As far as service, restaurants,grounds and crowds, the Hyatt is hands above the Radisson. The Radisson's rooms are a little nicer. If you are looking for a first class hotel the Hyatt is it. If you are looking to save a little money and service isn't a high priority than Radisson would do.

I too am going to Aruba over Labor day weekend and was planning to stay at the Hyatt, however, I switched to the Radisson after discovering that the Hyatt would be renovating its pools beginning on September 2. In addition, even though September 2 is the date posted on the Hyatt web site, when I called Hyatt to ask about the pool renovations, I was told that the work might even start a day or two before September 2.

The Hyatt is awesome! The one thing I like over the Radisson is that you can get your own umbrella on the beach. At the Radissson - you would have to share an umbrella with strangers since there were fewer and larger. I prefer my own space on the beach with my hubby. The grounds at the Hyatt are very lush. The rooms were fine -- nothing special but fine.

Try the restaurant Boonoonoonoos (sp???). It's in town, owned by a nice couple. Great pumkin soup and outstanding Caribbean lobster.<BR>I was very impressed by the restaurant at the Hyatt...a bit over priced though.

Have stayed at several resorts over the past 7 years while in Aruba, most recently the Costa Linda and the Raddison. Would never stay at the Hyatt. Too crowded, too many kids, inferior beach area, inferior rooms. We will be trying the Marriot this time and hope is is not a mistake. We never shared an umbrella at the Raddison and the pool area was the most relaxing of all. GET A LIFE IF THAT IS ALL YOU CAN COMPLAIN ABOUT IS CAPS........

BoBo-<BR><BR>My husband and I have stayed at the Marriott in Aruba 3 times, and will stay there when we visit again.<BR><BR>It is on the end of the strip, and you will find it not as crowded.<BR><BR>Very friendly people. You won't be disapointed!<BR><BR>You mentioned shouting kids in the pool, that depends on the time of year. We went twice in the fall, no problems, all the kids were in school.<BR><BR>We then went in July...what a different. We couldn't get away from the kids. Yikes

What makes everyone think that Hyatt Hotels are always the best? I think it is only because most of the people who stay at Hyatts have an "I am better than you are attitude". They feel very comfortable there because the entire staff also has a snobby attitude. Snobs usually attract other snobs.

Marilyn: You are on a roll today!! If you are happy with the Radisson, that's fine. Does that make YOU a snob because you don't stay at the Wyndam or the Bocutti? Let's drop this class warfare stuff!! Who are you to knock what someone likes??

We'are considering going to Aruba for the first time.I am very confused as to where to stay now!! After reading this thread, I would have to say that those staying at the Radisson seem the most snobby. They are so adamant that it is the best!! And, they seem to be picking at those who like other hotels. Just an observation.

Okay. Thank you all for your input. We are staying at the Hyatt. I like to travel and be pampered at a first class hotel and if that makes me a snob then so be it. A few from my office have stayed at the Hyatt in Aruba and was very very pleased (and yes, they also like to be pampered). And I will definitely try the restaurants suggested.<BR>Thanks all!!!!!

You people are amazing. You truly have yourselves convinced that that Hyatt's and Radissons are "first class" and "five star" properties. They are the best that Aruba has to offer but they are far far far from first class. Aruba is a second rate, mass marketed island. They cater to those whose idea of a tropical vacation is to sit on an overcrowded beach drinking pina colada with a little umbrella, then returning to your hermetically sealed room, showering and heading out for dinner at Taco Bell.<BR>If you really want first class, save your pennies and try Cap Jaluca, or even a Ritz or Four Seasons property. Go to St Barth and rent a villa with staff. That is first class, no where on Aruba even comes close.

Wow Dawn, that was mean.

Dear Leilani --<BR><BR>Gee, all you did was ask was for some opinions and all the meanies on this board came out to make you crazy. The whole Radisson vs. Hyatt thing is way out of hand. The Hyatt is a beautiful property and Aruba is a friendly island with beautiful beaches and wonderful restaurants and I have been to many islands in the Caribbean. The great thing about the Caribbean is there are so many different islands and something for everyone, which is what some of the meanies on this board keep forgetting. Most people in this country would count themselves extremely lucky to be able to visit Aruba and stay at the Hyatt. I hate to see this board become full of snobs. Everyone's experience is relative and your vacation is what you make it. And some people will never be happy no matter what. Have a great time

Dear Leilani --<BR><BR>Gee, all you did was ask was for some opinions and all the meanies on this board came out to make you crazy. The whole Radisson vs. Hyatt thing is way out of hand. The Hyatt is a beautiful property and Aruba is a friendly island with beautiful beaches and wonderful restaurants and I have been to many islands in the Caribbean. The great thing about the Caribbean is there are so many different islands and something for everyone, which is what some of the meanies on this board keep forgetting. Most people in this country would count themselves extremely lucky to be able to visit Aruba and stay at the Hyatt. I hate to see this board become full of snobs. Everyone's experience is relative and your vacation is what you make it. And some people will never be happy no matter what. Have a great time and you will notice, that unlike some other unhelpful people, I always include my real e-mail address in case anyone wants to ask me questions. By the way, we liked Papiamento, Gasparito Restaurant and Art Gallery and the restaurant at Tierra Del Sol.

Leilani, Hi, We have been going to Aruba for the past 6 years and love it. We always stay at the Marriott. The Hyatt may be lovely but the larger portion of the hotel is across the street from the beach. Several years ago Hyatt built some rooms right on the beach. The beach never seems big enough for the crowd. People sit about 2 inches away from the next person. Have fun, Carol

What is this "street" going through the Hyatt in Aruba? I stayed at the Sonesta last Jan. and cursed them every time I went outside. Having two small kids the "street" going through the resort areas was awful. I never had a chance to relax, constanly watching for cars. I have booked a week in Feb. at the Hyatt to get away from the city end of the Island. I dont want to see a car or street unless we are in a cab leave the resort. We checked out the Radisson,(really nice) they were set up perfectly and the kids could walk without holding our hands. I booked the Hyatt for the pools w/waterslide. Hope I havent made a mistake!

Dawn is 100% correct with her comments. Leilani, if you are seeking real luxury you are looking at the wrong hotel. Yes, it will seem impressive when you first enter the premises, but the rooms are VERY disappointing! The Marriott is a far better choice, although it's not really 5-star either, but much better than the Hyatt, in my opinion. Hope you'll post a trip report upon your return!

To Tom -- There isn't any street going through the Hyatt, it sits directly on the beach. Someone may have confused it with La Cabana Resort, which has a service road between the resort and the beach.

FYI, there are no rooms on the beach at the Hyatt. The beach isn't as wide as the Radisson, but the cabanas are at least 12 feet from each other. And, they are not shared.

This is a note to Dawn:<BR><BR>You are right, Hyatt and Raddison are the best Aruba has to offer, therefore I call it first class and if that's what is classified "first class" in Aruba, by all means that's it. <BR><BR>This discussion board is about Aruba. There is no inquiries about other islands and/or exotic places other than Aruba because this is the discussion board, again, for Aruba. You make it sound like Aruba is the only place I've come across (can't speak for all). I've specifically inquired about the Hyatt in Aruba, not St. Barth, Tahiti, Thailand, Hawaii, etc., but ARUBA. <BR><BR>Clear?