If you had the choice of Aruba, Cancun or the U.S. Virgin Islands, which would you pick? Have to stay on a island with a Marriott, because of points. Have been to Jamaica, Caymans, Cozumel. Thank you.

You don't say what your interests are or what you look for in a vacation, so it's hard to say which you would prefer. I, personally, would choose Aruba. I have friends who stay at the Marriott there and love it.

Aruba easy win

Virgin Islands are more picturesque...at least above the water.

Aruba, Aruba,Aruba - hands down!

Both Aruba and Cancun don't have much Carib feel but are more like a traditional Florida vacation with familiar outlets, crowds and American "style." I disliked both because of the highrise syndrome with hotels marching elbow to elbow down the beach. Cancun is a gateway to the Mayan Riviera and the wonderful history and peoples of that area tho so there is lots to explore outside of the Hotel Strip of Cancun. St. Thomas you have a choice of three Marriott properties each one very distinctive. Good proximity to lovely St. John and the BVI's for day trips and a variety of beaches and coves to explore and enjoy. Excellent snorkling too! And great sailing! Not sure if you can use the points at the Ritz which is also a Marriott property on STT. Might be worth checking out!

Aruba was great. We rented a car and explored the island and had great fun. The Marriott there is also a fantastic place.

Disagree strongly with Heather who said Marriott in Aruba was 'fantastic'. Heather, when were you there? ( Perhaps it has been redecorated since we were there last winter). The rooms were very basic, pool was packed with people, service was lacking. My husband spoke with management & they said there was nothing they could do! Oh, & their breakfast restaurant was always crowded ( we tried arriving at various times throughout the morning hoping to find a less crowded time but no luck) & the coffee was always cold!

Have not stayed at the Mariott in Aruba but have to agree with the Aruba vote. The other two aren't even in the same category as Aruba.

Been to all three. Aruba wins hands down. Radisson Aruba is best resort on island.

Would never return to Aruba or Cancun. Nitemare on Caribbean Street! Both of them. Busy crowded aggressive Americans mostly from the North East (Boston and NY) all looking for a bargain. Party happy and drinking morning to nite at the pools. Nasty! No ambience or culture. Plastic American hotels with no charm and people fighting over chairs in Aruba.

A place where I can go and party and have fun with my fellow Americans. I'm there!! Much better than hanging out with snooty, boring Europeans.

is that the beer for breakfast, fat belly scratchers, tatooed fightingover the american football games looser group that you hang with? never could identify where they were from since they were never sober enough to talk.

To some extent I agree with Islandguy about Aruba (haven't been to Cancun), but we found that the atmosphere in the "low-rise" area where we stayed was more mellow than it seemed to be around the big hotels.<BR><BR>We stayed in the Manchebo Resort - just 70 rooms - and the area by the Manchebo, Bucuti, and Costa Linda was very quiet. I think the casino-obsessed, chain-smoking New Yorkers were concentrated in the megahotels.<BR><BR>We preferred St. Thomas in most respects, although safety is probably less of a concern in Aruba.<BR>

Oh xxx, you're just jelous. Admit it.