Hi,
I'll make this short & to the point. Our friends will be at the Marriott Ocean Club -next week for a week. i am playing with last minute deals for a desparately needed break.
There is a hotel caled Riu Aruba Grand--have not seen this listed on the baords. Anyone know it?
Or which might be closer to the Marriott--Radisson or Wyndam. This may all be a fantasy but there are flights & rooms and would like to have good rooms/service,etc. but not for 400+$ anight that the Mariott is charging. They have a timeshare.
Thanks so much in advance!!!
hglightly!!!

Hi everyone !!
I know someone can help me!!!
I'm running against the clock!!
Thanks

Hi - The Riu Aruba Grand was the Aruba Grand until the Riu chain bought them several months ago. Of the people I post with on Aruba boards, it's a favorite because it is on a wonderful stretch of beach and very low key. If you go to TripAdvisor you can find all of the previous reviews of the resort. I know they are closing the resort at the end of April (I believe) to do a two-year overhaul of the whole resort, add another building, restaurants, etc. Of all the resorts you list I believe the Radisson is the closest to the Marriott. The Radisson is also considered the "nicest" resort (on the same par with the Marriott) however the Wyndham and the Aruba Grand have their fans. I would say opportunity is knocking; close your eyes, pick a resort and enjoy Aruba!

The hotel nearest to the Marriott is the Holiday Inn. They are directly next to the Marriott's time share properties and are definitely a cheaper option. The HI is one of the older hotel resorts on the island. It has a great stretch of beach. I am not sure what the rooms are like. I am sure they are pretty standard HI, but the lobby area is not at all like a HI. It is a very nice looking HI for the common areas. I would check it out. If you are looking for more luxurious accomodations, the Hyatt or Radisson would be my pick. I have heard the beach at the Wyndam is the windiest beach and I believe the RIUGrand is right there too. It seems to jut out and that is probably why it is windier. The calmer wind areas seem to be at the HI and Marriott end.

Where are my manners? Thanks to both of my reply-ers!!! My instinct is to try for a less built up place. I really appreciate the help!! As always--Fodorites come through!!