Our family (2 teenager daughters) plans to go to Aruba next June for the first time. I would like opinions on Costa Linda, Playa Linda, Casa del Mar, and Divi Aruba Phoenix resorts. Also opinions on Eagle beach verus Palm beach. Any other helpful info or ideas welcome. Thanks.

My best advice would be DO NOT go to Aruba......it's a desert island, with one ok beach that's split into two and totally Americanised.Sorry, just my opnion.

I stayed at playa linda about 5 years ago. I really liked it there. If I went back I would stay there again (or at the Hyatt). I got an incredibly cheap rate through my travel agent. When we arrived we had a 1st floor 2 bedroom with a view of the parking lot! Needless to say, I was not very happy. The next day they moved us to the top floor with a view of the ocean. Nice pool. Great beach. I think we only ate breakfast once in the restaurant because it was very expensive. My fiance once stayed at the place next door (I think that is the Casa del Mar). He enjoyed that as well.

What a STUPID post from sadie.<BR>Where do you get off posting an answer like that?<BR>Mary already has made plans. Obviously has done some research.<BR>Simply wants opinions about specific resorts.<BR>If you don't like Aruba, that's fine.<BR>But obviously Mary wants to go there, so butt out if you don't like Aruba.<BR>Sheeesh.<BR>

sssssssssss I am sure you are one of those who lives at the Aruba BB making it a safe censored place for everyone who dares say anything against Aruba....this is a free friggin country and I'll post whatever I want.STUPID my ass, where do YOU get off calling other people stupid dumb ass? If you choose to go and wallow in the fake "Caribbean Island" of Aruba it's your business, but I will not promote propoganda and I will continue to give people a choice. Obviously Mary has NOT been to Aruba, and with more TRUTHFUL reponses she might choose a cheaper,cleaner,more tropical Island with more for her children to do and see on and under the water. An Island not overun with Cruise Ship passengers and bule hairs.

Well Lady Sadie, where's the choice? I mean you say you will continue to give people a choice but yet offer no other vaction option. So how bout you shut your mealy pie hole and let people decided on their own where they want to spend their hard earned money. <BR><BR>If YOU don't like Aruba then state it with manners and point out why but don't just lamblast the island. Unless your treking in the heartland of the jungles in some unchartered part of the world then I would hardly call you a non humanized (americanized)ground breaking traveler.

Ironic how Sadie hates the "Americanized" feel of Aruba yet waste no time in using her american liberties to "friggen say what she wants"... your so played out..move on

Hi Mary - of all the resorts you listed, I would choose Playa Linda. We've not stayed there but of all the resorts, this one appeals to me the most. It is on Palm Beach, which I prefer over Eagle Beach and it's lovely inside and out. My second choice out of those you listed is Costa Linda. Costa Linda looks lovely as well and gets high remarks where ever I read, but it is on Eagle Beach and as I mentioned I prefer Palm Beach.<BR><BR>Hope this info helps. Have fun planning your vacation!

FYI, I am NOT American and for your information America is NOT the only free country in the world where you can say whay you like.

Your assumptions have most certainly made an @$$ out of you, dear sadie.<BR>I have been to Aruba a grand total of one time.<BR>It wasn't my type of island.<BR>I probably won't ever return.<BR>But that has NOTHING to do with the fact that your response here was rude and inappropriate. Rather "American", some would say.<BR>I was only calling you on the carpet for trying to drag down Mary's trip plans. You weren't helping her, only throwing cold water on her plans.<BR>My response had nothing to do with defending Aruba, or Americanized travel destinations, etc., nor was there any implication of such in my post.<BR>Obviously you have nothing better to do than to try to jump in on posts to which you can contribute nothing helpful, and try to be a fly in the ointment.<BR>Sad.

Oh shut your trap....

Getting back to the original question....<BR>My first choice of the properties listed would be Costa Linda. I prefer Eagle Beach because it is considerably less crowded than Palm Beach, although the waves are a bit bigger.<BR>Playa Linda would be a good choice on Palm Beach.<BR>

I spent many Xmas holidays in Aruba when my kids were teens. I felt it was safe and clean and a good family place.<BR>It's true it's a desert and you won't see lush tropical flora...but I don't think that is what you are looking for.<BR>We stayed at the Playa Linda. It is well located and very comfortable. We visited the Costa Linda. The apartments are more plush, the beach is much less crowded and the waves are big. (At Palm beach where the Playa Linda is, you can swim in the ocean as easily as in a pool). The Hyatt, which is next door to the Playa Linda, was the nocturnal hang out for teens. For your kids, I think there is no question but to choose the Playa Linda. Have fun!!

Really Sadie dear..get a life, why don´t you?<BR><BR>Mary, I know all these resorts pretty well. I always stay at Costa Linda, no doubt the best beach in the island. The rooms are very well equipped and they don't bother with the timeshare sales chat because I think they're all sold out. Service is very good and the beach huts are great..conveniently set apart so you don't hear your neighbors breathing (like Playa Linda's beach).<BR>I would only recommend this resort if you are looking for peace and quiet most of the day. I love this resort because you can actually sleep on the beach and only hear the sound of the ocean, take long walks on Eagle Beach at sunset is something you just can't miss.<BR><BR>Near Costa Linda is Casa del Mar..nice but not in the same level of Costa Linda..the beach isn't nice at all. For some reason there are these huge rocks in front of the hotel's beach.<BR><BR>Playa Linda is in a great location if you want to stay in Palm Beach. The pool area is quite beautiful. The rooms are too, but for me the beach is too narrow and makes it look crowded. Of course, if you want a hotel with lots of activities, music and lots of people..go there.<BR><BR>Aruba Phoenix is also on Eagle Beach..they also have a great beach site. The resort is smaller that the other ones but all the rooms face the ocean and are very nicely appointed.<BR><BR>Hope this helps..<BR>Gracie.

Thank you so much to those who have had something helpful to say! I hope either Playa linda or Costa linda are available. We just want a memorable experience for our family and to experience one of God's beautiful creations (as all of them are).

What's a "bule hair" anyway?<BR><BR>

Go to playalinda.com. Then go to members site. Then go to members bulletin board. They often try to rent out apartments privately, at a better rate. Good Luck

I have been to Aruba 3 times always at the Divi. Never been to the others but after reading the serious posts above will consider them for a change. But we love the Divi, nice beach, pool, and activities, Cooperating hotel next door to walk to in 5 minutes or use the provided shuttle to enjoy their restaurants and activities too for no extra charge. Very safe, casino also 5 minute walk or use shuttle. Guests vey friendly, good food, lots to drink. Also close to airport so no time is wasted before you hit the beach with a drink and a book!!! (I liked being met with a tropical drink as I got off the bus from the airport (that was provided.)I thought this was a very nice clean property and we always have a great time there.(This is just my opinion Sadie.)