I'm trying to book a 3 night girls trip to Aruba for July. Although I generally do not like big hotels, since I don't want to be a couple of girls hanging out with all couples at a boutique hotel, I'd be fine with one of the big hotels for a few days. We are flexible on price (not more than 350 a night) and although it seems there is plenty in our price range for July, I'm reading horror stories about having to pay a large chunk of change to reserve a beach chair or pool chair, and reading how difficult it can be. Since this is supposed to be a 3 day de-stress trip, I really want somewhere where the reserving a chair isn't a source of stress (or require me to get up at 7am). and oh yes, I'd really like a swim-up bar

Thank you in advance for any suggestions - beach vacations are not my area of expertise!

There are 2 main "areas" of Aruba -- the low-rise section and the high-rise section. I've stayed in both, and I think they both have their positives and negatives.

The low-rise section, as its name implies, has low-rise hotels, resorts and condos. If you stay in this area, you will probably need a car, or otherwise plan to use a cab to get to most restaurants. I think the beach in the low-rise section is prettier. It is definitely a bigger beach, and it is much, much easier to get a chair/umbrella on the beach. You don't have to get out early to get a chair.

The high-rise section is where all the big-name hotels and resorts are. The area is very busy, and if you stay there you really don't need a cab, because there are lots of restaurants within walking distance. The beach is more narrow in that area, and during most times of the year, and maybe during all times now, you have to get up early and get in line to get a chair on the beach. One time we left our things on our chairs/umbrella to get in the ocean, and when we came back, someone had moved our stuff to the sand and put her stuff under our umbrella. We had to go get an attendant to make her move. I liked being in the busy area and being able to walk everywhere, but I did not like having to stand in line early in the mornings to reserve a beach chair/umbrella.

I hope this helps a little. Have fun in Aruba!


So it's really a matter of choice.

Try BUCUTI. It's in the low-rise section. Friends of mine recently stayed there and reported back that the rooms, service, beach, location were all fabulous. And no having to run to the beach early in the AM as I have done at both the now Hilton or Hyatt!

Thanks both for your feedback - I appreciate it!