has any one stayed in the marriot resort and stellaris casino in aruba? i would like to go on my honeymoon in early july..

I just got back from Aruba. The Marriott is nice and modern. But, it has no atmosphere. The Hyatt was much, much nicer. Go to the Marriott for Sunday Brunch though, a very good deal. We also found the most romantic restaurant on the island to be Flying Fishbone. As for a table in the water. Yes, in the water. All the tables are in the sand. If you get one near the water, you dangle your feet in while you eat. Terrific place. Not cheap, but worth it.

Agree w/ Ellen. For your honeymoon you want something really special. So skip Marriott & go w/ Hyatt or possibly Radisson. We stayed @ Marriott last winter & were disappointed ( staff with big attitude, room was basic, not 5 star for sure...uncomfortable bed, faded bedspread & dirty too, strange odor that we could not pinpoint....kind of musty....management not willing to respond. Very crowded. Long lines for breakfast, cheek-to-jowl @ the pool,very slow room service & messed up orders when it finally did arrive...you don't want this in your honeymoon! But I did read somewhere that the Marriott timeshares next door are very nice so maybe you shd. check that out.)

Totally agree with the above statements. Let me add something here; we have stayed at the Hyatt many of times & will most likely do it again. The Ruinas del Mar restaurant there is superb, especially if you are honeymooning. Make a reservation for a least one night for dining on the beach by candlelight! It will cost a little more, but you will always remember the occassion. The only other thing I might add is that the Raddison has nice balconys where the Hyatt dosen't. The Radison spent a lot of money on upgrading their hotel which is now the top hotel next to Hyatt. They are both located on Plam Beach. Another place to dine is at the Tierra Del Sol Ventanas del Mar Restaurant at the Clubhouse for romantic dining, sunset & breathtaking views. You can see the California Lighthouse & you will need reservations & its expensive. Another place to dine is at the California Lighthouse, also for sunsets & beautiful views. Madame Janette's, El Gaucho, Chez Mathilde for French dining, Avallones & La Trattoria El Faro Blanco for Italian with spectacular sunset views. Forgot one, try Brisas Del Mar too you sit on the patio overlooking the ocean & has great seafood. Hope this helps & pre congrats!

To the top!(we are also thinking of Aruba & would like to hear more comments & suggestions. I have printed the restaurant rec's above! Thanks!)

Well Topper, what are you interested in, horse back rideing, a lot of people do it for whatever reasons. Here are some of my recommendations: Rancho Del Campo, Rancho Notorious or Rancho El Paso.<BR><BR>How about some partying recommendations like Aruban Adventures, Tatto party cruises for diner & danceing ( a very nice boat) or Kukoo Kunuku tours for dinner & barhopping on a bus, try the Mi Dushi sunset cruise & Mambo Jambo's for nightlife! Aruba has a nice national park called Arikok which you can ride the horses there if you want. How about some kayaking! How about going under water with Atlantis submarine tour. You like snorkeling or scuba diving, try Jolly Pirates on this charming teak and mahogany schooner. If you like more water sports try Pelican Adventures, they also have sunset cruises. The last thing I can suggest is the golfing at Terra Del Sol or even stay there in one of there condo's, its very nice & private but very expensive! I like to golf so go in the morning id you can get the tee time or playing in the afternoon for a lot less money but very hot! Hope this helps!

Be sure to visit www.aruba-bb.com<BR><BR>