Questions about Aruba
 

Hi, first post here....

I am planning a trip to Aruba anytime from January to early April...and had a few questions....any thoughts on when is best to visit during that time?

1. Does anyone have any opinions on the Renaissance, Radisson, Wyndham, Marriott and Hyatt hotels there?

2. A lot of people knock Aruba for being "too Americanized". Well, our party consists of single gals in their late 20's and early 30's, all of which have never been to the Caribbean and like to shop and go out to eat and for nightlife, in addition to the water activites. Is Aruba a good choice for our first Caribbean experience?

3. Other than the beach/resorts, we want to explore the rest of the island....rent a car?
Easy to get around? A lot to see outside of resort area?

4. Finally, knowing that Aruba is an arid island, some people actually say it is "not a pretty island". Agree or disagree?

Sorry so many questions, just trying to get as much info as possible before we finalize our plans...thanks in advance.

Hi first time poster...
Let me see what I can answer
1. I haven't stayed at those hotels, but I;ve seen the beach of the Hyatt..very very nice..and 2 cousins stayed at the Hyatt and loved it.
2. I'm one of the people who find Aruba very touristy (lots of Americans). I don't knock it though. It's more a statement of fact on my part. I think the island is safe for a group of gals (you'll only be accosted to purchase timeshares!). I enjoyed Aruba so I don't think it's a bad choice at all.
3. Yes you can rent a vehicle. I would advise you to rent a jeep though (4x4). If you rent a car, you may find yourself stuck on the other side of the island which needs exploring (rocky). We saw people in cars getting stuck when we were there.
I think there is a lot to see in Aruba. If you don't want to rent a vehicle, you can book a jeep safari tour which are sooo much fun. They'll take you all over the island in a day.
4. Aruba is pretty in its own way. It's arid with lots of cacti and divi trees...and beautiful beaches.

1. I have stayed at the Marriott and the Wyndham. The Marriott is by the far the best. The rooms at the Wyndham didn't seem as clean to me. The Hyatt is beautiful but the beach is a bit crowded. But if you are single, maybe you would like it. The Renaissance is downtown so stay away from there (the beach isn't as nice as Palm Beach). The Radison looked very nice (like the Hyatt) but again crowded on the beach.

2. I love the Americanized Aruba. It feels so much like the US except the weather is perfect! The shopping is great. I am a shopper! The restaurants are wonderful and the nightlife is great. Casinos too! Lots of water activities. I think this is a really good choice for singles. It is very, very safe..

3. You can explore the island. The other side is beautiful and undeveloped. Just be careful when you drive on the unpaved roads. We ruined the jeep we rented!!

4. Finally, Aruba is no Hawaii as far as beauty goes but the beaches are beautiful. The locals are so nice, the food, the drinks, the shopping, the climate - you can't lose!

FYI... One downside, the "timeshare" business is everywhere. Just say no!

Thanks so much for your helpful replies...and so quickly!!

I am almost pulling my hair out trying to decide if Aruba is the way to go..or if maybe a Barbados, St. Maarten, or USVI trip may be a better choice....I am looking for that perfect mix of activity and serenity....

I know one thing, as long as I can avoid another long nasty Northeastern winter, I will be one happy lady!!

Thanks...I am sure to be back with more questions.....

While I have been to Aruba I have not stayed at the hotels you listed. I stayed at La Cabana but I hear it has become quite overcrowded since I was there in 92. Yes, perhaps Aruba has become to Americanized with the strips of hotels, timeshares and the abundance of casinos. However, I (from Canada) met many people from all over the world not just Americans. You definately should tour the island. It was the differences in topography that struck me. You have the west side with the hotels, divi divi trees and planted palm trees, then the north with sand dunes, off to the centre of the island with a 'moon scape' and lastly the south with a little more vegetation and the wonderful Babyback Beach. Shopping? I don't recall my wife being overly impressed. Nite life? We quite enjoyed our nightly trip to the casino (there were at least 8) and took in to few of the 'shows'. You should be aware that it can get a little difficult to lie on the beach for tanning due to the wind (you will get sandblasted). We spent more time around the pool. While I am not that big on St.Martin have you considered it? The Dutch side would certainly have more shopping than Aruba. It may be a little less expensive too. From St. M you can take a ferry over to Anguilla for some wonderful beaches.

