Just got back from Aruba - Any questions?
 

Feel free to ask away! My boyfriend and I stayed at the Allegro - did an all-inclusive with a dine-around pass, and my Aunt and Uncle and parents stayed at the Hyatt Regency. We absolutely loved it - we are already making plans to go back next year. The hotels were fabulous also. Both were right on the beach, and we had easy access to the other hotels, casinos, bars, and restaurants. We got great package deals from our agent, and had extra money to spend on a 4x4 tour of the island (so much fun!!), snorkeling day trip, and the duty-free shopping in Oranjestad, the capital. I found there was a nice mix of couples, families, small groups, and more. We met the nicest people wherever we went, Arubans and tourists. If you guys have anything you want to know, please ask me. It's probably better if you post it here, because my e-mail account has been misbehaving lately!!! - Steph

Plannning a trip to Aruba next January. Trying to decide between the Hyatt or the Marriot. Which is nicer? We're in our 40s with no children. Any recommendations on places or restaurants we shouldn't miss?

The Marriott and the Hyatt are the two nicest hotels. Personally, I prefer the Marriott as it is set off by itself and has more privacy plus they have big balconies (the Hyatt does not have balconies). Favorite restaurants: El Gauchos, The Flame, Driftwood. <BR> <BR>We found a travel agent who specializes in Aruba on an Aruba bulletin board and their prices were really excellent: <BR> <BR>http://www.travelunlimited.com <BR>1-800-228-1502

They are both nice, but the Hyatt has a bit of an edge over the Marriott. We ate at one of the restaurants, and it was really good. What is also nicer about the Hyatt is that it is in a much better location than the Marriott. the Marriott is pretty far to walk to all of the other hotels, restaurants, etc. My parents found that the service was outstanding, and everyone was really nice. Their room was really pretty also. My parents got a really good price from our agent. You can e-mail her at: [email protected] - sorry, I don't have her # with me right now. The agent, Victoria, specializes in Aruba, and she was really nice and informative. <BR> <BR>The Hyatt is definetely the best hotel on Aruba. Conde Nast Traveler had a really great article on it, and was rated #1 for design, location, beach, service, food. Feel free to ask me any other questions you have.

Also, other great restaurants: <BR> <BR>Boonoonoonoos, California Light House, Gasparito, El Gaucho, The Old Cunucu House, The Mill, Palms and Ruinas del Mar (both at the Hyatt). <BR> <BR>We also went snorkeling - you should definitely see the natural bridge when you're there, and do a 4x4 guided tour. The island was really lovely.

I heard it is very windy there, is it true? <BR> <BR>We are trying to decide on a honeymoon destination but it also must be affordable.

We just got back and loved it Stayed at the Playa Linda which is great because you have a seperate living area and bedroom. Nice balcony and right next to the Hyatt. Both Hyatt and Marriott seemed great also. Ate at El gaucho which was fabulous and we also loved Flying Fishbone and Brisas Del Mar. Can't forget Le Petit Cafe outside the Playa Linda. If you didn't have the wind it would be way too hot!

We are planning a Honeymoon in Aruba during Thanksgiving week. Did you enjoy doing the all inclusive or would you do it different next time? How many restaurants did you have to choose between that were included? Do they offer a variety? I am trying to plan, and am having a hard time deciding, because I have heard such different opinions. I would appreciate any comments that you could give. Please email me with them! [email protected]

We are going on our honeymoon beginning Thanksgiving Weekend - We can not decide between the Allegro All Inclusive or the Marriot/ Hyatt type place. Fodors review of Allegro makes it sound like it has a spring break atmosphere - Would love to know what you think. Thanks, <BR>Julie

I will be in Aruba over a long weekend in June. Should I make restaurant reservations before I go (I have heard some of them are hard to get at the last minute)? Has anyone done any horseback riding on the island? Is it better to take one of the guided tours to see the more desolate areas or rent a 4WD on our own? Or perhaps a moped? If so, anyone have a good experience with a particular rental agency? Is the island pretty casual (i.e., do I need to take a coat and tie)? Any of the casinos nicer than another?

