Avid traveler returns from Arube -- ask any questions!!
 

I have just returned from a great 1 week vacation in Aruba. I stayed at the Marriott, ate very well, toured the island, and went snorkling. I have loads of advice to give, so just ask! If you have any questions about different hotels, you can also run that by me because I walked along all of the high-rises and toured them all. <BR>Looking forward to helping everyone. <BR>Best, <BR>Christina <BR> <BR>

<BR>Christina, <BR> Do you know anything about the Divi Beach Resort? We are considering it for June 2001 - mom, dad, 2 sons and girlfriends - ages 22 - 25. Thanks!

Sorry, I don't know much about the Divi Beach Resort. I stayed where all of the high-rise hotels are.

Hi Christine - amusingly enough we are planning a trip to Aruba and I did a search today and saw all your comments before you left and was waiting for your trip report. We are deciding between Marriott and Hyatt - any thoughts? What was the weather? We are planning to go next summer - how hot was it? Did you rent a car or do you think you need to? Did the Marriott seem too remote? Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Amy-- <BR>The Marriott was definitely NOT remote at all. In fact, I thought it was great that it was a bit removed from all of the hotels. It takes about 1-2 minutes to walk to the hotel strip. <BR>As for the Hyatt, it's beautiful too, but it's way more expensive and it has smaller rooms and half-balconies. The Marriott is know for it's larger rooms and big balconies. <BR>We didn't rent a car and I don't think you need one. Instead, take an island tour. It gives you a good feel for the island. The Marriott concierge set everything up. <BR>As for the weather, it was very hot, but the trade winds cool things off a bit. Basically the weather is like any other island -- warm. <BR>I really enjoyed Aruba. You'll have a great time!

Divi-Divi is one of the oldest properties on the Island. Several months ago it was h9it by a large ocean storm and is still recovering from that difficulty. It is spread out on a very nice beach in the low-rise area of Eagle Beach. It is convenient to downtown, and to the Palm Beach Hotel zone as well, it is also across the street from a casino and shopping area and near many of the islands nicer restaurants as well as a Dunkin Donuts and a Subway.

I will be at the Aruba Marriott in September. After reading several postings about recent crime in Aruba, I am nervous. The high rise area was targeted by gangs. People would come back to their hotel rooms and find the gang robbers in their hotel room. Did you notice any such crime? Is there any way to prevent yourself from being victimized?

Hi! If you have any questions about <BR>Aruba in general and about hotels <BR>located in the low-rise hotel area, I <BR>do have some information. We have been <BR>to Aruba before-- once for a seven day <BR>stay at the Manchebo Beach Resort in <BR>1999 and this year as a port of call. <BR>We are also returning for our 3rd <BR>visit in May 2001 back at the Manchebo <BR>Beach Resort. I do have a pretty good <BR>list of resources on Aruba and its <BR>hotels in the low-rise hotel area. So <BR>don't hesitate to e-mail me or ask here! <BR>I'll be glad to try to give you info <BR>you need! <BR>JanGail

As for crime in Aruba, it was as if it was non-existant. I felt very safe.

How about the Holiday Inn? I am going to stay there in December. Any comments, tips???? <BR> <BR>Thanks

Christina and JanGail, what about an all-inclusive resort in Aruba? And how many days would you recommend staying. Traveling with husband and two sons, ages 8 & 10. Would like to snorkel and a little sight seeing would be nice. IS crime a concern? Thanks!

I am planning a honeymoon trip to Aruba and came across a place called The Boardwalk Vacation Retreat. It is right across from the Marriott and is made up of several 'casitas' which are like private apartments. The pictures are darling, but of course, can be deceiving. Do you know anything about it? Also, a friend told me that Aruba was not very pretty. Is that true? I find that hard to believe. Thanks!!

Been considering Aruba for a while. Saw a deal at a vacation bid site for Bushiri all inclusive Resort that looked like a deal. Did you see it? Would be taking our 5 yo dtr. We love snorkeling and caves. Any suggestions? <BR>Thanks

Hi, <BR> <BR>need to know which one is the best for less in Aruba: <BR>Mariott <BR>Hyatt <BR>Radisonn <BR>Holiday Inn <BR>Allegro <BR> <BR>Thanks

Glad to see report about Marriott -- my hotel points program can get me in there...

In response to the Bushiri question ([email protected]) - my fiance and I were considering it originally for our honeymoon until we switched travel agents and the AAA report comments on that hotel as follows, "Bushiri Beach Hotel, facing a defunct industrial area and a fenced-in beach that looks like an internment camp, seems certain to give guests nightmares these days." That changed our minds immediately! That text came out of a guide written by AAA agents who have traveled there (Issue No. 207 Summer 1999). Bushiri is cheaper, but now I understand why. Just thought you might like to know. We decided to go to the Aruba Marriott, in fact we are leaving this Sunday! Hope that helps.

