We are going to Aruba in late Feb/early Mar of 1999 and are going to stay allinclusive as we want the bulk of our vacation to be paid for up front. We are looking at staying at the Holiday Inn there as it is far cheaper than the others and would allow us to afford to stay for two weeks rather than one. Any opinions or advice or experiences there would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Hi there - I stayed there in June of 90 and I thought it was a mistake then. Since....my relatives have purchased time share there and they say that the Holiday Inn is ready to be broken down/revamped/remodeled/ etc. Try the Marriot or Hyatt. You'll thank me in the long run.

Carolyn, I stayed at the Holiday Inn on the <BR>all-inclusive plan in December 1997 and had a <BR>wonderful time! You are correct, I think it is the <BR>best deal on the island. The rooms in the Curacao <BR>Tower where I stayed had been recently refurbished <BR>and were very clean and comfortable. The food was <BR>fairly good although it was not spectacular. Make <BR>reservations to eat in the Miramar Restaurant at <BR>the hotel for as many evenings as you can, that is <BR>where you will get the best dinners. Eat your <BR>breakfast and lunch there as well. <BR> <BR>I will certainly return to the Holiday Inn Aruba. <BR>E-mail me if you have any other questions. <BR> <BR>Laura <BR>

I would suggest the Marriott as an alternative. It is very beautiful and it's probably not much more expensive that the Holiday Inn. For a very active board go to: www.olmco.com <BR> <BR>This BB is strictly Aruba. <BR> <BR>Have fun.

<BR>We just returned from the Holiday in May and thought it was great. this was our fourth time there, the Hyatt or the Marriott it is not, but, for the money it is great, clean and friendly. I will E Mail you with particulars. Harriet

My family had a reunion at the holiday inn in 1993. At the time they were refurbishing the place. Since then our family has been back several times and enjoyed it immensely. But dont shortchange yourselves. Take a cab ride (its cheap) to some of the other hotels for a look around, and definately check out the casinos in town. If your anything like us, you'll be tempted to buy a time share!! Have a great time.

All-inclusive in Aruba? Never. Outstanding food at a wide variety of restaurants should put the damper on people going all in. In most parts of the Caribbean, go all in, but not Aruba. Highest standard of living in the Caribbean. Almost European. (It is a Dutch island!) <BR> <BR>The Holiday Inn is not in the same category as many others. A number of hotels ... La Cabana, The Mill, Sonesta Suites etc., offer full kitchen facilities. This is a great deal if you don't want to go out every nite ... supermarkets with quality food are available. <BR> <BR>Great beaches in Aruba ... maybe the best in the Caribbean. (I've been to many of the other "great ones:" ... Cancun, Varderro, Negril, Bavaro. <BR> <BR>Oh yes, if you like gambling, the Holiday Inn has the best return on slots in Aruba. All the locals who gamble do so at the Holiday Inn. A great place to meet new people! <BR> <BR>