I am also considering St. Maarten, but need to look into hotel options. Any ideas would be appreciated. I am sure I would stay on the Dutch side, as it may be more reasonably priced. I would love to go to Anguilla for a day, it looks absolutely beautiful.

You mentioned you were not impressed by St. Maarten/St. Martin...I'd like to hear your opinions on that....thanks.

I have been to many islands, St. Martin is our least favourate. We stayed at Nettle Bay on the French side. While the accommodations were excellent it was the surly waiters/waitresses (imported from France, not the local inhabitants) that bothered us. They were doing us a favour by coming over to our table to give us water. Anyway, just didn't appreciate this kind a service. A meal in Grande Case was quite good, but small. We stopped to get a pizza on the way home. The Dutch side was fine (in fact I am real partial to Dutch people thats why we enjoyed Aruba so much). Little Switzerland was quite the experience when the cruise ships are in. We were not impressed with the beaches in St. Martin. Yes people go on and on about Orient beach however, you have to declare and guary your 4 square feet of space. There are much prettier islands than St. Martin. A few I would not hesitate to go back to....Grenada (see my trip report March 14th), Turks and Caicos, Tortola and Virgin Gorda in the BVIs, St. Kitts/Nevis. Jamaica can also be a blast.

I had briefly considered both St Kitts and Turks and Caicos.....because they look extremely beautiful. However, I wondered if after a few days, there would be enough activity to occupy us...seeing as none of us are going to be in the water for more than a sail or snorkel..enough land based activity?

Not a lot of shopping or such in TCI. St. Kitts...well if your have seen Basterre once you have seen it. So, maybe there would not be enough day time activity for the crew. Grenada is a different story if you are into touring rainforest, spice factories, rum factories etc. Go to grenadaexplorer.com for some good insight.

Went to Aruba a couple years ago in May-had a great time--
-it is desert like, not lush and mountainous, but I will say we did not have 1 rainy day out of 10
-not as authentic as some other islands but still had a lot of character and conveniences--very safe
-stayed at a big resort right in town(sonesta) by the marina which had it's own private island off shore-had a boat that literally came into the lobby every few minutes to whisk you away..very cool
-there is a bus terminal right in the center of town that will take you up and down the strip for a buck and save you some hassel--you can get off at any of the major resorts for the day (on palm beach) if you want to join the crowds
-many, many activities to choose from--parasail, booze cruise, fishing, submarines, snorkel etc
-favorite restaurant-El Gaucho
-best snorkeling was Baby Beach, but is hard to get to on your own w/o a car(can take a day trip)
-did not find a problem with the wind-- just remember those pony tail holders --actually felt good on those really hot days(and it can get HOT there)
-loved staying right in town--could walk to casinos, shows, restaurants, shops, pier etc and seemed like it cost a lot less than people on the strip were paying

Thanks, Katetravels, for the great information.....I am keeping all of your recommendations on a list so I can see them all when I get there. I definitely like the private island deal at the Renaissance (old Sonesta)

Another friend of mine is going to Aruba tomorrow......needless to say, I am very jealous....

I vote for Aruba, it's amazing. As for time to go? Anytime, it's always nice there and out of the hurricain areas. I was there for Christmas two years ago, wonderful weather. The ocean water is warm all year round.
I would rent a car!

Turks and Caicos is a very quiet destination. There are day excursions but no night life. However the beach is beautiful. I've been to St. Martin and didn't care for it. Go to Aruba, you'll have fun.

Hi Elizabeth~

We went to Aruba last September and loved it...we will definitely be back. No weather worries. It was warm, sunny and breezy/windy the whole time. It was amazing though because we never encountered any blowing sand.

