We are a gay male couple who are traveling to Aruba for a week in October. Due to occupancy in some hotels, we have narrowed our choices for hotels down to the followng three resorts 1) Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, 2) Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino, and 3) Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa.

We were looking for advice on which of these three would be a best choice to stay in for a week. We are looking for a hotel that is more adult oriented, has quality rooms and ammenities, and is in close proximity to restaurants/shops. These are all in Palm and Eagle Beachs, so not sure if locaton wise there is a difference.

We are looking for limited inclusive deal as well (breakfast maybe), and I believe all three offer a variety. Price is not really of top cocern between the three since we are flying in on tickets that we won.

Any other general advice for gay travelers is also appreciated. Thanks.

Also, a forth option for us is the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino.

I've stayed at three of your choices and like the Radisson the best for rooms and location. Check their website carefully, because right now they are running some very good specials for fall on their higher end rooms.

The Radisson is across the street from plenty of restaurants and shops. It has IMHO, the best beachfront on Palm Beach. The beachfront is much wider and less crowded than the narrow strip at The Hyatt. It's also much closer to town than the Marriott, which is all the way down at the other end of Palm Beach.

Since there are so many reasonable restaurants in Aruba, I'd highly recommend not taking any kind of inclusive plan. The food at Gilligans is mediocre at best, and there are tons of restaurants to choose from within a 10 minute walk of the hotel, including a Dunkin' Donuts, where you can grab a quick and cheap breakfast.

All three hotels should be mostly "adult-oriented" in October, since most kids will be in school.

I agree with the Radisson. It gets the most recommendations. Look on their web-site as they usually over meal/beverage credits. X amount for so many nights stayed. It's a good option for breakfast and drinks. All three choices are on Palm Beach. There are many restaurants, bars, shopping and entertainment within walking distance in the Palm Beach area. Not so much in the Eagle Beach area.

The Renaissance is located downtown and not on the beach. They will shuttle you to their private beach area.

The Marriott is more family/kid oriented. Even in October, I would stick with the Radisson or Hyatt.

I have not stayed in any of these for we own a Timeshare at Divi Links. I would listen to the other comments. The location is great cannot be beat. The Renaissance as stated is downtown and I would take that out of your mix of options. Stick with the Radisson. Great Restaurants to walk to and a great location.

Good advice about taking The Renaissance out of the mix. We have friends who stayed there recently and didn't like it, even though it's close to town.

One more comment about The Radisson: Breakfast was not worth the $$ when we last stayed there two years ago, so you might want to skip it and just go to Dunkin'Donuts. Or you could try one of the other hotels on the strip if you're interested in a big breakfast, but they are typically at least $20/person.

Depends on your breakfast likes and dislikes. There is a place right across the street from Dunkin doughnuts that does bagels/sandwiches etc. Decent prices, and you can get free WiFi there while you are eating. It is located directly across the street. The name starts with a "D".Dushis???

Hello, TB,
The Rad is a good choice.

We stayed @ the Marriott Hotel once, years ago. Oceanfront. Liked it. It was @ Christmas/New Years so lots of families. Since that first trip, whenever we go to Aruba we stay @ Marriott Aruba Ocean Club, the Marriott timeshare property located to the south of the Marriott hotel. I like that b/c we do not have to go out for breakfast. Pot of coffee, fruit, cheese, (eggs,if you have the 1BR) on the balcony. Beautiful way to start the day.
You can get the 1BR or the Studio (no full kitchen).

You can check sites such as www.redweek.com
www.tug2.net
for rentals at Marriott's Aruba Ocean Club and Marriott's Aruba Surf Club which is another Marriott TS property located south of the Ocean Club ( closer to Radisson) and also for any other timeshare property on Palm Beach and Eagle Beach.

Enjoy Aruba! Wherever you stay, try to have at least one dinner on the beach @ Marriott's Simply Fish restaurant.

OB1

Thanks everyone. We booked a week at the Radisson hotel. Based on all the comments it seemed more ideal for us, including location and crowds.

Now, trying to decide if we should rent a car for a few days to explore the island.....we don't want to just stay in the resort areas.

Yes for sure rent a car and see the island. If you do not want to do that then take a jeep tour with or a sightseeing tour all day long to the natural bridge baby beach etc. If you are truly adventurous ABC jeep tours will take you places that cars cannot travel but it is bit bumpy to say the least. You will love Aruba. Have fun and enjoy. If you rent a car driving is very easy go up to the lighthouse for a drink at sunset it is gorgeous. Food there was not so good as I remember but a wonderful view. I am glad you made that decision. Have a really fun time.

Great choice!
Have a wonderful time!

Def. rent a car. The roads in Aruba are awesome and driving is very easy!

Peace, Greenie

The Radisson is a wonderful choice, we will definitely stay there again. They have a rental car desk at the hotel but it might be cheaper to book in advance. We enjoyed driving to Baby Beach and other parts of the island.