Just back from Aruba!!!
 

Just got back from a lovely week in Aruba. My second time there. It was nice to be reminded of why I liked it so much the first time: <BR> <BR>Beautiful Palm Beach <BR>Great restaurants <BR>Great weather <BR>Amazingly friendly, efficient people. <BR> <BR>I stayed at the Holiday Inn which was very good. The dinners were so-so but with everything else, absolutely no complaints. <BR> <BR>Some favourite moments: <BR>Jeep tour with Depalm Tours <BR>A half-day snorkel cruise with the Octopus <BR>A wild evening at Carlos and Charlies <BR>Watching the sunsets at the Hyatt Pier. <BR>Excellent dinners at Driftwood, Ruinas Del Mar, and Cuba's Cookin. <BR> <BR>Any questions, just ask.

I've never been to Aruba, but always wanted to go. Is All-inclusive the way to go in Aruba? I prefer AI for some islands like Jamaica & Punta Cana. But for Cancun, I rather explore it myself because there're so many places to choose from.

No need for all-inclusive in Aruba as there are no safety concerns and there are so many choices for dining.

We were on an All Inclusive package at the Holiday Inn, but we ended up going out for some dinners. So many nice restaurants and other hotels to see. As Lisa said, Aruba is not an island where you need to stick to your resort.

My boyfriend and I are going to Aruba in January. Since you've been twice can you give me some good suggestions for restaurants, things to do, etc. For dinner is it pretty casual dress at most restaurants? We'll be staying at the Hyatt. I hear it's nice. Do you know anything about that hotel?<BR>Thanks

For most restaurants, you can get away with wearing nice dress shorts and nice tops. Even the fancy places are casual. If you like steak, you have to go to El Gaucho. I'd go back to Aruba for one of their steaks. Also try the Ruinas Del Mar (or something like that) at the Hyatt around sunset. It's very romantic.

There is also a great french/carribean restaurant called "three little birds" that is wonderful. It's on a roof top - I forget exactly where - but you should ask about that one!

Melissa, you'll love Aruba and the Hyatt. I've been to Aruba twice also. It's my favorite island! The Hyatt and the Radison are the 2 most beautiful hotels there (if you ask me!) There is a reaaly nice restaurant at the Hyatt, Ruinas del Mar, very romantic. A really fun time is Kukoo Kunukoo Party Bus. It's a blast! Rent a jeep for at least 3 days and explore the island, the prices are reasonable. E-mail me if you have questions! There is a really good website with trip reports, www.visitaruba.com.