cindymal

Thanks to everyone on this board who helped me plan this trip.
We arrived at the Hyatt and the check in was quick and the staff greeted us well.We had booked a oceanfront suite with a full balcony on a high floor away from the construction.We did get a high floor but the room was very very noisey(jackhammers).Other than that the room was very nice but not a suite as they call it.The new bathroom did not bother us except that there were no hooks for bathrobes and towels.They moved us to a room on the ninth floor(regencey club).This room had a step out balcony but two bathrooms.We were pleased and it was quiet there.The staff was wonderful in making these changes for us and also reduced our room charge along with a generous resort credit.They should be done with the construction soon and when it is done IMHO the Hyatt will be one of the best places to stay.The pool was beautiful but very crowded with children,great if you have kids though.The crowd was mostly families and couples.We are beach people and reserved a Palapa #46A which is in a very quiet spot and oceanfront.It was always ready with two rafts.The food at the hotel lunch spots were very good as well.The entire staff at this hotel is extremely professional and the conceirge staff took care of all our needs re: dinner reservations and tours.
Our flight was delayed due to the storm on Sunday so the Hotel extended a late checkout 4:00PM and drastically reduced the Hotel rate if we had to stay extra nights.WE were lucky and our flight took off.Others might think it may have been better to stay.

Enough about the Hyatt,Aruba is a fun Island,the people are very nice and go out of thier way to make you feel at home.
Here are some of the highlights of our trip.

1.Thanks to rec. from the bb we sailed on the Tranquillo.It was a great trip and was not crowded(12 adults).
2.ABC - 1/2 day jeep tour,very interesting and we loved swimming in the Natural pool.
3.Jewlery shopping downtown-beautiful jewlery and fun places to have a drink.
4.Relaxing on the beach and swimming in the Ocean(Special thanks to kayrob for telling us to reserve a palapa)
5.Meeting new friends and winning at the Blackjack tables

I found the dining in Aruba excellent.There was only one restaurant out of eight that we were diappointed in.

1.Footprints-excellent food,presentation was somewhat commercial but it was nice to dine on the sand and watch the sunset.I liked this restaurant but I would not choose this for your special romantic dinner on the beach.Pampered in Paradise,Simply fish would probably be a better choice.
2.Le Dome-The food was very good,excellent service and nice atmosphere.
3.Ventanas Del Mar-Excellent meal-the chef from Matilde is now there.The food is almost as good as the view.Highly rec.this restaurant for couples.
4.Flying Fishbone-I now know why everyone loves this place.We loved it and it is certainly worth the trip(25-30 minutes).Definitely try and catch the sunset.Oh and we loved our meals as well
5.Sreaming Eagle-Excellent food and I believe they have the same owners as the Flying Fishbone.Trendy elegant Manhattan atmosphere,great for honeymooners as they have beds in the bar area.
6.Papiamento-Great food with a romantic atmosphere,Ask to sit poolside.we loved this restaurant.
7-Madame Jeanettes-Great food-nice garden with music,great for families.We liked this restaurant but thought the atmosphere was not authentic.Also be sure not to sit under the deck as it can be warm.
8.Mirandi-Casual nice atmosphere but I have to say the food was not good.They are moving so maybe things will improve.
Hope this report was helpful.
Enjoy your trip to Aruba.
We also checked out some of the other Hotels.
The radison looked nice but is in need of a facelift
The Riu on the outside to me looks like a unfinished piece of pottery and the lobby looked tacky.Agree with Wally about the landscaping.
The Occidental looked Ok but eveyone was complaining about the service
Walked by the Holiday Inn .Yuck

schmerl

Thanks for the report.
What is the charge for reserving a palapa? I wasn't aware you could do that. Great idea!

cindymal

$25 dollars per day.Well worth it as finding a spot on the beaches of Aruba seems to be tricky.I normally would not want to pay extra for a spot on the beach but this really helped to make the trip enjoyable.To me waiting on line early AM for a spot on the beach is unacceptable.

owa

cindymal thanks for the report.

In November we will arrive to Aruba from Bonaire at 0930. We don't leave until 1630 for the states. How were departure lines? I'm wondering if it pays to even leave the airport, although that would be a long time to sit at the airport. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. owa

shirleyk

Would you please say a little more about the Tranquillo. We are going in November and thinking of trying it out. Is it peaceful and relaxing or noisy with loud music blaring? Anything you can tell me will be greatly appreciated.

cindymal

owa-The lines were not long.I still would allow for 1 hr and 15 just in case.The town is only 5-10 minutes away and you can see most of it in about 1-2 hrs.The jewlery shopping is fun and there are some nice restaurants in town and on the harbor.I think it is definitely worth checking out.There are always taxis in town and at the airport.
The renaisance hotel is located in town and the taxis are always there.
Shirleyk-The Tranquilo is very relaxing.They do play music and serve drinks which makes the trip social.This is definitely the trip you should take if you are looking for a less crowded relaxing but fun trip.