Aruba-Where to Stay?
 

My wife and I are making our first trip to Aruba in April, 98. We are prepared to spend some money on accomodations but are not sure as to the choices. We want to be close to a good beach, and good restaurants, casinos not required. Any suggestions re. condos as opposed to hotels. Good hotels...good condo arrangmnents?? Names please. Thank you.

Palm Beach has all the high rises which are all right on the beach and you can walk to them all on the beach or on the boardwalk up closer to the hotels. The Hyatt's public areas and pools were very luxurious and the food at the restaurant was very good, though we weren't inside the rooms. The Americana looked really nice too. Basically they all seem to be upscale except the Holiday Inn. They all have Casinos. Eagle Beach has all the condos. Eagle Beach is a lot longer and wider which makes for enjoyable walks. A lot less crowded because of the size of the beach too. The Costa Linda Resort looked quite nice and is right on the beach. La Cabana is across the street from the beach. The female impersonation show at the LaCabana Royale Casino is quite entertaining. Lots of good restaurants, never had a bad meal in Aruba. Eagle Beach is closer to town. The local bus service is realiable and cabs to town are cheap too. There are no beach peddlers in Aruba and you are not approached in town either, except to buy timeshare. The contrast of the desert and the tropical beach areas is quite interesting. We like to stay in Condos so we can have breakfast in our room/balcony and have access to a fridge. We love Aruba and I'm ensure you will enjoy your trip, wherever you decide to stay.

As an after thought - if you are going to be there during Easter I would definitely recommend Palm Beach and the high rise hotels. Easter is a big celebration in Aruba and the schools are closed for a week and the local residents are allowed to camp on a certain section of Eagle Beach. They have bands and stages built on the beach and although we had no problems while we were there, it was a little overwhelming.

Karen Zinck..thanks for the great info. That really helped us make up our mind. I have booking info. from the one "accross the street from the beach" but we want to be almost in the water. Reason: well small world, we are from Truro originally and miss the ocean a lot...Burel Beach in fact. Currently living in Alberta... thanks for the great advice so soon. Phil

Stay at the Hyatt! It is wonderful. The "one across from the beach" is the only hotel on any vacation I have ever moved out of after one night. We have been to Aruba many times, and thought we would give the LaCabana a try. Couldn't stand it! I would rather stay at the old and funky Holiday Inn. Palm Beach really is lovely. Anyway, the Hyatt is excellent - we are repeat guests. We can't wait to try the Marriott since we have heard nothing but great reports from friends. Hope you have a terrific vacation!

The Marriott Hotel is one of the newest hotels in Aruba right now, and definitely the best place to stay on the island. You won't regret it. Make sure you see the north side of the island.