Aruba Questions...
 

After reading many, many, posting on this forum we have finally decided to go to Aruba for out Honeymoon. We plan on staying at the Marriott. Any comments about the hotel from anyone who has stayed there recently would be greatly appreciated. Also any suggestions on all kinds of restaurants (romantic, casual, places for lunch) would be great. We just want to know what to expect so we can pack properly and have some definite destinations in mind. Should we rent a car for the whole week or just a day or 2. Any activities that we shouldn't miss while we're there? Thanks so much for any information!!!

check out www.aruba-bb.com <BR> <BR>Very active Aruba-only board with answers to all of your questions and more. <BR> <BR>

I have stayed at the Marriott and it is a good choice. There is not much to see in Aruba. It's a good place to just enjoy the beach. Go snorkeling. To be truthful, the food in Aruba is only ok. Everyone over-salts the food and your ankles might well. There is one good restaurant downtown but it's very pricey. The name is Chez Mathilde. El Gaucho seems to be the place where everyone goes. We found it only ok. La Dolce vita - blaaa. Pavarotti - good. Aruba is not a pretty island. Very arid. The goats eat all the greenery. They have to bring the palm trees by boat from Florida.

I planned a family trip to Aruba last June and loved it. The island has a lot of charm. It is small enough that a car is only needed for one or two days. The island is interesting in that you will find palm trees right beside cacti. One of our favorite restaurants was "Boonoonoonoos". The food was pricey but definately worth it.

I stayed at the Marriott in '99 & thought it was great. They have a variety of room types - mine faced the ocean, but was set back farther than some others; I had a balcony which I used a lot. You'll probably want a true "ocean front" room that's closest to the beach and has a bigger balcony. Decor was nice - tile, island prints, etc. Food was a problem though - if you don't rent a car, you're at the mercy of the hotel restaurant or taxis. THe hotel restaurant (not their "fine dining" spot) was adequate, but too high priced for the coffee shop atmosphere & so-so food. I heard there are some very good restaurants on the island, but didn't try them. For lunch, the beach restaurant was fine -still expensive and not fantastic food, but you're on that great beach!!

Has anyone been to Aruba and Curacao? We have been to Aruba twice and just loved it and wondered if Curacao would be equally as good. Any info would be appreciated. <BR>