Christina

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.
Looking forward to helping everyone.
Best,
Christina

Barbara

Christina,
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!

Christina

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

Amy

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.

Christina

Hi Amy--
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.
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.
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.
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.
I really enjoyed Aruba. You'll have a great time!

Aruba Dave

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.

Kerry

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?

JanGail

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

Christina

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

Frank

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

Thanks

Laurie

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!

Angie

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!!

Robb

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?
Thanks

Hope

Hi,

need to know which one is the best for less in Aruba:
Mariott
Hyatt
Radisonn
Holiday Inn
Allegro

Thanks

realpost

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

Liz

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.

JanGail

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

tobey

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.).
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.

JanGail

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

Karen

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?