ronnie56

I will to be able to use rewards points for a one week stay at the Hyatt Resort in Aruba during Christmas week, but I need one additional night and the hotel is currently full. I am looking for a hotel, not too expensive, to serve as a place for my family of 4 to sleep on our first night in Aruba. Afterwards, we will check into the Hyatt for 6 consecutive nights.

Any suggestions for a moderate/budget hotel, or the best method to find a hotel, for this one night?
thank you

ejcrowe

The catch will be finding any place during Christmas week that will let you book just one night. Take a look at the Manchebo resort, which I know has reasonable prices and is right on the beach. I don't know about their minimum night stays, though.

I might consider doing something like Priceline on this one.

shirleyk

I was in a similar situation recently and looked at the following hotels. In town there is small hotel on the main drag called The Talk of the Town. Also, there is a hotel across the street from the Westin, The Mill. Both hotels would book for one night. You could also try the DiviResorts. They have a few properties and maybe they would accept a one night stay. Also, you can go on priceline.com and try to bid on a property. Start low and work your way up.

ronnie56

Thank you for your replies. I tried all the places you suggested...no luck! All have a minimum stay during Christmas. I also emailed dozens of smaller or lesser known places I got off the internet, and only three responded to my inquiry in a positive way. Of those, one was a real dump, no way I could stay there. The other two are Brickells Bay, and Aruba Surfside Marina. Surfside Marina sounds OK, it has two reviews on Tripadvisor; and one sounded especially negative (Brickells Bay). Does anyone know either of these places? Suggestion for one over the other? Thanks.

shirleyk

Between Brickells Bay and Aruba Surfside Marina, I would go with Aruba Surfside Marina. I have not stayed there, but I did look at the rooms when I was in Aruba right after they opened. Brickells Bay is a Motel 6 type place, located behind Benihana and Hooters Restaurants in a parking lot. At least Aruba Surfside Marina is near the water in town. It is across the street from The Talk of the Town on the edge of town. An easy cab ride or car trip from the airport, then an easy trip to the Hyatt the next morning. Lots of restaurants in town to have dinner and breakfast before going to the Hyatt. I have been in your situation many times because I use Frequent Flyer miles to purchase tickets and must take what I can get. If that doen't work out, let me know, I will try to think of other places I know in Aruba that might work.

ronnie56

Shirley--

Thanks so much!!! I will book the surfside marina as suggested.