That AAA report on the Bushiri went <BR>overboard on the negativity! Bushiri <BR>has improved tremendously in the past <BR>year based on trip reports furnished <BR>by their guests on several Aruba related <BR>websites, such as www.visitaruba.com <BR>and www.aruba-bb.com <BR>You might also like to check out the <BR>Bushiri's website: www.bushiri.com <BR>I think when you see the pictures you <BR>may cry! It looks like a really nice <BR>beach in the pictures and fenced in <BR>areas don't seem to exist at all! <BR>Go ahead and take a look! <BR>JanGail

Even if the Bushiri is a great hotel, I wouldn't stay there due to the location. Not only is it adjacent to the container/cargo port, it is also the only major beachfront hotel in Aruba where the beach is not connected to long stretches of walkable beach (Eagle, Palm, etc.). <BR>Some choose Bushiri because it is perhaps the least expensive all-inclusive resort on the island. Aruba is the last place where I would choose to go all-inclusive, as there are many places to eat, in every price range, and it's easy and safe to get around. <BR> <BR>

Tobey, <BR>You made some very valid points- <BR>especially your comments about the many <BR>good restaurants in Aruba. However, <BR>the Bushiri is a great place to watch <BR>the cruiseships come in and out of the <BR>terminal--Carnival's Destiny recently <BR>made its first appearance in Aruba and <BR>there was quite a welcome celebration! <BR>The Sonesta is also another place to <BR>watch the cruiseships come in and out. <BR>It is particularly beautiful sight to <BR>watch the ships depart at night with <BR>all the lights on. Just a few thoughts. <BR>JanGail

Just got back from Aruba myself. Stayed at the Marriott Ocean Club, right next to the Marriott. These are time-shares. It was wonderful. How was the regular Marriott?

Hi! I'm leaving in 9 days to Wyndham Aruba. I am worried about the dress code or standard at restaurants. I'm not a sundress gal and I can't find any in the stores because they don't sell <BR>them in the winter. Would it be inappropriate for me to wear nice shorts <BR>with a nice/stylish shirt to the below restaurants???????: <BR> <BR>1) Tony Roma's <BR>2) Salt & Pepper <BR>3) Palm's at Hyatt <BR>4) El Gaucho <BR>5) French Steakhouse <BR>6) Le Petit Cafe <BR>7) Bucaneer <BR>8) Madame Janettes <BR>9) Old Cunucu House <BR>10) Wyndham Cafe Baci <BR> <BR>ALso, my boyfriend and I are in our mid 20's, do you recommend any cool bars (do any stay open till late hours).

Your dress code should be fine. The clubs downtown get going about 11:00 p.m. and go until very late...

Hi! We leave for Aruba in 2 weeks!!! <BR>We would like to bring our rollerblades, <BR>are there any places to rollerblade???

A fairly narrow "boardwalk" connects the hotels in the high-rise area. I've seen rollerbladers early, before it gets too crowded. <BR> <BR>Also, of course, there are plenty of paved streets on which to exercise your blades. <BR>

How early, before the boardwalk gets crowded??? <BR>Has anyone ever rented mopeds??? <BR>

It is really more of a concrete walkway. It is used throughout the day and night, not exactly like the boardwalks you associate with the east coast of the US. It doesn't get packed, but I also think they would frown upon riding mopeds on it.

Hi! Thanks for the info. Just to clarify, I wasn't planning on riding a moped on the boardwalk, I was hoping to tour the island on moped. Would rollerblading be o.k.? Or would you consider it a waste of valuable suitcase space?? (Especially if I plan on shopping:) <BR>Thanks

My husband and I are spending a week in Aruba and we can not decide on a hotel... We are considering the Allegro or the Wyndham? Any advise

Does anyone know anything about a departure tax? What is it and how much??? When and where do you pay it?? <BR>Thanks

Your departure tax should be included in your package. Check with your travel agent.

We are not going through a travel agent. <BR>we booked directly with the resort and used frequent fliers. So who would get the departure tax & how much???

Departure tax is usually included in the price of your airplane ticket. Check with your airline...

Aruba's departure tax is currently $20.00 per person USD. It is either collected when you purchase your air tickets or you may also pay it at the airport on your departure day.Have Fun!

Hi, <BR>We are a family of six planning our 1st trip to Aruba. Can you advise on a hotel that is NOT a mega resort with a nice beach? Also, any insight on air travel will be appreciated. <BR>thanks.rich

Does anyone have any experience with the Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort? It sounds and looks good but Fodors has no information on it. Is it new? Just renamed?

My family of 5 is arriving in Aruba February 13 for 8 nights. We'll be staying at the Mill Resort opposite the Wyndham Resort in the Palm Beach area. This is our first trip to Aruba and we chose the Mill Resort because it has one and two bedroom apartments with kitchens. At $350 (incl tax) per night it seemed reasonable and the location although not on the beach is just a 5 minute walk. Does anyone have experience staying at Mill Resort?

Christina, I am planning on going to Aruba in April. I need to know the BEST hotel to stay at while I am there. I have a pregnate wife that will want to be pampered. I was considering the Sonesta but I have not heard too much about it. Did you notice one Hotel that really stood out? Money doesnt matter. HELP!!

Hi, We're planning our vacation to Aruba for April/May and would love any advice on places to see and things to do while we are there. Most of our time will be spent sun bathing by the beach and pool, but if you have any suggestions on things we shouldn't miss out on (including bars, restaurants, etc.), any help would be appreciated. Also, is the wind as bad and bothersome as some say it is??? How would you rate Aruba (1-10) to the other islands you've visited in the Caribbean?

Going to Aruba in May for my husbands 40th. Can you recommend some good places to eat. I would also like to plan a small party with 3 other couples, need a place to go?

any experience with the Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive Beach Resort? We're planning a 20th Anniversary celebration there in Sept. Any info. would be appreciated.