Bucuti- Tara Suite or Penthouse
 

Hello,

I'm looking to book the Bucuti for our first anniversary, but was wondering if anyone can give me feedback on the Tara Suites vs. the Tara penthouse. It is $60 more per nightfor the penthouse and I was wondering if it's worth the cost for the week? Also where is the penthouse in relation to the suites? I couldn't see it on their map. Thanks for any input! -Karen

anyone?

Hi! I haven't stayed at Bucuti but have done extensive reserach for my brother's honeymoon and out next trip there. The Tra suites look beautiful and are brnd new. I also know they have a great location just steps from the beach. If I were you, I'd save the $60 bucks and try the Tara Suite. I've heard only things about them. Then check out the Penthouse and if you like it better, go for a future anniversary.

Hope this helps a little :-)

Thanks a bunch for your insight Kristen1206...anyone else who has seen the two?

We stayed at the Bucuti early this year and toured the suites although they were not finished or furnished. The best views were from the penthouse which of course were on the top floor ocean front and were larger than the regular suites. The terraces with the penthouses were very large.
All units are very nice and spacious and all are located in the same building. You would be perfectly content I'm sure in the regular suites, if you have a good view.
We have stayed at the Bucuti twice now in the regular rooms and look forward to our next stay in the suites.
This is a terrific hotel for a romantic vacation, have a great time.

I stumbled upon the Bucuti Beach web site and was intrigued to keep looking. My Fiancé and I were looking for a quiet resort without the loud music, aerobics, and the socialization of other couples. After I searched other places in Aruba including the high- rise district we decided on the Bucuti and opted to stay in the Tara Suites. When we made the reservations the Tara suites weren?t even in the construction phase. We only saw drawings and were crossing our fingers for a beautiful place to stay on our honeymoon. Many people have made comments to us stating that we wouldn't spend a lot of time in our room so why spend the extra money or stay somewhere that has nice rooms. Well I disagree completely. We did spend nights in our room watching TV relaxing on the porch and having cocktails. When we arrived in Aruba we were surprised when we saw the other low-rise hotels. We had to drop of the other tourists at the Tamarjin and the sister hotel. They were squirming with people and looked dumpy. We became nervous until we were dropped off at our hotel. The pictures on the Internet look exactly like the resort. The staff was very accommodating. We completed an Internet check in and we were immediately escorted to our Tara Suites room. When we opened the door to find the rooms looked exactly like the web site we were very excited. We had a first floor room with a spectacular view. We immediately unpacked and headed for the sea. Our pants got soaked but that was ok we were in paradise. We walked to the outside bar, which had this steel drum player who was wonderful. Our Gray Goose and tonics were very reasonable. Only $7.50 for two drinks. Well we soon found out that is because we ordered at happy hour. Our second vodka tonics were $15.00. Well we learned when happy hour was. I didn't care I was in paradise. I would recommend this place to couples without kids and who don?t want to socialize with others. We occasionally spoke to people but felt no obligation to go out with them. Overall I thought we stayed at the perfect resort. I couldn?t have wished for anything better.

I'd be tempted to pay the extra money for the penthouse. We've stayed at hotels before where we were awakened by the noise of the people walking above us (on one occasion it was so loud that I could have sworn they were conducting army maneuvers). No worries about that when you're on the top floor.

I've stayed at the Bucuti three times - twice in a Tara Suite and once in a Penthouse. Here's an excerpt from my last trip report associated with the Bucuti. Let me know if you have other questions:

BUCUTI

Checked in at the Tara wing but was told the room wasn’t ready (wasn’t ready last year either).. so I asked if they would take my luggage on up while I enjoyed a drink at the bar (I’d really been looking forward to a Balashi!)… they said of course that it was fine. Went down to the bar, had 2 drinks and decided to go ahead and have a late lunch. Ordered a chicken salad pita ( $8 ) and enjoyed the view/food for about 45 minutes. While I was waiting for my food, I walked down to the beach shore since I had been concerned about the surf and incline/erosion. They have lost quite a bit of beach (somewhere between 20-30 feet, I would guess) but the huge drop-off we have seen in pictures recently is gone… there’s still an incline but it’s no big deal. Actually, I doubt I would have noticed it much if I hadn’t known about the erosion. On the other hand, the surf was much rougher than I remembered…. and the wind was stronger than my previous experience. Both did get calmer throughout the stay and by Monday, it was perfect. Some very rough windy days before then, tho.