I would recommend first the Radisson and second the Hyatt. the Radisson recently underwent 55 million in renovations and it's beautiful...nicely decorated room in british/caribbean decor, the grounds are amazing...waterfalls, parrots, tropical flowers, zero entry pool. The beach there is great too with lots of grass huts to camp out under! And the staff was extremely friendly and accomodating.

there is a cool little bar on the end of the DePalm Pier (next to the Radisson) where you can go for happy hour to watch the sunset. Oh and the Radisson makes the best pian coladas!
We will defintely stay there again. I don't recommend the Renaissance as it is on the main drag in town..very busy and no beach! (you have to take a boat to get to their island).

One sid eof the isalnd is rugged and arid (but beautiful) and the other side is tropical so you getthe best of both worlds!

Some "must dos":

Kukoo Kunuku party bus
El gaucho Restaurant
Jolly Pirates snorkel cruise
rent a 4x4 and explore the rugged side of the island.

Hope you decide to go!

My experience has been that "Americanized" equals SAFE, STABLE & CLEAN. If you want crime and dirt, then head for one of the "un-Americanized" destinations (such as St. Martin/Maarten). And Aruba is a great cultural destination -- during my last visit there I met people from the Netherlands, Venezuela, Colombia, and Korea. Due to its history and location, Aruba has strong influences from both South America and Europe. It's a great destination and the perfect choice for your group.

My preference is the Radisson, although people will argue that the Hyatt is nicer. My rooms at the Radisson have been larger and "newer" than at the Hyatt. Plus the pool atmosphere at the Hyatt can be annoying.

Aruba is certainly an arid island, but that offers its own beauty (just like Arizona and New Mexico, both arid).

Your group would love one of the bar-hopping excursions on a bus. Check www.aruba-bb.com for info and a forum devoted to Aruba.

Enjoy!

I'm with Gekko, go to the Radisson. Just returned from staying there, and it's fabulous and superior to the Hyatt. Aruba will be perfect for your group--it's safe, and people are exceptionally pleasant and friendly. Don't listen to the travel-snobs who claim it's too Americanized. What does that mean, anyway? Clean safe and friendly, with a high standard of living? Actually, we met many from Europe and South America while there. Go, stay at the Rad and have a blast.

I can't speak for everyone but to most people I know the word "Americanized" means fast-food places, shopping malls, etc... "Americanized" doesn't mean safe, stable and clean. I don't know where you live in the U.S. (obviously your own little world is clean, safe and stable and for some reason you think it's the same for everyone in the U.S.) but there are plenty of places in our lovely U.S. of A that are dirty, unstable and so unsafe you wouldn't wanna walk there during daylight.
Some people when they go to the Caribbean are looking: for the Caribbean...not someplace that makes them feel like they're still at home, then they might as well have stayed at home, right?..that's what some people mean by "Americanized"...
Anyway, Elizabeth as I said in my previous post, if you chose Aruba, you'll enjoy it. It's a fun island.

..and may i add...
from webster's dictionary:
americanize: to bring (as an area) under the commercial influence of the U.S.
..hmm...could that mean fast-food places, shopping malls, casinos...??
and nickie, i think gekko IS the travel snob "if you want dirt and crime, head to the un-americanized destinations such as St. Marteen"...
if that's not a travel snob, what the hell is that??

American businesses locate in countries with stable governments, relatively safe conditions, and decent infrastructure. "Americanized" Caribbean islands have these features.

I've been most all of them, 27 islands since 1981. As an avid scuba diver and former instructor, topside isn't half as important as what's underwater. I've slept in luxurious hotels and bug-infested shacks (Roatan, Utila, etc.) I like many of the "un-Americanized" destinations as well, but I'm not Elizabeth27, a young lady who's planning a first-time vacation with young lady friends.

Let's remember why we're here -- not to argue about fast food restaurants but to answer questions based on our personal experiences.

