 2 in the evenings. We weren't sure if we should get an all-inclusive. We don't really like the idea of spending our vacation to drive around finding restaurants, but would love some good ones near by that have healthy options (and some not-so-healthy is fine too as we do love food!). We don't plan on shopping. We're trying to figure out if its worth it to get an all-inclusive? We like to keep it healthy, and with that being said, having a great gym in the hotel is pretty important to us. I have read that the Radisson has great reviews and is right on the beach. I have read that the Marriot has alot of tourists and kids that time of year, so that's slightly been a concern. I've read that Mr Frogs and other restaurants are great places to check out, and was wondering if its better to just eat at restaurants? Also, I really would love not to spend more than $4k, but am willing to stretch it a little. I'm also willing to go later in December if that is a better time, but I've looked up prices for around Christmas and they were outrageous. The only reason I chose Aruba is because my husband refuses to travel more than 4.5 hours away from Boston and we'd love to go somewhere where the ocean is warm! (or on the warmer side) I'm willing to try another location. We've already been to the DR for our honeymoon in September, so that's out!
Thanks in advance, and sorry for being so picky
D

BeachDee1

Also, there is a concern about it being Tropical Storm/hurrican season. But when we went to the DR in September, there wasn't a drop of rain. Soo....

BeachDee1

oops - also forgot to mention that we are staying a minimum of 8 nights. We need to get away from the awfully cold New England weather. This will also be our late-aniversary celebration as well as a late celebration for my husbands 40th. Nightlife isn't important, but live bands here and there in the evenings would be great.

diann24

BeachDee1,

Aruba is an excellent choice. We have a timeshare there and I love Aruba. I would NOT choose and A/1 in Aruba for you will miss out on fine restaurants. It will not be worth it plus the food will be more than likely sub standard.

We stay at the Divi Resorts (the link) which is on a beautiful golf course. I know they have the Divi Phoenix which has a very nice gym with Sea View. I have been there before. The Phoenix is a lovely property and close to restaurants and on the Sea. There is a sidewalk connecting all hotels. Others can chime in about other hotels they are all located on a strip and can be accessed walking on a sidewalk.

ABC Jeep tours is a great tour. It is rocky and bumpy. Not for the faint of heart but you will see parts of Aruba you will not see by car. If you are the adventurous type then this is the tour for you. Baby Beach is good for snorkeling and there are snorkeling tours to take. Sunset cruises. We did the Kunocko bus tour and this is a lot of fun. I do suggest it.

Palm Tour offers a lot of different tours to take of the island. I would suggest you stick with your original dates and do not change. We went once in later December and it was actually somewhat rainy that year in December. Quite a few showers off and on.

www.aruba.com also is a web site that offers ample info from repeat travelers like myself. You might want to check out that site and go to the Aruba forum.

Restaurants go to Madamn Jeanettes. My favorite place We never leave Aruba without a visit to see "her." It is a wonderful dining experience. I love smokeys Joe's for ribs. There are ample places to eat. There is another thread here titled "Aruba" where there is more information that others have posted. Enjoy your trip to paradise. You will be happy you went I am sure.

BeachDee1

Thank you, diann24. That's great info. Is the Divi a resort where you can just walk right out onto the beach as well? And is it in the high rise area? What are your thoughts on the high rise area vs low rise? Also, with restaurants - are there alot of casual/budget-friendly restaurants that are within walking distance or can we rent bikes or hop on a trolley/bus?

BeachDee1

Also, one website gave choices between Divi Village, Divi Phoenix, Divi Village Beach & Golf, And Divi Village Villas. So many choices! Do you happen to know the difference between those and which one might be right on the beach, etc?

KVR

Most people recommend the Radisson on Palm Beach, which is in the high rise area. The hotels located in the Palm Beach area are a easy walking to many restaurants, bars and shopping. Check the Radisson's web-site as they sometimes offer X amount of money good for food and drinks in their restaurants/bars for X number of nights stayed.

I love AI resorts and have stayed at many, but I don not recommended going AI in Aruba. Here is a list of Aruba restaurants with consumer reviews. You can find fast food all the way up to 5*.

http://www.restaurantsaruba.com/

The Eagle Beach area, which has the low rise hotels, do not have as many dining options and everything there is more spread out than Palm Beach. However, the bus system in Aruba is easy, convenient and cheap to get to Palm Beach, Eagle Beach and the Downtown area.

The first 2 weeks of November and the first 2 weeks of December are going to better priced. Historically, within the last 3 years or so, Aruba has been hit pretty good with tropical storms in December. Can never predict the weather though. We travel somewhere ever year during that time, and we have found that we had more problems getting out of and coming into US airports in December because of bad weather/snow.

Things to do in Aruba:

http://www.aruba.com/things-to-do

WWK

I agree with the posts above, but would skip The Radisson's meal plans. The food at The Radisson is very mediocre, except for breakfast, which is OK. There are several fast food and fine dining restaurants within walking distance, even a Dunkin Donuts if you need a morning coffee or two while at the beach.

