Massachusetts Mom

We are considering a trip to Aruba with our 2 children, ages 7 and 11. Is this a good family destination? I would love to hear any information about La Cabana.

Kiley

Hi,I thought I would let you know that I stayed at La Cabana 2 years ago with 14,18,and 21 kids.They and myself were not that impressed.We were on the all-inclusive and there were a lot of items on the menu that were extra but, I guess that happens sometimes.The food was not even that great compared to a lot of the other places we've stayed.The restaurants were difficult to get into.Most of the time we just ate lunch at the buffet.Lots of people!The bars seemed to close around 9-10 at night!No entertainment to speak of.The pools are too crowed to sit by,and the only reason I considered the pools was that the beach was extremely windy, but that's Aruba weather.We did go because we wanted sunny days and that we did get but it's vwer windy.Our room was supposed to be ocean view,and I guess if you leaned really far to the right you could see the tip of the water,but mostly what we saw was the parking lot and the OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE!Just what you want to see when you go away to the caribbean an american restaurant and asphalt!We were so unimpressed with the island being so americanized and crowded.I've been to desert islands before like bonaire that were totally different that I was just so disappointed.My kids and I seem to really like islands that are a little bit more old caribbean I guess and they're out there but probably not for long.So I'm sorry to tell you that I probably would not stay at La Cabana,in fact I probably would not even go to Aruba,sorry.

also a MA mom

You could really love your experience with Aruba. The forum is really divided, but many love the island. I like the island a lot, but I have to say that is one of the main destinations out of Boston and you will probably meet some people you know and I personally don't care for that. LaCabana is not my favorite place. It is crowded, but with lots of children so that may be an advantage to you. Yes for families you will like Aruba, and you will find that LaCabana is very family oriented. Have fun

cdt

La Cabana is HUGE - about 800 units. We stayed at the 70-room Manchebo and walked up the beach every day past La Cabana. My wife and I were glad we weren't staying there, but our 14-year-old wished that he was - so that should tell you something.<BR><BR>It looked like lots of kids were having a blast in the pool area.<BR><BR>There is a small road between the resort and the beach, but it's no big deal - not much traffic, and no buildings on the beach side.<BR><BR>With 800 rooms it gets rather crowded in the primary La Cabana beach area, but you can walk a bit south and escape the crowds.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

jeanne

La Cabana and Aruba are very overrated. it is definitely just like being in the US. Very little local culture and i found the people to be rude. It is quite a walk to the beach from La Cabana and very very crowded. However the one positive once you can hear again because of the wind the weather is spectacular but we would not ever return and yes ALMOST everyone was from Boston!

Sheela

We think La Cabana is like the projects. It is very crowded - - very impersonal - very ugly. Choose a smaller resort and your kids will still have fun.....and bring a ton of money to feed them there. Personally I never brought our kids to a place like Aruba because I think they would be bored and it is not worth the money listening to them whine. They would be much happier at Disney or someplace with more activities for kids.

Elaine

Massachusetts Mom,I think you should try the windjammer landing villa beach resort in St.Lucia.We've been there with our kids and they love it.There's a kids program if you so choose or not.There is a lot for kids to to and just staying in a villa is like being in your own home.When we were there there were a lot of people from back east and Canada.I think the flights are fairly easy.We are from the midwest and it takes three flights to get there but,my kids like it so much we've been there four times.We started out when my kids were close to your kids ages and now they are late teens into their 20's.It will always be there favorite.We' stayed in the Bahamas,Beaches in Turks and Caicos,Almond Beach in Barbados,and LaCabana in Aruba,their absolute least favorite.Without a doubt check out the windjammer.You won't be sorry,you and they will love it!

Maureen

We both love Aruba having been there many times and also have traveled to other islands as well. <BR>La Cabana can be very crowded but the kids would love the slide pool. The restaurants are not that great at LC and there are very good restaurants elsewhere on the island.<BR>The Amsterdam Manor next door is a lot quieter and if you rented a car you could drive around and see the different sites. <BR>Kitchenettes are available in the Renaissance suites downtown by the Marina--a boat takes you to their private island which is very nice--has an open-air restaurant serving lunch, watersports center, spa, hiking trail etc. You can walk to many good restaurants downtown.<BR>The Wyndham is a large hotel where we recently stayed and the beach is very nice--you might look into packages at this hotel unless you need the cooking facilities. You can also walk to several restaurants from the Wyndham and the restaurants onsite are very good.

eileen

Gosh, what a lot of Aruba/La Cabana bashing! Stayed there with just my husband on a timeshare trade in 2000 and it was fine. We found the restaurants in Aruba to be reasonably priced, I suspect those who complain about the high expense may have not been to many other Carib. destinations. We are taking our kids age 5 and 10 to Aruba in November and may stay at La Cabana. Your kids will probably love it, lots of pools and other kids, beautiful beach, Aruba is safe, friendly, clean, great family destination. Yes, it is Americanized but I view that as a plus for young kids. Certainly not my favorite place in the Carib, but a good family choice.

Elaine

eileen,Did you say not been to a lot of places? I said we have stayed at Beaches in Turks and Caicos,Atlantis in the Bahamas,Almond Beach in Barbados,LaCabana in Aruba,and Windjammer Landing in St.Lucia just to name a few and by far the least favorite was La Cabana.If you like to have to walk across the street to go to the beach,and you have to because unless you come down from your room really early forget getting a chair by the pool,trying to eat in extremely crowded restaurants and just giving up time after time only to have to eat the buffet,same food all the time,not very friendly people,looking out at an Outback Steakhouse,no entertainment and really windy days,then go for it.I was just trying to help someone not spend a lot of money for going to an island that's pretty far when there are so many other places so much better and closer.I really feel like I've been to a lot of very different all-inclusives most of which were around the same price and so much better.Hope I helped,don't know if I did.What would help is if her kids could talk to my kids,then she would hear what I'm trying to tell her.Good luck.Experience means a lot!

Kent

I have to agree with some on this board.We stayed at la cabana and hated it.Overated,and vey crowded.The food is not very good and our family did not care for it at all.We've been to a lot better and would never go back.Did not care for the island and the people were rude.Try any other place but don't waste your money or your valuable vacation time on this place.

Paige

I second the above opinions.We stayed in Aruba at la cabana and did not care for it in the least.Too crowded and to much hassle for everything.We would never go there again.I would rather stay in an upscale in Florida than spend that kind of money for what we had at la cabana.We've stayed in so much better.

eileen

Hi Elaine and others, my comment was regarding the prices in restaurants on the island, not regarding AI prices. I have been to about 10 islands in the Caribbean and Aruba is one of the least expensive destinations. Because of that, I am always surprised when folks refer to Aruba as expensive, it simply isn't compared to the rest of the Carib. Aruba and La Cabana are nowhere near my favorite destinations, we usually stay at much more upscale places. However, I do think it is a good choice for a family. I have been lots of places that are just not good choices for children. I stand by my opinion that Aruba is safe, friendly and clean, the water is safe, there is a decent hospital -- all things that I look at before I decide to take my children to an island. Massachusetts Mom, you might look at the Aruba Marriott Ocean Club, it gets good marks and is the condo part of the Marriott. We've decided that is our first choice this year, 2nd choice Aruba Grand and third La Cabana (we trade a timeshare so don't always get our first choice). And I would never recommend an AI on Aruba, there are too many great restaurants.