We are going to Aruba during the Labor Day weekend and will be staying at the Hyatt. I wanted something luxury and first class so I picked the Hyatt since they are, under the normal circumstances, first class rated hotel. However, I've heard negative things on the internet about the Hyatt and more nice things about the Radisson. Is it true or is it that the Radisson is only being promoted by everyone?<BR><BR>Also, any recommendations for the best seafood restaurant in Aruba? Nothing Americanised, of course, something with Arubian flare. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you.

I stayed at Marriott Ocean Club-at the far North end of the chain of hotels in Aruba. Hyatt and Radisson were in the middle of all the fun daytime activities such as Scuba Diving (RedSail Sports @ Allegro hotel) and tubing, etc. Also, better proximity to ATM and to-go type foods, mid-30's type crowd. Unfortunately I don't know too much about the service of either of your hotel choices, both looked to be well-kept and I heard nothing negative about either. Didn't do too muc Aruba cuisine!

I went to the Hyatt in Aruba 5 years ago and as long as it hasn't changed, it's lovely! It has great pools, and a bar almost on the beach. The rooms are average and the balcony is almost nonexistent, but the hotel property was beautiful....very tropical on a non-tropical island! I don't remember the seeing the Radisson so either it is new, or it didn't make an impression on me. My favorite restaurant was Papiamento. Very romantic...if that's what you are looking for, with great Caribbean seafood...very different than American! Whatever you decide, I'm sure you will enjoy it! Have fun!

JUST BACK FROM ARUBA THE RADISSON IS NICE WE HAD A GARDEN VIEW ROOM ON GROUND LEVEL IT WAS ALL WE EXPECTED VERY NICE,BUT WE VISITED THE HYATT AND FROM WHAT I SAW I THOUGHT IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL UPSCALE PROPERTY VERY VERY BEAUTIFUL GREAT LOOKING POOLS AND LANDSCAPE. SEEMS LIKE NEXT TRIP TO ARUBA I WOULD WANT TO STAY AT THE HYATT.<BR>FOR ARUBA SEAFOOD PLACE I THINK DRIFTWOOD {IT IS DOWNTOWN} WOULD HAVE TO BE THE PLACE FOR YOU. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE ALOT OF AMERICANS EATING THERE IT SEEMS TO HAVE AN ARUBAN FLARE TO IT. ANOTHER PLACE IS THE FLYING FISHBONE, THE TABLES ARE ON THE BEACH SOME OF THE TABLES RIGHT UP TO THE WATERS EDGE. GREAT VIEW OF THE SUNSET AND YOU CAN EVEN TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF AND RELAX. VERY GOOD SEAFOOD. I LOVED ARUBA AND I THINK YOU WILL TOO. HAVE A GOOD TRIP

Please don't type in ALL CAPS.<BR>It's considered rude, hard to read, and like SHOUTING.

Thanks all for your input. We are definitely staying first class at the Hyatt. I'm sure I'll love it! Jessica, I DON'T MIND YOU TYPING ALL IN CAPS! Thank you!

not being a smart alec but all caps is considered shouting for netetiquette.

why is everyone so critical about CAPS -- i'm sure there was no intention to hurt anyone. lighten up people.

Who cares what typeface you use? As long as it is readable! My Aruba trip report is posted at:<BR>http://www.visitaruba.com/guestarea/tripreports/trip374.html<BR>The Hyatt is more expensive than the Radisson, but the accomodations are not as nice. Smaller pool/beach area and rooms with no balcony. Can't justify the $100 more per night charged by the Hyatt over the Radisson or the Wyndham.

didnt think i was gonna cause such an uproar for using all caps. SORRY!

No one's being antisocial.<BR>For people who use the internet a lot, there are rules of behavior.<BR>One rule is that all caps typing is to be avoided.<BR>Why? If you spend a lot of time reading your computer screen, being able to read quickly becomes important.<BR>It is significantly harder to read an all caps message.<BR>That's the bottom line.<BR><BR>Don't like it? Don't shoot the messenger. I didn't make 'the rules'. But I do follow them out of consideration for others.<BR>Please try to understand this.

Really how boring can you possibly be WHO CARES!It was a mistake. <BR>

ALL CAPS is really annoying and must not be tolerated! One must discipline a child to prevent future unacceptable behavior; the same is true for ANNOYING PEOPLE WHO INSIST ON USING ALL CAPS. <BR><BR>Thank you.<BR>

No, thank you.

Great! Thanks for getting your point ACROSS!We get it.

Definitely go for the Hyatt. I was there recently and had gotten prices for both Hyatt and Radisson and found the Hyatt to be less for the same type room. It's definitely more upscale, although Radisson would be my second choice. We ate at the Driftwood and really thought the food wasn't too good, very bland. I had an Aruban style fish that was just okay. Papiamento had good food. Madame Janette had some great seafood. I had a surf and turf that had shrimp, lobster, and tenderloin and it was excellent. When I go back to Aruba the restaurants I will go back to are Madame Janette and El Gaucho - there are others that we didn't get a chance to try. Have fun at the Hyatt.

Thank you cs. Now I'm very much looking forward to going there and staying at the Hyatt. Overall, the consensus is that the Hyatt is the best hotel there even though the Radisson just did a major renovation. Hyatt still lives up to their name. And yes, I have to try Madame Janette and El Gaucho, I've heard alot about them. Thanks again!

Just got back from the Hyatt. The rooms are average, but the resort is wonderful.....very close to perfection(for the price). The restaurants are very romantic with very good food. <BR><BR>After seeing the Radisson, we are convinced the people who are bashing the Hyatt have to be Radisson employees. The Radisson was nice, but didn't have the same special feel as the Hyatt.

I didn't stay at the Hyatt or the Radisson, but visited both properties. Both were lovely--and the pool at the Radisson seemed very nice, but I must say the Hyatt is the one that captured my imagination and the one I would love to stay at when I go back. It had a more magical feeling to it. However, I did not tour the rooms.

If you want something special, try the Sunday Champagne Brunch at the Hyatt. Top of the line.<BR><BR>Ana