Jan

We're considering booking a week at Sonesta Suites in July -- four adults, two kids. My husband and I have stayed several times at Divi Divi (loved it), but Sonesta Suites has a great Kids' Program. Questions: being "in town," does the hotel lose a lot of Caribbean "charm" and ambience? Is it a pain to take the motor launch to the private island to get to a good beach? Thanks in advance for your helpfulness -- Jan

Sue

Hi Jan

We've stayed at Sonesta Suites twice and loved it. We loved being downtown> The pool there is great, the staff very friendly. The trip to the private island is fun. It takes only a few minutes to get there and the beaches are nice. Sonesta Suites boasts a small beach but it is not worth spending the time at that beach. If I go back to Aruba, I will stay at Sonesta Suites again. Hope this helps you o

Jan

Dear Sue -- Thanks so much for the great information. It helps a lot! Best wishes, Jan

Betty

Jan, Just returned from Aruba last night; stayed at Sonesta Suites and it was wonderful!! It most definitely has caribbean charm and ambience and close to town as well. In my opinion, its the best place to stay (you have most everything within walking distance and the boat is fun & not a pain at all it only takes 5 minutes to get to the island. Your kids will just love it there too (they even have an activity center there for kids as well). You can always choose to stay around one of the 2 pools instead of the island. My husband loves to gamble, so he walked just about 2 minutes away to the casino and I ventured into town by myself to shop. I think staying in town is wonderful - you have everything at your fingertips and the charm of the city as well. You most certainly get a taste of the warm Aruban charm and hospitality. We also took in tours, so email me if there anything else you would like to know. We can't wait to go back to the Suites again next year. Enjoy!!!!! Betty

Jan

Dear Betty:

Thank you so much for your vivid and extremely helpful report on Sonesta Suites! We booked our trip there today, and really appreciate all of your great information.

Jan

Judy

Hi Jan,
My husband and I stayed there a few years ago. We loved the hotel itself and the location. The motor launch was fast and fun (you might get sprayed though). It wasn't a problem at all -- the private island is heavenly. On the downside, our room overlooked the parking lot and the fabric on the chairs was black with mildew. The unit itself was absolutely fine though -- a perfect efficiency unit. It was nice being near the town. There was a GREAT Argentina (mostly grilled meat) Restaurant within walking distance.

Jan

Judy -- thanks very much for sharing your experience. It makes me even MORE eager to go! We've booked a week there in July, and I'm really looking forward to it. (Now, onto the treadmill ...)

Jan