No, do not do the AI plan at the Westin. So not worth it especially is the plan does not include alcohol. Right across the street is a strip full of resturants, bars, shopping and entertainment. Down the beach are more bars and resturants. Aruba is full of dining options that are easy and convenient to get to. We love AI hotels and have been to many, but Aruba is not the destination for that.

Look at the Radission down the way instead. Gets much better reviews and just a nicer overall property. Sometimes they offer a free breakfast and $200 alcohol beverage credit.

If your not interested in kids, you might want a smaller hotel on Eagle beach like the Manchebo, Bucuti, Tamarijn or the Amsterdam Manor. The bus system is easy to get to everything on Palm Beach in about 10 minutes.

We went to Aruba again in March for a family reunion. My SIL and BIL stayed at The Westin, and thought their room was really nice, but said the walls were very thin, and yes, there were a lot of kids on property. They also weren't thrilled with the beach in front of the hotel, which is a narrow strip, extremely windy and crowded.

We stayed once again at The Radisson because we're beach slugs, and it has a much nicer beachfront ( and overall more tropical feel) than The Westin. Some of the rooms at The Radisson in the Aruba Tower were definitely in need of refurbishing, but I think that's going on even as I post this. We stayed in the newly renovated tower, closest to the pool/beach and it was lovely.

There were tons of families at both properties, so if you're looking for a quieter more couple-oriented place, check out Bucuti or Manchebo.

And yes, I totally agree with the poster above who suggests not taking any kind of meal plan. There are so many choices -- from fast food to great dining-- in Aruba!

Thanks for all the input! We will definitely not do AI.

The Radisson and Bucuti seem really lovely, but unfortunately they're more than $100 more a night, and beverage credits are only for longer stays. and I'm thinking/hoping we'll enjoy the windiness because of the July heat.

hmmm, anyone stayed at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino? am ex has a really good (and comparable to the westin) rate. I'm wondering if the beachfront is nicer and the rooms are newer/nicer? looks like they had a renovation in 09.

The Marriott will have tons of kids in July. It one of the most recommended family resorts in Aruba and has an amazing pool area that attracts kids. There is also a time share attached to it, which makes for tons of people.

Look at the Amsterdam Manor and the Manchebo if the others were out of your budget.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn on a Labor Day weekend in a September. It was crowded over the weekend, but as soon as Tuesday came around most people left. In July it might be full of kids, but their pricing is very good.

We stayed at the Marriott over spring break. We have teens and there were all types of people staying there with and without kids. It is a very nice hotel and we did not hear anything from other rooms. I would go to the Marriott with just my husband.
I agree with aruba having too many good restaurants to go AI. Drinks are pricey, but get the mini fridge in the room and have a few cocktails on your deck pre dinner. I think part of the trip is having the frozen afternoon drinks by the water. Pricey? yes. But part of the budget for the total beach vacation.

just read a review from this June that noted construction next door to the marriot at the Ritz carlton that started up in 6:30 in the morning. that would be a vacation killer to us!

Hi Sunshn44...
I have been to Aruba many many times and have stayed at The Westin Aruba Resort a few of those times. We actually just returned from there after 8 days the first week of June. Love the Heavenly Beds! For the price The Westin is a good choice. Most resorts in Aruba will have families staying there since it is summer vacation. The restaurants in the Westin are very good but I would not go all inclusive. There are so many wonderful restaurants on the island. On Palm Beach you are within walking distance to most resorts, restaurants and casinos. If you want adults only I would suggest the Bucuti & Tara Suites which is located on Eagle beach (not much within walking distance). In Aruba you can save on drinks by waiting for happy hour or by buying your own bottles of wine,soda,beer or liquor at the store. We bring our own snacks & munchies from home in our carry-on because chips etc. are expensive in Aruba. Most resorts have WiFi for a price.(There are smaller hotels that offer it for free) Learn more by checking out www.ArubaHotelsBeaches.com...it will tell you all you need to know about the Island. You will love Aruba wherever you decide to stay!

I think the construction has been going on for years. We did not even notice it. Of course, we did not stay on that side of the hotel. I always say when I check in that I am a light sleeper and need a quiet area of the hotel. It usually gets a quiet area. I am a very light sleeper so I couldn't possibly stay near a construction site.