Well, by now, my food was ready.. it was fine, I was hungry and it was food. But it was so nice to just sit there, eat, and enjoy the wonderful clean air, the light breeze, and one of the best views in the world … That’s the best part of that resort, in my opinion.

Well, by now, I decide it’s time to unpack. I headed up to the room (#343) to find the luggage was not there… so I called the front desk and they said they would send it up. So, while I wait, I decide to check out the room. They left a balloon (“We Missed You”), some cheese, crackers and a bottle of wine... Nice touch.

The room was very nice... when you first walk in there is a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances (full size stove and fridge as well as a microwave).. a bar with stools, a dining table & four chairs, & a living area with a sleeper couch, two chairs, and a personal computer (PC). The room had a large flat screen tv (remote didn’t work very good) which doubled as the PC monitor. When I checked in I was told that internet service was included with the penthouse which surprised me because I was sure that I had read that it was available for a “daily fee”… well, after trying for about 15 minutes to get it to work, I called the front desk and she said they would send someone up to check it out. The person eventually came up later and I was informed that in fact, it wasn’t included. Called the front desk again and they said they were sorry but it wasn’t included. I told them that since they had told me during check in that it was included, they should have gone ahead and provided it… they didn’t (first little glitch).

The bathroom was very nice… clear shower, dual basins, old-fashioned claw foot bath tub, and a separate room for the toilet. Nice bathroom…

The bedroom was excellent… canopy style bed with a couch and a second tv (don’t think I ever turned this one on). I loved the bed – it was very comfortable with a few different size pillows.

Next, I decide to check out the balcony… awesome. It has two doors – one from the living room, another from the bedroom. The view was fantastic… I really thought I would have preferred to have a ground floor suite (had one the previous year) but having a room on a higher floor didn’t bother me at all. I loved that balcony… it had a large couch, two chairs and a small table… good times. Still wish they had designed the balconies better.. hate that the view is partially (if not mostly) obscured by the large columns when you’re sitting down…. Other than that, the balcony was perfect. So I enjoy it for about 20 minutes (another Balashi).

By this time, I realize it’s been at least another 30 minutes or so and still no luggage. Since last I called, this time I went to check it out for myself. Walk back to the Tara front desk and asked about the suitcases and they said it was on the way up right then. Back up to the room.. still not there. Finally, 10 minutes later, it arrived. I am actually fairly easy going but by now I am a little irritated with the staff... Glitch #2.

BUCUTI STAFF

My opinion of the staff eventually did get better. But in general, I found the staff at the main front desk to be aloof and not overly friendly. One time, when I called to get a phone number of a restaurant, I was even told that they “didn’t have time”… another time, I was ignored by about 6 employees sitting around the desk chatting (there were no customers)… my key didn’t work in the business office (if I had had internet access in my room, I wouldn’t have needed to use the computer in the business office) so I went to the front desk and said “excuse me” - twice - no one even looked my way... I was kind of shocked by that treatment.

On the other hand, the staff at the Tara Suites front desk was fine (except for the two exceptions noted above)… I wouldn’t say they were exceptional but they were generally pleasant and helpful. I should have dealt exclusively with them but because I had friends in the other wing, I continually found myself dealing with the employees at the main desk instead…. one exception was the staff at the activities desk… the two times I used them, they were great.

BUCUTI GENERAL

As many others have noted, the pool is nondescript and small (who needs a pool on that beach) but does have a hot tub. Never used either one...

The Pirates Nest was just ok… while I never ate dinner there, it was fine for lunch (usually served under my palapa). The beach service as well as the bar service was excellent.. sometimes a little slow but there’s no time to be in a hurry in Aruba anyway.

Oh, and while I’m thinking about it, Balashi beer was more expensive at the bar ($3.95) than from the rooms minibar ($3.25)… and it was $13 for a six pack from the resorts store.

