tennisbum32

We are 2 families looking to go to Aruba with an all inclusive.The kids are are 12 and 15....where would you reccommend we stay

Odin

I wouldn't really recommend an all-inclusive in Aruba. There are so many other dining options and it is an inexpensive island.

tennisbum32

so where would you reccommend that we stay that we are maybe able to leave the resort and dine out. Is there anythin gthat is in walking distance,,,
I am not familiar with Arua at all.

KVR

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree on their AI plan. Though, I wouldn't say it's the best, it was the least expensive and a great location to get to other dining options and activities.

The HI is located on Palm Beach also known as the "high rise" area. Across the street a major shopping complex is being built. Don't know if it's been completed yet or not. There are also several resturants within walking distance up the street as well as a few souvinor type shops. The bus to the Downtown area is also right out front.

We enjoyed their AI plan for breaksfast and unlimited drinks. The dinner buffet gets horrid reviews on Trip Adviosr, but we didn't find it that bad. The AI plan we got was so inexpensive, we didn't have any problem eating off property a few times.

Other AI options on Palm Beach include:

Occidental Grand Aruba
Riu Palace Aruba
The Westin Aruba Resort (f/n/a the Wyndham)

Which are all much nicer properties and more expensive than the HI.

The Eagle Beach area, which is also known at the "low rise" area is more quiet and laid back. Hotels are a bit more spread out. Not as many activities or water sports. Those hotels won't be as kid friendly at the hotels on Palm Beach.

AI properties on Eagle Beach inlcude:

Tamarijn Aruba
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa
Divi Aruba

If we ever returned, we would definatley do the AI option again.

For great info on Aruba including dining reviews, go to www.aruba-bb.com

schmerl

Occidental recently opened an all inclusive in Aruba. A friend of mine who visits Aruba at least once a year stayed there this past December and loved it. They usually don't stay at an all inclusive and found it to be very relaxing.

Odin

We also stayed at the HI Sunspree but on room only basis. There are better hotels but we had a great time there and have no complaints. As already mentioned, it is in a great location and you can walk to several restaurants e.g. Tony Roma.

karameli

I agree -- I wouldn't pay the extra for the AI option at a hotel (and especially not for a full AI resort). Too many reasonable dining options. Even with two kids, you'll wind up spending less than the upcharge for AI (or, at worst, breaking even but eating much better!).

If you stay in the Palm Beach area -- that's the area with the Radisson, Mariott, HI, etc -- there will be countless restaurants within walking distance, in every price range.

GoTravel

We stayed AI at the Occidental and had a blast.

We still ate out three of the seven nights we were there and went out on the town at night.

I just really like going AI.

tennisbum32

when I look at eh Divi resort it doesnt look like it has n=much of a pool....am I correct in assuming that

karameli

Yes. The pool area is fairly small, and it's not as close to the off-site restaurants as the other Palm Beach resorts -- it's a bit farther in the direction of downtown.

Julia_E

I agree with the recommendation for the Occidental Grand. Have fun!

Best Regards,
Julia

jjas214

In Aruba, you can take the local bus and travel between resorts (to their various restaurants) and into the city. You can also walk between the high rise hotels. I recommend Aqua Grill restaurant. It's in a plaza behind the 'high rise' hotels where there are several restaurants (including McDonalds and Hooters)and a few shops.

tennisbum32

Does the Palm Beach area have any all inclusives?

karameli

Occidental is in the Palm Beach area. So is Holiday Inn, which has an all-inclusive option.

tennisbum32

Does anyone know about the all inclusive Riu...is it going to be expensive

TRule

yes - RIU is a higher end resort. I personnally think Aruba was a little pricey (we didn't go AI & spent close to $1000 for two of us to eat for the week). Next trip, I'll go AI.

Holiday Inn is old (built in 60's, but probably the best AI for the money). They do have McD's & Dunkin Donuts within walking distance of high rise.

We stayed at Radisson & loved it. I'm a homebased travel agent & love to go, go,go. Try vacationexpress.com or funjetvacations.com - you can price some trips & get ideas of the different hotel options.

Have a great trip!

animojo

RIU RIU RIU
Hands down all the way!!!!!!
No comparison and it was cheaper than Occidental.