TO JULIE ANN: definitely didn't feel that Allegro has a spring break atmoshphere at all. It was mostly couples, families, some small groups of couples also. We walked around and went into some other hotels, including the Wyndham, and besides the Marriott and the Hyatt, we all felt that the Allegro was the nicest. We met a lot of nice people, and while the bar there was pretty full, it never for a moment reminded me of a spring-break type of place. If it had, I would never recommend it to anyone. I liked it because there was a lot of life there, and a lot going on. This is a personal choice, but while I loved laying on the beach all day, I also wanted to get out and do things, and also go out at night. We were able to do all of that at the Allegro. Julie Ann, I can't imagine why Fodors would write something like that. Everything I have heard about the Allegro from people that stayed there, and from my own experience , does not match that description in any way, shape, or form. It is a wonderful hotel, and I think you would love it there. Good luck!

TO KARI: We had a great variety of options - there were about 15 restaurants to choose from. We got the dine-around pass through our travel agent (Her e-mail is [email protected]), and found that it was the best decision we made. We really enjoyed the choices we had. I would never go all-inclusive at anyplace except the Allegro, and I would definitely do it again the next time I go back to Aruba.

Is the Allegro suitable for children(ages 11,15)? We are considering a November vacation. <BR>Thanks

TO BRIDGET: Yes, the Allegro is very suitable for children. There were a good amount of families, and from what I saw, there were younger children also. Overall, there was such a nice group of people, couples and families (some small groups), and everyone we met and talked to was really kind and friendly. Also, I found that there were a lot of repeat visitors to the Allegro, and they were really helpful in giving us directions to places, and making suggestions on restaurants and things to do. Definitely a good choice for your vacation!

P.S. - To all those looking into Aruba. One thing I should say about the island is that it really only attracts couples and families. I have heard that resorts like the Bushiri, Divi, and Tamarijn sometimes attract a more wild crowd, but for the most part, that is a rarity. <BR> <BR>Aruba is more expensive to get to and stay on than many other islands, and I think that is part of the reason that the island has stayed so nice. I read in Travel & Leisure that Aruba is now the #1 Honeymoon spot in the Caribbean. <BR> <BR>Another suggestion to Bridget - the Costa Linda and Playa Linda have suites, and my travel agent told me that they are very popular with families. I guess because there is more space, and they also have little kitchens and dining areas.

Stephanie: <BR> <BR>Going to Aruba in June - have all inclusive at the Divi Aruba - have 2 boys (14/17) - I hope there are kids around that age for them to meet. Did you get a chance to look over the Divi while you were there? It looks great from the internet site & the brochure I received . . . Thanks for any suggestions and/or info.

What does anyone think??!! <BR>HELLLPP! <BR>My fiance and I are seriously considering Aruba for our early Sep. honeymoon because it is out of the hurricane belt. I'm not sure that we will enjoy it. We don't gamble and don't care for huge high rise hotels. We would like to have a small quiet beach front resort experience.

FOR RENEE: Yes, we saw the Divi from the outside and it looked nice. The beach was also really good, and I did see some younger kids on the beach. I did mostly see couples, both young and old, and some small groups of people. I know that the most popular resorts for families are LaCabana, Costa Linda, and Playa Linda, but I think you should be fine, but I'm not sure if any of them offer all-inclusives, and they might be a little more expensive. I hope this helps, if you have any questions, post them here and I'll get back to you. <BR> <BR>

FOR VALERIE: If you don't want a high-rise, then I think that the Bucuti is a really excellent choice. I have only heard positive things about it. I think the wesite is www.bucuti.com. It was really pretty when we went by there - it's also away from all of the other high rises, the beach is perfect there, without the crowds by the high rises. Aruba is the best choice to guarantee that you are out of a hurricane's path. If I were you, I would contact my travel agent, Victoria, "THE" Aruba expert. She gets great packages and prices, and can answer ANY question you have about Aruba. I'm sure she would be happy to help you - very nice! Her phone is (212) 740-4601, and her e-mail is: <BR> <BR> [email protected] <BR> <BR>She also mentioned something to me about a really exclusive, quiet resort in Bonaire (island next to Aruba and also out of the Hurricane belt), but I can't <BR>remember the name. Something about it being one of the top 12 beachfront resorts, and a hidden place for Honeymooners. She can tell you about it though. If you have any other questions, feel free to post them - I hope I have been of some help!

Hi Stephanie...Since you seem to be so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about Aruba, would you recommend any tours and restaurants in particular? My wife and I are going next month - we've gotten a lot of advice, just would like to hear yours. Staying at the Hyatt. Thanks a bunch.