I thought the rooms in the Bucuti wing were fine but I was told that complete renovations will begin in June to make them more like the Tara wing rooms and I think it’s gonna take a while… if I was planning on staying there during that time, I would be worried about the noise associated with the renovation. My friends said they heard some noise a couple of days while we were there that they assumed to be associated with renovations already, at least partially, underway.

There were at least 3 weddings that week… watched a very nice ceremony from my balcony one evening. Not sure what the participants thought about the service, but it looked beautiful from my perspective.

Despite the few negative comments I made about the resort, I love it and will surely stay here again (unless I decide I like Palm Beach better.... somehow I don't think that's very likely). I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quiet resort, great beach, and good service. Also, if/when I book with the Bucuti again, I will stay in a suite instead of a penthouse... the penthouse was great but I never used the kitchen and rarely sat in the living room. Other than the balcony, a suite is just as good, imo.


TARA SUITES SPA

I did have a 50 minute massage in the new spa ($75)… It is located on the second floor of the Tara suites where they have a small reception room and about 5 or 6 smaller rooms. The smaller rooms seemed a little too small because my massage therapist had a hard time moving around, which was somewhat distracting. I’ve had better massages but I’ve also had worse. Next time, I’ll probably try the Manchebo’s spa.

We did not stay at the bucuti, but at the Hyatt (2 VERY different hotels)

I made it a point on my last trip to visit both the Tara Suites and the Penthouse. Both are very nice... but I was blown away by the Penthouse.... true luxury. From the spacious rooms, to the Stainless steel appliances,the decor, to the view... it took my breath away. I personally would spend the extra &60. Please note tho, that I am one of those people who really enjoy a comfortable and beautiful room when I am on vacation, and consider it part of the whole experience, not just a place to sleep.

:) Ruby

My fiance and I went to Aruba in June 2005. After extensive research and
talking to many people who had visited the island, decided to stay at the Radisson rather than the Bucuti. What a mistake that was!!! While we did not stay at the Bucuti, we went to visit and looked at the Tara Suites and The Penthouse. Both are very nice. But if I were to go back I would definitely book the Penthouse! Especially for your anniversary! The terrace is HUGE! That alone would be worth the extra money for me. It is on the top floor of the same building where the Tara Suites are. Ultimate privacy. It has 2 lounge chairs and a table and chairs. Aruba is absolute paradise! We can't wait to go back and stay at the Bucuti!

Is the Bucuti just for couples. We are going to Aruba with our 16 and 14 year old girls. They are very conservative and would be happy sitting by a pool with a book.......

I forgot to mention that we have reservations at the Radisson but looked into the Bucuti and it looked beautiful. But if it is unappropriate, we don't want to consider it.

I'm sure they would be "welcome" but you should know the pool at the Bucuti (as many have said) is very small. It's basically just a small rectangular pool. One of the reasons that Bucuti discourages children is that there is not much for them to do there... no "activities" to speak of. Also you should know that sunbathers sometimes go topless on this beach... if that would make your daughters (or you) uncomfortable (of if you want a gorgeous pool), the Rad would probably be a better choice.

Stephanie

The Bucuti is wonderful save it for a trip away without the girls. :-)

We stayed there in June 2004 and the reason we chose it was because they don't encourage children - which really yours aren't. The pool isn't nice to sit by, it is good for cooling off though. The low-rise area attracts Europeans and we tend to take our tops off at any available opportunity, if you think your girls would be offended (or you as parents) then the Bucuti isn't for you - however beautiful.

Your main problem though is that the Bucuti rooms (the Tara wing is 2 guests only per room) only seem to take 3 adults or 2 adults and one child.

There are very few places for adults who have left their children at home (or don't have any) to escape to a resort that doesn't encourage children, that isn't drastically expensive or AI - I wish there were hotels like the Bucuti :-(

Thank you for your feedback. I defintely appreciate it. From what you mentioned, the Bucuti is not for us. It does sound wonderful, though. We will give the Rad a go and let you know how our stay was. Thank you again for all of your input.........