Thanks for the link KVR, it looks like HH is not in short supply. :-)

And thanks Carizback and TGK for the additional info and recommendations for the Radisson.

All I can say is that I would go for 2 days but long for more everyday....I was so relaxed in Aruba, we stayed on Eagle beach at the La Cabana and hit the Aruban Happy hour from 3-5 and then waled across the parking lot to La Cabana and their Happy hour then was from 5-7...I WAS SO HAPPPPPPPPY. I like the quietness of Eagle Beach but thats just personal choice and loved the NAtural Pool....wait I loved it all although I hardly remember the Senor Frogs night....wonder why????

We love Aruba, but indeed 4 days seem to be on the short side if you want to experience the whole island. It's not a big island but it is a great vacation destination with lots to do. The restaurants are endless, the beaches are awesome (all of them), so I would definetly try to stay for more than 4 days. Or you can always come back! I am not sure if you will get around to do much but try to visit Pincho's grill for their martinis and Salt & Pepper for their tapas and El Paseo Ranch for horseback riding on the beach!

We have booked the plane tickets and we will be going from Sept 4-11. We have chosen the Radisson hotel and so far MCM Tours is offering the best deal for the Radisson. I emailed a travel agent friend to see if she can meet or beat MCM's deal. If she can that's great but if not we will book thru MCM.

Thank you all for your replies and great info.

Rent a car and just go exploring. Aruba is easy to drive around - away from the west coast the signage gets a little thin, but it's small enough that no matter what you do, you always end up back at the Oranjestadt Post Office! I remember several years ago taking three tries to find the Natural Bridge (before it fell) and the first two times showing up back at the Post Office.

You can drive down to Baby Beach to snorkel, or up to Malmut Beach for the same (near the wreck that is popular with scuba tours), go up to the California Lighhouse for a couple of sunsets, and down to the Flying Fishbone for dinner. It really gives you a lot of options, much like the Anguilla fans will say about their island.

we had a car for the whole week, and used it every day.

I'm so glad you are going for longer than four days, and in September too! Perfect.

I would highly recommend getting travel insurance for that time period. Aruba is usually safe from hurricanes, but other Caribbean islands that you have to fly over are not. Look for the insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason. Some of the plans don't offer that.

TKG220's promotion of one company was so very strong that I clicked their name. It appears that this promotion of that company is the only post they have ever made.

Keith

I just read this thread and noticed Keith's comment that the person who recommended MCM tours had only posted that one time. I am assuming he meant to convey that they couldn't be trusted and that is was an advertising ploy? Well we are going to Aruba in September for 2 weeks and I also contacted MCM tours due to strong recommendations on other forums such as trip advisor, aruba.com and visitaruba.com.
Unfortunately, as I am in Toronto, Canada, they couldn't do much for me unless I wanted to fly from Buffalo which I did not. However, I did find the lady I spoke to to be very nice and knowledgeable and her prices were really good compared to others. She also said that if I found a better price from Buffalo, that she would try her best to beat whatever deal I got.
Therefore, although I'm late to this discussion and haven't posted a whole lot either, I would agree that MCM is a really wise choice to make if going to Aruba from the US.

Keith, I see your point about how that post might be an ad. However MCM did offer a better deal than anyone else so I'm glad we booked with them.

amarg, we did a hotel only package to Aruba as we are using frequent flyer tickets for air. If you can get a good deal on airfare from Canada you might consider booking the hotel portion with MCM.

P_M please let us know how your experience goes.

Will do.

I didn't have time to read all the posts so if my suggestions are duplicates, sorry! We really enjoyed the Kukoo Kunuku Party Bus, MiDushi snorkel cruise and ABC jeep/ATV tour to the rugged side of the island. And don't miss El Gaucho for dinner!

I ended up renting a timeshare for 2 weeks and got an amazing deal. The owner couldn't go and as timeshares can be hard to rent (too many owners bs renters) she just wanted her maintenance fee basically.
A hotel room is always just a hotel room even if you upgrade. However, if I were going just as a couple without family, a hotel would be fine.
Yeah let us know how it goes with MCM. I've never heard of Playerschoice? Sounds like a cigarette company? Lol! Or hardcore gamblers. Are they like MCM? Any good?

A timeshare rental would have been great, I like staying in apartments/condos. Wish I had thought of that before we booked but our final payment is already made.

I was told Player's Choice has merged with MCM so they are one in the same. I'll be sure to report back when I return.

Hi P_M, I was researching the Ice Bar in London and your post came up, the only post about the bar on Fodors! Did you ever go and was in worth it for a few chuckles??

Thanks, hope Aruba is awesome!!

P_M, have a great and well-deserved vacation in Aruba. It has been a while since we have been there sp mo suggestions for you, but we had a great time!

P_M, have a wonderful trip relaxing and exploring Aruba. I'm so glad you are able to go! ((h))

Thanks Marianna and BG, I am so looking forward to this.

Jayneann, I never went to the Ice Bar but I might still give it a try someday. If you do go I would love to hear about it.

Hi P_M! Thanks for getting back to me. I'll let you know if we go! :)