Looking for a great place to stay right on beach close to good restaurants, but not too "busy." No kids - couple celebrating anniv. We are looking at Bucuti, Radisson, Wyndham, Grand Beach Resort - appreciate any info. on these places or any others.

Of the four you listed I would (and have) choose the wyndham. The Radisson is closed for renovations and from what I hear won't open 'til after the turn of the century. <BR> <BR>Wyndham is on Palm Beach, which is very active, has its own restaurants/bars/casino and is located on Palm Beach with the other hi-rise hotels which also have some great restaurants/bars/casinos as well. <BR> <BR>If $$$$ is no object you may wany to look at the Hyatt (also on Palm Beach) or the Marriott. Be advised that although the Marriott is also located on Palm Beach it is separated from the other hi-rise hotels. That can be good or bad depending... <BR> <BR>We are returning to Aruba in October...last visit was at the Rad, but as I mentioned it is closed...we chose to stay this time at the Wyndham after seeing all the hotels last time and balancing dollars versus accommodations. We think the Wyndham is a good value and a great place... <BR> <BR>Enjoy. <BR> <BR>Ayo.

Walter, I would suggest that you check <BR>out Manchebo Beach Resort. I understand <BR>that it is a lovely resort on a an <BR>absolutely stunning stretch of beach. <BR> <BR>Whichever resort you choose, you can't <BR>go wrong in Aruba. <BR> <BR>Laura <BR>

If you want a quieter atmosphere with more of a european flavor, then I would recommend the Bucuti. If you want to be more in with some action, then I would recommend the Wyndham. Even though the Wyndham is located on Palm Beach with the hi-rises, it is next to the Phoenix and not directly in the middle of Palm Beach..so you get the best part of both worlds. <BR> <BR>Here's a website with great rates: <BR> <BR>http://www.travelunlimited.com

We just returned from 7 nights at the <BR>Hyatt in Aruba. Not a lot of kids. Mostly people in their 50's a few homeymooners. It's definately laid back. <BR>Close to Papiamento restaurant which we <BR>thought was very good and the Hyatt's <BR>Ruinas del Mar was excellent. The beach <BR>is raked every morning by the Hyatt's <BR>employees and the grounds are spectacular. Rooms are nothing to brag <BR>about but overall the most beautiful, <BR>lush spot on the island. Reminds me of <BR>The Mirage in Las Vegas.

Thanks for the input. Just heard about another place - Aruba Grand Beach Resort and Casino. Anyone been there or Bucuti, Wyndham, or other... <BR>

I have stayed at the Bucuti many times. Nice rooms and a great, wide very quiet and private beach. I would not stay at the Manchebo: although the beach is shared with Bucuti, the rooms are dumpy.

Bob-can you elaborate on Manchebo's 'dumpy' rooms? We are trying to decide between them and Bucuti and most people say both are nice, but I kind of got the same impression on the rooms from their web site. Thanks, Cathy

I've never been to Aruba before, but am going in August and have done a lot of research and spoke to many people how have been there. If $$$$ is no object, then I would recommend the Marriot Resort & Stellaris Casino -- it's the hotel that I chose and can't wait to go there. It's true that it is at the end of the strip of hotels and a bit removed from the "action," but on an island as small as Aruba, how long does it take to get to any action? <BR>The Marriot is know to have larger rooms and it seems just beautiful. I certainly can't wait!

I would go with either the Bucuti or Manchebo...both on a spectacular beach...the best...I stayed at Manchebo in March 98 and I didnt think the rooms were "dumpy" at all...although I guess if you compare them to the Wyndham or other "high rise" hotels then maybe they would be...our room was basic but what more do you need...it was a VERY friendly, small, clean hotel...I would stay there again if I went back...you just cant beat the view...There is just something about being able to walk right from the beach into your hotel room and not have to go through the lobby, take the elevator up 10 floors, and fumble for your key to get in the room (Manchebo rooms have sliders that open onto a small patio area on the bottom floor rooms)...which would you pick?