What to do?
 

Wow getting married on friday and leaving for aruba on sunday. Staying for seven days and have a few questions before i go. Hope someone can help

1. Love all types of food so where do we eat? Any good places by the bucutti? that's where i'm staying

2. Are the casinos for all people or just for guests at there hotels. Any good hotels so i can come home rich

3. rent a car or take a tour? which is better?

1. Stayed AI and don't remember where we ate out.

2. Open to all.

3. Both. The Kukukanku Bus Tour is a blast and a must. Also, you must rent a car and find the pond thing. We found the Natural Bridge (how ironic that Aruba's most beloved tourist attractions collapsed right after the NH mess?) after many hours but some of our most fun was getting lost and finding local stores and hangouts.

You also must visit and snorkel Baby Beach. We drove around and stopped at beaches when we felt like it and also stopped and snorkeled a good bit. One of our best days.

You don't have to rent a car the entire time. We only did for a day.

Le Dome - especially the Sunday Champagne Brunch
Swiss Chalet -Rack of lamb, steaks seafood
French Steakhouse -not wonderful, but good & easy- right next door
Dunkin doughnuts for easy breakfast or the little bagel place between Bucuti and the main street
Subway for a quick lunch
There appeared to be a new pizza place setting up near by I don't have info on that
Sadly, avoid meals at Bucuti, very mediocre though the outside terrace makes for lovely atmosphere.
Gasparito was a quick taxi ride away and feels a bit more like island food than the places mentioned above.

We liked Aqua and Amazonia. The food at the outside dining area at the Marriott Stellaris was good, but a little pricey. I have to 2nd the party bus. We met some fantastic people and had a ball. Baby Beach is great,too. The casinos are for everyone. We also did the jeep tour, but be prepared to drive a stickshift up some very rocky terrain. Have fun!!

here is an earlier post. I would agree with most but I would also include Sunset Grille at the Raddison

Author: mhcatl
Date: 05/12/2006, 02:02 pm

Of the restaurants in Aruba that I have tried, I would list my overall favorite restaurants in this order (considering quality, cost and convenience):

1. Madam Janette’s (my personal favorite)
2. Chez Mathilde (best “dining experience”)
3. Chalet Suisse (best Sea Bass I’ve ever had)
4. Papiamento
5. Marandi
6. Flying Fishbone (very far)
7. Driftwood
8. Iguana Joes
9. Texas De Brazil
10. El Gauchos (order the El Gaucho steak!!!)
11. French Steakhouse
12. Moombas
13. Smokey Joes
14. Que Pasa
15. Pirate’s Nest
16. Salt and Pepper

and Mazel Tov on your upcoming marriage!!!

The best places within walking distance of the Bucuti are:

French Steakhouse (next door at the Mancebo)
Chalet Suisse - just down the road
Tulip - inexpensive and near Chalet Suisse

There is a good casino right across the street from the Bucuti - the Alhambra.

If you want something very local have a taxi take you to Nos Cunucu. It's not expensive at all but has great food.

If you want to snorkle 0 try the drift snorkle with the Tranquilo.

Be sure to pick up the little red bag given out at the airport because the coupons will save you some bucks.

Have a wonderful time.

And Congrats!!

Oh - and the hotel casinos are for everybody, you don't have to be staying there.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. You will love Aruba!

1) There is a lot of variety of food on Aruba (starting with fast food to gourmet dinners). The Flying Fishbone and El Gaucho are well worth the trip!

2) The casinos will take anybody's money!! Good luck!!!!

3) I would take a tour and rent a car. THe island is very small; you can drive around it in a few hours. Just be aware that there are not a whole lot of street signs. They use lots of landmarks! It is a beautiful island.