Aruba
 

This is our first trip to Aruba (in July). What to do/see in Aruba. Where is it best to stay that is central to most things: shopping, buses, etc? Any suggestions to a good hotel, not too expensive that is close to where the action is? Any suggestions are most appreciated.

Without knowing your budget, it's hard to make recommendations.

But... we always stay at The Radisson, which is centrally located on Palm Beach. It has nice rooms and one of the least crowded beach fronts of any of the hotels on the main strip ( Palm Beach).

Other hotels that are well-regarded: The Bucuti on Eagle Beach, The Hyatt and Marriot Stellaris on Palm Beach. There are plenty of AIs, too, but since there are so many dining options that are reasonable in Aruba, you don't really need it.

For things to see and do in Aruba:

www.depalm.com

ABC jeep tours

Kukoo Kunuku Bar hopping bus

Sunset sails/Dinner Cruises

Island tour

Baby Beach

Snorkel Tours

Shopping

http://www.aruba.com/things-to-do

Dining Options:

http://www.restaurantsaruba.com/

The hotels lined up on Palm Beach are going to be "close to the action". Most people recommend the Radission. We stayed at the Holiday Inn because it was less expensive and in a great location to walk to most everything. The hotels located on Eagle Beach not so much. The bus system in Aruba is easy, convenient and cheap.

Thank you so much for the advice. Appreciate it.

Thanks for the valuable information. Appreciate it. Ben

The Holiday Inn had a lot of construction going on in December, so if you do decide to go there, check it out carefully.

KVR has given you great info and recommendations. It is all right there. We own a timeshare at Divi. As someone else commented it is difficult not knowing your budget.

The Divi Phoenix is a lovely hotel.All rooms have an ocean view. The holiday inn is probably the most budget friendly in a great location.

There is another site aruba.com go to forums. There is a wealth of info there from recent travelers dedicated to Aruba only. Do not do a/I in Aruba. Way to many great places to dine. Have fun.

Thanks, diann24. Appreciate the information. The forum sounds like a good source. I'll check it out. I've checked out and found some good hotels between $200-$300. Looking forward to the July visit.

There are 2 main areas of hotels in Aruba: the high-rise area and the low-rise area. The main difference is that the high rise area has most of the high rise resorts (duh, right?) and is a lot busier than the low rise area. There are more restaurants there, and you can easily walk to several of the restaurants. The beach can get crowded sometimes, and beach chairs can sometimes be difficult to reserve.

The low rise area has a larger beach and usually seems much less crowded. You would need a car to get to restaurants if you stay there.

I've stayed in both areas and like them both for different reasons.

I hope this information helps. :)

Thank you for your insightful response. Appreciate it.