I'm planning to go to Aruba around April 2005. Don't know which resort to pick. Someone told me the Renaissance is pretty good. What is your opinion about the Renaissance and what other recommendations would you make? Thanks in advance!!!!

My favorites are the Radisson and Palm Beach and the Bucuti on Eagle Beach.

I don't prefer the Renaissance because it is on the busy main drag in the middle of town and it's not on the beach. You have to take a boat to get to their beach.

It depends on what you want from a resort. The Renaissance is in town and I personally would not stay there. The three big hotel/resorts are on Palm Beach: Hyatt, Radisson and Marriott. We stayed at the Marriott and thought it was great! These are the most resort like hotels on the island. There is also the Bucuti which is on Eagle Beach (very nice also) and is a small hotel, but people rave about this place. The Bucuti is predominately adults. Let us know the type of vacation you want and we can respond more specifically.

It will be myself, my wife and 3 yr old daughter. We are looking for relaxation on the beach/pool. A total relaxing vacation. Thanks!!!

I would recommend the Radisoon then as the Bucuti is mainly for adults.

Radisson sits on a gorgeous beach with very calm water. They have a zero entry pool which would be good for your 3 year old. Also, the grounds re beautiful...tropical plants, waterfalls, parrots etc...

I agree with Kristen. I would look at the top three resorts-Radisson, Hyatt, and Marriott. All three of these would offer a nice family beach vacation. We enjoyed the Marriott. The Radisson is newer and the Hyatt is very pretty. Do not go to the Holiday Inn. Some people think they are getting a great deal, but I saw it and it is dated and let's face it...a Holiday Inn. I wouldn't fly all the way to Aruba to stay there. Just my two cents.

Any suggestions where to stay and if getting married there would be hassle free? Or get married by our friendly Judge and enjoy the honeymoon. I really wanted to get married on the beach though. Our weddings plans were to be in Grand Cayman nov 11th -18th, wedding being the 13th. Now, we will have to scramble to get married somewhere else. Delta won't allow us to change destinations yet. Any suggestions appreciated. We love to snorkle, he's got tender feet so rocky beach is out. We may want to scuba dive. We love to party, pool but mainly beach. We want no kids as to we are leaving ours behind. Romance! Thanks

Hi Susan. I think Aruba would be perfect for a wedding. I got married in Grand Cayman last December and was torn between there and Aruba. We had a great wedding though and I am thnakful we did it last year, not this year!

I think the Bucuti, Hyatt or Radisson would be perfect for a wedding/honeymoon. Bucuti caters to honeymooners and has the widest beach. But I have seen gorgeous photos from the Hyatt and radisson as well. They have more in terms of gardens and waterfalls etc for photos.

You can't go wrong with any of thsoe places.

Congrats on your upcoming wedding..after reading your post I wanted to give you an honest answer for such a special day. Having been to many destinations in the Caribbean, including The Caymans and Aruba, I was quite disappointed in Aruba. I mean , the many dining options were great(Madame Janettes IS awesome)as were others, but the island itself is really nothing like Grand Cayman. The people are friendly but the island has an industrial feel and what I call a 'mass-appeal" type feeling.We went in the Spring and stayed in the new Tara suites at the Bucuti..they were nice, the staff good , hotel overall was ok but for the time it takes to get to Aruba, and what you get once you arrive...I know I would look elsewhere. Yes, Eagle Beach is awesome but , honestly, thats about it.There are some beautiful resorts on the Mayan coast of Mexico, that IMO, beat what Aruba has to offer hands down. I guess it just depends in what you want. I have seen clearer water, much better scenery , and MUCH better snorkeling MANY other places in the Caribbean.Just plug Aruba in the search box and you'll see what I mean.

I would have to agree.....I have travelled extensively in the islands as well as Mexico and hawaii....I went to Aruba this past spring as was not very impressed...I may have to blame that on the Radisson....was not that happy with the hotel...but I do admit the pool and beach were lovely...service was non existent. Maybe I prefer the "look" of lower rise resorts...it is all a matter of taste.

Weather and beach were beautiful......but for the same price as the Radisson I have been to much nicer resorts. I actually heard the Marriot was nice and a better price. I visited the Hyatt....the grounds and hotel were beautiful....the pool was pretty, but quite cramped compared to the Radisson. It can be a fun island...plenty of good food and weather.........

