drako

We are considering a trip to Aruba. It will be two adults and our three year old child. We don't want to spend a lot of money, so a moderate hotel/resort will do. We want a place that has good beach front, clean and easy access to restaurants (walking if possible). Are any within walking distance to restaurants? We considered the Tamarijin since it's All-Inclusive but have read other posts that don't recommend all-inclusive in Aruba. Since we have our three year old we want something that will be close to the restuarants since time is of the essence with a little one. Obviously, we can't spend all night at a restaurant. Any of the hotels that have good dining options and great beach will be of interest too. This is basically just for some relaxation and don't want to be running around/renting a car to get our meals (if possible).

Also, how is the beach at the Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort. Any restaurants there or close by?

Thanks!

KVR

The hotels on Palm Beach are going to be within walking distance to resturants, bars, shopping and entertainment. Literally across the street and beach front.

The hotels that you listed are on Eagle Beach. Not much within walking distance, but there are frequent bus stops that will take you to the Palm Beach area and Downtown.

For moderately priced hotels on Palm Beach, look at the Holiday Inn. Also, the Radisson. Check their website as they sometimes offer food and beverage credit for "X" amount of nights stayed. The Westin is at the very end of the strip of hotels heading to Eagle Beach. The Marriott is at the other end. Very family friendly with great pools.

Here's a link to the hotel's map, which might help give you an idea of how it's set up.

http://mappery.com/map-of/Aruba-Hotel-Map

The Amsterdam Manor is the start of the Eagle Beach area.

Here's a link to dining in Aruba with patron reviews:

http://www.restaurantsaruba.com/

drako

Thanks KVR!

Which beach is nicer, Eagle Beach or Palm Beach? Also, does the bus run frequently from Eagle Beach to the area of restaurants/downtown? Is Eagle Beach less crowded?

Thanks again!

KVR

Eagle Beach is much nicer. Low rise hotels, less crowds, wide beach area. Most all hotels in that area have a bus stop within walking distance if not directly out front. The bus in Aruba is easy and inexpensive. The Divi usually gets good reviews. I would check the MVC recommendation carefully. It's in the Eagle beach area, but it's across the street from the beach.

Between Eagle Beach and Palm Beach it just depends on what you're looking for. Convenience to everything within walking distance - Palm Beach. Lesser crowds and better beach area - Eagle Beach.

drako

Thanks again KVR! Eagle beach sounds like a better fit for us regarding the crowds especially if it's a short bus ride to the restaurants.

I have another question, regarding the wind. I know Aruba is supposed to be windy but how windy is windy? Does it make sitting on the beach unbearable because you get whipped with the sand or is it just a nice windy breeze? Does it depend on the day? Also, I read on someone's blog while researching Aruba elsewhere and they said that Eagle beach tends to have more waves and wind compared to Palm Beach. Do you feel that's accurate?

I am just trying to get as much information as possible since my 3 year old daughter will be at the beach as well. If the wind is too much at Eagle beach than Palm Beach may be the consideration since we prefer the beach to the pool. If it matters any we are considering a trip in August or September.

Thanks again!

KVR

We've only been to Aruba once in Sept, 2006. We didn't find the wind as bad as I have read in other people's reports. We are pool people. We stayed at the Holiday Inn and spent our time at the pool. There were several people on the beach with no problems though. I'm sure it just depends. It's a tradewind and without it, it is definatly too hot to be comfortable. I'm sure some days are better than others, but not anything I would be concerned with.

You might want to check with some Aruba specific message boards like:

http://www.aruba-travelguide.com/bulletinboard/

http://www.aruba-bb.com/

Weadles

Hi drako,

We've been to Aruba several times, most recently last year. Some parts of the beach are a lot windier than others. For instance, The Westin beach is notoriously windy near its tennis courts. And yet, just a few blocks down, the beach at The Radisson is way less windy. In general, there is a good breeze blowing most of the time, but as you can see from the examples, it depends where your hotel is located and- I think- on the time of year.

We have only stayed on Palm Beach, ( The Radisson, Hyatt, The Marriott timeshares), so I can''t offer any advice at all on Eagle Beach. However, if you can reserve something within budget on Palm Beach, you will find that there are plenty of restaurants and fast food places within easy walking or stroller distance.

I'm sure you know that August or September is hurricane season, and while Aruba is usually spared, I'd highly recommend taking out travel insurance just in case.

Lastly, if you want to check with a reputable tour operator, we have gone through MGM TOURS to Aruba for the last several years. You just need to stay on top of the details, but they do offer IMHO some of the best rates for air/hotel combinations. Even my FIL agrees with me on that!

Have a wonderful time!

diann24

I just returned from my 4th visit to Aruba last night. I would try and stay down close to the high rise hotels where the restaurants are plentiful, a water light show, a donkey ride for your little one. The lower rise ones have restaurants but they are limited and if you do not want to rent a car, taking a bus back and forth daily is an option. I believe it is $2.60 rd trip pp. ( not sure about the little one.)We do always rent a car, cause we find it easier for us. We stay at Divi Links Resort which is not in the high rise where the beach is very wide and long. I would check out Holiday Inn, and the Radison. The phoenix which is getting closer to the high rises is also very nice. A small beach with no waves, and great for a toddler. You don't mention when you would be going but it is now low season and you can snag perhaps a better price then in the winter months. Wind---Well the high rises provide more shelter then the wider beaches. There is wind in Aruba and then there is WIND. Never a "breeze." Last week I left the beach due to the wind and yes sand was stinging, but it may have been our location. I have not seen it that bad before. I do not think there is less wind certain times of the year. It just can vary. The good thing is it never feels hot due to the constant breeze. Aruba is a safe choice for you, and I love it there. It will be a wise choice for you and your family. Enjoy!