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-   -   Need Aruba Advice (https://www.fodors.com/community/caribbean-islands/need-aruba-advice-389729/)

jhand Jan 20th, 2004 01:25 PM

Need Aruba Advice
 
I (30) am taking my mom (53) to Aruba in Feb. We have certificates, so we have to stay at the Marriott Stellaris Hotel. I have a couple of questions. For the most part, we just want to relax on the beach, take walks, get a massage, and have some nice meals. Should we rent a car or can we easily walk to the other restaurants? Are most of restaurants in town or at the hotels? We are not into the party scene, so we want to stay away from really loud obnoxious restaurants (assuming there are some like that!). Thanks for your help.

jectac Jan 20th, 2004 02:43 PM

We stayed at the Marriott in October. I would suggest renting a vehicle at a minimum for a few days. Palm beach is beautifull and you will enjoy your days there, however there are nice beaches elswhere on the island. Our favorite was Arashi Beach which is not a long drive from the Marriott. The Marriott is the last resort in the Palm Beach strip and if you are going to venture out for dinner or to other resorts, a jeep/car would be beneficial.

kct Jan 20th, 2004 05:09 PM

Hi, We stayed at the Marriott for our honeymoon and loved it. They have iguana's running around but don't worry....they are cared for and live there. You'll get used to them. They don't really run up to you or anything. Anyway, we actually took the bus into town. It stops in front of the hotel and comes very often and is reasonably priced. We rented a jeep for one day and drove all the way around the perimeter of the island. It is like a desert on the opposite side of the island. There are jeep tours but we just did it on our own. Very bumpy and I'd suggest a car with air conditioning. Let me know if you have other questions.....we would eat at the hotel (Marriott) and walk down to the other hotels for dinner. There are good restaurants away from the hotel but you can get there by bus if you want to save the expense of a car.

Cathryn Jan 20th, 2004 05:11 PM

We also stayed at the Aruba Marriott on points and we're very pleased with the island and the hotel. We rented a jeep one day to explore the uninhabited side of the island (which is lovely and something you should both enjoy - don't think serious four wheeling here). We taxied to dinner a couple of nights and I don't remember the fairs being steep - depends on whether you want to venture out more than once a day I think. At that time there was an italian restaurant in the hotel that was very good. Enjoy!

jacketwatch Jan 20th, 2004 05:36 PM

You will not need a car. You ca cab it to the restaurants. its not far. Do try Faro de blanco, and El Gaucho. You can get a good steak also at The Tango and see professional dancers as well.

girlonthego Jan 21st, 2004 05:19 AM

jhand,
The Aruba forum index has a question and answer forum and is very helpful. We are going to Aruba in the spring and I have found this website invaluable for information on everything! Just type in Aruba Forum Index in your search and you can read what Aruba lovers like and don't like. Restaurant advice is great too. Have fun.....

MrsMolly39 Jan 21st, 2004 02:58 PM

girlonthego - Can you explain where the Aruba Forum Index is? I can't find it.

Thanks.

andy Jan 21st, 2004 06:27 PM

jhand-

you do NOT need a car on Aruba--cabs are fine to go out to dinner at nite and the buses are perfectly safe during the day...

Unless you want to take a jeep tour, a car is truely unnecessary...

Save your money and eat the good dinners instead..and chill out on the wonderful beaches...

girlonthego Jan 21st, 2004 06:32 PM

mrs.molly,
The address is www.aruba-bb.com or just go to yahoo and in the search type in Aruba Forums Index and it will come up. Then go to general Q & A and there you can ask questions or read what others have asked!There is a ton of information and these are people that love Aruba and go there several times a year. They know the island! Have a great trip!


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