Cin

We (2 adults, no kids) are intending to visit Aruba from September 20th through September 29th of this year. We have never been to Aruba, and we have now learned that the Radisson is just about sold-out (as it is hosting a large poker tournament), and we know that the Hyatt is undergoing renovations. So, we need advice as we are looking for something as "high end" as possible (great pools, great beach, great resort). Any ideas and/or advice would be most helpful! Thanks for your time!

rachelleasu

Oh how I LOVE Aruba... Ok, so on our honeymoon my husband and I stayed at the Radisson (which will be my personal favorite until the Ritz is completed). The Radisson does have an amazing hotel, great location, and great restaurants...I would say that the only thing that rivals the Radisson is the Marriott. While this hotel is quite a bit larger they have great amenities, including a huge casino, large private beach with lots of cabanas, pool etc. The only thing about the Marriott is that it is a little bit further up from some of the action so you'll probably take cabs the majority of the time(which aren't that expensive) Note: cabs they don't have meters but everyone always gives you the same price. They are the happiest cab drivers in the world! I suggest cab 54- it is a husband and wife team that are great to go and travel around with.
Also a MUST- go to "The Flying Fish Bone" to eat dinner at least one night. We went for my birthday and ended up returning 2 more times on our 10 day trip. Get to know the waiters and make sure you make reservations either before you go or as soon as you arrive. Trust me it is worth the $25.00 cab ride... don’t be afraid to order the chefs special.. You won't be disappointed. I had barracuda last time we were there!
There is also an amazing Argentinean restaurant right across the street from the hyatt in this little shopping plaza.. I highly suggest getting a steak.
Things to avoid: the Radisson spa (the Marriott blows it out of the water)
The Wyndham for dinner- for the first time in my life we literally sent all of our food back and left- it was worse then terrible!
Staying down town.... while there is a lot to do it can be overwhelming downtown because of the cruise ships.. so personally staying on Palm beach/Noord is the best way to go cause you can always take a cab into town a couple of times.
horse back riding if your are on your honeymoon: while it sounds romatic- it really isn't the best way to keep the real romance going...

girlonthego

Like above poster says, the Marriott is an excellent choice.
Another option would be the Bucuti (adult only) hotel on Eagle Beach. It is a quieter beach. The Tara suites at the Bucuti get rave reviews.

El Gaucho downtown was our favorite restaurant.

asp1

if you are looking for as high end as possible then i would choose the hyatt & not even worry about renovations , from what everyone is saying the construction noise is minimal & the pools , grounds & restaurant are not being affected & are amazing ,IMO it beats out radisson & marriott as the best resort on the island.
some good restaurant choices
el gaucho steakhouse , sunset grille , pago pago , marandi for the sunset , madam janette , chalet suisse &
le dome

Cin

Thanks for the responses!
I have one more question:
Does anyone have an opinion on the Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino? I understand that it was renovated a couple of years ago, and is now a Starwood property.
Any thoughts?
Thanks so much!

Auntie_Mame

It's the former Wyndham. It has always been very nice but the Marriott properties are much more posh.

Someone recommended the Bucuti. That has a wonderful beach and the Tara suites are great but the pool is quite small. It is a small boutique resort, adult oriented and quiet - which doesn't seem to be what you're looking for.

You can see the beach at http://bucuticam.com/

Stephanie82

If you want a high end as possible, stay at the Radisson. Their grounds can't be beat. They have two pools the active and passsive one. I wasn't impressed with the Hyatt, there are no grounds and everything looked cramped. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Stephanie82

I forgot to mention, we just returned from Aruba staying at the Radisson on the 19th. The did have construction at the Hyatt, and were working in the lobby, basically there was no lobby and hard to get to any of the shops at the Hyatt. It was an obstacle course. I heard the Bucuti was wonderful. The high rise area is wonderful though.
Good place to eat: Madame Janette. You need to make reservations with the concierge when you arrive. Don't wait till the day before or you will only be able to have 6 or 9 p.m. seatings.

russellnyc212

Hi Cin...My wife and I just returned to New York from Aruba. We have been there the last 3 years and only do the " high end " thing. I have a timeshare however we decided to stay at the Hyatt. The current renovations were not an inconvenience at all. I still highly recommend that hotel. They seem to be very accommodating in giving upgrades because of the renovations. They actually have a few model rooms that are newly renovated and amazing. I somehow got upgraded to a king oceanfront suite. The manager Wladimir was very nice. Please visit the restaurant Marandi...marandiaruba.com. Its an amazing experience. Flying fishbone is beautiful as well as Japengos in the Hyatt. Request the only private outdoor table for 2...very romantic. Hope this info helps!

Carola22

We prefer the lowrise hotel area of Aruba, but it is also much more 'low key'! This is where the Bucuti is located; we have stayed there 3 or 4 times. It is indeed very nice, the best beach on the island (HUGE!), but not much of a pool. If you're looking for activities, great pools and fantastic accommodations, the highrise area where the Radisson and Hyatt are located (and also the Marriott, would that be an option?) is a better bet.