Elizabeth27 and her friends will love Aruba and will feel safe enjoying its varied and exciting nightlife. I can't say the same about several other destinations (including St M/M). If you don't agree, fine. Life goes on. . .

Good luck Elizabeth!

Hi there - to those of you who have stayed at the Radisson. Can you tell me what room category you had? I am considering staying there in a Gardenview - though it is still hundreds of dollars more there for the week vs. a standard or superior room at Wyndham. Having a hard time deciding what to do. Thanks for all your help and exerience!! (This is a very special trip for me and my fiancé - we aren't getting married but want a romantic vacation.) Another option is the all inclusive at Wyndham - but it is a great deal more in price - trying to figure out if we would spend it anyway going EP.

exactly we're here to give our personal opinions on places we've been..and not make ignorant comments like "if you want dirt and crime go to other destinations like St. Marteen"..
who thinks "oh i want dirt and crime when i go on vacation"??

Arubajoey, I've only stayed in "oceanfront" rooms at the Radisson, and all three times they've been great. The Radisson has three buildings; from what I understand each building has its own character. I prefer the center "tower" because it's close to everything, including the lobby.

Whether or not the Radisson is worth the extra expense is probably a personal decision. How much time will you spend in the room? How important is "luxury" to you? For example, the Radisson bathrooms, at least the ones I've had, are amazing and huge.

Regarding all-inclusive, there are myriad opinions, but I personally wouldn't get my money's worth. I like to explore islands and eat at restaurants not on site -- same with bars and nightclubs. If you plan to spend 24/7 on the premises, AI might make sense, especially if you plan in indulging in numerous daily cocktails.

Enjoy Aruba, it's a great island.

(And caribtraveler, few people want dirt and crime when they go on vacation, although I know some who equate squalor & sleaziness with an "authentic," "un-American" experience, but unfortunately people are often disappointed to find dirt & crime once they arrive at their destination. Hey, to each his own, but it's better to know going in than be surprised.)

I stayed at the Renaissance through a timeshare last August. I really enjoyed the property - clean, very helpful staff, great buffet breakfast, wonderful view. There are 2 buildings - be sure to stay in the one next to the water (the other is right on the main road). I also liked the location -away from the high rise resorts (these resorts were way too crowded for my taste) - walking distance to restaurants, casinos, shopping, etc. The private island is great - very relaxing and peaceful. Only a 5 minute boat ride.

It's definately not as luxurious as some of the other resorts in Aruba (Radisson, etc), but I didn't go to Aruba for a luxurious room!

Thanks Gekko - a nice room is definitely important to me - yes, during the day we are always outdoors - but we still enjoy a nice room to go back to after to shower and lounge around in at other times. I don't doubt the oceanfront rooms at Rad are amazing - though in all likelihood we would have to do a gardenview. The grounds there looks so gorgeous - and that pool!!!

I hear the rooms at Wyndham are also very nice and are large and have good balconies - so this is a consideration for us too. Though I know the pool won't be as posh!

Thanks for your info - it is very helpful!

Arubajoey, my pleasure. Be sure to ask which building you'll be in and then ask for feedback on www.aruba-bb.com. I hope the buildings do not vary considerably, but it's better to be safe than sorry. I can only comment on the center "Aruba Tower."

I have read the Aruba tower is the best and the others are not as good. Also - certain towers have very limited non smoking rooms - definitely important to us to be nonsmoking room.

I think often it comes down to each person's invidividual experience. Some people have said they could not get a kingsize bed at the Rad - sorry, but when I am away on a vacation I want to be in the same bed as my fiance ya know? This is something that could make or break a trip for some!

same with service - if you happen to encounter a few employess having bad days - it could influence your opinion of the resort.

Anyway - you make your own good times, I am sure we will be fine either way. Just praying the wind isn't THAT bad at Wyndham if we opt to go there.

thks again!

