Kim

Planning a fall trip to Aruba and can't help but be tempted by the Marriott. We are die-hard Hyatt Aruba fans. Maybe the Hyatt is not the most outstanding resort in the world, but for us it has been the best thing that has happened to Aruba. Has anyone out there made the switch from the Hyatt to the Mariott? How does it compare? Service, pools, beach service, restaurants, casino, spa, etc? Thanks for any feedback from actual past guests of both. We are already sold on Aruba. The lack of crime, nice people, good weather, fine dining, and beautiful beaches keep us coming back.

Margaret

Stayed at the Marriott in Feb 97. As someone that use to be in the hotel business (not Marriott)I can honestly say this is an excellent five star hotel. Hotel has an open air feel to it. Walked down to the Hyatt and it seemed very dark and very crowded. Also had lunch there and food was OK but service was bad. The rooms at the Marriott are very clean and spacious. Every room has a little refrigerator. Had excellent meals there. They have a family style restaurant, a beach grill (hamburgers and sandwiches) and Tuscany's is their nicer/fancy but a little expensive restaurant (execellent italian food). Casino was fun. Great pool - has a waterfall, swim up bar and ledges to sit in the water. Beach is very clean and less crowded then the Hyatt since it is at the end of the strip where the Hyatt is in the middle. Plenty of staff to wait on your every whim whether on the beach, by the pool, or in the hotel itself. Make sure you take the Jeep Island tour - cost about $90.00 per person but worth every penny. Have a great time.

Bart

Hi Kim, we strayed at the Marriott in June 97 and loved the property. We never stayed at the Hyatt but from the common spaces the Marriott wins. Since it is at the end of the beach, you don't have as many neighbors on the beach or in beachfront restaurants. Nice bright casino and Tuscany is probably the best Italian restaurant on the island.
I dove with Red Sail Sports at the Hyatt and ate lunch there - pretty good and equal to Marriott.
The rooms were large and had beautiful views - beach and pool. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Beverly

My vote is also for the Marriott. Stayed there last November. Our room was very spacious and beautiful, large balcony right at the waterfront. Nice beach, great restaurants. Saw the Hyatt, it didn't seem to have any balconies, did it? Marriott staff are always very polite and helpful.

Kim

Thanks for the great feedback. We will have to give the Mariott a try. I am also interested in hearing from anyone who went to the Marriott with a toddler. This will be our 3-yr old's first trip to Aruba. I think it will be fun since she is a major beach baby, but it would be great to hear other parents' tips. Did you use the babysitting service while there? Thanks again. Fodor's is great. I have always had such great real world info for every trip we have taken.

Pam

Just wanted to let you know, that I heard there is a lot of construction surrounding the Marriott right now (condos being built next door). You might want to check on that to see how it might affect your vacation.