ARUBA OR ST THOMAS???
 

I am trying to decide between Marriott Frenchmans Reef or Marriott Resort Aruba. <BR>Most important; sun, beach, safety, accomodations, culture. <BR>An example of what I like/dislike; like Cozumel but dislike Cancun. <BR>Can anyone advise on my dilema?? <BR> <BR>Many Thanks! <BR>Kathleen

Kathleen, I'm not going to help alot since I've never been to either, but one question that would factor heavily is when you're planning to go. If you're going to fall (anytime near the hurricane season), I'd go to Aruba. If you like gambling - go to Aruba. I notice you mention Marriotts. I looked at the same question - and if you're going to use points - Aruba might not be available. We wanted to go somewhere in February - I had it down to these two islands - and neither were available. So, we're going to the Marriott in Curacao - and taking a small side trip to Bonaire. Diving and snorkeling were important to us. There are a ton of Qs/As about each of the islands in this section of Fodor's. You'll get alot of info here. Whatever you do - you know it'll be better than being at work!!!

The difference between Aruba and St. Thomas is as different as Cozumel and Cancun. I prefer St. Thomas for the lush tropical climate as opposed to the more windy arid desert-like of Aruba, Altho Aruba is just north of the Hurricane Free Zone (5 degrees north and south of the Equator), it can have its weather problems. Aruba is high rise heaven, timeshares and hirises elbow to elbow along one lovely beach. There is gambling and loads of American chain restaurants and just as Americanized as Cancun. In fact, I thought I was in a suburb of some stateside city that happened to be in the Caribb! Altho St. Thomas is US, it is more "Carib" like and offers many options for Marriott properties including the beachfront MorningStar which is located adjacent to the Reef which sits on a bluff. The beaches are small coves and bays and the opportunity to explore the wonderful beaches of St. John and the BVI's are just a short ferry ride away. The Virgins offer wonderful sailing as well. I loved the beach on Aruba but found the relentless strong wind uncomfortable as it blew biting sand everywhere so that the pools were much more popular than the beach - and the fans call 'em breezes ... NOT!! But Aruba does offer more of somethings that you might enjoy - gambling, casinos and hotel shows, the familiarity of the restaurants just like home (and some good "local" ones too -Chez Mathilde was wonderful) but not the variety that you might find in the Virgins. St. Thomas is best explored by rental car and travel about the island is safe but in Aruba you can walk from one hotel to the next as they are adjacent to each other. That is not possible on St. Thomas (other than the Marriott's Reed and MorningStar - but they do have a shuttle also). Good luck which ever you choose. Altho St Thomas might not be my favorite #1 island, unfortunately Aruba is way down at the bottom of the list.

Hi Kathleen: <BR> <BR>I've been to both islands and to me St. Thomas is a necessary evil in order to get to the wonderful islands of St. John and the British Virgin Islands. Apart from that you are dealing with crowds, crime and congestion. <BR> <BR>As far as Aruba being "Americanized", well it is certainly American-friendly but it has its own culture (South American and European influences) and I think it's curious that someone who turns her nose up at "Americanized" places raves about St. Thomas.

I have been to St. Thomas twice and both times I thought I was in a poor Mexican City. I was not very impressed. For a few more dollars I would take a ferry across to St. Johns and have a vacation worth speaking about.

Maureen, you have it the nail on the head precisely and I never even thought about it! Surely, you must be referring to our dear friend, KarenW, who certainly does RANT quite a bit about all of this "Americanization," doesn't she? And yet what you said about St. Thomas is right on the money! Plus the fact that it's a TERRIBLE place to visit! And even more amazing, she "oohs and aahs" over Cap Juluca on Anguilla, and yet she continuously belittles the Ritz-Carlton in her own back yard on St. Thomas which is actually quite SUPERIOR to Cap Juluca (with the exception of the smaller beach)! I just can't figure out this KarenW, can you?!?

And I can't figure out why this has to be a personal grudge opinion place ... LOL ... yup, no complaints at all about the Ritz - especially since Jamie has arrived and worked hard to bring it back! Of course, now with the expansion, the timeshares and the spa, it should be even greater than ever! But, they still need a better beach!:-) but nature didn't provide that for them - it's on the small side. But, I don't "rave" about St. Thomas - in fact, I barely "rave" about any place - but St. Thomas can and does provide a great place for a nice Caribb holiday - And if you do it "right," the congestion, the crime and all the "evils" can be avoided - aside from the fact that it is a great spot to explore St. John (with no "s" please) and the BVI's from on a tighter budget than staying on island! Of course, we are just back from PSV (I suppose Mike hates that too - and he hasn't been there either! LOL) so the personal stuff will just roll right past. Sure didn't see much European "flavor" in Aruba ... but did meet some lovely South Americans who do visit and have vacation spots on Aruba! One thing I can't understand is why the Aruba people take the "critiques" so personally ... everyone is entitled to like what they want and diversity is great - if we all liked the same ... how boring a world it would be!! (and crowded beside) I do hope Kathleen isn't sorry she asked the question that seemed to start a whole tyrade and hope it was helpful.

Hey Karen can you respond/answer anything in 100 words or less?? :):):)

Nope! :-)

Kathleen,<BR>Just thought I would share my opinion. They both have a lot of positives. Aruba is very safe, the hotels(especially on Palm beach) are so pretty. We had no wind/ sand problem when we were there. But it is a balmy windy island. We liked it. I believe the Marriot had hair braiders that worked on their grounds right on the beach if that is something your are interested. Just calm, beautiful ocean is what you see when you are at the beach. Lots to see of course if you venture out too.Also the Dutch architecture even at the Malls is so neat.<BR>St. Thomas has the rolling green hills, and the caribbean atmostphere.Plus you can ferry to St.Johns which is perfect. You can also catch a ferry to Virgin Gorda and Tortala they just take a while to get to. Hope you have fun and let us know what you diecide

Aruba. The culture is great -- the island is Dutch and has a strong Dutch influence, but it's also only 20 miles from Venezuela, so the South American feel is strong. The beaches are beautiful and the island is extremely safe. Enjoy.<BR>

Will take Aruba over St. Thomas anytime.<BR>It is the way Grand Cayman and Kaui were 15 years ago. In my opinion, very undeveloped as a whole. Yes, it is arid and does not have the lush, tropical greenery of St. Thomas. I found the snorkeling good at several spots around the island. The east side of the island has not changed much since the first settlers. People are friendly and helpful. I have been there twice and plan on returning in several months.<BR>