Hi All,

My wife and I are in our late twenties. This is the first time we are visiting the carribeans, and we picked Aruba for the predictable weather during late July. I was all set to book the bucuti until I found out about the construction.

Can anyone recommend a similar place to the Bucuti with nice beach and good accomodations? I am considering to go with one of the hotels now( Marriot or Radisson) or the Amsterdam. I can't seem to find good rates for costa linda next to the Bucuti.
We will be visiting for a week.

Any comment would be great

thx!

The Costa Linda does tend to be expensive. It's immediately north of the Bucuti. The Manchebo Resort is on the other side of the Bucuti. We felt it was an excellent value, but it's somewhat motel-like, and maybe not upscale enough for you. Also, I wonder if either of these neighbors might be affected by construction noise?

Most people rate the Hyatt and Radisson as the best, with the Marriott close behind. The Marriott is a bit removed from the other hotels on Palm Beach. All three of these are quite large, as is the Wyndham, which is a bit less money and a very good hotel. The Aruba Grand is nice too.

Amsterdam Manor is just across a small road from the beach - not a major issue. It's not a fancy place but does have units with kitchens, and it's similar in size to the Bucuti or Manchebo.

If you want a casino in your hotel you'll want to pick one of the large Palm Beach resorts. I would stay away from all-inclusive packages due to the variety of restaurants and ease of access.

Perhaps you shouldn't worry too much about the construction at Bucuti? I read a post on the Aruba Bulletin Board website (I think) from somebody who stayed there very recently and hardly noticed the construction work at all. Bucuti is a wonderful place, we stayed there in February and it was great. The previous poster is right in saying that Manchebo is also very nice but more 'basic'.

I second everything Carola above has said. We have friends who returned from Bucuti last week and said it wasn't noticeable either. Have read elsewhere that staff is pleased that there have been no complaints about the contruction noise (or lack of). Stick with your plans and enjoy.

My wife and I stayed at Bucuti in June 2003 - during construction - and werent bothered at all. Both the staff and Bucuti PR person I spoke to before the trip were very up front about the possibilty of noise etc. We had a great time - its a soulful place. Environmentally conscious, wonderful staff, clean, quiet, simple but beautiful.