caribtraveler

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"??

Gekko

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.)

Shawna

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!

Arubajoey

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!

Gekko

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."

Arubajoey

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!

nickie

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.

nickie

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.

travelfun

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!

caribtraveler

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.

caribtraveler

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.

beachlover50

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.

nickie

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

msabol

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.