Last year, we visited mid-November, and had absolutely gorgeous weather. I have heard from locals that the weather pattern seems to be changing though, so it's less reliable than it was.

KVR

It's not a meal plan. It's a credit they sometimes offer. Like $200 for a 7 night stay. It's included and good for meals, drinks and other things that the hotel offers. If it's not listed on their website you can always call them to inquire. If you decide to stay there anyway, it would be good to have.

WWK

Sorry, KVR. Misunderstood you. We've had that credit for all of our visits. It is worth having for drinks, though not sure we were able to use it for breakfast. Good that you pointed it out! I just wanted to steer people away from the meal plans, which the hotel sometimes offers.

diann24

BeachDee, I think I said originally the Divi Phoenix was on the beach, and had a nice gym. Yes you can walk right out onto the beach. If you are not renting a car I believe the high rise is the best bet, and that does include Divi Phoenix.

The Marriott is a lovely property and has many timeshare owners. It is in a great location.

We stay in the low rise on the golf course, and walk across the street to the beach and it is wider and less crowded then the high rise area. We always rent a car so it works for us.

diann24

http://www.bucuti.com/

You might want to take a look at these. This is an adult only place and honeymooners often go here. I believe it includes a nice breakfast. It does fit into your budget, and is has been highly rated. However w/o a car the high rises are your best bet. If you choose to rent a car the driving is easy there and not intimidating at all.

WWK

I think Bucuti is rated no.1 in Aruba. We have friends who stayed there and loved it. They said it was much more mellow on Eagle Beach than Palm Beach.

Just a FYI: We've stayed at The Marriott a couple of times. Liked the rooms, but prefer the beach and location of The Radisson. The beach in front of The Marriott can be wall to wall people, depending on when you go.

WWK

BTW, The Radisson sometimes offers Fall specials on its website. Prices can be substantially lower than in season ( winter months). We've gotten some great deals for November visits.

diann24

WWK, we often meet couples staying at Bucuti and all have said it was great. Since we always stay at Divi Links I cannot say since I have not stayed there. I thought I would throw it out there in the "mix" for OP as an option.

We have friends who own TS at the Marriot. I did not know how the beach was as they never stated anything about it but that is great info to share.

WWK

diann24,

One of my closest friends is going to Bucuti over December/New Year's. She says the rooms were HALF (!!) the cost of The Radisson, which surprised me.

On another subject, where is The Divi Phoenix? Is it near the old Divi, which was past Aruba Beach Club and Casa Del Mar? My MIL wants to return to Aruba late November, and really loved that Divi.

If not, where would you recommend? Last year she stayed at The Westin, but as you know that's becoming a RIU, and she's not interested. The price point was really good.

Thanks so much!

diann24

WWK: I am not sure of the location in terms of the old Divi past Aruba Beach Club.(??) I refer to the old Divi as the beach villas which are across the street from the Divi Link.

The Phoenix is located in the high rise area but the location would be just the beginning of the high rise area. No where down as far as others which make it difficult for walking, but there is the sidewalk on the beach area that connects all the hotels. I am sending you the link from the divi resort sites.

www.diviresorts.com

http://www.diviresorts.com/DiviAruba/index.html

If you go to there site you can check out the Phoenix Beach club. Although I never have stayed there I visit the hotel since we are divi owners and use there gym as it is nicer than the other one. We tried using there beach once but it is very small and of course during high season it is difficult to even get a chair or hut. That is what I do not like versus eagle beach. At the link we have to walk across the street to the beach but always plenty of space and room. It is a huge beach and very long. There are pros and cons to both places.

The pool at the Links is second to none and some people stay there for the pool itself. It is a knock out gorgeous pool. The golf course is also gorgeous but neither my husband nor I golf. LOL. If your MIL wants to be on the beach then the Links I would not recommend. I cannot recommend others as I have not stayed in many other places outside of La Cabana which are timeshares. I hope this helps.

WWK

Thanks so much, diann24! Really appreciate the great information. MIL is a beach bum, so will want to be within steps of the a large beach. Will keep looking!

girlonthego

Our friends stayed at the Divi and thought it was very nice. They were a walk from the beach but they liked the larger room with kitchen facilities.
We always stay at the Marriott because we use marriott points. IT is a really nice complex, but is crowded on the beach. It is also a walk from some of the restaurants.
The Radisson is beach front and will put you within walking distance of many restaurants. I have not stayed there but have heard good things.
The Hyatt, is it still there? That is also in a good location and has a nice lobby area.
The high rise has lots of action and water sports and restaurants close by.
I would never do an AInclusive in Aruba. There are way too many good restaurants. Get a mini fridge and get some snacks and cocktail/wine/beer stuff and enjoy your meals out!