Honeymoon on Aruba, which resort...Hyatt, Radisson, or Marriot???
Mar 31st, 2003, 10:50 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Honeymoon on Aruba, which resort...Hyatt, Radisson, or Marriot???
Hello,<BR><BR>My fiance and I are in the works of planing our honeymoon to Aruba and can not decide between the Hyatt, Radisson, or Marriot resorts...any recomendations and why? <BR><BR>Also, any must do dining experiences or sight seeing? Any fun places to go dancing or see entertainment? <BR><BR>Thanks so much for any tips!<BR><BR>Pam and Mike 
<BR>
<BR>
Mar 31st, 2003, 01:09 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Pamela. We stayed at the Radisson in September and loved it! The grounds are beautiful (waterfalls and parrots etc.), it sits on the best stretch of beach I saw, the rooms are really nice (not the same old hotel room decor) and the staff couldn't have been more accomodating.<BR><BR>We ate at the Hyatt one night and that looked really nice as well.<BR><BR>I didn't see the Marriott but I don't think it could be nicer than the Hyatt and Radisson.
Mar 31st, 2003, 01:21 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I forgot to add my "must do" list!<BR><BR>Eat at El Gaucho and The Flying Fishbone<BR><BR>Take the Kukoo Kunuku party bus...a blast!<BR><BR>Go on one of the Jolly Pirates snorkel or sunset cruises<BR><BR>Rent a 4x4 and explore the rugged side of the island.<BR><BR>For entertainment, Carlos N' Charlies in town is very fun (if you take the party bus tour, this will bethe last stop of the evening).<BR><BR>Also, be sure to go to Kokoa's on the end of the DePalm Pier (right nest to the Radisson) for Happy hour and to watch the sunset.<BR><BR>Enjoy!
Mar 31st, 2003, 05:10 PM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks you for all the helpful info.. I keep going on-line and checking out all the photos along with reading up on the resorts and things to do. The Radisson does look really nice and yes from the pictures the rooms at the Radisson look much nicer than the normal boring looking same old hotel rooms. <BR><BR>I read about the party bus and that sounds like so much fun! I hear it is very windy in Aruba...is this true? Is the wind bothersome or just a nice cool breeze? Thanks again for all your helpful tips!<BR><BR>Pam
I hear it is very windy in Aruba...is this true? Is the wind bothersome or just a nice cool breeze? Thanks again for all your helpful tips!<BR><BR>Pam
Apr 1st, 2003, 02:34 AM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
PamelaY,<BR>No the wind is not bothersome at all. It's really a breeze and feels wonderful.<BR>The only thing about the breeze is that it gives you the IMPRESSION that the sun is not strong. Don't get fooled or you'll get sunburned very quickly. My poor hubby did!!<BR>We stayed at an all inclusive that was nice but I wouldn't recommend for a honeymoon because it was just okay.<BR>2 cousins of ours (2 different couples) stayed at the Hyatt for their honeymoons and raved about it.<BR>Must see sights: Baby Beach, Natural Bridge and a jeep tour of the rugged island side.<BR>Have fun.<BR>
Apr 1st, 2003, 08:16 AM
#6
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We also went to Aruba for our honeymoon in February, but unfortunately we stayed at an all-inclusive and were not impressed. One night we ventured over to the Hyatt for dinner and the casino and thought the hotel was beautiful. The pool was very nice and tropical. The grounds were immaculate.<BR><BR>We went to El Gaucho and loved it- you must try it if you are a steak person!<BR><BR>We rented a jeep and explored the island and thought it was wonderful. The undeveloped side of Aruba is really rocky with huge waves crashing- it looks like something out of National Geographic. We also went to the Tunnel of Love (an underground cave) and thought it was pretty neat.<BR><BR>As far as nightlife, we went to Carlos n' Charlies (fun with sort of a Spring Break atmosphere) and Mambo Jambos. There are several other bars in downtown. We saw the party bus every night and it looked like everyone was having a great time.<BR>
Apr 1st, 2003, 08:38 AM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for all your posts! So between the Hyatt, Radisson, and Marriot, which resort is the best and why? I hear a lot about the Hyatt and checked out the ratings here and it really is a toss up to me. Anyone have any preferences between the three? Thanks!<BR><BR>Pam
<BR><BR>Pam
Apr 1st, 2003, 08:44 AM
#8
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Aruba is paradise. My wife and I, along with another couple, went there and loved it. We ate at El Gaucho, Boononoono's, Mama Mia's, the Buccaneer and they were all good. We rented a jeep for a week and went everywhere. Get on at least one "booze cruise" even if you don't drink. Baby Beach has some nice areas to snorkel.<BR><BR>I wouldn't recommend an all-inclusive, because there's too much to see, too many good places to eat and it is safe and fun to explore. <BR><BR>We also went up to a little lighthouse, and while I think we did eat nearby, it was just a pleasant stop in our travels around the island.<BR><BR>
Apr 1st, 2003, 09:15 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Pam. The wind is Aruba is nice. It's really just a strong breeze. <BR><BR>If you want more restaurants on the premesis, I'd say go with the Hyatt (though you can easily walk there from the otehr hotels). But for the tropical lanscaping, I'd say the Radisson wins.<BR><BR>When I return, I will probably stay there again!
Apr 1st, 2003, 10:36 AM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RADISSON!!!!! all rooms just done over...very relaxing...breeze on beach is a delight....the best pool(s) area!! (hyatt pool seemed much more cramped and crowded) we were just there in early march without our kids and had the best time!!! wish i was back there!!!
Apr 1st, 2003, 10:58 AM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,963
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We stayed at Hyatt and it was nice. If it helps, here are some pros/cons:<BR><BR>Nice thatched umbrellas on beach for no charge<BR><BR>Nice pool, but really crowded (kids) and pretty shaded if you are a sun worshipper<BR><BR>Nice overall facilities (shops, lobby, casino, etc)<BR><BR>Small rooms and balconies aren't really balconies - just long windows<BR><BR>Rude staff - didn't seem very happy to be working there<BR><BR>Overall, we liked the hotel and had a very nice vacation. However if we were to return we would consider the Marriott as the staff at Marriotts is always so accomodating (we had to switch rooms at the Hyatt since they didn't have any kings availabe when we arrived - and they weren't particularly nice about it).<BR><BR>Great restaurants on Aruba - El Gaucho, Boonoonoonoos, Chez Mathilde
Apr 1st, 2003, 03:11 PM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello,<BR><BR>Thanks for all the posts! I guess I will see what kind of deals that I can get between the Hyatt and Radisson and decide from there. Both sound wonderful and thanks again! <BR><BR>Pam
<BR><BR>Pam
