Tony Patthou

We're just back from ARUBA, and we had a incredible vacation. We were orginally scheduled to stay at Bucuti Beach, but due to and airline snafu we ended up at the Wyndham. Nice hotel. Aruba has everything! Great dining, incredible beaches, warm friendly people. Aruba and St. Lucia were our choices. ARUBA wins hands down, a no-brainer. What do you guys think? I'm already planning my next trip!!!

Lee

You are absolutely right! I have been there twice, loved it and now plan to take my wife (married in July) there sometime in the near future. It's everything they claim and more!

Sue

I fully agree, Aruba is the best. We've been to 7 island and Aruba is the only one we've gone to twice. It has everything but beautiful scenery. The beaches are great, the food is outstanding, the people friendly, the shopping good, safety is superior, the island very clean. We're heading back there in November again. It is definitely a repeat spot.

Jennifer Kennedy

I am planning a honeymoon in late March, and from what we are reading, Aruba is on the top of our list. My only concern is the cost? Besides the airfare and hotel stay, is shopping and dining out outrageous? Any comments appreciated!!!

Jennifer Kennedy

I am planning a honeymoon in late March, and from what we are reading, Aruba is on the top of our list. My only concern is the cost? Besides the airfare and hotel stay, is shopping and dining out outrageous? Any comments appreciated!!!

Lee

Jennifer: I saw your post and I might provide some info. My wife will be going in April and we try to spend wisely. We have an average (not all-out) breakfast at the hotel before heading out for the beach, pool, sightseeing, etc. Every other day, we might head into town to see the sights and maybe shop. We don't spend a lot of money on souvenirs, maybe just a couple of t-shirts and some post cards. We may not eat again until dinner and then have a nice meal at a place of choice. Some restaurants are more expensive than others, depending on what they offer. Prices are not bad, but that depends on what you buy. If you are shopping for Movado watches, then you'll drop big $$$, if you just get a couple of momentos, then you won't spend much. Always negotiate. We will rent motor scooters one day, sunset cruise one day and snorkel trip twice. We take the bus into town during the day and maybe "cab" at night. So above the hotel/airfare/taxes, you don't have to spend much. Remember to pick up some fruit at the market downtown for snacks. Have fun and congratulations.

e schroeder

Aruba is great if you like slow service small casinos and no scenery. I think people should set their standards a little higher.

Eleanor

To: e schroeder: <BR> I think it sounds like you had a lousey experience but you also seem to be a majority of one!! I was in Aruba 5 years ago and it has been my one desire to return with my husband to see that tropical paradise once again. People are friendly, the island is safe, the beaches are pristine the weather is perfect, even the cab rides are cheap (and this is definately a novelty to a New Yorker). Sure there are time share people all over the town but they have no problem with the words "no thanks". By the way...if you have time, you might want to consider attending one of those presentations. We did and ended up with a $50 gift certificate for the shops in town (which I spent with relish)and free lunch AND Cab fare back to our hotel, the Holiday Inn which was most definately NOT a dive ( and their service was hardly slow). You are the first person I've ever heard of that did not fall in love with "the friendly island" and want to return. What a shame! Oh, by the way, the scenery was lovely. Maybe you didnt visit enough of the island (did you check out the natural bridge?). <BR> Eleanor (who wishes she was on Aruba right now!)

Heather

I was not impressed with Aruba when I went there last year. Stayed at La Cabana. The rooms were clean as was the whole complex but the beachfront was ruined by cigarette butts littering the place. The food at the hotel was expensive. The other restaurants we tried on the island were also expensive and the service was the worst we have experienced. On a few occasions I tried to buy souvenirs and the people in the stores apparently had no change when I gave them my money. Not falling for this obvious attempt to rip me off i did not buy the items in question. I could expect this at the beach from a vendor but not in a store in a mall.Just to order a large pizza from Pizza Hut was $28. Buying food in the food stores was also very expensive. <BR>I thought the locals were unfriendly which was contrary to what I expected. <BR>There were good aspects. The weather was good; snorkelling was good; the horseback riding expedition was good. Overall, however, for the amount of money I spent I would definitely go elsewhere. I did not think the island was attractive.It is arid and I didn't think very clean.I have met others who have been to Aruba who share my feelings. The reason i went in the first place were the glowing reports I read on the internet about Aruba. I just didn't feel it was all it was cracked up to be.I think anyone reading these replies deserve more than one opinion. <BR>P.S. At the end of my vacation I was presented with a hefty bill for hotel taxes which I had not been forewarned about. Anyone travelling there may want to ask their travel agent about this or check with the hotel before they book.

Debbie

Sorry Heather - I have to agree with the yea-sayers! Firstly, us Canadians usually travel all-inclusive because it works out much cheaper for us given the exchange on the dollar - so on all-incl you don't get stuck with any of those hotel taxes! It's really too bad that your first experience in Aruba was La Cabana (we thought the beach there looked awful nice especially compared to Palm Beach - next time, try one of the places fronting onto Palm Beach). Yes Aruba is expensive but it's an island in the Caribbean - what did you expect (next time, wait until you are home to have pizza!). Seriously though, if you go all-incl at the Holiday Inn and bring a little extra for that one or two dinners off the resort, some island trips, and some shopping, you can still do two weeks for cheaper than any of the high end places Aruba or any other island! <BR>

Lisa

There are different opinions here on Aruba, but yes this is the Caribbean. You are in another part of the world where things are not rush, rush. Quick service usually means Taco Bell or McDonald's. In addition, when all food stuffs are imported, they are not going to be as cheap as they are at home. I really feel that travel agents must become more responsible in helping their clients- what are the taxes etc? If they are not doing their job, then maybe instead of blaming the hotel, one should change travel agents. <BR> <BR>All in all my husband and I love Aruba. We feel that the food is reasonable for the Caribbean (unless you want to go to Jamaica all-inclusive, but we like to leave the hotel after dark). There are many excellent restaurants with excellent service, remember this is leisurely dining you are on vacation. Aruban people are as friendly as I have met anywhere and will go out of their way to make you feel at home and help, need be, even foreigners. Yes the scenery is not typical lush tropical setting, however, the fine white sand beaches with the beautiful blue waters make it all worth while. Scuba diving isn't bad either! Please visit our web page where we also have some pictures of our latest Aruba trip. <BR> <BR>http://www.angelfire.com/nj/ArubaExperts <BR> <BR>Lisa <BR>