tamopher

Hi everyone! My husband and I are planning on staying at Bucuti in August. We are trying to budget and plan, and we were wondering how much do beers and tropically frozen drinks cost?

Also, does Bucuti offer anything in terms of entertainment at night? I personally want something on the beach (like a band or dinner or something).

I have so many questions, as this will be our first trip out of the US together. We are excited, but extremely nervous. We don't want lots of crowds and hussle-bustle.

I'm interested in going around the island and seeing things, too. Is the walk from Bucuti to Oranjestad do-able, or should we rent a car?

Thanks for any help!

sara1274

Drinks average about $6-8 each (not sure about beer). Check with your travel agent as some of the hotels have 'drinks only' packages that can be added on.

There is public bus that stops in front of each of the hotels and goes into town. Easy way to travel and VERY inexpensive (think about $2). You may want to rent a car for a day if you want to tour the Island on your own. Taxis are also readily available at each hotel.

Bucuti is basically quiet and more adult oriented (very rarely do you see children) and their beach is huge so you won't feel crowded at all.

girlonthego

go to aruba-bb.com It is a bulletin board of aruba travelers and they can recommend so much in the way of dining choices and car rentals, etc... I went to this website many times before we went and it was a wealth of info.

girlonthego

I don't know what the bucuti charges, we stayed at the marriott, but we stopped at the grocery store with our taxi on the way to the hotel from the airport. We bought beer, soda, and some rum for the room. The best beer is Balashi. You can get american beer, but is more costly. I did not care for amstel bright. The amstel bright tasted like corona. The Balashi reminded me more of a a light beer. The frozen drinks at the marriott were probably around 6.50 and so was a beer.(which is miniture sized)
Don't be nervous about traveling there. I chose Aruba because it was one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean to bring my children. It was a very safe and relaxing vacation. Of course, there is crime everywhere, but just use good judgement like anywhere. The water is clean straight from the tap which is definitely a plus. You won't have crowds at the Bucuti. It is a large beach with mostly adults staying there. You will enjoy Aruba.

TioGringo

The first beach bar I went into on Aruba, I'm thinking "Hey! Not too bad, only $2 a beer here!". Then the waiter shows up with the beers....little 7 ounce bottles of Balashi. So the beers worked out to be more like $4 for enough to constitute a "drink"...not exactly the bargain I find at Mexican beaches where I never have to stroll far to find a $1/beer.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

alya

Drinks are expensive and since it's warm you drink more than usual - to keep costs down, jump on the bus (5 minute walk, $2 return) or order a cab and head toward Oranjestad, get out at Hong King and stock up on beer (whether it be Balshi or Bud) and other any other alcohol you fancy, store it in your refrigerator. If you pack a cool bag you can take the beer/wine with you onto the beach or just keep popping back to your room to refresh. Bucuti has 2 happy hours - make the most of them and buy your cocktails then, it's 2 for the price of one. The steel drum will put you in the Aruba mood!

Oranjestad isn't walkable and neither is the high-rise area and since you say you don't want the 'hustle-bustle', try walking through the hotels in the high-rise area and then pat yourself on the back for booking the Bucuti - check out the beaches and you'll see what I mean! Please try the buses, they're cheap, regular, clean and used by both locals and vacationers. All Arubans speak English so don't worry that you'll get lost. They are some the most helpful people I've met! Have a wonderful time

alya

Whoops, sorry tamopher

re-read your post and picked up on the part which says this is your first trip out of the US.

You WILL love Aruba, everyone speaks English, they all take $ - so no currency problems and unlike other Carribean islands you shouldn't be hassled. No Hurricane worries and such a low crime rate it's not worth worrying about, The locals are wonderful and friendly - perhaps it's why Aruba is called One Happy Island.

Expect to have lots of 'bad hair' days if your hair's short, pack a hat! but then again, it's the breeze that keeps you cool. Wear a high factor sun cream - you'll still get a tan.

Trust me, after the first day you'll wonder why you were so nervous and will be recommending Aruba to all your friends. Why do you think it's such a popular island with Americans and Europeans?

I've only been there once and loved it - the problem is I can't find anywhere as good for this year

TLK879

Hi, I am thinking of going to Aruba in April or May. I was wondering if anybody knows which hotels offer drinks only add ons. I know that drinks can get expensive and I was thinking that might be a good option. Then again, I keep hearing opinions of not doing the meal plans or the inclusives at all. I was thinking of staying at the Radisson or Bucuti. Any recommendations? Meal plans or not? Drinks only plans? I want to have a good time and have good food for the best deal. Any opinions would help.

girlonthego

Aruba has great restaurants so I would not do an all inclusive. You may want to see if you can get breakfast included. I have never heard of drink only plans. Most hotels can give you a mini fridge in your room. (check radisson and bucuti). We did this. You can stop at the grocery store and pick up some beer or mixed drink stuff. We did this and than had a frozen concoction at the pool bar every afternoon. The Radisson is located on a beach that has more action. The Bucuti is a quieter hotel. It depends what kind of vacation you want. My husband likes a place that has watersports readily available for him to enjoy! My biggest kid. Enjoy. Aruba is a ton of fun.

MeganandJ

We were there September 2004. Bucuti has entertainment at night- a steel drum player (really good too). hey have happy hour at 5pm-6pm & I think at midnight too. Happy hour was 50% off. Normal beers were $4-$5 each. I liked the Amstel Bright, a light beer. Frozen drinks were around $6, as were liquor drinks.
I had traveled outside the US a lot but it was my boyfrinds first time outside the US. We loved the trip, in fact we plan to return this September.
Bucuti is amazing. I would not walk to Oranjestad- it's kind of far. Rent a jeep for a few days & take taxis the rest of the time. Taxis are only about $8 max/way.
Bucuti does not have lots of crowds or hustle & bustle. I had a disappointing spa experiance but other than that it was perfect. Let me know if you have specific questions. The restaraunt Pirates Nest has great, cheap lunches & pretty good dinners. Not great though. Definitely make a few reservations elsewhere.