Depends on what you are looking for.....since you are travelling with your daughter....it should be great for you......!!!

Depends what you want to spend,With family La Cabana is moderately priced clean, with kitchen in room which helps with family, 2 pools one with water slide the cons are you have to cross street to get to beach although the street is not busy. Hyatt beautiful grounds awesome restraunts try the sunday brunch($50.00/person), Cons expensive no kitchen small rooms. Marriott beautiful lobby grounds nice restraunts pricey. I wouldn't stay at Renaissance it is downtown have to take a boat to get to beach on private island, not very family oriented. Don't go all inclusive to many great restraunts on Aruba. Aruba is a great family place safe water, Clean, relatively safe to drive around and explore. Not like some Carribean islands I've been to where you don't feel safe leaving your hotel.

I have also been to many islands in the caribbean as well as Mexico and the Polynesian Islands. We did Aruba last year and can't wait to go back this year. But, everyone is right - it depends on what you want. We like it because it has the natural side without the hotels to do sightseeing but also has clubs, casino's etc. for fun. We like to 'beach it' during the day and spend 5 or so of our 10 evenings of vacations with live music, gambling, partying, etc. Something we don't get time to do much at home. The water is beautiful and possibly not as clear - however we did a sailing trip and they take you to incredible places to snorkel - I highly recommend the MorningStar sailing trip - whether day or evening - I've sailed so many times and they were the best! We did have good food - did a combination of hotel restaurants, freestanding and then also local fare. We go during peak season Dec-Jan and it is very crowded but we adjusted and had so much fun and met many great people. I'm not a huge fan of Mexico at all but also like the caribbean islands of Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and St. John.

I think I read that you can be married there with proof of prior divorce, and other information or get married in the states and still have a ceremony on the beach.

Have fun!

Hi -
I agree with the majority here, Renaissance is beautiful but right in town, so not the best if you want to just lay around on the beach. The Radisson, the Hyatt and the Wyndham are very nice and I love Aruba.
For Susan Dobbs, I am getting married in Aruba in April and it is honestly the exact opposite of hassle-free. If I were you I would definitely get married at home and then honeymoon there or get legally married at home and then have a beach ceremony in Aruba - we have a wedding coordinator who plans Aruban weddings only and can definitely help you. The rules for getting legally married in Aruba are annoying as is getting anything in writing from any vendor/hotel in Aruba. Wedding planner website is Cayena Weddings. If its just the two of you I am sure you will have an easier go of it than we are (we are having about 100 people). Despite my complaining, Aruba is really a beautiful place and very easy to relax in! Good luck.

We went to Aruba 4 years ago and stayed at the Sonesta, although it sounds like the name has changed to Renaissance. We loved it!! And it was much cheaper than the hotels on the main beaches(at least at that time) Some mornings we would pack a beach bag and go for a boat ride(which departed right from lobby) out to the private island which was very nice as it had a calm swimming beach, hammocks, a nature trail, and yes a beach bar.They had frequent shuttles so it's not like you were stuck out there. Other days we would pack a beach bag and grab the city bus for a buck and head down to palm beach for the day--very beautiful beach and swimming. It was nice being located in town because we could wander to whatever clubs, restaurants, shops, casinos, etc.. we wanted at night.
Remember to eat at El Gaucho regardless of where you stay--magnificent.
We liked Aruba very much. Granted, it is not a lush, gorgeous island. But we went in April, and it did not rain once in twelve days which made for great beach weather. It was very HOT, but frequent trips into the water and the slight wind (which everyone complains about) made it quite pleasant. We felt very safe there and there was an excellent choice of activities. People seem to love or hate aruba. I say every island has its pros and cons, but I have never been to one where I did not have a fantastic time.
Have fun!

One silly questin, Do I need a passport or would a drivers license do to go to Aruba?

you will need a drivers license and birth certificate with raised seal. But I was told alst time I traveled (June) that in the Fall many countries would be requiring passports.

Where did you decide to stay?

The Renaissance. Thanks!!!

Have a great time!!!!!!

The Renaissance was great for the money and the private island was nice with a bar and restaurant.Check it out at in search engine put Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino, you can take a virtual tour.