Radisson or Bucuti
 

My wife and I are going to Aruba for the first time to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. I can get a partial oceanview at the Radisson for $211/night or a junior suite at the Bucuti for $200/night. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has stayed at these hotels and the pros and cons.

Radisson -- High-rise area. Huge resort with all amenities, including a casino. Also crowded. Surrounded by other hi-rise resorts. <BR><BR>Bucuti -- Low-rise area. Small. Fewer amenities, but very quiet and private. Totally different atmosphere.<BR><BR>Personal preference -- your choice. Both are great for what they are.<BR>

Agree with Ted's descriptions. We went to Aruba on our honeymoon and have to thank Travel Unlimited for making it so special. They specialize in Aruba and their rates and service were wonderful. Their website is http://www.travelunlimited.com. Happy Anniversary!

My sister-in-law is a Delta flight attendant and they go to Aruba every year. They prefer the radisson.

I have never stayed at the Radisson or Bucuti. My husband & I celebrated our 25th Anniversary at the Wyndham. We had a wonderful time and upon our return to Aruba, we would definitely stay at the Wyndham again. You can visit their website at www.arubawyndham.com. Congratulations and good luck in whatever you choose.

Should add that the beaches are both excellent. The beach in the low-rise area is wider (and obviously less populated), but both Palm & Eagle beaches are among the best in the world.

Def. Bucuti! Without Question! The entire property is amazing. The service is outstanding. Why go to a Radison?, way to commercial. Go to Bucuti to really experience aruba! You won't be disappointed! Also, Be sure to take the Tranquilo Day Trip with Captain Anthony. His mother makes a true Arubian meal that is to die for and Captain Ant knows the best places to go for snorkeling, diving etc.

We just returned from Aruba and really like the Wyndham--and the restaurants were excellent--Pago Pago, Blossoms, Cafe Baci. The Radisson is a beautiful hotel with nice grounds. We toured the low-rise Bucuti and it was situated on a spectacular huge white sand beach and it was very quiet. The French Steakhouse next door to the Bucuti is excellent. I don't like too much solitude so the Bucuti would not be my choice. There is a special at the Wyndham that is only offered by calling directly to the hotel. Wyndham by Request is a great service that allows you to order what extras you want for your room in advance such as feather pillows etc. You can't go wrong with any of your choices--Bucuti or Radisson. See Fodors for his comments and comments by travelers.

Some excellent comments under Fodors online MiniGuides--go to Caribbean/Aruba and open up "User Rating" by the hotel name.

Went to aruba last year. Stayed at the hyatt, which was great.<BR><BR>I would go to Radisson over Bucuti. Depends on what you like. Radisson rooms are brand new. They reburbished the resort recently. I see you got a bigger room at Bucuti for the same price. You are never really in the room, though. Radisson is more of a luxury resort whereas Bucuti is not. <BR><BR>Go to www.travelhop.com where you can take a virtual tour of both resorts.

Just returned from the Radisson. Two totally different resorts. Bucuti, much smaller and more island quaint. Radisson much larger. A full-service resort much like you would find at any upscale area in the states. Depends on what you are looking for and your personal preferences.