[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by brindles01

I've never been terribly interested in Aruba for a few reasons: I've heard it's windy (sand in my face doesn't sound fun),

This can be true at especially windy times of the year such as June, but mostly depends on where you stay since all hotels are on the leeward side of the island and the hotel buildings for the most part block you on the beach from the wind coming across the island.

November weather
Average high temperature 90 F.
Average low temperature 78 F.
Average temperature 82 F.
Average water temperature 83 F.
Average rainfall 3.10 inches (20.3 inches annual)
Average windspeed 13 mph

Rain falls mainly in the form of brief showers particularly overnight and early in the a.m.

Even though I'm not a fan of the huge hotels with casinos, etc., those hotels have the entertainment, and other kids, that my kids will most enjoy.

As a primer, the large resorts are along Palm Beach and the smaller more intimate resorts are located along Eagle/Druif Beaches.
The large resorts on Palm Beach: Marriott, Hyatt and Radisson all have "kid's clubs" for which there is a charge. Imho, expensive. Radisson's Kid's Club

1) what is the water like on Palm/Eagle beaches -- is it big surfing waves, or does the water quietly lap the shore?

Palm Beach calm

Eagle/Druif Beach- sometimes calm, sometimes waves

2) are those areas one huge resort after another, or is there some local flavor mingled along the beach as well? Can we walk along the beach to other restaurants, beach bars, etc.

Yes, you can walk the beach. All beaches in Aruba are public.

Along Palm Beach there are two bars, not assoiciated with resorts, which come to mind, Bugaloe and MoomBa which may have the flavor you are looking for. The downside, they are in the "huge resort" area.
High rise area http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=12.5731617&lon=-70.0455236&z=15&l=0&m=a&v=2

Eagle Beach has a couple of "beach bars" however they are associated with the resorts.

3) How is the wind?

November-
Average windspeed 13 mph

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!

YES! All kinds of America fast food. The Arubans love it!

5) How is the snorkeling?

If you have snorkeled elsewhere you may be let down. With that said you can get "wet" and still see enough "critters" to pass a couple of mornings. As a diver, I would say Aruba is more well known for her shipwrecks.

6) After reading my concerns, if you think we'd enjoy Aruba which resort would you recommend -- Hyatt, Radisson or Marriott? THANK YOU!

No matter how you look at it, compared to a "cozy little beach hotel", they ARE going to be "Americanized, ... picture huge highrises one after another along the beach (think Daytona Beach)".
Marriot Properties (Resort, Vacation Clubs: Ocean Club and Surf Club) http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=12.5793607&lon=-70.0434315&z=17&l=0&m=a&v=2

Hyatt http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=12.571...18&l=0&m=a&v=2

Radisson http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=12.568...18&l=0&m=a&v=2

The Radisson was our favorite resort before we adopted our daughter. And as you have experienced, needs change. Now we have found that an all inclusive better fits our needs. Kids stay and eat free at the Tamarijn.

We enjoy the Tamarijn resort very much. There are some tradeoffs from Palm Beach such as no guarantee of "calm water", but there is nothing like an oceanfront room. Especially if you have kids and need acess to the room for naps and want to stay on the beach or quick potty visits without having to use the public restroom or take the elevator. Also, maybe, that would be a good compromise for you to still get a little bit of that Caribbean feel. Their sister resort is the Divi, a little more upscale some say, but either one you have use of the facilities at both. The kid's club is at the "Tam" only.


Some of their buildings at the end of the resort are very very quiet. http://www.arubabound.com/accommo/tamarijn_map.jpg The beach here is sandy, but in full disclosure, you will have a view of the port. Again, a tradeoff. Speaking from experience the resort also has a great kid's club and staff. Any kid's club staff who jumps in the pool to play with the kids is okay in my book! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y67ZrQmOfNM