Hi again,

I stayed in a deluxe ocean view in the Aruba tower, and also stayed one night in the same category room in the Bonaire tower. The Aruba tower room and bathroom were larger and a little nicer, but the Bonaire was also nice. If you can splurge for an ocean view, fine, but if $$ is a big factor, I'm sure a garden view would be fine too, as the grounds are beautiful. Have a wonderful time, whatever you decide.

p.s. to Caribtraveler

Re: your previous comment about "your own little world" directed to me. You sound awfully judgmental; first, you don't know a thing about my life--or travel-- experience, and second, lighten up. This is a travel forum, not a political debate.

Elizabeth..As some other posters said Aruba would be a good choice for your first trip. It's safe for a group of single gals. The water and the weather are nice. The island is fun. We thought the Hyatt was a nice hotel, but we haven't stayed at the others so we can't compare. You should definitely rent a 4x4 to see the island. I won't say more since so many other people responded to your post.
It's my first time posting too. The fights can be entertaining. I just have to say Nickie did start the judgements with the "travel snob" comment. LOL!!
No more fighting, we just want Elizabeth to have a great time in Aruba if she decides to go!

As a person who's originally from the Caribbean, I just found your use and definition of the words "americanized" and un-americanized" a bit insulting. You probably didn't mean it (I hope not) but your implication (with your definition) is that if an island doesn't take the characteristics of the U.S., it's full of crime, dirt and it is unstable.
If you think a place has crime, that it's dirty and unstable..that's fine but just say it..don't imply BECAUSE it's "un-americanized" it's that way.
Do you get what I'm saying?
I can't help but wonder why do you bother to travel if that's what you're looking for. Every country and island are their own. If you want what your definition of americanized is, stay in the U.S. then. And I really don't mean that in a mean way.
And Gekko I've seen plenty of American businesses in countries that have problems, go to Haiti or some African countries. They're there.

And thanks travelfun. I do admit I was judgemental towards Nickie but I did think it was funny to be called that from someone who herself called people travelsnobs.

Hi, I loved Aruba, however my husband did not. WE travel the islands every year and Aruba was one of my favorites. WE stayed at the Raddison and had an ocean front room in the Bonaire. We were on the 7th floor and while the view was breathtaking, my husband felt it was a long walk to the beach. The open air lobby was wonderful and I loved Gilligan's, a restaurant right on the beach with live music daily. Hubby hated the wind, he was always having a bad hair day. I just stuck mine up in a clip and found it refreshing. If you like adventure go horseback riding at Rancho Notorious. Lots of fun, you don't have to be a rider to enjoy it.
Aruba is not pretty, but the island is full of things to do, and the beach at he Raddison is beautiful. Have a great trip.

Hi Caribtraveler,

It sounds like you have gotten the wrong inference from my messages, because I didn't imply those things at all. I certainly never implied OR stated that if an island doesn't take on the characteristics of the U.S. it is inferior or undesirable, and I certainly don't believe that. When I travel outside of the U.S. I want to be exposed to a culture, terrain, cuisine etc. that is not my own. Moreover, I never called you, or any other individual using this forum, a travelsnob. (you never said Aruba was americanized, but only that is touristy, which is true) I was referring to people who seem to have a kind of reverse snobbery---those who look down on travel to countries that they feel aren't "authentic" enough unless poverty or a lack of resources is the primary dynamic.
Do you get what I am saying?
It is also a bit insulting to some when people use the term "americanized" as a pejorative. I'm sure that was not your intent, any more than it was mine to do the reverse.
So in the words of the wise Travelfun, "no more fighting", and may all our travel experiences be positive ones.

nickie

1. Radisson and Hyatt are both georgous properties with great location.
2. Shopping, they have Mango which I love. Eating, El gaucho.
3. You really do need to rent a car.
4. Georgous island. Palm beach is so georgous. This is where the Hyatt and Radisson are located. The sand melts between your toes, very relaxing. The other side of the island is rocky landscape, which is postcardesque.
People who go to Aruba tend to go back. Once you go, you'll see why.