[Andrea J.]

4) Will I see a McDonald's? I can handle seeing one, but if I won't be thrilled if I pass a McDonald's, WalMart and Home Depot on the way from the airport to the hotel -- I want to feel like I'm in the Caribbean, not suburban America!
yup you will see a mcdonalds, a pizza hut, dunkin donuts, tgifridays, tony romas.
if you enter any of these establishments (in particular mcdonalds) you will see that the majority of customers are Aruban citizens.

5) How is the snorkeling?
the snorkeling is good a few good snorkel (shore) excursions and a few accessible by boat. we like the shore snorkel spots (malmok, arashi, mangel halto and baby beach.)
6) After reading my concerns, if you think we'd enjoy Aruba which resort would you recommend -- Hyatt, Radisson or Marriott?
if you are looking for less high rise, less hustle and bustle...........those are the places to avoid. (marriott, hyatt, hoilday inn, radisson, westin)

stick with the lo rise area........... rent a timeshare or go to the tamarijn, the divi, the amsterdam manor.....all nice and relaxed.

i recommend that your first visit..........go with the tamarijn...lots of kids, all inclusive, every room oceanfront........plenty of beach area, kids activities, good food, basic hotel room but a really nice property.
andrea

THANK YOU!