I've read many posts on this forum regarding Aruba and how arid it is. I've been to Hawaii and just LOVED the beautiful scenery (i.e. palm trees, lush florals, etc.) Is there a hotel in Aruba that has these characteristics or a similar feel to it? The images I have of Aruba reminds me of a desert! Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Aruba is arid. It's not like Hawaii with lots of vegetation. It has the Divi-Divi tree and some palm trees and lots of cactus. It has a rocky terrain on the windward (west) side that is not really inhabited. This is beautiful all the same and is fun to explore on scooters. You can't really get lost since the island is 19 miles long and 6 miles wide. The leeward (east) side has sugar-white beaches and calm, beautiful water and some good snorkeling up the coast. Any hotel on Palm Beach is good, there are many restaurants and activities. It's very safe and the people are great. So, it's not jungle-like, but it's still beautiful with hardly any bugs and a warm breeze all of the time. I've been there twice and we'll be going again next year. Pick up some literature to get an idea of the terrain. Enjoy!

Can't really compare Hawaii and Aruba, they are totally different. Once you go to Hawaii, you are spoiled. Earlier this year we went to Aruba instead of Hawaii, much shorter plane ride, and my wife and I felt that we wouldn't go back. It's actually more expensive probably because Hawaii is more competitive and being built up. We stayed at the Marriott at the end of Palm Beach and it was very nice but as soon as you leave the boundary of the property it's barren.
There are some very good resturants that are very pricey.
Aruba is a desert.
There are 2 nice hotels along Palm Beach that have courtyards with pools between the ocean and the hotel. The Hyatt and the Marriott. The Marriott is a little newer. All the large hotels have casinos.
If you are into scuba Aruba has some real good diving.

Have been to Aruba twice and will go back. Most (all) the hotels have imported Palm trees and flora and fauna that give the illusion that you are on a tropical island. When you go off the resorts you will find the dessert, the contrast makes it interesting. No bugs, constant breeze, guaranteed sunshine and no pan handlers makes this a great island.

Hi Aruba, is a desert howver if you can appreciate the amazing geological formations and terrain it is certainly a great place to visit. The people are great. We had a great time and stayed at La Cabanna All Suites Resort on Eagle Beach.

Christy

We spent 2 weeks in Aruba this summer and it is great! I have been to 3 of the Hawaiann Islands plus quite a few Carribean islands and I really like the beach and water in Aruba. I loved the breeze and lack of humidity and bugs. Aruba has great food with good variety and it's easy to drive around. Aruba is safe with friendly residents. I intend to go back so I checked out the hotels on the island and believe that the Hyatt, Westin, and Marriott are the nicest hotels. I would probably pick the Hyatt for its central location on Palm Beach. If I were to stay in a condo I would choose the Playa Linda which is next door to the Hyatt on Palm beach and is a lovely property. Plan your trip, you won't be sorry!

We are trying to decide between the Amsterdam Manor and The Mill (both moderate priced condo-types with kitchens- perfect for travelling with our kids), but have not read any posts regarding either of these properties. Has anyone been there?

We thought Aruba was great! Been there twice and can't wait to go back. Have stayed at Bushiri (all-inclusive) which was nice and the Wyndham. Both were great but for different reasons. Bushiri had island trips, etc. already in the price. Wyndham did not but was very elegant.

You can't go wrong with this island. There weren't any bugs, it didn't rain in 9 days (it hardly ever rains since it is a desert) and there is so much to do. Call the Aruba Tourism Authority, go to AAA and check out http://www.arubatourism.com/aruba-bb.html!

hi, i think Aruba is better than Hawaii. I went to
Hawaii last summer and didn't like it much. It was
very beautiful, yet i find Aruba's beaches and water
better than Hawaii. Stay at the Costa Linda Beach Resort. It's beatiful! (huge pool, beautiful beach, palm trees and flowers)