I've been to Hawaii four times and the Bahamas once. I was fotunate as an only child, because my parents took me everywhere with them. Most recently, I went to the Bahamas for my honeymoon and was a bit disappointed. We stayed at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort, and it was a bit too kitchy/commercial for our taste. The Sandals logo was plastered everywhere, the faux grecco-roman statues were akin to decor in Vegas, etc. (In fairness, the staff was very nice and the rooms very clean). For our next trip, we want to try Aruba, but avoid being a little let down again. We are seeking clean, elegant accomodations with close proximity to fine dining, while retaining a low-key atmosphere. A nice balcony is paramount (coffee in the morning with a view is the best!). <BR><BR>If anyone has any suggestions, it would be most appreciated. If there are a number of hotels meeting these requirements, than what would be the best value? We prefer to spend no more than $350 a night - if lower, all the better. <BR><BR>Thank You,<BR><BR>JNFH

My trip report is posted at:<BR>http://www.visitaruba.com/guestarea/tripreports/trip230.html<BR><BR>Call my agent, Alan Kramer at Pinnacle Tours. (800) 541-7057 and tell him you want a suite in the Aruba Tower at the Radisson.

I would suggest instead one of the plantation inns on St. Kitts or Nevis (Nisbet Plantation on Nevis gets rave reviews and is on the water).

think that you are setting yourself up again. You'll find the same commercialism and LasVagas style on Aruba that you found where you chose to stay in the Bahamas. Why not do a little more research and find some of the islands that have their own culture, history and charm. Clean rooms are a must, luxury is something that you have to pay for and if you look really hard at Aruba you'll find no highend luxury resorts that you'll find other places. Fine dining is a matter of personal opinion but there are some islands that are reknown for great dining - not Aruba. Not that Aruba doesn't have some redeeming qualities but if you are well traveled and enjoy the non-commercial spots, it behooves you to look elsewhere.

Agree with jim and frank, unless you already have tickets to Aruba, it sounds like you would be happier on one of the less commercialized islands.

We started out taking our only child (our daughter) with us first to the Bahamas, then Bermuda, then throughout the Caribbean.<BR><BR>Bermuda is gorgeous in June, July and August - many cottage colonies, no poverty anyplace - very picturesque (and you can ride mopeds everywhere at only 20 mph).<BR><BR>Grenada was lovely also. We stayed in Villa #1 (I believe -- closest to the water), private balcony & breakfast in our room daily. We were at the Calabash Hotel -- their website is http://www.calabashhotel.com<BR><BR>We also love Barbados. It's a little busier than Grenada, but gorgeous. I can supply names if you are interested. Write me directly at this address or at home at: [email protected]

You'll find the most elegant Caribbean and worldwide villas on the Web at www.lacure.com -- a canadian company.<BR>Be prepared for some sticker shock,tho...