My girlfriend and I, twenty somethings, but not huge night life people, are going to Aruba the last week in August. We are trying to choose between staying at the Amsterdam Manor, Westin or (if it is really worth it) Bucuti. We are not interested in all-inclusive, but would like the place to have good (not too over-priced) drinks and breakfast/lunch food in case we want to stick around. We are most interested in having a relaxing time. We are hoping to spend a lot of time snorkeling and swimming. Where would you go?

Forgot to mention also considering Manchebo. Thanks!

DH and I have plans to stay at the Radisson. We booked thru Players Choice and got a free breakfast daily as well as a $200 beverage credit. In case you are interested the number is 1-800-79ARUBA.

We are planning a return trip and our choice is the Amsterdam Manor. Location - It's the first hotel starting on Eagle Beach. Still close to the dining, bars and shopping on Palm Beach, but just far away enough for it to be quite. Their beach is across a street from the hotel, and has a beach bar. Their stretch of beach is very nice. Also, there is a bus stop right out front that will take you to either the Palm Beach area or downtown. The room have kitchenettes. Take the bus down the road to Ling & Sons and buy a few stock itmes and take a cab back. From our departure point, the Amsterdam Manor is the less expensive hotel of all the hotels you listed.


The other hotels you listed are much farther down Eagle beach to Druiff Beach, (except the Westin) so location was not good for what we are looking for. However, Divi greats really good reviews. The Manchebo is adults only. Westin is the first hotel starting on Palm Beach. It's a high rise hotel. I like the offers that the Radisson is giving, but didn't want to stay on Palm Beach again. Eagle Beach is just nicer and less crowded. We stayed at the Holiday Inn last time for location and price in the Palm Beach area.

KVR has a lot of great information but I have to correct one thing. Manchebo is not an adults only hotel. There were children staying at the hotel when we were there. They didn't have a lot of kids running around but there were a few. We saw them at breakfast and mostly at the pool during the day. I was surprised one evening at happy hour when a couple had their children sitting with them at the semicircular bar. Don't let that deter you from considering Manchebo. The small amount of children that they had there were not bothersome.

The Manchebo must have changed their policy. It was the only adult's only hotel in Aruba. I noticed on several sites that it now states "caters to couples and honeymooners". I agree that a small amount of children would not be an issue.

I also see that they are now offering an AI plan. If memory serves correct they didn't in the past.

Thanks very much for your responses. We are now leaning strongly towards the Amsterdam, but have heard that its beds are really uncomfortable, is that right?

I don't have first hand knowledge of the beds at Amsterdam Manor. They did just remodel the rooms a couple of years ago. Sometimes the firmness of a bed is taste specific.

Have you check the reviews on Trip Advisor? Most are really good. There is a destination expert that has stayed at the AM over 20 times and doesn't stay anywhere else.

We are going for our HM and staying at the Rad because I wanted to be within walking distance to stuff

We just booked with the Amsterdam Manor. Thanks very much to all of your for all your assistance.

That's great. What room did you book? Please post a review when you return as we are going in the near future and would be intereated in hearing you're thoughts.

Amsterdam Manor is a great place. I haven't stayed there but I visit many friends who have stayed there and only there for more than 5 years in a row. It is quiet and their beach is nice, especially in the morning. Only a few minutes away is a restaurant called the Screaming Eagle, it is my favorite on the island.

Enjoy your stay in Aruba, maybe see you there as I'll be on-island in August, too.

I've stayed at the Westin 2x (well actually the first time it was the Wyndham.
I booked my trip using priceline and saved a boatload! I think it was accepted at about $110 a night.

IMO, Priceline is the way to go for Aruba. There are plenty of great resorts and if you choose the "resort" category, you cant go wrong.

Enjoy your trip!

ZDave..report back where you stayed.

Thinking of going in Sept..anyone stay at the Marriott..nice?
Been close to St. Lucia and Barbados but never Aruba.
Hear its windier than other islands..true?

Aruba was very windy but it didn't bother me. It cooled us down since it was so hot outside. Make sure you wear sunglasses on the beach so you won't get sand blowing in your eyes. I always had a twisty tie for my long hair on the beach due to wind.