Keeping Food costs down in Aruba
 

Going to Aruba in June. Can't wiat! Staying at the Aruba Marriott and Stellaris Hotel. Just learned they have both an all-inclusive option as well as staying on the Tradewinds level which has breakfast and light lunch. Anyone experience these and have any thoughts on whether it's worth it?

If you are already paying extra to stay on the Tradewinds level, why would you pay the full all-inclusive supplement on top of that just to have dinner and drinks included? I think you need to do the math.

I don't know the cost of this AI supplement off-hand, and I don't know what kind of dining you like to do on vacation, but there are restaurants at many different price points in Aruba, and I'd had to be limited to one hotel's restaurants (and probably limited in what I could order in them). For the vast majority of people, all-inclusive supplements at hotels don't really save money ... they cost more. You really only come out ahead if you are very heavy drinkers, and then the cost of alcohol can balance out the loss on the meals.

I agree with Doug. We love AI resorts and have been to many, but Aruba is not the place to go AI. I would never buy any plan anywhere that did not include alcohol. It's not worth it. Now, I would buy a plan that includes breakfast and alcohol. Sometimes the Radission offers such a plan. I would also be interested in a hotel that includes breakfast in their room rate. As hotels really over charge for their breakfast buffets and leaving to find a restaurant that serves breakfast can be a hassle.

Down and across the street from your hotel is literally blocks and blocks of restaurants and bars in all price ranges.

Check out this site for great info on Aruba dining options with customer reviews.

http://www.restaurantsaruba.com/